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Jjimjilbang Guide: The Korean Spa Experience
A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a Korean bathhouse and sauna — one of Korea's most unique cultural experiences. Here's everything you need to know for your first visit.
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What Is a Jjimjilbang?
A jjimjilbang is a large, gender-separated public bathhouse with hot pools, cold pools, saunas, and a communal lounge area. Koreans go for relaxation, socializing, and even overnight stays. It's completely normal and not weird at all — families, couples, and friends all go together. The bathing area is nude (gender-separated), but the communal sauna/lounge area is clothed (they give you pajama-like uniforms). Entry costs 12,000-20,000 KRW and you can stay as long as you want, even overnight.
Your First Visit: Step by Step
1
Enter & Pay
Pay at the front desk (12,000-20,000 KRW). You'll get a locker key (wristband), a towel, and a set of matching pajama-style clothes. Some places have an English menu — Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan and Siloam Sauna near Seoul Station are foreigner-friendly.
2
Separate by Gender
Men and women go to separate bathing areas. Store your clothes in your locker. Yes, the bathing area is nude — this is totally normal in Korea. Nobody stares, nobody cares. Shower thoroughly before entering any pool (mandatory).
3
Bathe
Hot pools (various temperatures from warm to very hot), cold plunge pools, and sometimes outdoor baths. Try the mugwort (쑥) bath or the mineral water pool. Soak, relax, rotate between hot and cold. There are usually scrub tables where you can get a full-body scrub (called 때밀이, costs extra ~20,000-30,000 KRW) — it's intense but your skin will feel brand new.
4
What to Wear Inside
You'll be given a set of pajama-like clothes at the entrance — that's what you wear in the communal areas. In the gender-separated bathing areas, you go fully nude (no swimsuits). For the sauna rooms, most men just wear the provided outfit without underwear. Women tend to wear underwear underneath. Tip: bring a spare pair of underwear in a small bag to change into after — you'll sweat a lot.
5
Change into Pajamas
After bathing, dry off and put on the provided uniform (everyone wears the same thing). Head to the communal floor — this area is co-ed and clothed.
6
Enjoy the Common Area
The common floor has themed saunas (salt room, jade room, ice room, charcoal room), a snack bar, TV rooms, sleeping areas, and sometimes a PC room or noraebang (karaoke). Try baked eggs (맥반석 계란) from the snack bar — they're a jjimjilbang tradition. Wrap the small towel around your head like a lamb horn (양머리) for the full experience.
What It Costs
| Entry (day use) | 12,000-15,000 KRW |
| Entry (overnight stay) | 15,000-20,000 KRW |
| Full body scrub (때밀이) | 20,000-35,000 KRW |
| Oil massage (optional) | 40,000-80,000 KRW |
| Baked eggs (snack bar) | 2,000 KRW |
| Sikhye sweet rice drink | 2,000-3,000 KRW |
| Extra towel | 1,000 KRW |
Prices as of Mar 2026. May vary by location.
Etiquette
Do
- Shower thoroughly before entering any pool — there are shower stations with soap and shampoo provided
- Tie long hair up before entering pools
- Try the full body scrub at least once — it's a uniquely Korean experience
- Drink sikhye (sweet rice drink) from the snack bar — it's a jjimjilbang tradition
- Use the sleeping rooms if staying overnight — mats and pillows are provided
Don't
- Don't wear swimwear in the bathing area — it's nude only (gender-separated)
- Don't take photos in the bathing area — strictly prohibited
- Don't stare at others — nudity is normal here and nobody pays attention
- Don't submerge towels in the pools — keep them on the side or on your head
- Don't be loud in the sleeping areas — people actually sleep here overnight
Foreigner-Friendly Jjimjilbangs in Seoul
Dragon Hill Spa (용산) is the go-to for tourists — massive, English-friendly, open 24 hours. Siloam Sauna (영등포) near Seoul Station is popular with backpackers. Spa Land in Busan's Shinsegae Centum City is the luxury option.
Quick Reference
Stay Duration
Unlimited (day or overnight)
What to Bring
Nothing — towels, soap, uniform all provided
Best Time
Weekday evenings or early mornings (less crowded)
Tattoo Policy
Tattoos are totally fine in Korean jjimjilbangs — unlike Japan, Korea doesn't have a tattoo ban at public baths
Plan Your Visit
Seoul monthly averages to help you pack right
Jan-1°-8°18mm
Feb2°-6°25mm
Mar9°0°40mm
Apr17°6°65mm
May23°12°90mm
Jun27°18°130mm
Jul29°22°370mm
Aug30°22°290mm
Sep26°16°140mm
Oct19°8°45mm
Nov10°1°50mm
Dec2°-5°20mm
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