Chinese vs Korean vs Japanese traditional beauty treatments — What’s the difference?

When it comes to beauty treatments and products, there’s a lot to be said about the use of traditional ingredients and their efficacy. For example, brands like Shiseido and Sulwhasoo have built entire skincare industries around the use of traditional ingredients derived from historical Japanese and Korean herbal lore. This is also applied to beauty treatments.

Here in Singapore, we are perhaps more familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which focuses on the flow of qi through the body, the effects of having a hot or cold constitution and how certain herbs can improve or aid in these areas. There are plenty of spas that offer TCM-based treatments to balance body tension and improve appearance. While less familiar, there are also places where traditional Korean treatments and Japanese treatments can be experienced. 

“If I had to sum it up, Chinese treatments are very much rooted in internal balance. Things like acupuncture, herbal remedies, and Gua Sha focus on moving energy and restoring harmony from within,” says Eric Tan, founder of Ikeda Spa, one of Singapore’s first Japanese spas.

“Korean beauty is exciting and trend-driven. It’s all about fast innovation, achieving that dewy glass skin look, and layering products to get results. Japanese beauty is something else entirely. It’s quiet, intentional, and incredibly refined. There’s a strong belief that beauty should be nurtured, not forced.” 

Lately, there seems to be a return to these traditional experiences with the growing popularity of treatments like bojin massage. Eric is not surprised by that. “I think the pandemic made all of us stop and reflect on how we take care of ourselves, not just physically but emotionally too,” he says. “Before COVID, I used to see a lot of clients rushing in for quick-fix treatments. There was this constant pressure to look good fast, to chase instant results. But after everything we went through during those two years, people started to crave something deeper. Slowing down became the new luxury.”

He recalls one of their regular facial clients coming back after lockdown, saying, “I don’t want to look good, I just want to feel good again” as an example of what spa-goers are looking for these days. 

Traditional treatments can be very grounding, whether it’s through a hot soak, typical of both Korean and Japanese bathing traditions, or moxibustion and gua sha at a TCM clinic. Here we break down the differences (sometimes minute) between the three cultures and suggest some places you can go to try them. 

Traditional Chinese Treatments

Chinese beauty treatments follow the traditional medicine philosophy, emphasising the balance of yin and yang and the strength of qi (life force). Beauty is seen as a reflection of internal health (in the TCM sense), therefore, problems with your internal organs would be reflected in your features and skin health. TCM beauty treatments tend to focus on anti-ageing, balancing energy and improving internal health for external beauty. 

Popular treatments include gua sha (a scraping technique that boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage), facial acupressure (to promote internal balance and rejuvenate the skin) and cupping (helps to detox and stimulate energy flow). Another treatment, bojin, has also become popular recently. This is a massage that improves the flow of qi and uses a special ox horn tool to apply pressure to relax muscles. This can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve skin elasticity and radiance. It is also supposed to help improve blood circulation and sleep quality. 

Where to try traditional Chinese treatments

1. St. Gregory Spa

St. Gregory Spa is known for its soothing Traditional Chinese Tui Na body massage, which combines rolling, kneading and acupressure. The hotel spa (available at Parkroyal Collection Pickering and Pan Pacific Singapore) is known for its elevated service and serene environment.

2. Sommar Beauty Spa

Sommar Beauty Spa, which has three outlets in Bugis, Orchard and Holland, specialises more in bojin slimming treatments which they combine with modern treatment elements, which they can apply to different parts of the body. Bojin therapy can also be applied to facial treatments and can help to target facial muscles, improve lymphatic drainage and promote blood circulation.

3. La Source Spa

The Facial Meridian Bojin at La Source Spa also offers their version of a bojin facial which produce results of a slimmer and lifted appearance.

Korean Traditional Treatments

Everyone knows that South Korea is the place to go for the latest technology in skin treatments, but the country is also famous for its traditional treatments, which take inspiration from their ancient medicine philosophy, hanbang, which emphasises harmony between the body and nature and the use of natural ingredients to improve health and beauty. Korean traditional beauty treatments are about long-term and consistent care, hence their strong belief in a daily skincare regime. Korean traditional treatments focus on improving hydration, brightening and preventing ageing through layering and nourishing the skin with different products.

There is also a strong emphasis on herbs and fermented ingredients, in Korean traditional treatments such as ginseng, rice and soy. Fermentation is believed to enhance absorption and effectiveness. Ginseng features prominently in formulations as do herbs like licorice and mugwort.

Treatment-wise, facial massage is popular in Korean treatments as it is believed to enhance blood flow and de-puff the face. They also strongly believe in the power of bathing, with jjimjilbangs (bathhouses that offer steam rooms, hot pools as well as cold plunges) a popular local activity. This also promotes detoxification and relaxation. 

Where to try traditional Korean treatments

1. Sulwhasoo Spa

Stepping into Sulwhasoo Spa in Singapore (they have two locations, one at ION Orchard and the other at Capitol Singapore) immediately envelopes you in the smell of Korean herblore. The famed Amore Pacific brand has always used ancient remedies and wellness as inspiration for their treatments and products. Their Signature Ginseng Treatment combines the ancient herb with the use of a horn-shaped massager for a rejuvenating experience.

2. Whoo Spa

At Whoo Spa, customers can experience techniques descended from Korean royal treatments that include lifting face massage as well as special products.

3. Saenggi On

Saenggi On, a low-key modest spa at Wheelock Place, specialises in face-shaping massage designed to give you that V-shape popularised in Korea.

Traditonal Japanese Treatments

Much like the Koreans, the Japanese have a long bathing tradition. Onsen water is known to be rich in minerals, rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation. The focus in Japanese treatments tends to be in the idea of purity, hydration, minimalism, and gentle nourishment for clear, porcelain-like skin.

In Japanese treatments, rice water and sake are often used in brightening and smoothing treatments. Camellia oil, a staple for brands like Shiseido and Tsubaki, is also a traditional ingredient for hair, face and body hydration.

Japanese treatments are influenced by Kampo medicine, Japanese medicine that is strongly inspired by TCM traditions. They are also very minimalist in execution, nothing is overdone or wasted. “[Japanese beauty treatments] are about prevention, purification, and polishing,” says Eric of Ikeda Spa. “And there’s a spiritual quality to it too. The routine becomes a ritual, a moment of self-respect and care. There’s something timeless about the Japanese approach. It’s not about chasing trends or dramatic results. It’s about taking care of yourself in a way that’s intentional, respectful, and sustainable. That message is resonating more now than ever.”

Japanese treatments are quite popular in Singapore with spas trying to emulate the minimalist, nature-focused elements of Japanese spa treatments.

Where to try traditional Japanese treatments

1. Facia Ginza

At Facia Ginza, their non-invasive Japanese Small Face Care facial uses chiropractic-like techniques to balance out facial features for a more symmetrical appearance. The facial relies on the therapists’ skill with excellent results.

2. Yunomori Onsen

To experience Japan’s soaking culture, Yunomori Onsen offers 11 onsen pools, six for men and five for women including jacuzzi-style jets as well as cold plunges. Guests can change into traditional yukatas and literally soak in the atmosphere.

3. Ikeda Spa

The same can be said of Ikeda Spa. Its signature Ganbanyoku Detox Massage features a traditional hot stone bed while their Hinoki Onsen Bath uses an authentic bath, which, like the stone bed, was imported from Japan.