Korea Discovered in a 24/7 Texas Spa

King Spa & Sauna

by Autumn Rhea Carpenter

Where can you go if you’re suddenly hit with a salt scrub urge at 3am? What If a deep craving for karaoke strikes after an acupressure foot massage? Where can you combine bodywork, croon an Abba’s “Dancing Queen” and swill a Sanghwoa-tang?

The King Spa and Sauna, a Korean-inspired facility open seven-days a week, 24-hours a day, located in both Dallas and Chicago, of course.

We discovered this wonderland in an industrialized section of DFW. Storage sheds, warehouses, security fences and why of course! Giraffe sculptures. The spa’s entryway gave the inkling that soon we would be leaving the world that we knew, if only for a few hours.

Inside, I was issued a wrist bracelet with the number 167 and a Pepto-Bismol shade of pink T-shirt and shorts. This differentiated us from the male population, wearing the grey version. In typical American fashion, I expected an explanation of the spas policies and procedures, but only received a quick smile as the next customer was helped. We paid the admission fee, and scheduled additional services then.

So you know: Remove your shoes upon entering the spa locker room, and store them in a separate locker from your clothing and other personal items.

Once inside the gender segregated whirlpool and steam room, we fumbled through the experience, unsure how to navigate the ‘no clothing’ rules. After our shock subsided, we sank into the warm whirlpool, filled with aromatic herbs meant to detoxify our systems. We moved into the 106-degree whirlpool, then finally into the ice cold pool. The ranging temperatures were strangely invigorating. (I’m still unsure the significance that “The Simpsons” played in the etched glass, which separated the pools.) But the nonchalant attitude of our fellow spa goers regarding everyone’s state of nakedness was refreshing.

Back in our pink outfits, we ventured into the co-ed area, where we discovered 11 different rooms designed to cleanse, refresh and purify.

The oxygen room is made from a special wood that releases a natural chemical called phytoncide, which is said to improve eczema and other skin disorders.

The yellow soil crystal room is supposed to help the blood vessels prevent strokes and improve functions of the digestion system. The space is filled with amethyst rocks and simple bamboo flooring.

The Fire Sudatorium resembled a giant beehive. (Its shape intensifies the room’s heat.) When we opened the door, we were hit by170-degree heat. An oak tree scent is emitted, giving you the feeling of a very hot walk in the forest. The aromatherapy is supposed to heal the autonomic nervous system, cleanse the body of toxins such as alcohol and nicotine and recover lost energy. Spa patrons are advised to spend 20 minutes at the most in this cocoon (with 10 minute breaks in between); we lasted five minutes.

The 35-degree Ice Room (Seo-Bing-Go) was next, cleaning away more toxins and lowering body temperatures after the Fire Sudatorium experience.

Toxins released, I enjoyed an acupressure foot massage. I learned that it is based on the same principals of acupuncture, where points of the body are rubbed to relieve pain in other parts of the body.

The family-oriented spa also offers karaoke for groups of four or more, movies, childcare and a food court. I sampled, yookaejang, a traditional Korean beef broth soup, which included beef and vegetables, green bean sprouts, green onion with egg drop and a bowl of steamed rice. It was spicy, yet not overpowering. I was entertained by the loud speaker constantly asking ‘female, #250 and male #400’ to visit the front desk.

It was nice to disappear into this other world for a few hours; it ended with promises of a future girls’ night out and a relaxed, peaceful feeling that lasted throughout the rest of the weekend.

The King Spa & Sauna
2154 Royal Ln. Dallas, Texas 75229
214.420.9070
http://www.kingspa.com

Images by: The King Spa and Sauna