Korean saunas, known as Jjimjilbangs (찜질방), are a huge part of Korean wellness culture. These unique public bathhouses offer a mix of hot baths, saunas, relaxation areas, and even overnight stays. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, skincare benefits, or just a cultural experience, visiting a Jjimjilbang is a must!
In this guide, we’ll explore everything about Korean saunas, including what to expect, the benefits, and the best jjimjilbangs in Korea.
What is a Korean Sauna (Jjimjilbang)?
A Jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a Korean-style sauna and bathhouse where visitors can enjoy hot and cold baths, various types of saunas, and relaxation spaces. Unlike Western spas, jjimjilbangs are social spaces where families and friends gather to relax, sleep, and even enjoy snacks like sikhye (sweet rice drink) and eggs roasted in a sauna.
- These facilities usually include:
Hot baths and pools (segregated by gender)
Various sauna rooms (salt, clay, charcoal, jade, ice, etc.)
Relaxation and sleeping areas
Massage and body scrubs
Korean food and snacks
Benefits of Visiting a Korean Sauna
Visiting a jjimjilbang isn’t just a cultural experience—it has several health benefits:
Detoxification & Improved Circulation
The heat from charcoal, jade, and salt saunas helps detoxify the body and improve blood circulation.
Stress Relief & Relaxation
Korean saunas offer a peaceful atmosphere where you can escape from daily stress.
Skin Rejuvenation
Bathing and body scrubs help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft and glowing.
Muscle Relaxation & Pain Relief
Sauna heat and hot pools relax muscles, relieve joint pain, and ease body tension.
Better Sleep
Spending time in a jjimjilbang can help you sleep better and feel more refreshed.
What to Expect When Visiting a Jjimjilbang
Step 1: Check-In & Change Into Sauna Clothes
When you enter, you’ll pay an entrance fee (around ₩8,000-₩20,000 or $6-$15). You’ll receive a locker key and sauna clothes (usually a T-shirt and shorts).
Step 2: Enjoy the Baths & Saunas
- Bath Area (Gender-Segregated) – Take a shower before entering the hot pools.
- Saunas (Co-Ed Area) – Try different types of saunas like charcoal, clay, ice rooms, or Himalayan salt saunas.
Step 3: Try a Korean Body Scrub (Seshin, 세신)
A Korean body scrub is an intense exfoliation service that removes dead skin cells, leaving you feeling super clean!
Step 4: Relax & Enjoy Snacks
Head to the relaxation areas to nap, watch TV, or eat snacks like sikhye (식혜, sweet rice drink) and roasted eggs.
Step 5: Stay Overnight (Optional)
Many jjimjilbangs allow visitors to sleep overnight on heated floors, making them a cheap accommodation option for travelers.
Best Jjimjilbangs in Korea
Dragon Hill Spa (Seoul)
One of the most famous jjimjilbangs in Seoul, featuring outdoor pools, traditional saunas, and a beautiful rooftop garden.
Siloam Sauna (Seoul)
A well-known health-focused sauna with herbal steam rooms, hot stone therapy, and sleeping areas.
Spa Land (Busan)
Located in Centum City, Spa Land is one of the most luxurious jjimjilbangs, featuring 15 themed saunas and spa pools.
Hwanggeum Sauna (Jeju Island)
A natural hot spring sauna in Jeju, famous for its volcanic rock steam rooms.
Itaewon Land (Seoul)
A popular jjimjilbang in the Itaewon district, known for its large bath area and relaxation spaces.
Conclusion
If you’re visiting Korea, going to a jjimjilbang is an unforgettable cultural experience! Whether you want to relax in a sauna, try a body scrub, or sleep overnight on a heated floor, Korean saunas offer a unique way to unwind.
FAQs
1. Do I need to bring anything to a jjimjilbang?
No, jjimjilbangs provide towels, soap, and sauna clothes. However, you can bring skincare products and a change of clothes if you plan to stay overnight.
2. Are Korean saunas co-ed?
Yes and no. The bath areas are gender-segregated, but the sauna and relaxation areas are co-ed.
3. How much does it cost to visit a jjimjilbang?
Prices range from ₩8,000 to ₩20,000 ($6-$15 USD) depending on the jjimjilbang.
4. Can foreigners visit Korean saunas?
Yes! Many jjimjilbangs welcome foreigners, and some even provide English signs and guides.
5. How long can I stay in a jjimjilbang?
You can stay for a few hours or even overnight. Some people use jjimjilbangs as budget accommodation in Korea.
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