01 — The Korean Sauna “Jjimjilbang”
In recent years, we've heard so much about Korea: K-dramas, idols, skincare, and travel. And now, it feels like the K-sauna is having its moment.
But what exactly is a K-sauna, and why is it getting so much attention?
To understand it, you have to look beyond the saunas themselves. The jjimjilbang (찜질방) is deeply rooted in Korean culture, bringing families and friends together for a shared experience. Unlike a private sauna, it's not just about unwinding in the heat. It's also about spending time together, catching up, and enjoying a little break from everyday life.
Inside a traditional Korean sauna, there's quite a bit to explore. You'll find rooms with different temperatures, from hot saunas to cold rooms. Depending on the place, there might even be nail salons, game rooms, and other spaces to spend time with friends.
The bathing area is another important part of the experience, with warm baths and traditional treatments that have long been part of Korean bathhouse culture. And there's one ritual in particular that deserves a closer look: the Korean full-body scrub.
02 — The Traditional Korean Body Scrub
When you hear the words body scrub, you might picture a grainy cream you massage into your skin in the shower. Korean body scrubbing, however, is a rather different experience.
Instead of a scrub you apply yourself, the ritual uses a textured mitt and a more intensive exfoliation technique, with dead skin visibly rolling away. And the aftermath? It's giving a phoenix rising from the ashes. Dramatic? Maybe. But you'll understand once you've tried it.
Known as seshin (세신), this traditional body-scrubbing treatment has long been part of Korean bathhouse culture. You might also hear the word ttaemiri (때밀이), associated with the ritual of removing ttae (때), or the buildup of dead skin. The experience typically begins with soaking in warm water to soften the skin before the scrubbing starts. In a traditional bathhouse, an attendant uses a textured mitt to exfoliate the body with firm, repetitive strokes.
Traditional seshin can feel quite intense, especially if you're new to this kind of exfoliation. If you'd rather start at your own pace and adjust the pressure to what feels comfortable for your skin, there are gentler ways to start body scrubbing, too.
03 — Korean Scrubbing at Home
One easy place to start is with the Laundryou Soft Body Red Glove, which brings body exfoliation into your regular shower routineThe textured, tear-resistant pad is paired with SingGreen(S), which draws on green grape, green apple, green papaya, and green plum extracts.
To use it, wet your skin with warm water, slip on your glove and get the scrub party started! Once you're done, rinse thoroughly. And remember, more pressure doesn't mean better results! Keep the exfoliation gentle enough for your skin, and avoid scrubbing irritated or sensitive areas.
And if you’d like to bring more of the jjimjilbang home, our limited-edition K-Sauna Edit Box is another place to start. Curated by Korea-based creator Euniunni, it brings together 12 beauty and body-care products built around a day at the sauna, covering hair, face, lips, and body.
