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If you’re anything like me, you’re a skincare obsessed millennial who heard about the Skincare Capital of the World, and how rates there are so, so much cheaper than in the United States. I’ve got an open-ended flight booked for next month so I can squeeze in as many treatments as possible.
When planning a spa trip to Seoul, your suitcase shouldn’t look like you’re prepping for a high-altitude trek. But you also don’t want to show up underdressed, especially when Korean spas—called jjimjilbangs—blend self-care with culture, tradition, and social nuance. Think communal relaxation meets clean aesthetics, with a wardrobe that balances comfort, modesty, and function.
Beyond the price point, there’s something magnetic about Seoul’s spa culture. I’m not just talking facials or massages—it’s immersive. Full-day jjimjilbang visits, late-night body scrubs, rooftop foot baths overlooking city lights—this is skincare as a lifestyle, not splurge. Treatments that cost hundreds back home are a fraction of the price here, and the quality doesn’t dip. In fact, it’s often better.
That said, this isn’t a robe-and-champagne kind of trip. You’ll be moving constantly—between rooms, temperatures, stations—sometimes barefoot, sometimes fully clothed, and always expected to follow local etiquette. Packing the right clothing is half the battle. You’ll want options that are functional but polished, easy to slip on and off, and respectful of the setting. Seoul’s style is casual but intentional, and that mindset carries over into what you wear on a spa day.
The city’s full of beautiful, multi-level spas with hot and cold pools, infrared saunas, sleeping rooms, skincare counters, and rooftop foot baths that overlook the skyline. If you’re flying in for the treatments and staying for the culture, your suitcase needs to work just as hard as your skincare routine. Dressing smartly makes the experience smoother—and more enjoyable. Here’s how to pack for it, and what to wear once you’re there.
Before You Even Get to the Spa: Transit Clothes Matter
Seoul’s subway is clean, efficient, and crowded. It also requires a bit of walking—many stations involve long underground tunnels and stair climbs, even with escalators. You’ll want to wear something breathable, lightweight, and suited for motion.
Think simple joggers, cotton-blend tops, or quarter-zips give you movement without looking like you’re headed to the gym. A clean hoodie or light sweatshirt keeps you comfortable in air-conditioned subway cars and cafes if you stop along the way.
Pack your spa gear in a duffle bag or backpack—both common choices in Korea, especially in black or muted colors. You’ll see a lot of neutral tones and minimalist style, so skip anything overly bright or bulky.
Spa Dress Code: What You’ll Actually Wear Inside
At Korean spas, you won’t be wearing your own clothes for most of your visit. After check-in, you’re given a basic cotton shirt and shorts set, often in a muted tone like beige or charcoal. It’s standard issue—everyone wears it. You’ll wear this in the communal dry sauna areas, lounges, and restaurants inside the spa.
In the bathing areas, swimsuits aren’t used. These areas are separated by gender, and everyone is expected to bathe nude after a full body scrub at the showers. If you’re not used to this, it might feel daunting, but it’s completely normal in Korean culture.
What you can bring, though, are extras that make the experience better.
- Flip-flops or easy slides. You’ll take your shoes off before entering the locker room, but bringing clean slip-ons makes it easier to walk from your locker to the showers or pools.
- A fresh change of clothes. When you’re ready to leave, you’ll want something breathable and clean to put on. Think soft joggers, a fresh tee, or even a light dress if you’re headed straight to dinner after.
- Minimal jewelry. Leave most of it at home. Metal heats up in the saunas, and you’ll need to remove anything before entering pools.
Between Spa Visits: Seoul’s Streets Require a Bit More Style
If your spa day includes strolling through nearby neighborhoods—like Sinsa-dong, Samcheong-dong, or Gangnam—you’ll want to blend comfort with polish. The best outfit for this is layered and clean, with white sneakers, tailored joggers or trousers, and a structured top.
Something as simple as a cropped hoodie and sleek pants paired with classic white sneakers works in nearly any Seoul setting, from boutique cafes to open-air shopping streets. For men, a monochrome set—light hoodie, clean tee, tapered joggers—gets the same job done without looking lazy.
Don’t Forget: Skincare and Personal Items
Korean spas sell or provide most of what you’ll need inside: towels, shampoo, body wash, and sometimes even razors or hair ties. But if you’re particular about products, it’s worth packing your own travel-size skincare. Bring makeup remover wipes, moisturizer, and SPF for when you leave.
Toss it all in your duffle or backpack with a small hand towel and a fresh pair of socks. You won’t need much, but being prepared lets you fully relax once you’re inside.
Shoes to Walk In, Not Just Look At
Korea is walk-heavy. Even on spa days, you’ll find yourself covering more ground than expected. Don’t be fooled by how effortless everyone looks—comfort matters.
A good pair of sneakers is important. If you want something that blends in while still supporting your stride, adidas workout shoes are a practical pick. For those venturing into hilly parts of the city like Itaewon or Namsan Park, trail running shoes are smart—low-profile but stable enough for Seoul’s steep inclines and hidden stairways.
Final Tip: Keep It Light, Keep It Smart
Spa culture in Seoul is about relaxation, but it’s also social. People nap in communal rooms, grab snacks from the in-house cafes, and spend hours cycling through saunas and cold pools. Dress accordingly—not just to be comfortable, but to feel confident, too.
Bring gear that layers well, packs down easily, and keeps you moving without fuss. Whether you’re stepping into a jjimjilbang for the first time or building it into a week of travel, you’ll be glad you packed with intention.
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