Seeking a refuge from Korea’s deadly heatwave? A Jjimjilbang, which is Korea’s bathhouse literally translates to a “heated room,” may be a great idea.

We understand how it sounds ironic that we suggest somewhere artificially heated when the outside has already become a place basically like a natural spa. However, if you’ve been to a Jjimjilbang, you’d understand that the true appeal of it is not in its high temperature, but in many other things.

Different from what the term “public bathhouse” makes you think, Jjimjilbang is not simply a huge bathtub. Instead, it’s a place where people of all gender and age gather – of course, fully clothed in pajama-like uniforms – to sweat out and enjoy food, feeling relaxed and recharged.

If you’re a newbie to Jjimjilbang, you may need some time to adapt to its atmosphere. However, once you get used to all the unfamiliarity, it’s the very space where you can experience the unique communal culture of the country. Plus, at the end of your day in Jjimjilbang, going back and forth between a heated room and a cold room, you could come outside being trained to the heat and humidity of the city.

 

Spa in Garden 5

10, Chungmin-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

The 6600 square-meter space is known to have the most luxurious Jjimjilbang facilities in Seoul.

 

Waterkingdom

111, Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul

This newly opened place is a multi-purpose space where visitors can enjoy Jjimjilbang and water theme park at the same time.

 

Dragon Hill Spa

40, Hangang-daero 21na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The 7-story spa located near Itaewon is distinguished with its luxurious outdoor spa.

 

By Heewon Kim