Garra rufa, also known as nibble fish, doctor fish or kanga fish, is a small species of cyprinid native to a wide range of freshwater habitats in Western Asia and natural springs in Türkiye. But unlike other freshwater fish, garra ruffa have an unusual appetite for dead human skin, foot calluses and corns. Unlike piranhas, which have trouble distinguishing between disposable skin cells and essential body parts, these doctor fish are harmless, and bathers have long enjoyed the therapeutic benefits and tickling sensation. 

While doctor fish cannot cure skin conditions like psoriasis, they are known to relieve some symptoms by munching on flaky, dead skin cells, leaving one’s feet soft and shiny. Since I’ve consumed enough fish in my time, I think it’s time to give something back to a species that has given me so much.

Two doctor fish pools are located in Seoul’s SeaLaLa, one of many popular spas and waterparks found throughout South Korea. In one modest pool, I see the garra rufa swimming, and in another, a slightly larger species of fish called the chin chin. Although both will nibble away at your feet, chin chin (or kissing fish) tuck into your toes without actually removing skin cells. Considering they lock their lips all day onto the feet of strangers, some experts believe chin chin might actually spread skin diseases instead. Naturally, I decided to approach the garra rufa pond first. Sitting down on the edge of the pool, I cautiously dip my feet in the cool water and anxiously await my consultation.