A Guide to Visiting a Korean Spa

If you’re a newbie to Korean spas, also known as “jjimjilbang”, let me introduce you to this wonderful, enriching Korean experience that you can find right here at Island Spa and Sauna in central New Jersey. A Korean spa is a go-at-your-own pace spa where guests can enjoy several types of wet and dry saunas, fresh Korean food, communal relaxing, and of course, the usual amenities like skin treatments and massages. Trust me when I say, you can easily spend the entire day at Island Spa without feeling bored, rushed, or lonely. Korean spas are usually open 24 hours, but at the moment due to the pandemic, you’ll have to get your soak on at Island Spa during regular business hours (9AM to 11PM).

How do you prepare?

Book your services in advance – body scrubs and facials (the Hydra Clean Facial is my fave!) are very popular and often book up early. You can head to the website for a full list of services. I always recommend trying a body scrub* for an authentic Korean spa experience. (We’ll get to the scrub later, in nitty gritty detail!) If you’re a person that shaves, try to avoid doing so the day or two before a scrub or it might be irritating on your skin. Plan to wear comfortable clothing – it’s a great way to extend your feel-good spa experience when you have to finally get dressed and leave after a day of relaxing! Don’t forget to bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the day, because scrubbing, massaging, and steaming are all dehydrating activities. Of course, Island Spa has water stations all throughout the spa, but it’s a good idea to bring a big bottle that you can tote around as you hop from sauna to sauna.

For an extra luxe experience, bring a sheet mask you’ve been wanting to use. Pro tip: It feels amazing to pop one on while you’re in the Ice Island cold sauna! And if you’re planning on hitting the jjimjilbang alone, bringing some reading material is a good call. Island Spa has complimentary wifi, but leave the laptop at home if you really want to enjoy the experience!

And lastly, be sure to check the updated Covid-19 policies before you go. Currently, Island Spa requires proof of full vaccination with photo ID or a negative Covid test within 5 days of your arrival. Masks are also required.

What happens when you arrive?

When you get to Island Spa, you will check in at the front desk. They will check you in to your booked services and give you a locker key and spa uniform. For sanitary reasons, you will put away your shoes in a separate mini locker right in the lobby. You’ll be barefoot for the rest of the day! Then head to the gender-separated bathhouses where you can either change into your spa uniform and head out to the dry saunas, or get undressed to your birthday suit and hit the hot baths in here.

Wait, I have to get naked?

Yes, that’s right! No bathing suits or textiles allowed in the baths. It may be anxiety-inducing at first, but actually I have found it to be a deeply affirming, body-positive experience to be around bodies of all shapes and sizes in a completely natural way that isn’t sexualized. And really, no other female in here cares or is looking! First things first, you take a shower before using any of the facilities. Complimentary body wash, shampoo and conditioner are provided, so scrub up before hitting the baths. In Korean spa culture, they take their hygiene and cleanliness very seriously. The baths vary in temperature, but it’s recommended to go from the hottest to coldest for its alleged skin-tightening benefits. Mostly you sit and float around, gab with your girlfriends, and be sure to soak for at least 20 minutes if you booked a scrub. A spa attendant, a Korean auntie dressed in black bras and undies, will come find you when it’s time.

What happens when you get a body scrub?

And here’s when the magic happens! This is the real draw of visiting a Korean spa. You’re placed on a plastic-y/vinyl table (my table was very Burberry-esque chic!) and a spa attendant covers your eyes with a towel wrapped around your forehead and rinses you off before using an exfoliating scrub glove to buff down every inch of your body. It’s quite brisk, not super comfortable, and definitely don’t expect to be relaxing during this service. In between scrubbing layers, your attendant will throw buckets of warm water on you to wash you down, and then tap you on your back to indicate when you should turn over, or which leg you should lift – all for the purpose of reaching some more intimate areas. It’s all business as usual.

One time my eye towel got knocked off and I happened to see the grey-brown pellets of my own dead skin. It may seem horrifying and gross, but oddly, something you can’t look away from either. The whole process is anywhere between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on which type of body scrub you book (Regular, Plus, or Special) and the results are unbelievable. Even those with super dry, lackluster skin will walk away glowing after your attendant sloughs off layers of dead skin that even daily exfoliation can’t budge. Tip: I always go for the Plus or Special Scrub, because it ends with a soothing milk rinse and an oil rub/mini massage that is the perfect end to a somewhat punishing scrub.

Hitting the Dry Saunas

Now that you’re all relaxed from your soaking, put on your spa uniform and hit the dry saunas! Island Spa has 6 saunas, each with a special purpose. You can bounce between saunas as you please, but it’s common practice to stay no longer than 10-15 minutes in a room to risk overheating. Be sure to hydrate in between! I like to work my way through from least hot to hottest, and finish with Ice Island to close pores and tighten the skin. You’re welcome to stretch out on the jute rugs, make yourself comfortable, but be sure to follow spa etiquette and respectfully stay quiet.

Although each Korean spa varies, there are a few popular types of saunas that appear regularly and each have their own alleged benefits. The types of saunas at Island Spa are:

Clay room – eliminates the body of impurities and waste, stimulates the lymphatic system, increases circulation of oxygen-rich blood. This medial temperature room is not too cold, not too hot, it’s just right.

Forest room – this room is high temperature, low humidity and is just like being in a natural forest! This room’s atmosphere improves cardiovascular system, increases blood flow and boosts the immune system.

Salt room – pure Himalayan salt embedded on the walls will promote purification of the respiratory system, increase circulation, flush out impurities and release dead skin cells.

Charcoal room – charcoal stimulates sweat glands to release built-up toxins, produce biochemical reactions that boost your energy and relieve stress.

Treasure crystal room – this is the hottest room of all, reaching up to around 157 degrees Fahrenheit! It’s engraved with semi-precious crystals and stones that are said to have healing powers.

Ice room – this room is nice and chilly, ice ice baby! Pop on your sheet mask in here and make this your final stop to bring down your core body temperature and improve blood circulation.

Is there food?

Yes, silly! You would be shocked at how much of an appetite you work up just hanging out in hot tubs and saunas, so be sure to break for a delicious Korean lunch at the built-in restaurant Cafe Island. There are many delicious food options to choose from including everyone’s favorite bulgogi and bibimbap, as well as dumplings and fresh sushi. The portions are huge and hearty. And don’t forget to grab a fresh juice and bingsoo dessert from the Island Juice Bar!

What else can I do here?

Besides getting skincare treatments or massages, Korean spa culture heavily focuses on communal relaxing. That’s why you’ll find large open areas for lounging, a sleeping/meditation room, and a media room. I also love the little semi-enclosed pods with charging outlets where you can hang out with your friends, or if you must, even get a little work done with some privacy.

On your way out

Now that you’ve immersed yourself in Korean spa culture at Island Spa, soaked, relaxed, and restored your mind, body and soul – head back to your bathhouse and take one last, lovely shower. Don’t forget to moisturize with some lotion which you can find in large bottles all around the locker room. Put on your street clothes, get your shoes, head to the front desk, pay your tab, and go home enjoying all the benefits of your day at the Korean spa.

Would you visit a Korean spa?

Island Spa and Sauna is located at 1769 Lincoln Highway, Edison, NJ.