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3 min read
This Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and year-round, M&T Bank is proud to celebrate the businesses that help our communities blossom. In honor of this special month, we interviewed Sophia Kim, Chief Operating Officer of King Spa – a Korean spa located in Chantilly, VA, and one of our Spotlight Shop businesses.
Q: Tell us a little about the history of King Spa in the United States.
A: King Spa first opened in the United States with the idea of sharing a big part of Korean culture with everyone – the jjimjilbang (traditional Korean spa). We wanted to create a space where people could relax, heal and spend quality time with friends and family, just like people do in Korea. Over the years, we’ve grown, but our heart has always stayed the same: making sure everyone who walks through our doors feels right at home.
Q: Can you tell us about the role spas play in Korean culture?
A: In Korean culture, spas are more than just a place to unwind – they’re a way of life. Families, friends and even coworkers often gather at spas to relax, bond and recharge. It’s a place where you can soak in therapeutic pools, sweat out stress in saunas, enjoy delicious Korean food and simply enjoy time together without any rush. Visiting the spa regularly is a part of self-care and community, and we’re so proud to bring that tradition here to Virginia.
Q: What services do you offer at King Spa?
A: At King Spa Virginia, we offer a little bit of everything for the ultimate wellness experience! We have a variety of unique sauna rooms (each designed with different health benefits in mind), therapeutic baths, full-body scrubs, relaxing massages and even a Korean restaurant inside the spa where you can enjoy authentic dishes. Whether you’re coming to sweat it out, soak or just enjoy a day of rest, there’s something here for everyone. We offer body massages including sports massages, hot stone massages and deep tissue massages, and body scrub treatments, facials and more.
Q: What makes a Korean spa different than a typical American spa?
A: A Korean spa is a full experience – it’s not just about a single massage or facial. It’s a place where you can spend hours, even an entire day, enjoying multiple activities like soaking in hot tubs, relaxing in themed saunas, grabbing a meal and even napping in cozy lounge areas. Unlike traditional American spas, which often focus on individual treatments, Korean spas are about community, relaxation and self-care all in one big, beautiful space.
Q: What should a first-time visitor know before coming to a Korean spa?
A: If it’s your first time visiting a Korean spa, welcome! A few things to know:
We’re always happy to guide first-time guests and make sure you feel completely comfortable.
Q: What is the most popular treatment or service at King Spa?
A: Our most popular service has to be the Korean body scrub! It’s a deep exfoliation treatment that leaves your skin unbelievably soft and refreshed. A lot of guests are amazed at how much smoother and brighter their skin feels afterward. Our themed sauna rooms are also a big favorite – especially the Amethyst Room and the Bulhanjeungmak (our traditional Korean kiln sauna)!
Q: What advice would you give other members of the community who wish to someday open their own business?
A: Believe in your vision, stay true to your culture, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Owning a business has its challenges, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I would also say: build a strong support network –family, friends and mentors – and never lose the heart and authenticity that make you unique. Our culture, our traditions and our stories are so powerful, and they absolutely belong in the business world.
Do you know a business that would be a good fit for the M&T Spotlight Shop? Encourage them to apply today.
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