I Fell Asleep During the Strongest Korean Massage 😴💆♀️
Genevieve Clarke
a day ago
One thing I didn’t fully prepare for before coming to Korea was just how physically demanding traveling here would be. You walk everywhere. You’re up early, home late, carrying bags, filming, exploring, navigating subway stations, getting lost, finding your way again, and doing it all on repeat.
After a few weeks of this, my body was tired. Not just “I need a nap” tired. Proper deep, achy, lower back and hips are complaining tired.
So I decided to book a Korean massage.
I chose the Healing Course (Korean Massage) Full Body (Pain Treatment + Pelvic Correction + Foot Massage) because I live with endometriosis and PCOS, and I get a lot of pelvic and lower back pain. I wanted something therapeutic, not just relaxing.
I was expecting it to be intense.
I was not expecting to fall asleep.
🗺️ Getting There Was the Hardest Part
Let me be very honest first. This place is not easy to find.
Even with maps, I nearly ended up late. I walked in circles, asked a few people for help, and somehow nobody knew where it was either. For a moment I thought I’d booked somewhere that didn’t even exist.
Eventually, I found it. Slightly stressed. Slightly sweaty. Very relieved.
So please learn from me and leave extra time. Do not cut it close.
Once I arrived though, everything calmed down immediately.
👟 What Happens When You Arrive
When you go in, the staff are really lovely. They don’t speak English, but they are kind, patient, and make you feel welcome straight away.
They give you slippers, a t shirt and shorts to change into, and a locker for your belongings.
You change, put your things away, and then they guide you to the treatment room.
It is all very simple and organised. Even without sharing a language, I never felt confused.
🛏️ The Treatment Room and Setup
The massage takes place in a large shared room with several massage beds.
At first, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this. I am used to private rooms, so I thought I might be distracted.
But honestly, once I lay down, I completely forgot anyone else was there.
Everyone is fully clothed in the provided outfit. The lighting is soft. It is quiet. It feels respectful and calm.
After about two minutes, I was in my own little world.
💪 The Massage: Strong, Deep, and Somehow So Relaxing
Let’s talk about the actual massage.
This was firm.
Like, properly firm.
If you love deep tissue or sports massage, this is your place. It was definitely a step above a standard relaxation massage.
The therapist worked through my back, shoulders, hips, legs, and especially my pelvic area with so much precision. You could tell they really understood how the body connects and where tension builds up.
Some parts were intense, especially around my hips and lower back, but it never felt rough or careless. It felt like they knew exactly what they were doing.
And then something strange happened.
I fell asleep...Multiple times... During a very firm massage.
I still do not understand how that works, but my body clearly felt safe enough to fully relax. It was such a strange mix of “wow this is strong” and “wow I am about to drift off”.
It was honestly one of the most grounding experiences I have had while traveling.
💬 Communication Without Speaking the Same Language
The staff do not speak English, but please do not let that put you off.
They communicate through gestures, tone, and attention and all our best friend in South Korea - Papago (if you don't have it, download it NOW!). By the time my treatment started, I felt completely comfortable.
There was never any awkwardness. No frustration. Just mutual understanding.
It actually made the experience feel more human and more memorable.
🌿 How I Felt Afterwards
When I stood up after the massage, I felt different.
In a good way.
My body felt lighter. My hips felt more balanced. My lower back felt looser. My shoulders were not up near my ears anymore.
For someone who lives with chronic pain, that kind of relief is rare.
I was not painfully sore either. It was that good, stretched out feeling you get after a really effective treatment.
I walked out feeling calmer, more aligned, and more comfortable in my own body.
💙 Why This Became One of My Favourite Korea Experiences
Traveling in Korea has been incredible. The food, the culture, the energy, the little moments. But this massage stands out because it was a form of self care I did not know I needed that much.
It reminded me that looking after your body is part of traveling too.
You do not have to push yourself every single day.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is lie down and let someone fix your tired muscles.
📝 My Honest Tips If You Want to Go
If you are thinking of visiting, here is what I would say:
- Leave extra time to find it.
- Do not worry about the shared room.
- Be open to communicating without words.
- Go for this if you like strong massages.
- Especially good if you walk a lot.
This is perfect for travelers with back or hip pain, people who walk everywhere, anyone feeling physically exhausted, and those who want real therapeutic care.
✨ Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely.
This massage had no right to be that relaxing while also being that effective.
It was strong. It was thoughtful. It was healing. It was comforting.
If you are traveling in Korea and want something that genuinely helps your body recover, I really recommend trying a Korean healing massage like this.
Just give yourself time to find it.
Your body will thank you later.
