건마

마타이

A small break in a busy city, my own time found in a dry horse in Gangbuk

northern Seoul.

A crowded subway, a crowded street, an endless routine.

If you repeat the same day every day, your body and mind become increasingly tired. It doesn't particularly hurt, but my shoulders are heavy, and I can't fall asleep easily even when I lie down at night. One day, suddenly, I looked so tired in the mirror that I thought, 'I can't do this.' So, the first place I found was a dry massage shop in Gangbuk, so-called dry horse.

Gunma, why is everyone looking for it?

Dry horse is a massage that is given while dressed without oil or lotion. I was worried at first, "Will it be okay without oil?" but rather, it was acupressure over clothes, so it made me feel stronger and deeper. In particular, the way I used my palms, elbows and even knees to properly loosen my tight muscles was much cooler than I thought.

This is why there are so many dried horse shops in Gangbuk.

✔ An atmosphere where you can enter comfortably

✔ Relatively low price

✔ Talented Massage

✔ Regular customers

With all this coming together, the dry horses of Gangbuk are becoming more and more like 'healing attraction'.

What did it feel like to ride a horse in Gangbuk?

The place I visited was a small shop in a quiet alley near Suyu Station. After only a block or two from the high street, it feels like the world suddenly became quiet. When I opened the door, the subtle aroma and warm lighting welcomed me, and the staff's kind guidance relieved my tension.

Before the massage, I had a quick consultation to discuss the pain and the usual habits, and the massage parlors adjusted the intensity and manner accordingly. My shoulders and neck were particularly tight, and I was impressed by the precise pressing of my body as if I knew it all.

When the massage was over, I felt lighter and my head cleared. It felt like I was breathing after a long time.

I recommend it to people like this

an office worker with long hours of computer work

Those who are tired due to poor sleep quality

a fitness group who still feels tired after working out

Anyone who wants to put down their complicated thoughts for a while

Anyone looking for a massage that's easy to get without oil

In particular, Gangbuk has many massage shops around the downtown area, and there are many quiet shops near residential areas, so it is good to visit often. The accessibility is also good, so you can find various shops within one or two stops of the subway.

Don't worry, it's more than just relieving fatigue

Many people think of massages as simply "relaxing the tight muscles." While true, dry horses provide an experience beyond that. Leaving yourself in someone's hands, spending a moment with quiet music with your phone down gives you time to regain your inner balance.

When your body warms up, your mind warms up, and when your mind is relaxed, your daily life changes.

Isn't that the real value of dry horses?

Let's wrap this up 건마

For us who are busy living, 'rest' is not an option, but a necessity.

It's okay if you don't necessarily leave far away.

You can heal with just one dry horse in Gangbuk, Seoul.

If you want to have time for me today, try opening the door of a small massage shop in a quiet alley.

There may be more satisfaction waiting than you think.