North Korean beauty salons and sauna houses are increasingly rebranding themselves as premium services in 2026. These facilities now bundle haircuts, massages, skin care and laser treatments into combined packages. Additionally, many locations have introduced membership programs designed to attract wealthier, well-heeled customers.
A source in South Hamgyong province described this shift occurring across Hamhung’s state-run facilities recently. Historically, these salons and sauna houses offered only basic haircuts and simple bathing services. However, they have since expanded significantly beyond their original, more limited grooming purposes.
Specifically, salons now offer skin care, facial massages and laser treatments alongside traditional haircut services. Meanwhile, sauna houses have added full body massage rooms and detox treatment options. According to the source, these upscale premium services remain popular despite carrying notably higher price tags.
Furthermore, some facilities now promote package deals combining skin care, massages and haircuts together. Others encourage customers to prepay for multiple visits in exchange for additional discounts. Consequently, frequent customers receive extra treatments or reduced pricing, incentivizing continued patronage over time.
This trend reflects a broader rise in personal appearance interest throughout North Korean society generally. Demand for skin care and cosmetic procedures has grown steadily across major cities nationwide. These cities include Pyongyang, Sinuiju and Chongjin, alongside Hamhung’s expanding beauty service sector.
Nevertheless, access to these premium services remains limited strictly to North Korea’s wealthier population segment. Many treatments require payment in foreign currency or substantial upfront lump sum payments. Therefore, most ordinary North Korean citizens simply cannot afford these increasingly sophisticated beauty offerings.
The source noted that these facilities previously existed but rarely functioned as intended for years. Now, they operate actively, yet primarily serve those with considerable disposable income only. Ultimately, this trend highlights North Korea’s widening class divide through the lens of accessible personal care services.
