Korean beauty and spa culture, much like the sensation of K-pop music, has significantly impacted the U.S., particularly through Korean spas. These spas boast a diverse range of amenities including soaking tubs, saunas, and various body treatments, captivating a widespread audience. Within Los Angeles’ Koreatown, these rejuvenating sanctuaries flourish.
Most Korean spas in Koreatown adapt to the vibrant late-night atmosphere by extending their hours. They often feature on-site restaurants and communal spaces like jimjilbangs, catering perfectly to families and groups. Some even waive entry fees for specific treatments or memberships.
Though standard services like seaweed wraps, body scrubs, and facials are available, each spa distinguishes itself through varying pricing and offerings. Many patrons frequent these spas solely for relaxation purposes, and arriving early ensures a more exclusive experience.
Korean spas prioritize relaxation and revitalization through treatments that alleviate muscle tension, leaving guests feeling invigorated. Beyond the superficial pampering, these spas aim to ease stress and rejuvenate the senses. The manifold benefits of Korean spas encompass not only physical well-being but also mental rejuvenation, including stress relief, improved circulation, detoxification, and skin rejuvenation. Exploring the finest Korean spas in L.A. is more than mere indulgence; it’s a journey into the diverse benefits they provide, promoting a holistic and revitalizing experience within the city
What to Expect:
Prepare to dedicate several hours to your visit. Korean spas aren’t suited for hurried appointments or quick facial sessions. Instead, they honor a timeless tradition aiming to purify, detoxify, and harmonize your mind and body. Although attending solo is welcomed, these spas foster a communal atmosphere where everyone can set their own pace.
While your friend indulges in a body scrub, you might opt for a session in a steam or clay sauna whether it’s indoor vs outdoor saunas to work up a sweat. When your treatment time arrives, your companion might be found dozing in a comfy leather chair or savoring tea before another round of relaxation in the plunge pools.
What to Bring to a Korean Spa:
When planning a visit to a Korean spa, packing a few essential items can enhance your experience. Typically, it’s recommended to bring a clean set of undergarments, comfortable clothing, and a robe. While some spas might provide robes or uniforms, it’s wise to check their offerings beforehand. Additionally, don’t forget to bring along flip-flops or slippers for convenient movement within the facility. Most importantly, maintain modesty and comfort while adhering to the spa’s dress code, which often discourages swimsuits in specific areas.
Upon arrival, expect to be equipped with a bath towel, a smaller towel, a robe, and a locker key—ensure the key is secure on your wrist. If you’ve booked a service, you’ll be called by your locker number when it’s your turn. You won’t find carafes of cucumber and mint water, assorted granola snacks, or ambient candles; instead, there’s typically a water station inside with plastic cups available.
Many Korean spas include an on-site restaurant to curb any hunger pangs, offering satisfying dining options. While the receptionist’s fluency in English may vary, communication generally proceeds smoothly, embracing the cultural immersion.
All Korean spas provide an array of essentials such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, hair spray, and hair dryers. Some may also offer disposable toothbrushes, deodorant, mouthwash, hair tools, and facial cleansers, although this can differ between spas. To optimize your visit, consider bringing a portable plastic shower caddy stocked with items like:
- Flip-flops or slippers
- Intensive hair treatment
- Sheet mask
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Facial care products
- A sports or yoga bra to wear under your shorts and T-shirt
- Hair clip
- Body scrub and loofah if not opting for a body scrub treatment
- Any additional beauty treatments you often miss out on at home
Although this list may seem extensive, we’ve highlighted our preferred Korean spas in LA’s Koreatown, including a couple outside this district. Please note, not all spas update their websites regularly, so it’s advisable to call ahead to confirm prices and operating hours.
Scrubbing Experience:
If you’ve never experienced it, chances are you’ve heard tales about it. The renowned Korean body scrub, known as seshin or akasuri, can initially seem a tad intimidating, perhaps even daunting. This vigorous scrub is what grants Korean spas their legendary status. Carried out in a wet room, typically on a vinyl-topped table, by therapists clad in black underclothes, this unabashedly comprehensive scrub employs a special mitt made of viscose fabric.
Prepare to be showered with warm water, maneuvered several times, and meticulously scrubbed from head to toe in a procedure that’s not exactly soothing but not discomforting either. Remember, the goal here is cleanliness, not indulgence. These treatments often include a hair wash and a brisk neck massage. If you’ve yet to experience it, it’s worth a try. Your skin will undergo a transformation—in the most marvelous way imaginable.
Here are details on some of the noteworthy Korean spas in Koreatown, L.A.:
Spa LA
3442 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90010; (213) 302-2681
Spa LA, a hidden Koreatown gem, offers a spacious female-only space with herbal steam, wet rooms treatments, and hinoki dry saunas. Inside, find exclusive rooms like charcoal mud clay, Himalayan salt, and jade, among others. Experience the V-steam for an extra fee, a popular women’s cleansing ritual aiding in menstrual discomfort.
After therapeutic sessions, relax in the Mother of Pearl room with exquisite furnishings. Treat yourself or a loved one to the luxurious Precious Pear treatment, including a pearl and collagen body wrap. Don’t miss the photo zone for capturing spa moments.
Admission is $40 on weekdays, $50 on weekends, or waived with a service over $80. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 10 p.m. on weekends.
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Wi Spa
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- 2700 Wilshire Blvd
- Los Angeles
- Contact:
- View Website
- 213-487-2700
- Opening hours:
- 24 hours
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Crystal Spa
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- 3500 W 6th St
- Suite 321
- Los Angeles
- Contact:
- View Website
- 213-487-5600
- Price:
- $25-$110
- Opening hours:
- Sun-Mon 6am-midnight; Tue-Thu 6am-1am; Fri-Sat 24 hours
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Century Day & Night Spa
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- 4120 W Olympic Blvd
- Los Angeles
- Contact:
- View Website
- 323-954-1020
- Opening hours:
- 24 hours
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Aroma Spa & Sports
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- 3680 Wilshire Blvd
- Los Angeles
- Contact:
- View Website
- 213-387-0212
- Opening hours:
- Mon-Fri 6am-10pm; Sat-Sun 7am-10pm
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Olympic Spa
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- 3915 W Olympic Blvd
- Los Angeles
- Contact:
- View Website
- 323-857-0535
- Price:
- $10-$130
- Opening hours:
- 9am-10pm
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Beverly Hot Springs
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- 308 N Oxford Ave
- Los Angeles
- Contact:
- View Website
- 323-734-7000
- Opening hours:
- Daily 9am-9pm
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The Revitalizing Benefits of Wet Room Treatments
Wet rooms, featuring humid environments ideal for skincare treatments, enhance the effectiveness of body scrubs, facials, and other therapies. The steam and warmth aid in opening pores, allowing for better absorption of beneficial ingredients, leading to improved hydration, exfoliation, and skin renewal.
For those seeking the ultimate indulgence in skincare and relaxation, these Korean spas in Koreatown, Los Angeles, that incorporate wet rooms into their services are a must-visit. The integration of wet room experiences elevates traditional spa treatments, offering guests a rejuvenating escape within the city.
Each venue, from Wi Spa’s comprehensive facilities to Crystal Spa’s diverse amenities and Century Day & Night Spa’s modern take on Korean spa services, offers a distinctive experience. Whether seeking a serene escape or a day of indulgence, these Korean spas promise relaxation and revitalization, ensuring a rejuvenating experience within the city.
