Initially when we set out to talk about this, I didn’t feel awkward. But not that I’m sitting here writing this blog, not sure exactly why but I feel awkward. I mean think about it: this is NOT a blog I wish to be sharing with my father. Let’s just put it that way.

The person who asked about this wants to visit Korea. If you’re going to visit or live in Korea, just be yourself. You can respect the culture without changing too much, especially if you are at heart a good person. We all like to think most of us are.

When it comes to matters of hygiene like that, I really wouldn’t care what others think to much. It’s not an insult in Korea to trim the lady parts in such a way, although I would guess that more than 50% still aren’t trying it out.

When I first moved to Korea, my head teacher at the hagwon wore sleeveless shirts and I’m almost certain had never shaved her arm pits. Do most women in Korea do that? I don’t think so. Strangely enough I’ve even seen younger Korean girls get awy without shaving regularly despite wearing mini skirts with thick, nude-colored pantyhose.

If you’re coming to Korea, I recommend you bring your shaving stuff with you, especially if you’re only coming to visit. It can get expensive to stock up on razors possibly when compared with your home country.

As for whether you’re going to live in Korea, they’ve got multiple options including overpriced limited selection razors. They also have waxing treatments, and they also have inexpensive laser hair removal. (I tried that once but quit after a couple treatments)

Typically speaking, you don’t necessarily hear a out shaving per se, guys generally don’t have facial hair. I think this is interesting. This sort of thing could possibly drive up the price for male shaving toiletries since less men are purchasing and using them.

As for trimming the nether bits, it’s true that they keep things ALL-NAT-UR-AL. Seriously, I’ve seen and heard about it from anyone who has been to a Korean gym or bathhouse. Triming downstairs for both men and women still hasn’t caught on in mainstream Korea, but I wouldn’t put it past those who have more western influence or experience.

Regardless of what your shaving status is, unless you go to a really popular jimjibang such as the Dragon Hill lodge in Seoul, you’ll probably get some looks simply so they can see what a foreigner looks like naked. Though generally in my experience, once they realize most people look the same naked, they quit staring.

I’d say you’re free to enjoy your Korean bathhouse experience. I know I do. ☺

Last week’s LIKE IT video: