A Korean bathhouse classic with decades of history. The Happy Italy Towel isn’t just for scrubbing—it’s a cultural staple known for its exfoliating power, durable texture, and unmatched effectiveness. Loved across generations, it’s still the go-to item for smooth, refreshed skin. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fan, accept no substitutes.
📖 A Piece of Korean Invention History (Translated from Korean)
Credit: Prof. Yeonjoong Wang, Director of the Korea Invention Culture Education Institute (한국발명문화교육연구소 소장, 영동대 발명특허공무원학과 교수)
The Italy Towel, a bathhouse essential for generations, was invented in 1962 by Mr. Pilgon Kim, a towel manufacturer based in Busan.
Seeking to create a new kind of towel, Mr. Kim imported viscose rayon fabric from Italy. The texture was far too rough for typical towel use, and he struggled to find a purpose for it.
After several sleepless nights of thinking, he visited a public bath early one morning. As he prepared to wash, a sudden idea struck him. “What if this rough fabric could help scrub away dead skin better?”
He immediately tested it on his own skin. As expected, dead skin came off easily. Mr. Kim then handed out pieces of the fabric to friends and family to try at the bathhouse.
“This makes exfoliating so easy!”
“I need to get one for my parents, too!”
Encouraged by the positive response, he sewed the fabric into a rectangular mitt designed to fit over the hand. Since the fabric came from Italy, he named it the Italy Towel (이태리 타올).
The product sold rapidly as soon as it hit the market. At the time, public bathhouses were typically only visited during major holidays. People would try every method possible to get clean, including rolling towels with stones inside or using scratchy loofahs.
The Italy Towel changed everything. With a single mitt, anyone could exfoliate thoroughly and easily. It became a staple in Korean homes and is now officially listed in Korean dictionaries as the standard word for exfoliating cloths.
It’s also a top souvenir for international visitors, known as one of Korea’s must-have beauty items.
Source: http://kids.hankooki.com/lpage/edu/201304/kd20130402152301131830.htm (Original Post)
❓ Why Is It Called an “Italy Towel”?
The name “Italy Towel” can be confusing. It is not made in Italy, and most people in Italy have never heard of it.
Here is the real story. In 1962, Korean towel factory owner Mr. Pilgon Kim was searching for new materials to improve towel manufacturing. He imported a coarse viscose rayon fabric from Italy. At first, the fabric seemed too rough to use as a regular towel. But during a visit to the bathhouse, he realized it was perfect for scrubbing off dead skin.
Since the material came from Italy and he was in the towel business, the name “Italy Towel” stuck. The name refers to the source of the original fabric, not to Italian products or culture.
Today, the Italy Towel is a Korean invention through and through. It is a bathhouse essential in Korea and a must-buy item for many international visitors. Just because it says “Italy” does not mean Italians are involved. Assuming so can lead to confusion or cultural misunderstanding.
This is about innovation, not nationality. Always give credit where it’s due, to Korea and Mr. Pilgon Kim.
🧵 How to Spot the OG Italy Towel
One of the biggest indicators that you’re getting the original, authentic Italy Towel is the signature woven tag. Here’s what to look for:
✅ The word “이태리 타올” (Italy Towel) in bold red Korean text
✅ A red bath lady illustration with rising steam
✅ The phrase “원조 兪” is printed at the top. This classical Hanja symbol means “original and approved.”
✅ Label sewn at the bottom edge, near “MADE IN KOREA”
✅ Fabric is 100% viscose
✅ Brand name is Happy
This combination of features confirms that you are buying the real towel, not a low-quality imitation. The “원조 兪” mark is especially important. It signals that the towel is original and officially recognized, using a traditional stamp of authenticity often seen on trusted Korean products.
🎨 Color Chart Guide (Bundle of 5 Included)
Each towel color represents a different exfoliation strength:
🟡 Yellow: Very Soft / Extra Gentle
💗 Pink: Soft
🔴 Red: Soft to Medium
🟢 Green: Standard
🔵 Blue: Strong / Hard
Use based on skin sensitivity or body area for the best experience.
🌍 Product Info
Material: 100% Viscose
Made in: South Korea
Recommended Use: After soaking skin in warm water
Care: Do not use on broken or irritated skin
Note: Avoid harsh scrubbing and use gently for healthy exfoliation
📸 Show Off Your Glow
Share your bathhouse routine or spa day setups with @lunahobbystore and tag #HappyItalyTowel
