02 Sep
Before moving to Korea, the word “spa” brought to mind luxury hotels, pricey massages, and cucumber slices on your eyes. So, I was in for quite a surprise when I visited my first jjimjilbang (찜질방) – a traditional Korean bathhouse that’s affordable, cultural, and unlike anything I’d experienced before.
In fact, my first jjimjilbang visit was with my family last Christmas! At first, I was definitely shocked – but now? It’s one of my favorite things about living in Korea.
If you’ve heard about Korean spas but aren’t sure what to expect, this post is your step-by-step guide to the full jjimjilbang experience.
What Is a Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa)?
A jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean public bathhouse and wellness center. It usually includes:
Gender-separated bath and shower areas
Co-ed sauna rooms (called jjimjil rooms)
Relaxation lounges where people nap, snack, or watch TV
On-site cafes or snack bars
Optional spa services like massages or body scrubs
All this typically costs between ₩10,000 – ₩15,000 KRW (around $8 – 12 USD), making it one of the most affordable wellness experiences you can find.
While you can visit Korean-style spas in North America, there’s nothing like experiencing a jjimjilbang in Korea itself – it’s cheaper, more authentic, and deeply embedded in Korean daily life.
Step 1: Entering the Locker Room and Bath Area
After paying at the front desk, you’ll receive:
A key bracelet (for your shoe and clothing lockers)
A spa outfit for the co-ed areas
One or two small towels
Then, you’ll head into the gender-separated bath area, where you’ll need to undress completely. Yes, it might feel intimidating at first, but trust me – no one is paying attention to you. It’s completely normal in Korean culture.
Inside, you’ll find:
Standing and seated shower stations
Multiple soaking tubs (hot, warm, cold)
Herbal or salt baths
Wet saunas and cold plunge pools
🔑 Important:
You must shower thoroughly before entering any tubs. This is not optional – it’s a crucial part of Korean spa etiquette.
Optional But Worth It: The Korean Body Scrub (Seshin)
For an additional ₩15,000–₩20,000, you can book a body scrub (때밀이) from a professional spa attendant. Using a coarse mitt, they’ll exfoliate your entire body – removing layers of dead skin you didn’t know you had!
It’s intense, but you’ll leave feeling unbelievably clean and refreshed. Highly recommended for first-timers!
Step 2: Relaxing in the Jjimjil Rooms and Saunas
One of the most beloved parts of the jjimjilbang experience is the snack bar. Locals (and now, me too) always grab:
Sikhye (식혜): A sweet, chilled rice drink
Roasted eggs (구운 계란): Smoky, dense eggs with a unique texture
You’ll often see people lounging in spa uniforms, sipping sikhye and snacking while watching TV or chatting with friends.
Can You Sleep Overnight at a Korean Spa?
Yes! Many jjimjilbangs are open 24/7, and overnight stays are common – especially if you’ve missed the last train or want to save on hotel costs.
Sleeping options usually include:
Heated floors or quiet nap zones
Thin mats and blankets (provided or rented)
Dimmed lights and relaxed noise levels
While it’s not luxury hotel-level comfort, it’s surprisingly restful and makes for a truly local experience.
Jjimjilbang Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
🧼 Shower before entering any tubs
🧏♀️ Keep voices low in shared spaces
🙈 Avoid staring in the nude areas
🧴 Bring your own soap, shampoo, and skincare
📵 Phones are banned in bath areas
Why You Should Try a Korean Spa
Korean spas are more than just a place to bathe – they’re a cultural experience, a wellness ritual, and an affordable way to relax and detox.
Yes, the nudity might feel awkward at first – but once you get past it, you’ll likely find the jjimjilbang to be one of the most rejuvenating things you’ve ever done.
Whether you go for the body scrub, the saunas, or just to nap in peace, a visit to a jjimjilbang is a must-try experience in Korea. And who knows? You might find yourself coming back again and again.
Leave a comment or DM us on Instagram if you have any questions about what to bring or where to go. I’d love to help you plan your first jjimjilbang day!
Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant
Gabriel (Gabe) White is an English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.