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Jjimjilbang Guide: The Best Places for Your Korean Sauna and Spa Experience

Have you ever heard of jjimjilbang before? If you’re a big K-culture fan, you would’ve probably heard or seen it in K-dramas or Korean reality shows. Basically, it’s a traditional Korean bathhouse equipped with facilities to relax and rejuvenate one’s senses. These Korean saunas play a huge part in Korean culture, where guests can enjoy various healing treatments. 

Traditional jjimjilbang is gender-segregated and usually has hot and cold showers, saunas, and massage areas, which have evolved into having a fitness center, outdoor pools, recreational areas, snack bars, or nail salons. It’s totally a one-stop destination for relaxation. So, if you’re curious enough to try a Korean sauna experience, here’s what first-timers should know:

      • After paying the admission fee, you’ll be given clothes to change into, towels, and a key to your locker. Make sure to use these clothes when going inside. 
      • You can leave your items in designated lockers. Your outdoor shoes are not allowed inside the premises.
      • Shower first before entering the pools. If you don’t want to get your hair wet, tie them up.
      • Usual toiletries will be provided, but bring your own just in case. 

Now that you have an idea of the dos and don’ts of going into jjimjilbang in Korea, it’s time for you to know the best jjimjilbang near you in Korea. Keep this list handy!

 

Jeonnam Damyang Resort Hot Spring Sauna

via KKDay supplier

Jeonnam Damyang Resort is ideal for traveling families because it’s big and spacious. They have 13 kinds of hot spring baths at different temperatures too! It’s near Gwangju downtown, which makes for a great place to relax with beautiful natural scenery. Aside from their facilities, they have a restaurant and cafe.

Address: 202, Geumseongsanseong-gil, Geumseong-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
Operating Hours: 6:30 am to 8 pm Monday to Sunday, Open during holidays

 

 

Sinbuk Hot Spring Hot Spring Sauna

via KKDay supplier

Sinbuk Hot Spring is best known to offer sodium bicarbonate hot springs in Gyeonggi province. The water from its hot spring comes 600 meter underground, which is known to have good effects on the skin with its anti-aging properties. This relaxing resort offers amenities for adults and kids to enjoy. We highly suggest trying their open-air bath.

Address: 571, Cheongsin-ro, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Operating Hours: 8 am to 6 pm (open-air bath)

 

 

Jeju Sanbangsan Carbonate Hot Spring 

Jeju also has its fair share of hot springs that tourists will love. Jeju Sanbangsan, the first public hot spring in the province, is one you should visit, because of its high-quality carbonate hot spring which keeps the body warm and lowers blood pressure. They have an open-air bath, sauna, sleeping rooms, and outdoor pools for everyone to enjoy. 

Address: 192 192 Sagyebung-ro41beon-gil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours (indoor bath: 6 am to 12 am)

 

 

Busan Spa Land Centum City 

via KKDay supplier

Your trip to Busan is best enjoyed with a luxurious spa at Spa Land Centum City. It’s Busan’s biggest public bathhouse, having different facilities that cater to health and wellness. They offer 13  themed sauna rooms for every kind of pleasure. Though it’s a traditional spa house, they provide upscale amenities and all-natural spring water in their bathhouse. It’s an ideal choice for calm and comfort without breaking the bank. 

Address: 35 Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
Operating Hours: 9 am to 10 pm daily 

 

 

Sulwhasoo Balance Spa 

via KKDay supplier

Sulwhasoo is popularly known as a Korean skincare brand, but did you know that they also have a spa place in Seoul? Sulwhasoo Balance Spa is one of Korea’s top spa destinations, as they provide treatments targeted for every part of the body. From massage treatments to scalp care, exfoliation, and moisturizing regimen, you can get a luxurious therapeutic experience at Sulwhasoo Balance Spa. 

Address: 4, 18 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily

 


Cheong Kwan Jang Spa 1899

via KKDay supplier

Treat yourself to a spa experience like no other at Cheon Kwan Jang in Busan. This spa place is famous for its signature treatments for the face, body, and foot. It highlights the use of red ginseng in their body treatments which boosts the immune system and relieves stress. Come try their modern therapeutic packages that suit everybody’s needs!

Address: 277 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae, Busan, South Korea
Operating Hours: 9:30 am to 10 pm daily

 

 

Paradise City Cimer Spa 

via Paradise City Cimer Facebook

Looking for a place to relax just before heading home? Paradise City Cimer Spa is just a 10-minute ride away from Incheon International Airport, so if you have time to spare, best use it for a few hours of relaxation. This spa place is perfect for families, specifically their Jjimjil Spa. With different rooms catering to specific body needs like releasing toxins, relieving foot fatigue, or getting rid of waste. Aside from their spa treatments, it also doubles as an art gallery, featuring impressive works of international artists around Cimer. 

Address: 186, Yeongjonghaeannam-ro 321-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
Operating Hours: 10 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday); 10 am to 9 pm (Saturday, Sunday, Holidays)

 

 

The & Resort Hotel SPA ON

via KKDay supplier

Just a five-minute drive away from Gatmaeul Beach lies The & Resort Hotel and Spa. This resort offers a spa experience that uses a slightly alkaline hot spring with minerals that de-stresses the body. More than their stylish and well-appointed rooms, hotel guests love the outdoor pools and sauna to unwind. 

Address: 260, Gaemae-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Operating Hours: 8 am to 10 pm (Sunday to Thursday); 7 am to 11 pm (Friday to Saturday)

 

 

Find more authentic traditional experiences in South Korea! Check out KKDay for activities you can book.

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