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What Are the Rules for Using Public Baths or Spas (Jjimjilbang) in Korea?

A peaceful interior of a traditional Korean jjimjilbang with heated stone rooms and people relaxing

 

What Are the Rules for Using Public Baths or Spas (Jjimjilbang) in Korea?

You’ve probably seen them in K-dramas—steamy rooms, bright orange pajamas, hard-boiled eggs, and people lounging around with sheep-towel hats. Welcome to the world of jjimjilbangs, Korea’s unique blend of public bathhouse and relaxation spa. If you're curious about how to enjoy one as a foreign visitor, you're in for a truly Korean experience—but you’ll want to know the rules before diving in.

What Is a Jjimjilbang?

A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is more than just a sauna. It’s a full-on wellness complex that includes:

  • Gender-separated bath and shower areas with hot, warm, and cold tubs
  • Co-ed relaxation zones with heated rooms, sleeping mats, snack bars, and TVs
  • Massage services, beauty treatments, and sleeping quarters for overnight stays

They're popular with everyone from travelers needing a cheap place to sleep to locals winding down after a long day.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you walk into a jjimjilbang, you’ll pay an entrance fee (usually around 10,000 to 15,000 KRW), remove your shoes, and get a key with a locker number. This key also acts as your tab—you can use it to buy snacks or services inside.

You’ll be given:

  • A set of cotton clothes (t-shirt and shorts) for the co-ed sauna areas
  • Two small towels

The facilities are divided into two main zones: the bath area (naked, gender-separated) and the sauna/relaxation area (clothed, mixed-gender).

Bath Area Rules (Yes, Everyone Is Naked)

  • No clothing or swimsuits allowed in the bath area. This is non-negotiable, and everyone—locals and foreigners alike—is expected to follow it.
  • Shower first before entering any tub. Hygiene is taken very seriously.
  • Don’t dive or splash in the tubs. Keep noise to a minimum.
  • Tattoos are often tolerated, but some conservative jjimjilbangs may ask heavily tattooed guests to leave.
  • No cameras or phones allowed in the bathing areas—for obvious reasons!

Jjimjil (Sauna) Area Etiquette

  • Wear your cotton clothes at all times in this mixed-gender space.
  • Be quiet and respectful in the rest areas. It’s a place to sleep, meditate, or read.
  • Don’t claim a sleeping mat for too long if the place is crowded.
  • You can buy snacks like hard-boiled eggs, sikhye (sweet rice drink), and ramen at the snack bar using your wrist key.

Overnight Stays

Many jjimjilbangs are open 24 hours and allow overnight stays. You’ll see people curled up on heated floors or in bunk rooms. It’s cheap, cozy, and a totally Korean thing to do—perfect if you’ve missed the last train or want to save on a hotel.

Can Foreigners Use Jjimjilbangs?

Yes—foreigners are welcome, and many jjimjilbangs are used to international guests. Staff may speak basic English, and signage often includes translations. Don’t be shy; as long as you respect the rules, you’ll have a great time.

Top Jjimjilbangs to Visit in Korea

  • Dragon Hill Spa (Seoul) – Tourist-friendly, modern, and Instagram-worthy.
  • Siloam Sauna (Seoul) – Near Seoul Station, good for overnight stays.
  • Sparex (Dongdaemun, Seoul) – Inside a mall, convenient and popular with travelers.
  • Hurshimchung Spa (Busan) – One of Korea’s largest and most luxurious bathhouses.

Final Thoughts

Jjimjilbangs are one of Korea’s most authentic cultural experiences. They’re relaxing, rejuvenating, and a great way to unwind after sightseeing. Don’t worry if it’s your first time—just follow the basic etiquette, and you’ll blend right in. Who knows, you might even find yourself returning for another steam, scrub, and nap on the heated floor.

Enjoy your jjimjilbang adventure!

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