Feeling the stress of travel or life? Why not get a massage while living or traveling in South Korea? We often stop for a massage when our bodies or emotions feel stretched to their limit. You will find that many people use massage to help with the pains and stresses of life. In South Korea, massages are widely available at spas and shops, with various styles offered. Locals and tourists in South Korea enjoy massages, and the country is known for its high-quality spa and beauty services. As you move around the country, you will notice them in almost every city and neighborhood.
As with almost everything in a new country, getting a massage in South Korea comes with many different areas that may cause culture shock.
How you experience culture shock related to massages in Korea may differ depending on your home culture, length of time in Korea, and ability to emotionally navigate change. Within our community Facebook groups we have heard international residents express culture shock related to the following experiences:. When experiencing any new culture, try to pay attention to your areas of discomfort.
Feel your feelings and grow in knowledge related to how you experience change or newness. Such observations may help you navigate future experiences when choosing your next massage location. Not knowing the language, neighborhoods, and culture can make choosing a massage location stressful. As with all countries, researching massage businesses is essential. You want to select a reputable spa to ensure a safe and enjoyable massage experience.
This might be the most daunting part of finding the right massage experience. Most locations recommended in English online for massage in Korea exist in Seoul, but you have other options. When looking for a new massage location anywhere in South Korea, I use the same system I use when looking for a massage facility in my hometown of Pyeongtaek :. Keep in mind that businesses change owners, employees, and managers. A location that you love one year might now be comfortable for you in the next year.
