When I was a child in Korea, homes did not have bathing facilities because it was assumed you would go to the communal baths. Here are some secrets from the scrubbing ladies about how to get the best results from their labors.

My favorite tip is 4. Seriously, relax

"Relax!" is the instruction issued most often by the ddemiri.

If the body is too rigid, the scrub mistress can't contort it into the positions necessary to get at every nook and cranny.

It's awkward and painful at first, but forcing the body to relax its muscles allows the ddemiri to get things done most effectively.

"Usually customers listen and then they end up having a lot of fun," says Jung.