There are many places in the world that people can experience a health spa, but in Korea going to a spa is similar to going to the gym or the pub in this country. Not only does it provide health benefits, but also gives people an opportunity to meet, chat, relax and even purchase snacks that can be eaten in the communal areas where people can watch television. I visited one of the biggest spa facilities in Korea which was located near to Busan, Korea’s second largest city. The hot springs were separated for males and females, allowing one to remove all clothing. There are 20 or more hot springs ranging in size, temperature and colour. Before my exfoliation scrub, I lounged in a yellow mud bath which is particularly good for the skin. The exfoliation scrub takes place on a massage table and the experienced masseurs use a rough cloth to scrub dead skin from your body, your limbs are soaped and then washed down leaving you refreshingly clean. If one needs an interlude from the hot springs then a number of sauna rooms are available to sweat out any impurities. Many are shaped like a dome and the walls are clad with amethyst and charcoal. After a day touring, working or shopping I can think of no better way to relax and indulge oneself. The communal areas are for males and females to meet-up, but one obviously wears the shorts & t-shirts supplied at reception, to ensure one’s modesty. The communal areas are used by courting couples to spend time together, that outside would be frowned upon.