Korean body scrub: what it is, cost and where to get one

A Korean body scrub (seshin) is a full-body exfoliation. You lie on a padded table in the bath area while an attendant scrubs you head to toe with a rough mitt, and the dead skin comes off in rolls.

A scrub starts at $50 to $175, typically $90, across the 51 US Korean spas that publish a price. Prices by spa.

What happens in a Korean body scrub

1. You shower, then soak in the hot baths for 15 to 30 minutes. This softens the skin and the scrub does little without it.
2. An attendant calls your locker number and takes you to a table in the bath area.
3. They scrub front, back and sides, moving you as they go. A basic scrub takes 25 to 45 minutes.
4. Longer packages add things like a hair wash, a cucumber face pack or an oil massage.

What to know before you book

• You are scrubbed without clothes, by an attendant of the same gender, in the open bath area. This is normal there and nobody is looking.
• It is firm. Say so if it hurts, and they will ease off.
• Skip body lotion and oils beforehand, and do not scrub over sunburn or broken skin.
• Admission is usually charged on top of the scrub. Some spas include it in a package or waive it over a set spend, and each spa's page here says which.
• Busy spas book up at weekends. Many take scrub bookings at the front desk when you arrive, and some want a call ahead.

Does a Korean body scrub hurt?

It is rough, not painful. It feels like a firm rub with a coarse washcloth. Elbows, knees and heels take the most pressure. Tell the attendant “softer” and they will ease off.

Korean body scrub benefits, and before and after

• Straight after: skin is smooth and a little pink. The grey rolls on the table are dead skin, and everyone has them.
• For a week or two: skin stays soft, and lotion and self-tan go on more evenly.
• What it does not do: it is not a medical treatment and will not clear a skin condition.

Korean body scrub for men

Men get the same scrub in the men's bath area, from a male attendant. 8 of the spas we list price a men's scrub separately, and it is often shorter and cheaper than the women's. Women-only spas do not take men at all. See women-only Korean spas.

How often to get a Korean body scrub

Once a month is plenty for most people. Skin needs a few weeks to build back what the scrub took off, and scrubbing more often can leave it sore and dry.

After the scrub

• Rinse off, then use a plain moisturiser the same day.
• Leave shaving and waxing until the next day.
• Use sunscreen for a few days. Fresh skin burns faster.

When to skip a Korean body scrub

Skip it with sunburn, cuts, a rash or an eczema flare, or within a day or two of waxing. If you have a skin condition, ask your doctor first.

Do you tip for a Korean body scrub?

In the US, yes. People commonly tip the attendant 15 to 20 percent, often in cash. A few spas add a gratuity to the price, so check the menu first.

The Korean exfoliating mitt, for a scrub at home

The mitt attendants use is a rough viscose cloth, sold as a Korean exfoliating mitt or Italy towel. To use one at home:

1. Soak in a hot bath or shower for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Step out of the water. Use the mitt damp, with no soap.
3. Rub in long, firm strokes until the skin stops rolling off.
4. Rinse and moisturise.

It works, though you cannot reach your own back and it is hard to match the pressure of someone who does it all day.

Korean body scrub near you

Scrub prices by city: Los Angeles, New York City area, San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta area, Honolulu, Seattle and Tacoma area, Houston area, Northern Virginia (DC area), Dallas area, Orange County, San Diego, Central New Jersey, Chicago area, Denver area, Hartford area, Las Vegas, Philadelphia area, Tampa.

Korean body scrub prices by spa

Starting prices from each spa's own website.

Is a Korean body scrub worth it?

For a first visit, yes. On a budget, admission alone still gets you the baths and saunas for the day. See how much a Korean spa costs and what to expect on a first visit.