Intro
There is no better place than a Jjimjilbang or public bathhouse to relieve the fatigue of living in Korea. However, for foreigners visiting for the first time, the internal procedures and usage methods may feel unfamiliar. Once you know how to get your key at the entrance and the etiquette for common areas, you can enjoy Korea's warm bathing culture much more comfortably.
Quick Summary
Use the numbered key received at the counter for both the shoe rack and the locker.
Shaving or washing your body at the shower station before entering the tubs is a mandatory etiquette.
After changing into the sauna suit, you can enjoy various themed saunas along with Sikhye and roasted eggs.
What is the procedure for entering a Korean public bathhouse?
You can use the shoe rack and locker in turn using the numbered key received after paying the usage fee at the entrance counter. First, when you pay for the Public Bathhouse (대중목욕탕 Daejung mokyogtang) at the counter, you will receive a receipt or a key with a number on it.
First, put your shoes in the shoe rack and take the key to the locker room. Find the locker with the same number inside the locker room to store your belongings. If you use the Jjimjilbang facilities together, you will wear the Sauna Suit (찜질복 Jjimjilbok) received upon payment before or after bathing, so please keep it well.
Is there any etiquette to follow when using the bathhouse facilities?
The most important etiquette is to wash your body thoroughly at the shower station before entering the tubs. Korean bathing culture involves sharing the same tubs with many people, so maintaining cleanliness is essential. After showering, you are free to enter hot or cold tubs, and it is recommended to tie your hair or wrap it in a towel so that it does not touch the water.
If you want to keep your skin smooth, you can use a Scrub Towel to remove dead skin cells yourself, or you can request a professional Body Scrub service. When using the scrub service, you should check for reservations in advance and pay an additional fee.
What are the most popular snacks and activities in the Jjimjilbang common area?
The highlight of the Jjimjilbang is relaxing in sauna rooms of various temperatures while eating cold Sikhye and roasted eggs. After bathing and changing into your sauna suit, move to the common lounge where you can easily find a snack bar selling Sweet Rice Drink (식혜 Sikhye) with ice and savory Hard-boiled Eggs (맥반석 계란 Maekbanseok gyeran).
Experience relief and relaxation by moving between various themed sauna rooms such as the loess room, salt room, and ice room. At this time, making a Lamb Head (양머리 Yangmeori) shape by rolling a towel on both sides of your head is one of the fun ways to enjoy Korean Jjimjilbang culture.
Quick Korean Dictionary
대중목욕탕 (Daejung mokyogtang): Public Bathhouse
찜질복 (Jjimjilbok): Sauna Suit
식혜 (Sikhye): Sweet Rice Drink
맥반석 계란 (Maekbanseok gyeran): Hard-boiled Eggs
양머리 ( Yangmeori): a Lamb Head
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The public bathhouse culture may feel unfamiliar at first, but once you experience it, it will become one of the best healing spaces in your Korean life. Follow the guide introduced today and enjoy the warm culture of Korea with confidence.
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