A traditional Korean-style bathhouse and wellness space called ‘Seoul’ is slated to open in Austin, Texas. Founder Jacoby Kang is currently scouting for a new location with the goal of opening by the end of the year. Inspired by the public bathhouses of his childhood in Korea, Kang envisions a community hub where people can relax and connect, featuring clay and charcoal saunas, hot and cold plunges, retail space, an outdoor event area, and the iconic Korean exfoliating ‘ttemili’ body scrub service. Despite facing initial setbacksβincluding a theft that resulted in $10,000 worth of stolen equipment and the cancellation of a previous site due to space constraints and specific infrastructure needsβKang remains determined. Having secured $500,000 in initial funding through loans and founding members, Kang is actively searching for a suitable new location to bring authentic Korean bath culture to the Austin community.
