Sauna in South Korea (Jjimjilbang)

In this post, we're going to dive into one of Korea's coolest cultural experiences that might seem a little intimidating at first, especially for my friends from abroad. Now, I know that some of you may be hesitant about having to show your naked body to someone. 

But trust me, once you get past that, you're in for an incredible piece of Korean culture that I highly recommend.

By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of Korea and a few tips on how to Jjimjilbang(sauna).

 

What is the Jjimjilbang?

Imagine a place where you can sweat it out in a sauna, known as a Jjimjilbang, which is essentially a giant bathhouse with different rooms at different temperatures to help you sweat out toxins in your body. It's a Korean belief that sweating in a sauna is refreshing and good for your health. 

In the 2000s, the concept evolved from public bathhouses to saunas to the Jjimjilbang experience we know and love today.

 

How much does it cost to use?

For $10 to $20, you can get a full day pass to relax, bathe, and enjoy the many amenities. Here are some must-have snacks, what to bring, and tips to make your visit go smoothly!

 

What's a Jjimjilbang like?

Once inside, place your shoes and belongings in a locker and change into comfortable steam room attire. Then it's time to enter the sauna. There's a temperature for everyone, from cold to lukewarm to hot.

But Jjimjilbangs aren't just a place to sweat, they're also a place to socialize. Whether you want to make new friends or have a fun vacation with your loved ones, these baths provide a unique space for interaction and relaxation. Families, couples, and friends flock here on weekends to relax together.

 

Let's enjoy the Jjimjilbang!

The sheep head towel is a quirky but essential part of the Jjimjilbang experience. It's a fun, easy to make towel hat that helps manage sweat.

I'ill take you through how to make it!

1. Divide the towel in thirds.
2. Fold from the end.
3. To fit your head size and wear it.

Don't understand how to make it?
Here's the URL to my YouTube video, and I'll show you the steps.

Click here to watch! - Starting at 2:16

 

Now, let's talk about snacks. You can't visit a Jjimjilbang without trying Sikhye, a sweet rice drink, and maekbanseok eggs, which are eggs cooked on hot stones, giving them a nutty flavor and brown color.

I've also tried sweetened vinegar. I drink it sometimes because it's good for the skin, but it makes me salivate like drinking lemon.

Don't forget the ramen, but Korean ramen can be spicy, so I recommend the Japaghetti.

 

After eating and digesting, there's a massage machine and a round of games. Massage machines are a must in all of them, so you can get a head-to-toe massage, and most also have entertainment, which is great for digestion.

 

Once it's digested, go back to the sauna and talk to your friend. It's only a matter of time before you and your friend become best friends.

 

Once you're all relaxed and fed, take a dip in the pools. There are a variety of pools with different temperatures to suit everyone.

 

What to prepare for a sauna?

1. Bring a change of underwear. You'll be sweating after the sauna, so it's a good idea to have a change of underwear to change into when you're done.
2. Toiletries. Shampoos, body washes and lotions more are provided in the Jimjilbang, but if you prefer to use your own, bring your own toiletries.

 

Ready to hit the sauna? Here's what you need to know before you hit the sauna.

 

Good to know before you go to the sauna

1. Tattoo. Some friends have tattoos. They ask me if it's okay to go there. Nowadays there are more and more people with tattoos in Korea. It doesn't matter if you can see them, so don't worry about it.
   
2. Take a shower before taking a bath. It's good manners to take a shower before getting into the big tubes we all share.

 

Now you're ready to hit the jjimjilbang and sauna.
We've put together a list of some of the best jjimjilbangs you can use.

 

Recommended Jjimjilbangs

• Seoul Forest Oriental Medicine Jjimjilbang "Forest Hanbangland" - Located in Sinchon, this place is a great place to get a feel for traditional Jjimjangbang, with its large space and outdoor facilities.

 

• Starfield Aqua Jjimjangbang "Aquafilld" - This is the place to be if you're looking for a clean and tidy place to experience the culture of a jjimjamba. Yukgaejang is great here.

 

In this post, we talked about Korean saunas called Jjimjilbang. 

Jjimjilbangs are sometimes used as a place of communication, sometimes as the ultimate escape, and sometimes as a cheap place to stay, So if you're in Korea, you should definitely go and experience one of these.

 

 

 

 

Have any questions about Korea? Please leave them in the comments! 

Check out more posts on how to enjoy Korea to the fullest.

See you in the next post!

 

Watch the video to see what we're talking about!

We've got more videos about Korea here!

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