Alright, so I finally went to check out one of those Korean bathhouses, a jjimjilbang. Heard a lot about them, figured I’d give it a shot myself.
First thing, you walk in, and there’s usually a counter right there. I went up, paid the entrance fee. Wasn’t too expensive. They handed me a key, like on a wristband, which was pretty neat because it unlocks your lockers and you can use it to buy stuff inside later. They also gave me the standard issue outfit – just simple shorts and a t-shirt.
Okay, next step was finding the shoe locker. You gotta take your shoes off before really going in. Found the locker number matching my key, stuck my shoes in there, locked it up. Felt a bit weird walking around barefoot right away, but everyone does it.
Then I headed to the changing rooms, men’s side obviously. Found my main locker, again using that wristband key. This is where you strip down completely. Yeah, everything off. Packed my clothes away, grabbed the little towel they give you (it’s seriously small) and the toiletries I brought.
Hitting the Baths
So, first stop is the bathing area. Important part: you absolutely have to shower thoroughly before getting into any pools or tubs. They have rows of shower stations, some standing, some sitting. I grabbed a spot, scrubbed down properly. You see everyone else doing it, so you just follow along.
After the shower, I checked out the tubs. They usually have a few:
- A real hot one
- A warm one
- A cold plunge (takes your breath away!)
- Sometimes ones with herbs or minerals
I started with the warm one, eased myself in. Then braved the hot tub for a bit. Hopped into the cold plunge after – wow, that wakes you up fast. Just dipped in and right back out. Spent maybe half an hour just soaking and moving between the different temperature waters. It’s actually really relaxing once you get used to being naked around strangers. Nobody really cares or looks.
The Sauna Experience
Dried off a bit, put on the shorts and t-shirt uniform they gave me, and headed to the communal area. This is where the actual ‘jjimjilbang’ part is – the dry saunas. These rooms are shared by men and women.
There were several different rooms, all heated to different temperatures and sometimes lined with different materials.
- Salt Room: Covered in salt blocks, pretty warm. Supposed to be good for your skin. Sat in there for maybe 10 minutes.
- Clay Room: Lined with yellow clay. A bit hotter. Stayed a little while.
- Ice Room: Needed this after the hot rooms. It’s literally a freezing cold room to cool down quickly. Really refreshing.
I just wandered between them, spending some time sweating it out in the hot ones and then cooling off. Lots of people were just lying on the heated floors in the main common area, chilling out, watching TV, or sleeping.
Relaxing and Snacking
After the saunas, I was feeling pretty relaxed but also hungry. Found the snack bar area. Used my wristband key to pay – they just scan it and you settle the bill when you leave. Had to try the classic jjimjilbang snacks:
- Smoked Eggs: They cook them in the saunas or something. Taste different than regular boiled eggs. Pretty good. Cracked one on my head like I saw others do, just for fun.
- Sikhye: That sweet rice drink. Super refreshing, especially after sweating so much.
Found a spot on the floor mats in the common area, ate my eggs, drank the sikhye, and just zoned out for a while. Some people bring books, some chat quietly, lots were napping. I actually dozed off myself for maybe an hour on one of the wooden pillows they have scattered around. Surprisingly comfortable.
Wrapping Up
Woke up feeling pretty refreshed. Decided it was time to head out. Went back to the bathing area for a final shower, got properly cleaned up this time with soap and shampoo. Dried off, went back to the locker room, got dressed in my regular clothes.
Walked back out towards the entrance, stopping at the shoe locker first to get my shoes. Then went to the front counter. Handed them my key. They scanned it, checked if I bought anything (which I did, the eggs and drink), and I paid the extra amount. That was it. Walked out feeling super clean and incredibly relaxed. Definitely something I’d do again.
