When you live in New York City do you have to go to a Korean bathhouse. Two really good ones are in New Jersey and when our last Summer and our bathrooms were in pretty bad shape we decided to check them out. The modern white structure that looks like a UFO on the other side of the river in Edgewater is called SoJo Spaclub. It is a popular multi story, multi pool, multi hot tub, multi sauna building that also has a cafeteria and several sundecks with amazing views of Manhattan. SoJo Spa is easy to reach by public transport from Manhattan. Just take the a train to the George Washington Bridge an from there take NJ Transit Bus 158 and get off at the RiverRoad – Vreeland Terrace stop. You can make your reservation for the day beforehand on the phone or take a chance and pay for your ticket when you get there.
Once you enter the building you will leave your shoes in a small locker on the ground floor and make your way to the locker rooms on the second floor. Here you will receive a small towel and a bathrobe. While the Spa has some hot tubs and saunas that are separated by gender next to the locker rooms, there are many mixed pools, hot tubs and saunas so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit as well.
SoJo Spa is a multi story complex and with its relaxation rooms and cafeteria as well as terraces you can easily spend the whole days in this place. The view on Manhattan is fantastic from any of the pool decks as well as the roof and when it gets dark, the pool lights up and Manhattan starts glimmering across the river.
The other Korean bath we tried during this Summer of bathroom demolition is the King Spa. The King Spa is situated a bit deeper in NJ and will be more difficult to reach by public transport. There is however a shuttle service that leaves from Korea town in Manhattan on 31st and 5th Avenue.
The King Spa is a very different affair. It’s much more traditional, more separated by gender and just a bit older. At the reception you will receive a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. Women will receive a pink ensemble and men a white one. Bath facilities are strictly separated and there is no need for a swim suit as naked washing and bathing seems to be the norm. In the women’s baths this made for a more quiet and introspective time. The men’s facilities seem to be a bit more lively I understand from my friend who reports about an engaging conversation across the different tubs about the different spas and bathhouses in New York and New Jersey.
While SoJo is white, modern and slick, King Spa is more quaint and old fashioned. The cafeteria at King Spa seemed a bit more varied with different Korean dishes and a wide range of deserts. The saunas are smaller but since there are many different ones you will certainly find one that is empty. It’s fun to explore the different saunas and there’s also a cold room and a number of different relaxation rooms you can hang in. Big, quiet rooms full of arm chairs and TVs where you can watch some tv or read a book. When you’re done you split up again and go back to the hot tubs and showers and so once you’re absolutely super clean and scrubbed, you will meet your friends again in the reception area on the way out.