Understanding Public Spas: The Jjimjilbang Guide

A visit to a Jjimjilbang (Korean public bathhouse and sauna) is often cited as the most relaxing, deeply cultural experience a tourist can have in Seoul. However, the requirement of full public nudity in the bathing areas often terrifies Western visitors. Here is how to conquer your fears and experience true relaxation.

The Two Zones: Bathing vs. Saunas

Jjimjilbangs are massive, multi-story complexes divided into two distinct areas:

1. The Bathhouse (Gender Segregated): This is where you must be completely nude. You shower completely, scrub down, and then soak in various hot, cold, and medicated pools. There are zero swimsuits allowed. Staring is considered extremely rude; everyone is focused on their own relaxation. You will quickly realize nobody cares what you look like.

2. The Sauna/Lounge (Co-Ed): After bathing, you put on the provided uniform (usually a t-shirt and shorts). You can then enter the massive co-ed lounge area. This zone features various extreme saunas (salt rooms, ice rooms, charcoal kilns), sleeping mats, arcades, and massive televisions.

The Body Scrub (Seshin)

While in the nude bathing area, you will notice men and women lying on vinyl tables being aggressively scrubbed by attendants using harsh, brightly colored mitts. This is the "Seshin" (body scrub). It costs extra (usually around 20,000 KRW), but it removes years of dead skin from your body. You will physically see the grey noodles of dead skin rolling off you. It is slightly painful but leaves you feeling softer than a newborn baby. It is highly recommended.

Jjimjilbang Snacks

You cannot visit a sauna without participating in the snack culture. In the co-ed lounge, head to the snack bar and order:

• Maekbanseok Gyeran (Sauna Eggs): Slow-baked eggs with brown shells that have a nutty flavor.
• Sikhye: An ice-cold, sweet, malted rice beverage. Drinking this after sitting in a 90-degree Celsius salt sauna for 10 minutes is a spiritual experience.

Etiquette Rules

You MUST take a full shower with soap before entering any of the soaking pools. Do not let your hair or the small modesty towel touch the water in the pools. And finally, keep noise to an absolute minimum in the bathing areas; it is a place of quiet reflection.