One of the most authentic experiences you can have in Korea is visiting a traditional Korean bathhouse, known as a “jjimjilbang” (찜질방). These bathhouses aren’t just about hygiene; they are spaces for relaxation, wellness, and even socializing. Spending a day at a jjimjilbang offers a unique window into Korean culture and is an experience no visitor should miss.
In this guide, we’ll explore what you can expect during a day at a traditional Korean bathhouse, including tips, activities, and the essential customs you’ll encounter. From the steamy saunas to the refreshing baths, you’ll learn how to make the most of your jjimjilbang visit.
What Is a Jjimjilbang?
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A jjimjilbang is much more than just a place to take a bath. It’s a multi-functional facility where you can relax in various saunas, enjoy warm baths, indulge in Korean spa treatments, and even spend the night. Korean bathhouses are family-friendly and welcome people of all ages, making them a common gathering spot for locals.
These bathhouses are typically divided into two main areas:
- Wet areas: Gender-segregated sections with hot baths, cold baths, showers, and steam rooms.
- Dry areas: Co-ed areas featuring heated rooms (saunas), relaxation lounges, snack bars, and sometimes entertainment options like arcades or cinemas.
Let’s take a detailed look at how to spend a day in a jjimjilbang, from arrival to departure.
1. Arriving at the Jjimjilbang
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When you arrive at a jjimjilbang, the first thing you’ll notice is the atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Most bathhouses are open 24/7, so you can visit at any time. Upon entering, you’ll need to remove your shoes and store them in lockers provided at the entrance.
Payment & Attire
At the reception desk, you’ll pay a small fee (typically ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 KRW) that grants you access to the facilities. You’ll be given a set of basic clothing (shorts and a T-shirt) to wear in the dry areas of the bathhouse. You’ll also receive two towels and a locker key for your personal belongings.
2. Preparing for the Baths: The Gender-Segregated Wet Area
Once you’re inside, you’ll head to the locker room to store your clothes and belongings. This area leads to the wet zone where the baths and showers are located. Note that this part of the bathhouse is gender-segregated, and nudity is the norm.
Shower Etiquette
Before entering the baths, it’s important to thoroughly wash your body. This is a standard practice in Korean bathhouses, as hygiene is highly prioritized. You’ll find communal shower areas with stools, hand-held showers, and soap. Some jjimjilbangs even have special body scrubbers who can give you a traditional “seshin” (scrub) to remove dead skin cells.
3. Enjoying the Baths
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The baths come in a variety of temperatures, ranging from hot to cold. You can alternate between the different pools depending on your preference.
Hot Baths
The hot baths, heated to around 38–42°C (100–108°F), are perfect for loosening up muscles and relieving stress. The warmth will help relax your body and improve blood circulation.
Cold Baths
If you’re feeling brave, try dipping into the cold bath, which can be as cold as 16°C (60°F). This icy plunge is invigorating and helps to close the pores after spending time in the hot baths or saunas.
Herbal Baths
Some jjimjilbangs offer herbal baths infused with ingredients like mugwort, ginseng, or green tea, known for their healing and soothing properties. These baths are believed to help detoxify the skin and promote relaxation.
Steam Rooms
You can also try the steam rooms, which are usually filled with hot, moist air. The high humidity can be great for clearing up the skin, opening pores, and soothing respiratory systems.
4. Getting a Traditional Korean Body Scrub (Seshin)
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For an authentic jjimjilbang experience, you must try a seshin, a vigorous body scrub performed by an attendant using exfoliating mitts. This treatment helps remove dead skin, leaving your body feeling unbelievably smooth. The session may feel intense, but it’s deeply cleansing and refreshing.
How It Works:
After soaking in the bath for about 15–20 minutes to soften your skin, you lie on a massage table while the attendant scrubs every inch of your body.
The scrubbing lasts for about 30 minutes and is usually followed by a moisturizing oil massage or milk rinse to soothe the skin.
It’s a deeply invigorating experience, and although it can feel a bit rough, the results are worth it.
5. Exploring the Co-ed Dry Areas: Saunas and Lounges
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After enjoying the baths, you can slip into the provided clothing and explore the co-ed jjimjil (dry) areas. This part of the bathhouse is more social, with heated rooms, lounges, and even snack bars.
Saunas (Heated Rooms)
The saunas in jjimjilbangs are not your average steam rooms. These dry, heated rooms are designed to relax your body and offer a variety of health benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, and stress relief.
Popular Saunas:
- Salt Rooms: These saunas are filled with natural salt crystals that are said to help purify the skin and body.
- Clay Rooms: Heated rooms with clay walls, which are believed to have detoxifying properties.
- Ice Rooms: After spending time in the hot saunas, you can step into an ice room to cool down and close your pores.
Each jjimjilbang typically has saunas with varying temperatures and themes, allowing you to customize your relaxation experience.
6. Grabbing a Bite: Snack Bars and Cafeterias
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Spending time in a jjimjilbang is not just about relaxation – it’s also about enjoying traditional snacks. After sweating it out in the saunas, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Most bathhouses have snack bars or cafeterias that serve popular jjimjilbang foods.
Must-Try Jjimjilbang Foods:
- Sikhye: A sweet, cold rice drink that’s perfect for cooling down after the saunas. Sikhye is a staple jjimjilbang refreshment.
- Baked Eggs (Maekbanseok Gyeran): These eggs are slowly baked in the sauna, giving them a slightly nutty flavor. They’re a popular snack in Korean bathhouses.
- Barley Tea (Bori Cha): A toasty, caffeine-free tea made from roasted barley, which is often available for free in jjimjilbangs.
7. Relaxing in the Common Areas: TV Lounges and Sleeping Rooms
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Jjimjilbangs are designed for relaxation, and many people spend hours here lounging, watching TV, or even sleeping overnight.
TV Lounges and Rest Areas
After enjoying the baths and saunas, you can unwind in the TV lounges or rest areas. These spaces typically have large mats or heated floors where you can relax, chat with friends, or watch Korean dramas.
Sleeping Areas
If you’re planning to stay overnight, jjimjilbangs often have separate sleeping rooms with mats or bunk beds. Some jjimjilbangs even offer more private rooms for an additional fee.
8. Unique Jjimjilbang Experiences
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Some jjimjilbangs go beyond the standard sauna and bath offerings, providing unique experiences that set them apart.
Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan)
One of the most famous jjimjilbangs in Seoul, Dragon Hill Spa offers everything from traditional baths and saunas to outdoor pools and entertainment zones. There’s even a rooftop garden where you can relax under the stars. Dragon Hill Spa is a favorite among both locals and tourists for its luxurious ambiance and variety of facilities.
Siloam Sauna (Jung-gu)
Siloam Sauna is well known for its focus on wellness and health. It features saunas heated with special stones like jade and amethyst, which are believed to have healing properties. The facility also offers massage therapy and an oxygen room for rejuvenation.
9. Health Benefits of Jjimjilbang
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The benefits of spending a day at a jjimjilbang go beyond simple relaxation. The combination of hot and cold baths, saunas, and body scrubs can have positive effects on both your body and mind.
Physical Benefits:
- Detoxification: Sweating in the saunas helps remove toxins from the body.
- Improved Circulation: Alternating between hot and cold baths stimulates blood circulation and reduces muscle tension.
- Exfoliation: The traditional Korean body scrub removes dead skin cells, improving skin texture and appearance.
Mental Benefits:
- Stress Relief: The tranquil environment and soothing baths provide an escape from daily life, helping to reduce stress levels.
- Improved Sleep: Many jjimjilbang-goers report better sleep quality after spending time in the baths and saunas.
10. Etiquette Tips for Jjimjilbang First-Timers
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If it’s your first time visiting a jjimjilbang, here are a few tips to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Respect the Nudity: In the gender-segregated wet areas, everyone is nude, and it’s completely normal. Embrace the experience and enjoy the baths.
- Shower Before Bathing: Always shower thoroughly before entering the baths. This is a matter of hygiene and respect for other visitors.
- Be Quiet in Relaxation Areas: The jjimjilbang is a place of relaxation, so keep noise levels down, especially in the saunas and resting areas.
Final Thoughts
A day at a traditional Korean bathhouse offers a rare opportunity to experience Korean wellness culture in its most authentic form. Whether you’re soaking in the hot baths, sweating it out in the saunas, or enjoying a traditional body scrub, the jjimjilbang is a place for rest, rejuvenation, and cultural immersion. With its unique blend of relaxation and social interaction, visiting a jjimjilbang is an unforgettable part of any trip to Korea.
