I have always been intrigued by those bathhouses frequently depicted in Kdramas. Protagonists would often visit bathhouses. They would wear those orange clothes, cover their head with an orange towel (which looks a little comical); sleep on the floor, and eat boiled eggs when they wake up. So naturally, during my summer 2024 Seoul visit, I tried jjimjilbang.
At A Glance
What is Jjimjilbang?
Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean bathhouse. Koreans (of all ages) would often visit these bathhouses to relax, rejuvenate, and socialize. With amenities such as hot and cold pools, steam rooms, dry saunas, massage areas, and rest areas, locals believe that frequenting these bathhouses improves blood circulation and relieves stress.
Since Jjimjilbang is an activity deeply rooted in Korean traditions, I had to try it... So I went to a bathhouse called Sparex Korean Spa.
My Korean Bath House Experience at Sparex Korean Spa
I googled a bathhouse nearby and one of the results was the Sparex Korean Spa. I was rather apprehensive because the name doesn't sound relaxing or traditional. A Korean colleague willfully searched it through the Naver Maps (maps locals often use in Korea), and we concluded that it was a legit Korean Spa. It has a fair rating so I did not expect much. I just wanted to experience jjimjilbang.
Sparex is the largest Korean Spa in Seoul located at B3 of Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Here is how my Korean bath house experience went.
I checked in a little before midnight. These bathhouses are open 24/7.
The receptionist checked me in and handed me a wristband with a number that corresponded to my shoe locker and main locker numbers.
I removed my shoes and entered a gender-specific locker hall where I'd leave my stuff. Phones are not allowed in the pool area, so I had to leave it too.
A lady staff handed me a pair of Orange pajamas and 2 small towels. Nope, I did not wear those pajamas right away. Those are my change of clothes after my relaxing bath experience.
I entered the gender-specific pool area, and no clothes were allowed. So that's why it's a phone-restricted area!
I took a shower before dipping in their pools. There were 3 hot water pools with designated temperatures, a normal-temperature pool, a cold pool, and even a kiddie pool. As for me, I took a 15-minute bath in the 34.5-degree hot water pool which is just perfect for me. Not too hot, not too cold. Then I tried the pool at normal temperature and soaked for 20 minutes.
I tried their sauna at 65 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. I scrubbed and exfoliated then rinsed everything off in the shower.
I then changed into my bright orange pajamas. So relaxing.
I met a Chinese friend. She's here for a short layover as well. We went down one level to the common resting area. There were ahjussi (uncles), ajjuma (aunties), even men and women my age who were sleeping and resting on the floor. There were Korean pillows and blankets.
I tried sleeping in the common resting area but the one dedicated to females was more comfortable for me. It's colder and the lights were shut. There were fewer people too. There are no beds, so be ready to sleep on the floor. I dozed off despite the snoring and a few noises here and there. That bath made wonders because back home, I am a light sleeper.
After around 3 hours of sleep, I showered and headed to the food court to eat 2 Korean sauna eggs (2000 Won or 1.45 USD) and a cup of Americano (3000 Won or 2 USD). Locals would usually pair the eggs with sikhye (4000 Won or 3 USD) but I just got up bro, so it's gotta be coffee. Korean Sauna eggs are steamed in the sauna for a long time. The extended period of cooking gives them their signature brown color with creamy yolk. They taste quite nutty. Sikhye is a traditional Korean beverage made from fermented steamed rice. It is sweet because malt is added. These sikhye are usually found in groceries and convenience stores.
I returned to the female lockers to get changed. I charged my phone on the free charging station for about an hour. I checked that I did not leave any personal things behind and went on my way.
Here are some things to note.
Almost everything requires additional fees, even the toiletries. Since I brought my toiletries, this was never my problem.
Take a shower before dipping in the pools, please.
If you want to exfoliate in the sauna, please bring your exfoliant and body scrub.
If you want to charge your phone, please bring a universal adapter. There is a free charging area but the chargers' compatibility with your phone is uncertain.
Be prepared to soak with others in the nude. Be careful not to stare as well. lol
Be prepared to sleep on the floor.
What can you do in a Jjimjilbang?
Here are the things you can experience in a Jjimjilbang.
Soak and relax in pools with various controlled temperatures.
Rest and detoxify in dry saunas and steam rooms.
Relieve stress with a relaxing massage. Kindly check if it is already included in your admission fee. In my case, it wasn't.
Rest your head in the resting areas.
Top off the experience with Korean sauna eggs and sikhye at the food court. Ramyun is also available.
How to get there
Sparex Korean Spa is located beside Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a multicultural complex that might already be on your itinerary since it stages diverse cultural events such as exhibitions, product launch shows, forums, fashion shows, and conferences. This was also featured in various KDramas such as "You Who Came from the Stars" and "She Was Pretty". It is also renowned for its unique and intricate design.
After a day of touring in Seoul, head to Dongdaemun Design Plaza and rejuvenate in Sparex Korean Spa nearby. Here's how to get there.
Take the train along Lines 2, 4, or 5 and alight on Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.
Go through exit 14 towards Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
Take the lift or escalators to B3.
Is Jjimjilbang expensive?
With just 15,000 Won (9 USD), you can stay overnight. So I would say, for such an experience? It is not expensive. There are two options.
Day stay - 12,000 Won (9 USD)
Overnight stay (8 PM onwards) - 15,000 Won (11 USD)
Although not everything is covered by those admission fees, they cover the essentials for a relaxing and complete jjimjilbang experience.
Would you try this too? It is definitely a must-try when you visit Korea. You can also check out my blog on how I spent 24 hours in Seoul for the latest ideas on your next South Korean trip.
See you on my next blog!
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