Seoul Jjimjilbang Guide: Korean Spa Etiquette, Best Locations & What to Expect

Visiting a jjimjilbang (찜질방) is an essential Seoul experience. These 24-hour Korean bathhouses offer hot tubs, saunas, sleeping rooms, restaurants, and more - all for just ₩10,000-₩18,000. Here's everything international visitors need to know before their first jjimjilbang visit.

What is a Jjimjilbang?

A jjimjilbang (찜질방, literally "heated room") is a large, gender-segregated public bathhouse supplemented by communal entertainment and relaxation areas. Think of it as a Korean spa, sauna, entertainment center, and budget hotel combined into one facility.

What's Inside a Jjimjilbang?

1. Gender-Segregated Bath Areas (Naked Areas)

The bathing zones are separated by gender. Everyone is completely naked in these areas (no exceptions). You'll find:

• Hot Pools: Various temperatures (38°C - 45°C), often infused with herbs, minerals, or tea
• Cold Pools: Ice-cold plunge pools (10°C - 15°C) for contrast therapy
• Showers: Individual shower stations with provided soap and shampoo
• Vanity Area: Mirrors, hairdryers, skincare products
• Steam Rooms: Traditional Korean sauna rooms
• Scrubbing Stations: Where you can pay for Korean body scrub service

2. Communal Areas (Clothed Areas)

After bathing, you'll change into provided uniforms (usually shorts + t-shirt) and can access co-ed areas:

• Theme Saunas: Clay room, salt room, ice room, charcoal room (each with different health benefits)
• Sleeping/Resting Areas: Heated floors with pillows, perfect for napping
• Food Court: Korean snacks, instant noodles, boiled eggs, sikhye (sweet rice drink)
• Entertainment: TV lounges, reading areas, gaming rooms, karaoke
• PC Rooms: Some locations have computer gaming areas
• Gym: Basic exercise equipment (larger jjimjilbangs)

Jjimjilbang Etiquette: Essential Rules

Before Entering Bath Areas

• ✅ Remove ALL clothing and jewelry before entering bath areas
• ✅ Shower thoroughly before entering any pools (mandatory)
• ✅ Tie long hair back (hair ties provided)
• ✅ Use provided plastic baskets for carrying toiletries
• ❌ No phones or cameras allowed in bath areas (serious offense)
• ❌ No swimsuits allowed in bath areas (everyone is naked)

In the Bath Areas

• ✅ Shower before entering any pool
• ✅ Use provided scrub towels gently
• ✅ Keep hair out of pools
• ✅ Respect others' privacy - no staring
• ✅ Wring out towels away from pools
• ❌ Don't jump or splash in pools
• ❌ Don't shave in pools (use shower area)
• ❌ Don't take photos (illegal and extremely rude)
• ❌ Don't talk loudly (it's a relaxation space)

In Communal Areas

• ✅ Wear provided uniform (shorts + t-shirt)
• ✅ Use your locker key bracelet for all purchases (paid at exit)
• ✅ Keep noise levels reasonable
• ✅ Share sauna space - don't sprawl out
• ❌ Don't block doorways or walkways
• ❌ Don't eat in sauna rooms (only in food court)

What to Bring (And What's Provided)

Provided by Jjimjilbang

• ✅ Uniform (shorts + t-shirt)
• ✅ Small towel for bath area
• ✅ Locker key bracelet
• ✅ Basic soap and shampoo (in bath area)
• ✅ Hairdryers
• ✅ Toothbrushes (usually available for purchase ₩1,000)

What to Bring

• 🎒 Optional but Recommended:
• Your own toiletries (better quality than provided)
• Face wash and skincare products
• Hairbrush or comb
• Book or entertainment (for communal areas)
• Earplugs (if you plan to sleep - can be noisy)
• Towel (larger than provided) - optional
• Change of underwear (for after)

Leave at Home

• ❌ Valuables (just bring cash/card for entrance + extras)
• ❌ Expensive jewelry (lockers are safe but why risk it?)
• ❌ Camera (phones allowed in communal areas only)

Best Jjimjilbangs in Seoul (2025)

1. Dragon Hill Spa - Yongsan (Most Famous)

Price: ₩15,000 (adults, 24hr) | Additional: ₩3,000 after midnight
Location: Yongsan Station, Exit 1
Size: 7 floors, over 60 sauna rooms

Why It's Famous: The most foreigner-friendly jjimjilbang in Seoul. Massive facility with English signage, diverse international clientele, appeared in many K-dramas and variety shows.

Unique Features:

• 7 different floors with theme saunas
• Rooftop pool (summer only)
• Movie theater
• Gaming room with PS5
• Multiple restaurants (not just snacks)
• Oxygen room, ice room, jade room, charcoal room

Best For: First-timers, families, English-speakers, overnight stays
Tip: Visit during weekdays for less crowds

2. Siloam Spa - Seoul Station (Most Convenient)

Price: ₩14,000 (adults, 12hr) | ₩4,000 extra 12-24hr
Location: Connected to Seoul Station
Size: 5 floors

Why Choose: Unbeatable location inside Seoul Station - perfect before/after train rides or flight day. Modern, clean facility with great amenities.

Unique Features:

• Connected to Seoul Station (easy with luggage)
• Premium bath area with city views
• Women's-only floors available
• High-quality restaurant
• Business traveler friendly

Best For: Transit stays, business travelers, convenient location
Pro Tip: Perfect if you have early morning train/flight - sleep here the night before

3. Sparex Gangnam (Luxury Option)

Price: ₩18,000 (adults, 24hr)
Location: Gangnam Station, Exit 10
Size: 4 floors, boutique-style

Why Choose: Most upscale jjimjilbang experience. Quieter, cleaner, more modern than traditional facilities. Less crowded, more refined atmosphere.

Unique Features:

• Premium bath products (Aesop, Lush brands)
• Smaller, more intimate (caps capacity)
• High-end food options
• Better quality sleeping mats and blankets
• Stricter quiet hours enforcement

Best For: Couples, quality over price, quieter experience
Tip: Advance booking recommended on weekends

4. Yeongdeungpo Hangang Jjimjilbang (Budget-Friendly)

Price: ₩10,000 (adults, 24hr)
Location: Yeongdeungpo, near Han River
Size: 3 floors, traditional style

Why Choose: Authentic local experience, cheapest quality option, frequented by Koreans (very few tourists). Traditional jjimjilbang atmosphere.

Unique Features:

• Lowest prices in Seoul
• Authentic Korean atmosphere
• Excellent scrubbing service (₩20,000)
• Traditional Korean snacks
• Less crowded even on weekends

Best For: Budget travelers, authentic experience, avoiding tourist crowds
Note: Limited English, but jjimjilbang experience is self-explanatory

5. Itaewon Land (Most International)

Price: ₩13,000 (adults, 12hr) | ₩3,000 extra 12-24hr
Location: Itaewon Station, Exit 4
Size: 3 floors

Why Choose: In the heart of foreigner-friendly Itaewon. Staff speaks English/Japanese/Chinese. Very accommodating to nervous first-timers.

Unique Features:

• Multilingual staff
• International food options
• Smaller, less intimidating
• Popular with expats
• Great for nervous first-timers

Best For: International visitors, English speakers, small groups
Tip: Ask about scrubbing services at front desk

Korean Body Scrub (때밀이 - Ttaemilgi)

What is It?

A traditional Korean exfoliation service where an ajumma (older Korean lady) scrubs your entire body with a rough mitt, removing dead skin cells. It's intense, thorough, and surprisingly popular despite the initial awkwardness.

The Experience

• Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Price: ₩20,000 - ₩35,000
• What Happens: You lie naked on a massage table while ajumma scrubs your entire body (yes, including private areas - stay professional)
• Feeling: Rough, scratchy - but not painful. Like a very thorough exfoliation
• Result: Incredibly soft, smooth skin. You'll see rolls of dead skin being scrubbed off (fascinating/gross)

Body Scrub Tips

• ✅ Soak in hot bath for 10-15 minutes first (softens skin)
• ✅ Book during off-peak hours (less wait time)
• ✅ Close your eyes and relax (don't tense up)
• ✅ Tip ₩5,000-₩10,000 if service was great (optional but appreciated)
• ❌ Don't shave same day (can irritate freshly scrubbed skin)
• ❌ Don't get scrub if you have sunburn or skin injuries

Is It Worth It?

Yes! It's a unique Korean cultural experience and leaves your skin amazingly soft. First-timers are often nervous but almost everyone ends up loving it.

Typical Jjimjilbang Visit Timeline

Quick Visit (2-3 hours)

• 0:00 - Check in, get locker key and uniform
• 0:05 - Change and go to bath area
• 0:10 - Shower thoroughly
• 0:15-0:45 - Enjoy hot pools and cold plunge
• 0:45-1:00 - (Optional) Body scrub service
• 1:00-1:15 - Final shower, dry off, skincare
• 1:15-1:20 - Change into uniform
• 1:20-2:00 - Try theme saunas (clay room, salt room, ice room)
• 2:00-2:30 - Snack time (sikhye + boiled eggs)
• 2:30-2:45 - Change back, return uniform
• 2:45-3:00 - Pay for extras and exit

Overnight Visit (12+ hours)

• Evening: Check in around 8-10PM
• 8-9PM: Bath and soak
• 9-10PM: Dinner in food court
• 10-11PM: Theme saunas
• 11PM-7AM: Sleep in resting area (heated floors)
• 7-8AM: Wake up, morning bath
• 8-9AM: Breakfast
• 9-10AM: More relaxation or check out

Jjimjilbang Prices Breakdown

Entrance Fees

Jjimjilbang Level	Day Rate (12hr)	24hr Rate	Overnight Surcharge
Budget	₩10,000	₩12,000	₩2,000
Mid-Range	₩14,000	₩17,000	₩3,000-₩4,000
Premium	₩18,000	₩18,000	Included

Additional Services

• Body Scrub: ₩20,000 - ₩35,000 (20-30 min)
• Full Body Massage: ₩40,000 - ₩80,000 (50-60 min)
• Hair Wash: ₩10,000 - ₩15,000
• Face Mask Treatment: ₩15,000 - ₩25,000
• Towel Rental (large): ₩2,000 - ₩3,000
• Private Room (per night): ₩80,000 - ₩150,000

Food & Drinks

• Sikhye (sweet rice drink): ₩3,000
• Boiled Eggs: ₩1,000 - ₩2,000
• Instant Ramen: ₩4,000 - ₩6,000
• Korean Meal Sets: ₩8,000 - ₩15,000
• Snacks: ₩2,000 - ₩5,000
• Beer: ₩5,000 - ₩7,000

Common First-Timer Concerns

"I'm nervous about being naked in front of strangers"

This is the #1 concern for foreigners. Here's the truth:

• ✅ Everyone is naked - you won't stand out
• ✅ No one is looking at you - everyone minds their own business
• ✅ It's not sexual at all - completely normal and family-friendly
• ✅ You'll get comfortable within 5 minutes - seriously
• ✅ It's a cultural norm - very different from Western culture but totally normal in Korea

Pro Tip: Just do it. Every foreigner who was nervous beforehand says it was no big deal afterward.

"Will people stare at me because I'm foreign?"

Occasionally yes, but not in a negative way:

• Koreans might be curious (especially if you have tattoos)
• They won't approach or bother you
• At popular jjimjilbangs (Dragon Hill, Siloam), foreigners are common
• Just smile and be friendly - Koreans are welcoming

"I have tattoos - is that okay?"

Yes! Tattoos are increasingly accepted in jjimjilbangs:

• ✅ Most modern jjimjilbangs allow tattoos
• ✅ Tourist-friendly places don't care at all
• ⚠️ Very traditional or older facilities might ask you to leave (rare)
• 💡 If worried, call ahead or choose Dragon Hill/Siloam (definitely OK)

"Can I go if I don't speak Korean?"

Absolutely! Jjimjilbang is very intuitive:

• ✅ Visual signage is clear
• ✅ Follow what others are doing
• ✅ Staff at popular places speak basic English
• ✅ Use translation app if needed
• ✅ Fellow visitors are often happy to help

What to Eat at Jjimjilbang

Must-Try Traditional Snacks

1. Sikhye (식혜) + Boiled Eggs

The most iconic jjimjilbang combination. Sikhye is a sweet, cold rice drink that's incredibly refreshing after hot saunas. Pair with hard-boiled eggs (crack on your head for luck!). Price: ₩4,000-₩5,000 combo.

2. Ramyeon (라면)

Korean instant noodles taste amazing after sweating in saunas. Most jjimjilbangs have instant noodle stations where you can make it yourself. Price: ₩4,000-₩6,000.

3. Baked Sweet Potato

Traditional winter snack, warm and comforting. Price: ₩3,000-₩5,000.

4. Patbingsu (팥빙수) - Summer

Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet red beans. Perfect refreshment in summer. Price: ₩8,000-₩12,000.

Health Benefits of Jjimjilbang

Physical Benefits

• Detoxification: Sweating removes toxins
• Improved Circulation: Hot/cold therapy boosts blood flow
• Muscle Relaxation: Heat soothes sore muscles
• Skin Health: Deep cleansing and exfoliation
• Better Sleep: Relaxation promotes quality sleep

Mental Benefits

• Stress Relief: Forced relaxation time
• Mental Clarity: Quiet time for reflection
• Social Connection: Bonding experience with friends/family
• Cultural Immersion: Authentic Korean experience

Jjimjilbang vs Other Spa Experiences

Jjimjilbang vs Western Spa

• Price: Jjimjilbang ₩10K-₩18K vs Spa $100-300+
• Duration: Jjimjilbang 24hr access vs Spa 1-2 hours
• Atmosphere: Jjimjilbang casual vs Spa luxury/quiet
• Services: Jjimjilbang DIY vs Spa full-service

Jjimjilbang vs Japanese Onsen

• Tattoos: Jjimjilbang increasingly OK vs Onsen often banned
• Social: Jjimjilbang chatty vs Onsen quiet/meditative
• Facilities: Jjimjilbang entertainment areas vs Onsen nature-focused

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit a jjimjilbang alone?

Absolutely! Solo jjimjilbang visits are very common. It's a great way to relax and recharge. You'll see many locals visiting solo.

Are children allowed?

Yes, jjimjilbangs are family-friendly. Children prices: Age 4-12 usually 50% off, under 4 often free. Co-ed areas are perfect for families.

Can couples go together?

Yes! You'll be separated in bath areas but can enjoy all communal areas (theme saunas, food court, sleeping areas) together in your uniforms.

What if I'm on my period?

You can still visit! Just skip the pools and enjoy dry saunas. No one will know or care.

How long should I stay?

Minimum 2-3 hours to experience it properly. Many people stay 5-8 hours. Overnight stays are popular (budget accommodation!).

Is it safe to sleep overnight?

Yes, very safe! People commonly sleep overnight. Your belongings are in locked lockers. Just bring earplugs - snoring is common!

Do I need to book in advance?

Usually no - most jjimjilbangs accept walk-ins. Ask about scrubbing services at the front desk upon arrival.

Best Time to Visit

Avoid Peak Times

• Friday/Saturday nights: Very crowded (20-30 somethings socializing)
• Sunday afternoons: Families with children
• Public holidays: Fully packed

Best Times

• Weekday mornings (9AM-12PM): Quietest time, mostly retirees
• Weekday afternoons (2PM-6PM): Moderate crowds
• Late night (12AM-6AM): Peaceful, great for sleeping

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Jjimjilbang

Visiting a jjimjilbang is one of the most authentic Korean experiences you can have as a tourist. It's:

• ✅ Affordable: ₩10,000-₩18,000 for 24 hours
• ✅ Cultural: See how Koreans relax and socialize
• ✅ Relaxing: Perfect after days of walking and sightseeing
• ✅ Unique: Can't experience this anywhere else
• ✅ Practical: Can even stay overnight (budget accommodation)
• ✅ Social: Great bonding experience with travel companions

Yes, the nudity might feel awkward for the first 5 minutes, but it becomes completely normal almost immediately. Every visitor who was nervous beforehand says it ended up being a highlight of their Seoul trip.

Last Updated: January 2025 | Prices and information verified and accurate at time of publication