Though K-beauty first landed stateside back in 2011 — when Dr.Jart+ flooded the shelves of Sephora stores across the country and spawned the BB cream craze — South Korean skincare products have experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past few years.
Thanks to the boom of TikTok reviews and unwavering obsession with K-pop and K-dramas, Americans can't seem to slather on enough essences, sleeping masks and snail mucin in the name of achieving glass skin.
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The latest Korean beauty trend to sweep the U.S. isn't a particular brand or product, though. Rather, it's communal public bathing.
This self-care ritual emerged during Japan's brutal occupation of Korea to cater to the colonialists. It continued to flourish after the Japanese surrendered and retreated in 1945.
Now, Korean bathhouses are far more than places to get squeaky clean with a Korean body scrub. They're also places to disconnect from stress, socialize, tuck into Korean cuisine and even squeeze in a restorative nap.
Here in America, people have quickly caught on to the myriad benefits of Korean bathhouses and day spas. Note: Check your modesty at the door, as you (and every other guest) are required to be nude once inside the facilities.
Below are seven of the best Korean spas to check into for a little rest and relaxation — all of which are in or near major cities.
Though Los Angeles is jam-packed with Korean day spas, Wi Spa consistently lands at the top of many lists with its comprehensive offerings and wallet-friendly prices.
The four-floor complex sitting on Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown has everything you'd expect from a traditional bathhouse (saunas, pools, relaxation rooms). It also has a dedicated zone for children, a rooftop deck for sunning, a fitness center and even the option to stay overnight for a modest fee.
The price for a daypass is $30, and Korean body scrubs start at $60.
If you live in New York City, an easy 45-minute ride on the 158 bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal will drop you off in front of one of the country's most famous places to get a Korean body scrub — and much more. This impressive wellness haven stretches over a whopping 140,000 square feet and also offers massages incorporating Essa's luxurious aromatherapy oils.
The price for a daypass starts at $100, and Korean body scrubs start at $75.
Related: From city sanctuaries to desert retreats, these are the best luxury hotel spas for every type of traveler
For one of the most affordable self-care sessions in the greater Chicago area, hop in the car and head to Niles, Illinois. The 50-minute drive will lead you to King Spa & Sauna, a massive 34,000-square-foot complex. It boasts nine unique
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