The Complete Guide to Korean Jjimjilbang: What Foreigners Need to Know Before Going
Photo by Pexels
If there's one uniquely Korean experience that every visitor should try, it's a jjimjilbang (찜질방). Part bathhouse, part sauna, part sleepover — a jjimjilbang is where Koreans go to relax, hang out with friends, and even spend the night for less than ₩15,000.
But for first-time foreign visitors, the idea of a Korean bathhouse can be intimidating. Nudity? Shared baths? Sleeping on the floor with strangers? It sounds intense — but once you understand how it works, you'll realize it's one of the most relaxing things you can do in Korea.
What Exactly Is a Jjimjilbang?
A jjimjilbang is a large, public bathhouse and sauna complex. Most operate 24 hours and offer a combination of:
- Hot and cold baths (mogyoktang, 목욕탕) — the bathing area, separated by gender. You must be fully undressed here.
- Saunas and heated rooms — co-ed areas where you wear the provided pajama-like uniforms
- Common areas — sleeping rooms, TV rooms, snack bars, and sometimes arcades, noraebang (karaoke), or PC rooms
Think of it as a one-stop relaxation center where you can spend anywhere from 2 hours to an entire night.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect at a Jjimjilbang
Step 1: Pay at the Front Desk
Entry costs between ₩10,000–₩15,000 (about $7–$11 USD). You'll receive a locker key (usually on a wristband), a set of pajama-style clothes, and towels. Some places charge extra for towels.
Step 2: Change and Store Your Stuff
Head to the gender-separated locker room. Put your clothes and belongings in your assigned locker. Change into the provided uniform for the co-ed sauna areas, or undress completely if you're heading to the baths first.
Step 3: The Bathing Area (Gender-Separated, No Clothes)
This is the part that makes most foreigners nervous. In the mogyoktang section, everyone is naked — no swimsuits allowed. Here's the thing: nobody cares. Koreans have been doing this since childhood, and nobody is looking at you.
Bathing etiquette:
- Shower thoroughly before entering any pool — this is non-negotiable
- Sit on the provided stool when washing at the shower stations
- Don't put your towel in the water — Koreans often put their small towel on top of their head
- Move quietly — splashing or being loud is frowned upon
Most bathhouses have multiple pools at different temperatures: hot (40°C+), warm (38°C), and cold plunge pools. There's usually a dry sauna and a steam room too.
Step 4: The Sauna Rooms (Co-Ed, Clothed)
After bathing, put on your uniform and head to the co-ed sauna area. This is the social heart of the jjimjilbang. You'll find:
- Heated rooms — made of different materials (salt, jade, charcoal, clay) at various temperatures
- Ice room — a cold room to cool down between saunas
- Common sleeping area — large rooms with mats and neck pillows where people nap or sleep overnight
Step 5: Eat the Classic Jjimjilbang Snacks
No jjimjilbang experience is complete without these two iconic snacks:
- Maekbanseok-gyeran (맥반석계란) — brown-shelled eggs baked in the sauna ovens. They're smoky, slightly sweet, and unlike any boiled egg you've had before.
- Sikhye (식혜) — a sweet, cold rice drink. It's the perfect refreshment after sweating in the saunas.
Most jjimjilbangs also have a full snack bar with ramyeon, kimbap, and other Korean comfort food.
Best Jjimjilbangs in Korea for Foreigners
1. Dragon Hill Spa (용산 드래곤힐스파) — Seoul
The most foreigner-friendly jjimjilbang in Korea. It's massive (7 floors), centrally located near Yongsan Station, and has English signage throughout. Facilities include an outdoor pool, cinema room, rooftop garden, and even a nail salon.
Price: ₩15,000–₩20,000 | Location: Yongsan Station (Line 1)
2. Siloam Sauna (실로암사우나) — Seoul
Located right next to Seoul Station, making it perfect for travelers catching early morning trains or buses. It's a more traditional, no-frills experience — very popular with Korean businesspeople.
Price: ~₩10,000 | Location: Seoul Station (Line 1/4)
3. Spa Land (스파랜드) — Busan
Located inside Shinsegae Centum City (the world's largest department store), Spa Land is one of Korea's most premium jjimjilbangs. Beautiful themed sauna rooms, natural hot spring water, and a luxurious atmosphere.
Price: ₩18,000–₩22,000 | Location: Centum City Station (Line 2)
Common Questions Foreigners Ask
"Do I really have to be naked in the baths?"
Yes. Wearing swimsuits or underwear in the bathing area is not allowed. But remember — everyone else is naked too, and nobody pays attention.
"Can I go if I have tattoos?"
Unlike Japan, most Korean jjimjilbangs allow tattoos. However, some smaller or more traditional bathhouses might ask you to cover them. Large chains like Dragon Hill Spa and Spa Land have no issues with tattoos.
"Can I stay overnight?"
Yes! That's one of the best things about jjimjilbangs. The common sleeping area stays open all night. Many budget travelers use jjimjilbangs as ultra-cheap accommodation — you get a bath, sauna, sleeping space, and breakfast-level snacks for under ₩15,000.
"Is it clean?"
Major jjimjilbangs are very clean. Staff constantly clean the bathing areas, saunas, and common spaces. Korea takes hygiene seriously, and these places are regularly inspected.
"Can couples go together?"
The bathing area is strictly gender-separated. But the sauna rooms, sleeping areas, and snack bars are co-ed — so couples can enjoy most of the experience together.
Jjimjilbang Packing List
- Nothing — seriously, everything is provided (towels, uniform, toiletries). Just bring yourself and your wallet.
- Optional: Your own skincare products if you're particular, a phone charger, and a small bag for valuables
Final Thoughts
A jjimjilbang is one of the most authentically Korean experiences you can have. It's where families bond on weekends, where friends catch up over baked eggs and sikhye, and where exhausted salarymen recharge after a long week.
Yes, the nudity part takes some getting used to. But after five minutes, you'll forget about it — and you'll wonder why your country doesn't have these everywhere.
Useful links:
Visit Seoul Official Site
Korea Tourism Organization
댓글 쓰기