Your Guide to the Korean Spa Experience in Canada

What is a Korean Spa

A Korean spa, known as a jjimjilbang, is a large communal bathhouse that combines traditional Korean bathing rituals with modern wellness amenities. Unlike Western spas where you book a specific treatment and leave, a Korean spa is designed for extended visits. Many are open 24 hours and guests can spend an entire day (or night) cycling through hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas.

In Canada, Korean spas have flourished in cities with significant Korean communities, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver. Facilities like those in Koreatown and the GTA offer authentic experiences that rival anything you would find in Seoul. The bathing areas are typically gender separated and clothing free, while the common areas (heated rooms, restaurants, sleeping areas) are co ed and guests wear provided uniforms.

The Korean spa experience is deeply rooted in the belief that regular bathing and heat therapy promote health, longevity, and beautiful skin. It is a social experience too. Families and friends visit together, and it is common to see multiple generations enjoying the facilities side by side.

The Korean Spa Ritual Step by Step

Your visit begins in the gender separated bathing area. You will shower thoroughly before entering any pools. This is not optional and is considered essential etiquette. Then you will move through a series of pools at different temperatures, from warm to hot to cold. Alternating between temperatures stimulates circulation and is incredibly invigorating.

The signature Korean treatment is the body scrub (seshin). A scrub therapist uses a coarse Italy towel (a thin, rough mitt) to exfoliate your entire body. The results are dramatic. You will see layers of dead skin roll away, leaving your skin impossibly smooth. Many guests add an oil massage after the scrub for complete relaxation.

After bathing, change into the provided uniform and explore the common area. Most Korean spas feature multiple themed heated rooms (jade, salt, charcoal, clay) each at different temperatures with different therapeutic benefits. There is usually a cold room too, plus a restaurant, snack bar, and resting areas. Through Voltage Leads, you can earn a $50 Virtual Prepaid Mastercard® when you visit a participating partner spa. Subject to partner participation, verification, and terms.

Korean Spa Etiquette for First Timers

The most important thing to know is that the bathing areas are clothing free. This can feel intimidating at first, but everyone is there for the same reason and nobody is paying attention to you. Bring a small towel for modesty if it helps you feel more comfortable.

Always shower before entering any pool. Never submerge your head in the pools. Keep your voice low in relaxation areas. If you bring a friend, save conversations for the common areas rather than the bathing rooms. Leave your phone in your locker (most spas prohibit phones in wet areas for privacy reasons). And tip your scrub therapist if you receive a body scrub, as this is customary.