Hands and feet: manicure and foot massage!
Meggie
5 days ago
On my travels in South Korea, I've sought out new experiences across wellness and beauty atmospheres to impact my health and happiness. I haven't been disappointed in spending time, energy and money in this here!
I intentionally went to places across varying neighborhoods, booking with large chains and small local establishments. I've booked reservations with options that cater to locals and to tourists, with businesses who focus on a Korean language- only approach as well as those with extensive multilingual staff.
I have so many stories to share!
Thankfully, Creatrip made researching and expectation-setting for these treatments much easier and less stressful. I used this platform initially to hone my search across varying modalities, usually booking a provider or specialist through the options Creatrip had available. It was just the most straight-forward, efficient, foreigner-focused, verified and accessible in languages besides Korean resource I found.
There were times that I saved a handful of similar options-like facials in Seoul- so that I could wait until a closer date for booking, pr see whay neighborhood I was in for an unrelated event and find a provider in the same area.
One thing I did early on was get a gel manicure, and I was surprised to learn how vital it is to secure appointments at least 2-3 days ahead of time for each service. I learned that nail salons across the half-dozen districts around Seoul I frequented were consistently busy and staffed based on multiple prior days of arranging schedules. I popped into over 15 salons over a week in May for manicure and then a pedicure, and only one had a same-day opening for one treatment.
I was also surprised to learn that hand and feet care are separate items on a menu from any painting. A customer interested in cuticle care or foot rinse would need a second, separate booking from nail color; advanced nail techniques required a third or fourth appointment slot (per hands and per feet).
Most nail salons I went into or looked at their websites and social media accounts had membership programs, which I didn't expect. They offer a one time sign up fee to join, and then discounted services for most future treatments and add-ons. While this didn't make sense for me this trip, it's a great way to get to top of scheduling and save a bit of money if you frequently seek out nail care.
I was surprised so few of them offered beverages or snacks, and it seemed rare to have them automatically suggested let alone brought out. I didn't see any offering alcohol, like a mimosa or canned cocktail, even for extra fee. Not a problem at all, but was unlike other wellness and beauty industries I experienced around Seoul. Typically, a snack and a drink were placed in front of guests at beginning and/ or end of treatments.
This place knew what they were doing. This business has been in business here for decades, had immediate opening and were especially affordable!
I booked the standard traditional massage. This involved changing into provided clothes and sandals, having a foot soak at one station, and then settling in at the massage chairs area. My masseur was professional, polite, consistent and effective. I only wish I'd booked a longer time!
As a welcome back into the real world, an herbal tea and snack was waiting for me in entry area.
I had more questions about future procedures they offer, like ear seeding, and found the woman in charge so helpful in explaining procedures to me. As someone with chronic health conditions, it goes a long way when a body practitioner addresses my specific combination of circumstances, while allowing me to decide what I think is best for me.
