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I spent the evening at Jeju Sauna. I was once a regular here, but in the last few years have drastically tapered off, which is good for me. I think that we should allow for crowds to ebb and flow.

Though this spa has been around since 2005 in the Duluth area, it was popularized by the Real Housewives of Atlanta maybe 10 or so years ago. I will say that the prices have gone up to accommodate its popularity, prior to Covid19, entry was 25.00, afterwards, it has gone to 40.00. I’ve been to a few other spas in the US. They all have a similar feel, but are unique to their locations. Chicago, Hawai’i, New York, LA, all that I can find in Georgia. Yeah, it was a real thing for me. Anytime I go to a new city, I try to visit the local spa, if available.

Jeju prefers that we limit picture taking, which is not so fun as the spa is beautiful, however, it is better to be respectful. See below for a few from the evening.

Check Jeju Sauna in Atlanta out if you’re looking for something fun and different to do for the day. $40.00 gets you in and you can stay for 24 HRS. You’ll get a wristband, an outfit to lounge around the spa in, and a toothbrush. Once you’re in the locker room, you can put your things away. You’ll quickly see how expansive and lovely the spa is. For the price, it is not too shabby if you ask me – gotta be ok with open bay sleeping, though, if you choose to stay for the entire time. Do be aware that there are portions of the spa that are nude, a la the traditional Korean spas, or kspas, as those closely acquainted with them like to call it. This only applies to the portion of the spa where people are bathing, the remainder of the spa is clothed.

I have a quick story, I was at Jeju and someone from Korea decided to randomly tell me about what the spas are like there. They said that it is customary for people to go to the spa every week, maybe even multiple times a week. The entry fee is less than 5 dollars! That’s kind of a cool little thing to know about their culture. I do want to make those of you that are unaware, there have been some issues with these spas stateside as it relates to prostitution and other quite sad things, however. I really look forward to the day that evil leaves us. So sad that people can’t even go to bath houses in peace.

Anywho, I still think that checking them out is worthwhile, just be as safe as possible.

Pro tips for visiting:

• Pack a spa kit for your visit. I take a quick trip to Dollar Tree and Marshall’s to stock up on necessary spa items (pedicure brush, scrub brushes, facial masks, hair masks) and put them in my spa basket for use. Marshall’s or TJ Maxx usually have some Dr. Jart face masks – I get these and use them at the spa as they make my visit feel more luxe. I also stock up on snacks and ensure that I have a refillable water bottle (plastic or metal, not glass) on hand. The spa charges for some incidentals, so having these on hand will make your end bill cheaper.

• Go with a friend you trust. This can take the edge off for first timers. I mean a friend of the same gender as the male/female saunas are separate (nudity concerns)
• Anticipate spending more the first few times you go. They offer so many services (pedicures, acupuncture, tiered body scrub services, vaginal steaming, authentic Korean eats). You’ll want to be sure you can cover a possibly heftier price tag.
• Be courteous and respectful. All body types are on display and everyone is deserving of a safe space.

Do you have any tips for those new to the kspa life?

I liked this blog post and decided to share – luggage and lipstick does a great job of summing up the experience, too.

Here are some cool videos on Jeju and Spa Land, another kspa local to northern, GA. Sundai Love on YouTube has covered this spa style in Japan. There is even a town in Japan which specializes in this type of spa.

If nudity just isn’t your thing, you can also check out Treat your Feet. I think that the services they provide are also quite nice.

Here is a picture of my breakfast. Yum. <3 This experience is definitely NELLIEL APPROVED.