Since the beginning of 2011, my weekends have usually consisted of the following routine: On Saturday, I go to a concert or a musical, where I stand out like the whitest girl in the room (because I am) and tend to make others jealous over the attention I end up getting from the artists. Sundays involve a detox from the amazing Saturday, dwelling in a theme cafe of some sort with friends, either pretending we’re princesses, or richer than we really are.
One cafe that we’ve grown really fond of lately is Namugeuneul, in Gangnam district, Seoul. At first glance, the cafe isn’t really all that unique compared to others I’ve been to. There are comfortable chairs and tables, the warm smell of coffees and teas fill the air, and the only noise is the quiet hum of people talking amongst themselves at their tables.
Namugeuneul is a little more than your average cafe though. Lining the windows on the far side of the cafe is a very unique foot spa. Instead of massages, lotions or pedicures, this foot spa is done by fish.
These fish would prefer you call them Doctor, though.
Doctor Fish locations are quite popular around Asia, I’ve found. I’ve seen them in Japan, and have heard of them being popular in other countries like the Philippines and Thailand. Essentially, what you do is you stick your feet in the water, and Doctor Fish (their actual name is Garra rufa) eat the dead skin off your feet. As horrible as it sounds, there’s really no other way to put it.
I’ve been wanting to try Doctor Fish ever since I heard about them when living in Japan. After a concert a few weeks ago, someone mentioned the cafe, and I was determined to go, right then. 2000 won and a Iced Canadian Choco drink later, I was face to face with the Doctor.
As I looked down at the pool of fish going around in little circles, I was immediately reminded of piranhas. Which, naturally, did not put my mind at ease. However, the person already sitting at the pool next to me still had his feet in tact, so I felt my worry was a little unjustified.
Even after sitting down, it took a very long time to get the courage to put my feet in the water. The fish looked hungry. And they were. As soon as I finally managed to put my feet in, they latched on like they hadn’t been fed in ages.
It tickled. A lot. I squealed and screamed, and there might have been a curse or two exclaimed as the tiny fish found their way to every ticklish spot humanly imaginable. They wrapped around and in between my toes, and went up my legs to the edge of the water. Fifteen minutes later though, my feet were smoother than I could remember in a long time.
Even as I was walking to the subway station, I could still feel the tingle of the tiny fish running over my feet. It was so strange, but the only thing I could think to myself was, “When can I go again?!”
When did you film this? Was it before you went with me?
This was when I went with Claire and her friend, the first time. Note the fish are way smaller than the monster piranha we dealt with.
The spa I went to on Sunday actually had this treatment (at an extortionate price). I was tempted though, so when no one was around stuck first my hand, then my foot in to see how it felt. It was fun, the fish were kinda cute, and I liked the tingly sensation. But when I talked with one of the ladies who worked there about she said it’s not really worth it if I didn’t have a lot of bad skin on my feet, so since they’re fine at the moment I didn’t bother.
If it was cheaper I would have though. Cute little human-eating fishies!
Yeah, for any more than what I paid (about 150 yen) it was fun. I went a week after, and went in the big fish pool. They were scary. I was screaming. But I didn’t notice a huge benefit. I don’t think it would be worth it to go again until I’ve had a particular vicious night of dancing or wearing heels or something equally as horrible to my feet.
Does it hurt at all? Tickle I can handle, but I would be so afraid of the hurt!?!
Great post! Thank you for sharing!
I didn’t find it hurt, it’s just it’s such a sensitive area, I was really squeamish. The pain would be equal to running your nails over your skin. Not enough to make you go “OW!” but it makes your skin feel tingly.
I am definitely going to try it! That is if the treatment ever makes it´s way to Norway!?! Perhaps I´ll have better luck in the states. Regardless, I am on the look out! Thanks again for sharing a great post!
Pingback: A Year in Review | A Blog Abroad
OMG, even if it tickles, stop trying to smash them and kill them with your feet. They’re just doing their job.
Lol, you honestly think I was trying to squish them? Yeah, because that wouldn’t get me in trouble at all. There’s a big difference between squirming and trying to kill them.