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Seoul hosts one of the poshest bathhouses we've yet encountered. Besides the two dry saunas of varying degrees (and piped in television, for those addicted to Korea's famous "soaps"), the facilities also boast steam rooms, and three separate soaking pools. The hottest was a skin numbing 48 C/119F, the middle at 35C (or almost 100F) and a shivering, icy cold pool for the true masochist. As in Japan, etiquette requires you to bathe before soaking. Actually, a rinse will do, then soak, and finally a true scrubbing and rinse before a final quick soak. (Suds are verboten in the tub.) For an exhilarating experience, ask a masseur to give you a scrub. He'll tightly wind a dry cloth around his hand and arm, then briskly remove every and all dry flake. Afterwards, another soak. Pure heaven. |
