Explore Jjimjilbang: The Heart of South Korean Bathhouses

Traditional bathhouses are an essential part of contemporary South Korean culture and are among the nation’s top experiences. Known as jjimjilbang (찜질방), these heated rooms invite locals to unwind, socialize, and engage in various health and beauty rituals that extend far beyond a simple soak.

These bathhouses attract individuals of all ages, from grandmas to young couples. It’s common for friends to gather at a jjimjilbang on a Friday night, transforming an ordinary outing into a surprisingly affordable spa date. The entry fee typically ranges from ₩7000 to ₩20,000, with local neighborhood jjimjilbang offering the most economical options.

Most bathhouses feature varying fees for day and evening visits, with evening prices being slightly higher. More elaborate facilities may include restaurants, outdoor pools, hair and nail salons, and even karaoke rooms, alongside their array of baths and saunas.

Arriving at a Jjimjilbang in South Korea

Upon entering a jjimjilbang, the first thing you’ll notice is a wall of small lockers designated for your shoes. Simply place them inside, retrieve your locker key, and pay the entry fee at the front desk, where the price is usually displayed. You’ll receive a new locker key for the changing room, often alongside a towel and a pair of cotton pajamas.

Many jjimjilbang now employ electronic keys or wristbands to streamline your experience, recording any extra services you may add (such as scrubs or massages) and billing you at the end. Automated kiosks for check-ins have also become increasingly common, allowing for easy processing without visiting the front desk.

The key you receive will correspond to a locker where you can store your clothes and belongings. Staff at the front desk will direct you to the appropriate gender-segregated changing room—look for nam (남) for men and yeo (여) for women.

What Are the Baths at Jjimjilbang Like?

Within each jjimjilbang, you’ll find two primary areas: the baths, exclusively for same-sex visitors, and the communal sauna areas. Most visitors choose to wash up before entering the baths, followed by a second rinse at the end of their visit.

As you prepare for the baths, remember to remove all clothing and bring only a towel and any toiletries you might need (wear your locker key on your wrist). If you plan to use the sauna, changing into the provided pajamas is necessary.

A cardinal rule is to wash yourself prior to entering the baths. Washing stations are available, equipped with soap (although shampoo and conditioner may not be provided, so you might want to bring your own). It is respectful to ensure that your hair is tied up to avoid any contamination in the baths.

The temperature of baths can vary significantly, ranging from roughly 38°C (100°F) to 45°C (113°F), with cold tubs around 15°C (59°F). Locals often switch between the temperatures, and while soaking for around 20 minutes is common, it’s advisable to keep your heart above water for the best experience.

Getting Used to Being in the Buff

For many first-time visitors, the idea of being naked in front of strangers can be daunting. However, it’s essential to remember that nudity is a normalized aspect of the jjimjilbang experience, and locals are generally indifferent to others’ nudity. Using your towel for cover while walking around is acceptable, although managing this can be challenging.

To keep your towel dry, refrain from bringing it into the water, and if it does get wet, you can find fresh towels usually available near the changing room door. A helpful tip is to wear it on your head to maintain its dryness. Additionally, keeping noise levels down is appreciated to ensure a comfortable environment for all.

What Are South Korean Saunas Like?

Traditionally, South Korean saunas (called hanjeungmak; 한증막) differ significantly from the saunas you might expect. These heated stone or clay kilns typically range from 50°C (122°F) to 90°C (194°F), providing a more enjoyable experience. Rather than the suffocating heat often associated with other saunas, lying on hemp mats allows for a gentle warming effect that promotes relaxation.

After about 15 to 20 minutes of sauna time, you will likely start to sweat. It is vital to monitor your time in the sauna to avoid dehydration, ideally limiting your first visit to around 20 minutes and ensuring plenty of water intake. To conclude your sauna experience, enjoy a refreshing cup of sikhye, a traditional fermented rice drink commonly available at jjimjilbang.

Why Do Jjimjilbang Have Sleeping Rooms?

Offering affordable overnight options, many jjimjilbang remain open 24 hours, transforming into budget-friendly accommodations. For a modest increase above the standard entrance fee, you may sleep in designated sleeping rooms. Basic facilities usually consist of spacious areas furnished with thin plastic mattresses and squishy pillows.

In more upscale establishments, sleeping rooms resemble capsule hotels, providing a semblance of privacy with cubbyhole arrangements. Some places offer separate sleeping areas for women and snorers. Although thin blankets might be available to rent, the heated rooms generally do not require them due to the traditional under-floor heating technique called ondol.

Shared common areas often feature amenities such as TV, massage chairs, and snacks, which encourage visitors to socialize. Many fancier jjimjilbang include entertainment zones, ensuring you have options for enjoyment even during the night.

Checking Out at the End of Your Session

Exiting the jjimjilbang is straightforward. Simply present your locker key to the front desk staff, who will provide a bill if you’ve used any additional services. After settling any charges, you’ll retrieve your shoe locker key and collect your shoes. Most establishments expect patrons to stay no longer than one night, although some may allow extended stays if negotiated.

The Best Jjimjilbang in South Korea

Consider visiting these top-rated jjimjilbang throughout South Korea:

• Cimer, Yeongjongdo: A luxurious and trendy sauna and swimming complex located within the lavish Paradise City casino resort.
• Insadong Spa & Sauna, Seoul: This small, foreigner-friendly operation in the capital packs a lot of great services into a cozy setting.
• O’REVE Hot Spring & Spa, Seogwipo: Enjoy outdoor hot pools with breathtaking views at this resort spa on Jeju-do.
• Spa Land Centum City, Busan: Situated in a large shopping mall, this bathhouse features numerous hot springs and themed saunas.
• Termeden, Icheon: This countryside complex boasts both indoor and outdoor splash areas, perfectly complementing the jjimjilbang.
• Supsok Hanbang Land, Seoul: Set amidst trees on Ansan Mountain, this jjimjilbang allows guests to enjoy beautiful outdoor soaks.
• Aquafield, Goyang: An upscale experience within a vast shopping center, perfect for relaxation and entertainment.
• Jeju Sanbangsan, Andeok-myeon Township, Jeju-do: Known for its superb water quality and deep seated carbonate hot springs.