A public bathhouse, or “jimjilbang” in Korean, is one of the most intimidating things to try as a foreigner. The idea of being nude in front of a bunch of strangers is some people’s worst nightmare. However, a trip to a jimjilbang with friends is just as common as a trip to a cafe or arcade for Koreans. Take the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try this unique experience.

Visiting a Jimjilbang

The first visit to a jimjilbang can be nerve-wracking, but here is what you should expect.

What to Bring

While you can purchase everything you could need for a bathing experience at the jimjilbang, the little costs can add up. Here’s a recommended list of things to bring to make the first experience smooth.

Shower toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Razor
Skin care items, like cleansers and creams
Lotion

While it isn’t necessary, it’s also a good idea to bring a change of clothes. After spending time in the jimjilbang, it will be great to have fresh clothes to continue the day’s (or night’s) adventures.

Entering the Jimjilbang

You must remove your shoes when entering the jimjilbang. Then, you’ll approach the counter where you will pay an entrance fee. This entrance fee can range from 8,000 won to 18,000 won ($6 USD to $15 USD) for a set amount of time, which is usually around 12 hours. The receptionist will give you two towels, an electric key bracelet, and a pair of cotton lounge clothes. Then you’ll put your shoes into a shoe locker that opens by using the electric key bracelet. The bracelet is your lifeline. It is how you’ll use your locker as well as pay for snacks and additional services you may use inside.

The Changing Room

Once shoes are safely locked away, you proceed to the changing rooms. These are gender-separated, usually by floor. Once you enter the changing room, be prepared for naked people everywhere ... you’ll soon be one of them. Find your locker with the number that matches your bracelet and lock away everything you won’t need for your time in the baths. This includes your clothing. In order to enter the shared baths, you need to be nude. No one will care as everyone else is naked. If not partaking in the different baths, change immediately into the given lounge clothes and head to the common areas.

When ready to leave the jimjilbang, the changing area is full of complimentary skincare items, lotions, blow dryers, and even brushes. There is also a separate area where you can buy any toiletries you may have forgotten for a small fee. This will be charged to your bracelet to be settled on the way out.

Showers, Baths, and Scrubs, Oh My!

Enter the shower room with just one of your towels and your toiletries. The first thing to do is shower before entering a bath. This is to get any dirt off before getting in the shared bath. It is similar to going swimming in community pools. Once the shower is finished, it’s time to take a bath. For women, you have to pull your hair up into a bun before entering the baths. The baths are all different, ranging from ice cold to pits-of-hell hot. Some baths are infused with herbs for different health effects. Some are indoors and some are outdoors with protection from those who might be tempted to sneak a peek. Spend as much or as little time in the baths as you want.

Feel So Smooth: “Seshin”

While jimjilbangs offer many other beauty treatments like massages and facials, the most common one to experience is “seshin,” or a full-body scrub. For a small fee, you can have every inch of dead skin scrubbed away by a ddemir, a “scrub mistress” or “scrub master.” After soaking in a bath, the ddemir clad most often in black underwear will use an “Italy towel” that is just a very rough washcloth to exfoliate every inch of your body. You will feel like a new person after witnessing the amount of dead skin that they shuck off your body. Koreans believe that a weekly or bi-weekly “seshin” will encourage blood flow and help the skin’s natural glow shine through.

Snacks, Saunas, and Shared Spaces

Once you’re finished being scrubbed and your hands are pruney, it’s time to move to the shared common spaces. After getting dressed in the provided lounge clothes, there are plenty of other spaces to enjoy. Besides the various saunas, the most common type of shared space is a large room full of mats for people to lounge on (an example of this is shown at the top of the article). In this space you can also purchase snacks like sauna eggs, which are just hard-boiled eggs steamed in one the saunas in the facility, and shikye, a sweet rice punch that is very refreshing after soaking in the baths. All snacks and other services are charged to your electronic wristband. The large space also doubles as sleeping quarters late at night, providing an option for late-night and last-minute accommodations. Some of the fancier jimjilbangs like the famous Dragon Hill Spa will include other things like PC bangs, karaoke rooms, and even a movie theater to enjoy while relaxing in the facilities.

Leaving the Jimjilbang

Once you are ready to leave, it's a simple process. Dress back in your normal clothes and get ready like you would any other place. Before heading to the lobby, throw your lounge clothes and towel in the bin near the entrance of the changing room. Return the receptionist who will scan your electronic wristband and have you pay for any services or things purchased while in the jimjilbang. Once the bill is settled you will be able to collect any other belongings and leave.

Foreigner-Friendly Jimjilbangs

While most jimjilbangs will invite foreigners in with open arms, there is bound to be some confusion. However, there are a few places that are equipped to deal with visitors from all over the world. These are the most famous foreigner-friendly places.

Dragon Hill Spa in Seoul

Dragon Hill Spa is located in Yongsan, Seoul. The quickest way to arrive is to take subway line 1 and get off at Yongsan station. Exit the station through exit one and be greeted by the enormous Dragon Hill Spa sign. Dragon Hill Spa is a 24-hour jimjilbang. The entrance fee is 12,000 won or around $10 USD for a 12-hour time limit.

Spa Land in Busan

Spa Land is located in the Shinsege Department Store in Centum City, Busan. The department store is the largest one in the world, and Spa Land takes up three of the floors and can host up to 1,500 people at once. To get to Spa Land, take subway line 2 to the Centum City exit. Follow the signs to enter the department store, then follow the signs to find the entrance on the first floor of the department store. While a bit more upscale than Dragon Hill, the downside to Spa Land is that it is not 24 hours and costs a bit more to stay for a short period of time. For a four-hour experience, an adult will pay 15,000 won or around $13 USD.

Final Thoughts

Everyone should experience a jiljilbang at least once during their time in Korea. Coming out after enjoying the baths, getting an invigorating scrub, and grabbing a snack is one of the easiest ways to experience Korean culture in a hands-on way. Once you get over the idea of being naked in front of everyone, you’ll find yourself feeling relaxed and renewed and wanting to plan your next visit.

Bathtime with Strangers: Jimjilbangs