South Korea’s Secret Gentleman’s Grooming Parlors Where Women Do the Cutting and Men Pay for a Special Service
South Korea has a peculiar category of men’s barber shops that outwardly resemble ordinary beauty salons or barbershops. The difference is that they employ only women, and only men may enter to get a haircut, preferably those who can pay. These establishments are usually marked by two iconic rotating, multicolored poles.
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What Happens Inside These Hidden Salons
Inside, if you enter and behave like a regular client, you will indeed be seated in a chair, confirm the desired haircut, perform the service, and part with a polite goodbye. But if a man says '아가씨 주세요' (Agassi juseyo) — which literally translates to 'Please provide me a lady' — the scenario changes. The client is escorted to a separate room where he is offered a choice of several women, usually from two to four, and is asked to pay for the preferred duration. The minimum cost for such services for 30 minutes is about 50,000 won (approximately 2,500 rubles). If the establishment is more upscale and the women more attractive, the cost for 30 minutes can rise up to five times.
A Higher-Level Experience Through Special Massage Salons
For those seeking a more expensive level of service and more attractive attendants, there is the option of special massage salons (안마). The principle is similar, but the starting prices there begin at 230,000 won (approximately 16,000 rubles).
Premium Massage Parlors as the Pricey Alternative
These massage parlors offer a parallel model with even higher price points, targeting clients who want a more luxurious experience. The core idea remains the same: a paid service with options that affect duration and the level of accompaniment.
