The Spa Club - Koreatown
I visited a Korean spa in Koreatown today, and it was a great experience! This was my first time at a Korean spa, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I got my ticket on Groupon for about $35, though I noticed later it had been priced at $30 recently.
We arrived around lunchtime, feeling pretty hungry, so we grabbed some food first. Upon check-in, we were given wristbands with locker codes and changed into the provided t-shirt and shorts. No footwear was allowed inside, but the floors were heated, which was a nice touch. Initially, we were handed orange uniforms, but we asked for the pink ones instead because the orange gave off a bit of a prison vibe!
For food, we ordered a chicken teriyaki bowl (~$19) and waffle fries with chicken (~$11), along with a passion fruit lemonade. The food was delicious and very filling. The teriyaki bowl came with extras like a spring roll, a shrimp tempura roll, and some veggies, which made it worth the price. However, I’d skip the lemonade—it was overly carbonated, acidic, and the syrup didn’t mix well, giving it an artificial taste.
After eating, we headed to the hot tub and steam shower, which are gender-separated. Nudity is allowed, but swimsuits are also permitted. Contrary to some reviews I read, wearing a swimsuit was totally fine—most people were wearing one, including me.
We then explored the three saunas, spending about 10–15 minutes in each, and ended our visit with a quick nap in the "nap room." There were also board games available, and some people were using their laptops and iPads in the eating area, which gave the place a relaxed, casual vibe. Free water was available in the cafeteria, which was a nice convenience. They also had this Vday setup.
Overall, it was a relaxing experience, though there’s not a ton to do unless you book additional services like a massage or body scrub (for an extra fee). Personally, I think QC NY Spa on Governor’s Island offers a better experience, though it’s definitely pricier.