What to Expect in a Korean Jimjilbang (Bathhouse)

If you have ever watched a k-drama, you would have seen characters lounging in matching clothes, munching on boiled eggs or have seen your favourite k-pop idols wearing those iconic sheep hats, then you already have a glimpse what a Korean bathhouse is. Jjimjilbangs are a mix of wellness spa, community hub and a quirky experience.

A jjimjilbang is a large, gender-segregated bathhouse that also offers unisex communal areas with heated rooms, saunas, sleeping zones, snack bars, and entertainment facilities. Koreans visit to relax, detox, and spend time with friends or family.

Let's give you a guide on how to be a local in Jimjilbang…

When you arrive at the bathhouse, you pay entry (usually ₩10,000–₩20,000) and are given a locker key, a set of comfortable cotton clothing, and a small towel. The key is not only to lock your belongings safely in the lockers but can also be utilized as your snack payment chip.

Prior to going into the hot baths, you are required to shower properly in the bathing area which is a nude zone with hot baths, cold plunge pools, showers, and sometimes body scrub services are also provided. Having come from a foreign land, it was a bit uncomfortable but Koreans view it as natural and not sexualized.

I remember the first time I stepped into a jjimjilbang, I was hesitating at the entrance of the bath area, unsure where to start. The friendly ajumma (older lady) at the counter gave me a reassuring smile, as if to say, “You’ll figure it out.”

Then you put on cotton clothes and head to jjimjil rooms. Each room has a different temperature and theme from Himalayan salt rooms to ice rooms for cooling down. Some are scorching hot, encouraging deep sweating, while others are cozy enough to nap in. You can go in and out as you like, adjusting to your comfort level.

A visit to a jjimjilbang is never complete without sikhye (sweet rice drink) and hard-boiled eggs. You can see individuals lying on floor with friends or loved ones, watching TV or even sleeping. Some jjimjilbangs provide 24-hour entry, and therefore they are an affordable overnight stay solution.

- Bring your own toiletries if you have a preference.

- Don’t wear shoes in the bath or sauna areas.

- Stay hydrated because saunas can be intense.

- Respect the quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

A jjimjilbang isn’t just about bathing it’s about slowing down, enjoying the heat, and connecting with Korean culture in its most down-to-earth form. Whether you go alone or with friends, you’ll leave feeling lighter, cleaner, and strangely addicted to boiled eggs.