What is Jjimjilbang? Why should I go? Why would I want to be around strangers? Why would I pay for that if I have my own shower? These may be questions you may be asking yourself when we say this is something you should go do in Korea. It may seem weird at first but this is very popular with the locals. A jimjilbang is a gender-segregated bathhouse that is open 24 hours a day. They offer a variety of things like soaking pools, bath and massage areas, some saunas, sleeping rooms, food, and places for entertainment. People in Korea may come to these monthly, maybe even weekly.
The main reason many foreigners do not want to come to the Jjimjilbang is because you are in your birthday suit at the bathhouse. Yes, it may sound weird but no clothes once you go inside. This is why they are segregated by gender. Once you enter you get a towel, gown, and wristband- this may vary with places. Oh, and before we move on Korean towels are not like the western towels you are used to. The best comparison would be that they are like the size of a hand towel so don’t think you can hide behind the towel. The wristband you get has your locker number, this is where you can put all your clothes and other things. Then you shower before entering the jjimjilbang, you cannot skip this step at all. Also, people with long hair have to keep it tied back at all times when inside. When showering you can use your own toiletries but you can also buy them there.
Every place will be different so you will have to do your research if you want to have a specific treatment but there are so many in Seoul you will be able to find one. When you decide to leave it's the reverse of what you did to get in, once you are ready to leave make sure to turn in everything they gave you at the start. Many Koreans may stay all day but you can come and go as quickly as you want. You can even sleep here, but it's not a luxury place. You sleep on a mat on the ground so if you want to do this, good for you, you are experiencing something new!
Most Jjimjilbangs are priced around 14,0000 KRW for the first 12 hours and then you pay an additional fee if you stay longer. Some things in the bathhouse may cost extra like the spa. This is paid when you leave the bathhouse. When you go make sure to treat yourself if this is a one-time thing, maybe you will like it and want to come back. Even if you only go for an hour, this is something you should try once while in Korea.
Recommended Jjimjilbang: Dragon Hill Spa
Address:40, Hangang – daero 21 na – gil, Yongsan – gu, Seoul.
Seoul Subway Yongsan Station, Exit Yongsan Square
Hours: All-day
Cost: Admission fee starts at 13,000 to 16,000 KRW per adult.
A few tips of etiquette when going to the bathhouse is make sure to be respectful of others, this not a place of noise, it’s one of tranquility. You often come here to disconnect and relax. You can have your phone in the dry areas but make sure to be respectful of those who are there if you are taking pictures or other things. While in the wet areas just mind your own business. If you're not staring at others, they won’t stare at you. If you want to know more about the place you are going to make sure to research it before you head out as many places have different rules.
By Marissa Owens, Intern Editor
Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Related Posts About Korea
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/top10-places-to-visit-in-seoul.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/top10-things-to-do-in-seoul.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/diverse-cafes-in-korea.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/food-in-korea.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/visit-other-university-campuses-in-seoul.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/noraebang-and-pc-bang.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/museums-in-korea.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/local-markets-in-korea.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/go-to-korean-bathhouseaka-jimjilbang.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/walk-through-traditional-hanok-village.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/now-you-must-be-wondering-can-i-wear.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/han-river-and-parks.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/top-10-places-to-visit-near-seoul.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/suwon.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/everland.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/korean-folk-village.html
http://ssh42share.blogspot.com/2020/07/ganghwado-island.html