Jjimjilbang in Korea

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Characteristics and charm of Jjimjilbang

  • Various steam room facilities: The steam room is equipped with dry and wet saunas, as well as steam rooms with various temperatures, such as loess rooms, salt rooms, and ice rooms. Each steam room boasts different benefits, and guests can choose according to their taste and physical condition.
  • Rest and accommodation function: The spacious hall of the steam room is provided with mats and pillows so that you can lie down comfortably, and it is also used as a space for cheap accommodation during late night hours. There are also many foreigners who use it instead of accommodation during their trip.
  • Colorful amenities: Most of the steam rooms have a variety of amenities, such as shops, restaurants, massage chairs, PC cafes, game rooms, and sleeping rooms, making it a great place to spend a whole day.
  • Jjimjilbang food: The food is an indispensable part of Jjimjilbang. In particular, 'Sikhye' and 'Macban Seok Egg' are like the symbols of Jjimjilbang, and eating cool sikhye and warm eggs after sweating is a special experience unique to Korean Jjimjilbang. They also sell seaweed soup, cup noodles, and sweets.
  • Blend tradition and modernity: Some jjimjilbang have a traditional atmosphere with hanok-style interiors, but they offer modern amenities to create a unique experience.
  • Cultural Experience: Visiting Jjimjilbang with family, friends, and lovers to sweat, eat, and talk together is a daily leisure activity for Koreans, but for foreigners, it is a unique opportunity to experience Korean community culture.

Jjimjilbang Tips and Etiquette (for foreigners)

  1. Admission and Fees: Pay at the counter and receive a locker key. This key can also be used as a payment method when using food or other services within the steam room.
  2. Wear a steam suit: After showering, put on the steam suit provided by the steam room.
  3. Keep quiet: Talk quietly in the hall or in the steam room, and set it to silent when using your phone so as not to disturb others. In the sleeping room, it should be quieter.
  4. Respect personal space: Leaving your seat with a towel or personal items when you're away can cause discomfort to others, so don't mark your seat with items even if you're away for a while.
  5. Restrictions on bringing in food: Most steam rooms prohibit bringing in outside food. You can use the shops and restaurants inside.
  6. Use of towels: Towels used to wipe sweat inside the steam room should be separated from towels used in the bath. Making a sheep's head towel on your head is also one of the fun Jjimjilbang cultures.
  7. Hours: Most steam rooms are open 24 hours a day, and you can usually stay for 12~15 hours. Longer stays may incur additional charges.