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indoor things to do in seoul | jjimjilbang

Brave a little public nudity at a jjimjilbang, and you’ll get access to an unforgettable cultural experience… one you definitely shouldn’t miss. These huge Korean saunas and bathhouses are as much a way of life for locals as kimchi!

aquafield jjimjilbang - himalayan salt room

The Himalayan Salt Crystal Room in the Jjimjilbang at Aquafield Spa in Hanam.

Everyone from couples to families to work associates visit them together to relax and socialize. But… I admit they can be more than a little intimidating at first. Worry not. In this article, I’ll fill you in on all the specific jjimjilbang etiquette you need to know, so you can fully enjoy the experience without embarrassment.

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Mogyoktang | Korean bathhouse | 목욕탕

Mogyoktang are public Korean bathhouses. These are usually basic facilities, with an area for bathing or showering. There may be a few hot tubs, steam rooms, and an area for body scrubbing. It’s gender-segregated and this is where COMPLETE NUDITY is the expectation.

For me, these places are associated with a less developed Korea. My first visits to the mogyoktang were back in the 80s when I was a kid, long before the country became the slick tech powerhouse it is today.

korea in the 1970s

Korea’s development into one of the world’s biggest economies happened in only the last 40 years

People would head to these (commonly) basement level facilities to literally take a shower or bath, because modern amenities like hot water were in short supply in the past. There are still some houses that don’t have heated bathrooms or on-demand hot running water in modern day Korea, so neighbourhood Korean bathhouses are still a very common sight.

Jjimjilbang | 찜질방

Jjimjilbangs are comprised of heated rooms and traditional kiln saunas of varying temperatures and properties. These are enjoyed by all genders together, wearing uniforms provided by the facility. Commonly, people shower in the mogyoktang area first, then head to the jjimjilbang to relax, sweat, eat, and socialize.

jjimjilbang: traditional kiln sauna

Jjimjilbang in Korea always have kiln saunas with varying temperatures and properties

It’s better to think of it as a cultural complex and entertainment facility, since many families, friends, and couples make a full day out of visiting the jjimjilbang.

Besides the mogyoktang and Korean saunas, you’ll also find restaurants, tv / movie rooms, nail salons, spas, massage chairs, PC rooms, noraebang, exercise rooms, sleeping areas, and much more in a jjimjilbang.

AQUAFIELD SPA  |  There are 3 gorgeous Aquafield Spas located in various malls across Korea. With multiple saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, play areas, and more, it’s a perfect place to relax for the day. Aquafield Hanam and Goyang are closest to Seoul. Check details here.

Jjimjilbang Etiquette | A Step by Step Guide

Confusion. That was my overriding emotion the first time I visited a jjimjilbang in Korea.

You’d think it’d be as simple as entering a spa, but the truth is there’s a definite etiquette that begins from the moment you enter the Korean sauna facility. Don’t worry – I’ll break this down for you step by step, so you don’t have to endure the same confusion and awkwardness I did.

jjimjilbang in korea

Visiting a jjimjilbang for the first time can be um… confusing to say the least

Store your outdoor shoes in the dedicated lockers

When you enter the jjimjilbang, you’ll likely be faced with a huge wall of small lockers. These are for your outdoor shoes, which cannot be worn into the facility.

shoe lockers at the jjimjilbang

Store your shoes in these small lockers before entering the jjimjilbang

Sometimes you pay first and are given a certain locker number and key. Sometimes, you just put your shoes in any locker, but note that they are usually segregated by gender, so make sure you’re on the right side.

Pay & receive a key, wristband, towels, and jjimjilbang outfit

After paying the admission fee, you’ll receive a numbered key / wristband, 2 small towels and a jjimjilbang outfit that’s comprised of shorts and a loose-fitting t-shirt. Take all of these items into the locker room with you.

outfit you receive at the jjimjilbang

The outfit is for the jjimjilbang area, NOT the Korean bathhouse or mogyoktang.

Find your locker in the gender-segregated locker room

If you didn’t find the shoe lockers at the entrance to the facility, they might be next to the locker rooms. If so, store your shoes before entering the change rooms. Once inside, look for the locker associated with the number on your key / wristband.

locker room at cimer spa jjimjilbang in incheon

Strip down to your birthday suit!

If it’s your first time visiting a jjimjilbang, this might be the most challenging step for you – but trust me, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Most Koreans have been going to the mogyoktang since they were small children, and it’s as natural to us as breathing. In fact, you’ll draw more attention to yourself by trying to hide, so just get out there and strut your stuff.

HEADED TO BUSAN?  |  Spa Land Centum City in Busan has 18 different hot springs, and 13 theme saunas to relax in. It’s the ultimate jjimjilbang experience, with high-quality water pulled up from 1000 metres underground! Check details here.

Enter the Mogyoktang or Korean Bathhouse area

This is the wet area of the facility and it should be your first stop BEFORE entering the jjimjilbang and other facilities. If you wish, you can use one of the towels to sit on in the steam room. Better yet – wrap your hair into yang meori.

jjimjilbang korean sauna | dasan king

Yang meori is a MUST at a jjimjilbang.

Bring your key / wristband into the mogyoktang with you, and nothing else. It’s used to keep track of anything you buy in the mogyoktang or jjimjilbang, so there’s no need to carry any cash with you. Also, don’t lose it!

Get squeaky clean in the Korean Bathhouse / Mogyoktang

In the Korean bathhouse, you’ll usually find shower stalls, hot and cold pools, a few steam rooms, and an area to get a traditional body scrub (sesin) by strong Korean women, usually only wearing lingerie, so don’t be shocked. If you’re brave enough, it’s totally worth doing. You’ll come out with skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

people relaxing in a room at a jjimjilbang

You can head straight into the jjimjilbang if you want to avoid more public nudity.

BEFORE entering any of the pools, be sure to shower yourself clean. If you want to get a scrub, give your key / wristband to the scrubbing ladies right away because there’s usually a bit of a wait. They’ll call your key number when it’s your turn.

Enjoy the mogyoktang facilities or head straight into the jjimjilbang

After you’ve showered, you can enjoy the hot tubs, steam rooms, and any other facilities in the mogyoktang. If you’d like to avoid as much public nudity as possible, you can also opt to head straight into the jjimjilbang. Be sure to change into the outfit you received at the entrance before entering, otherwise you’ll really get a lot of strange stares.

jjimjilbang outfits seoul korea

All geared up and ready to hit the jjimjilbang!

WHOO SPA in MYEONGDONG  |  Whoo SPA is a favourite of Korean celebrities who flock there for facials, massage and treatments utilizing luxurious cosmetic brands like OHUI, Whoo, and SU:M. Be sure to reserve this one at least 2-3 days in advance, as it does get fully booked. Check services at WHOO Spa here.

Get your sweat on in the jjimjilbang

Every jjimjilbang offers varying levels of services and saunas, ranging from basic to luxury. Each sauna usually has a sign outside with details about what’s inside, as well as the temperature of the room. Don’t be shy about entering any of the rooms and getting your sweat on.

jjimjilbang / korean sauna

The Cloud Room at Aquafield.

Keep in mind though, that Koreans want the jjimjilbang to be a rejuvenating and cleansing experience, so don’t ruin the peaceful vibes with loud conversation and endless selfies.

INSPIRE RESORT + CIMER SPA |  Inspire Resort is the latest premium resort in Incheon, with media shows, shopping, a casino, and so much more to do. Visit it AND the luxury Cimer Spa jjimjilbang at Paradise City on this convenient one day tour. Check details here.

Eat, relax, sleep, or play

If you need a break from all that sweating, you can take advantage of all the other amenities in the jjimjilbang, whether it’s a massage, movie, meal, or nap. Usually, your key fob is used to keep track of your purchases, and tallied up at the cash when you leave.

foot bath at aquafield spa

An outdoor foot bath at Aquafield Hanam.

SEALALA WATER PARK + JJIMJILBANG   |  The best of 2 worlds! A family friendly indoor water park AND jjimjilbang in one convenient location, right in Seoul. Check details here.

Settle your bill

When you’re all sauna-ed out, head back into the change rooms. You might want to take another quick shower to rinse off all your sweat – but this is up to you.

Drop your used towels into the bins, gather up all your belongings, and make sure you take your locker room key / wristband with you to the cash. You’ll pay for any extra services or purchases as you exit the jjimjilbang.

jjimjilbang | aquafield hanam

Leave all your stress behind at the jjimjilbang, and head back into the world refreshed.

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Jjimjilbang 101: Essential Info and FAQs

1
Do I HAVE to be totally naked in the mogyoktang? There's no law that says you must be naked, but you'd definitely get some strange looks if you showed up in a bathing suit. That said, I have visited with Korean women on their cycle, and they've worn nude underwear to blend in as much as possible.
2
How long can I stay at a jjimjilbang? Your time is usually unlimited once you've paid your entrance fee, but some of the newer ones like Aquafield and Cimer set an certain hour limit. Keep in mind though that access to the saunas and hot tubs might be restricted over night.
3
Is staying in a jjimjilbang overnight safe? Everyone from families to couples to backpackers sleep in jjimjilbangs. Your biggest problem will probably be the drunk ajusshi snoring at full volume next to you. Bring earplugs.
4
What do I need to bring to the jjimjilbang? Most jjimjilbangs will provide everything you need to shower in the mogyoktang area - including shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and creams. You might want to bring your own face wash, body wash, hair ties, and a large towel if you need it.
5
How much does it cost to visit a jjimjilbang? There's a huge range of jjimjilbang to choose from in Korea, with entrance fees starting from 10,000 to 30,000 won. Keep in mind that anything extra that you do inside will incur extra charges.

Will you brave a visit to a Korean bathhouse or jjimjilbang?

Comments:

  • Katia

    May 6, 2022

    안녕하세요 Shelley.
    Thank you so much for all your insights. I’ll defenititely go to jjijmjilbang 🙂
    What are Korean usages regarding waxing, especially bikini hair removal? Is doing it or not doing it might be shocking ?
    I’ll be in Korea end of this month and I’ll drink a toast to you and your precious blog!

    reply...
  • February 19, 2021

    thanks for sharing seems to be similar yet different to an onsen experience

    reply...
  • LeaDan

    February 18, 2021

    Are tattoos ok?

    reply...

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