What is a Korean body scrub? What happens, what it costs and how often to get one
A Korean body scrub is a full-body exfoliation: after a long soak, a specialist scrubs you from head to toe with a coarse mitt, lifting away dead skin, then rinses you clean. At Beverly Zen Hot Springs (formerly Beverly Hot Springs) it takes 30 minutes in a private wet room, costs $80 and includes your spa admission. It is vigorous but not painful, and you can ask for lighter pressure at any time.
| Time | 30 minutes, after a 20–30 minute soak |
|---|---|
| Price | $80, spa admission included |
| Where | A private wet room in your section of the spa |
| What you wear | Nothing; the scrub covers your whole body |
| How often | Every few weeks; once a week at most |
| Gratuity | 18–22%, in cash |
Where the Korean scrub comes from
In Korean bathhouses the scrub is called seshin, and it is as ordinary there as a haircut. The tool is the “Italy towel,” a rough viscose mitt invented in Busan in 1967 and named after the Italian fabric it was first made from. Green is the standard grit.
What happens during a scrub, step by step
- Soak first. Spend 20 to 30 minutes in the hot spring pool and steam room so your skin is soft. This matters more than anything else for a good scrub.
- The wet room. You lie on a padded, waterproof table. The specialist pours warm water over you between passes.
- The scrub. Long, firm strokes with the mitt, section by section: back, legs, arms, front and sides. You’ll see grey rolls of dead skin come away. Everyone does; it means it’s working.
- The rinse. Warm water from head to toe, and you’re done. Your skin will feel noticeably smoother, often for about a week.
Does a Korean body scrub hurt?
It shouldn’t. Expect firm, brisk pressure, a little like a strong towel-dry. Sensitive spots such as the inner arms, chest and neck get a lighter touch. If anything is too much, say “softer, please”; our specialists hear it every day.
Body scrub, body care or both?
| Treatment | Time | Price | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Body Scrub | 30 min | $80 | Full-body exfoliation with the mitt |
| Body Care | 50 min | $125 | Milk, oil and cucumber mask with a yogurt conditioning massage |
| Body Scrub + Body Care | 80 min | $170 | The signature combination: scrub, then nourish |
| Sugar Polish | 40 min | $120 | A sugar-based exfoliation |
All four include spa admission. Already booked a massage? Add a 30-minute scrub for $50. Prices are as of September 2026.
How often should you get a Korean scrub?
Every few weeks suits most skin; some regulars come monthly. Scrubbing more than once a week can leave skin irritated, so give it time to renew between visits.
When to skip it
Wait if you have a sunburn, broken skin, a rash or a new tattoo, or if you waxed or shaved in the last day or two. If you use prescription retinoids or have had a chemical peel recently, ask your dermatologist first. If you are pregnant, tell us when you book.
After your scrub
- Moisturize the same day; your skin absorbs it well.
- Skip other exfoliants and long sun exposure for a couple of days.
- Drink water; the soak and steam before the scrub are warm work.
Common questions
Is a Korean body scrub done naked?
Yes. It is performed nude on a table in a private wet room, because the scrub covers your whole body.
How long does the smooth feeling last?
Usually about a week, depending on your skin.
Can men get a Korean scrub here?
Yes.
Do I need to book?
Yes, call (323) 734-7000. Weekends fill up first.
Book a scrub: open daily 10 AM–8 PM at 308 N Oxford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004, with free parking. New to Korean spas? Start with the first-timer’s guide.
Sources: Italy towel (Wikipedia, for the 1967 Busan origin and the name) · Beverly Zen Hot Springs treatment menu, September 2026.