I was pleasantly surprised to see Korean spa culture mentioned on Planet Nude. In Korea, naturism is an incredibly unfamiliar concept, making it difficult to gauge people’s thoughts on naturism or nudity. In fact, discussing these topics is often considered taboo or embarrassing. That’s why it was especially heartening to read about a woman having a positive experience at a Korean spa.
As a Korean, let me share some insights into our spa culture, which is both unique and fascinating. When people begin undressing in the locker room, they often go out of their way to avoid exposing their bodies to others. They might turn their backs or carefully consider the order in which they remove their clothes, usually saving the part they feel most self-conscious about for last. Once undressed, they cover themselves with a small towel before entering the bath area. Upon entering, most people quickly wash off and immerse themselves in a tub to hide their bodies. Some, out of sheer embarrassment, skip the shower and head straight into the water.
While it’s true that public baths are one of the only places in Korea where nudity is shared among strangers, it’s also worth noting that people often compare and evaluate others’ bodies, consciously or unconsciously. This makes it hard to call these spaces entirely liberating or free from judgment. When returning to the locker room, the urgency to dress quickly resurfaces, creating a stark contrast with the openness of the bath area. This shift in body acceptance, divided by just a single door, is a curious and thought-provoking aspect of the experience.
Another intriguing feature is the sesin (body scrubbing) service. Attendants, who help remove dead skin for a fee, always wear bras and panties while working in the bath area. This subtle boundary might reflect that even within the spa, it’s not a fully boundary-free or entirely open space.
Nevertheless, the coexistence of privacy, vulnerability, and judgment within Korean spas creates a complex yet uniquely enriching experience. It’s a rare space that allows individuals to navigate and reflect on their relationship with their bodies in ways that other social contexts rarely permit.
I think your suggestion is much clearer
Thank you for the kind words!
Great work on this issue!
Thank you! I swear they are getting longer and longer each month 🥵
Yes - it’s quite evident that you put a lot of work into these. I greatly appreciate it - I was not aware of most of these articles. Thank you!
Thanks! Yes I feel like I haven’t left my desk in a week with all the writing I’ve been doing. Several things in the pipeline!
Wanted to add - What an outstanding performance by Janelle Monáe in Glass Onion!
Oh also - Día Al Desnudo Mexico City was last Saturday, but Guadalajara’s is tomorrow.
Good eye! Thanks for pointing that out.
A really good amalgamation of the Nude News, thanks.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Korean spa culture mentioned on Planet Nude. In Korea, naturism is an incredibly unfamiliar concept, making it difficult to gauge people’s thoughts on naturism or nudity. In fact, discussing these topics is often considered taboo or embarrassing. That’s why it was especially heartening to read about a woman having a positive experience at a Korean spa.
As a Korean, let me share some insights into our spa culture, which is both unique and fascinating. When people begin undressing in the locker room, they often go out of their way to avoid exposing their bodies to others. They might turn their backs or carefully consider the order in which they remove their clothes, usually saving the part they feel most self-conscious about for last. Once undressed, they cover themselves with a small towel before entering the bath area. Upon entering, most people quickly wash off and immerse themselves in a tub to hide their bodies. Some, out of sheer embarrassment, skip the shower and head straight into the water.
While it’s true that public baths are one of the only places in Korea where nudity is shared among strangers, it’s also worth noting that people often compare and evaluate others’ bodies, consciously or unconsciously. This makes it hard to call these spaces entirely liberating or free from judgment. When returning to the locker room, the urgency to dress quickly resurfaces, creating a stark contrast with the openness of the bath area. This shift in body acceptance, divided by just a single door, is a curious and thought-provoking aspect of the experience.
Another intriguing feature is the sesin (body scrubbing) service. Attendants, who help remove dead skin for a fee, always wear bras and panties while working in the bath area. This subtle boundary might reflect that even within the spa, it’s not a fully boundary-free or entirely open space.
Nevertheless, the coexistence of privacy, vulnerability, and judgment within Korean spas creates a complex yet uniquely enriching experience. It’s a rare space that allows individuals to navigate and reflect on their relationship with their bodies in ways that other social contexts rarely permit.