jimjilbang....suggestions?

[sleepyinseoul]

Hey everyone I've been here for just over a year and have yet to hit up a jimjilbang and my curiosity is getting the better of me.  Does anyone have any suggestions or stories regarding the Korean sauna experience?  Thanks.

[SuprD3vil]

There is a great (huge) Jinjibang in Youngsan called Dragon Hill Spa. I took my sister there when she visited in January. She loved it, it was 10,000 won to enter and you get a little bracelet tag that you use as a charge card while you're there. They have several floors of activities including massage, scrub downs, threading, etc. Lots of fun !
http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=610102

[lauralauramac]

This blog is excellent:

http://saunasinkorea.blogspot.com/ 


I second Dragon Hill spa too.  It gets busy but has everything you could ever need.

[hermitgirl]

Just prepared to be naked around a lot of people and be prepared to be stared at.  If you can get past that it will be a wonderful experience for you!  I have been here for almost a year.  I went once.  I am glad I experienced it but I don't think I will go again.  I don't know....but it just creeps me out to be in a pool of water with a bunch of naked people when i can't smell any bleach or chlorine...maybe it was just the one I went to. 

[Davey]

Just prepared to be naked around a lot of people and be prepared to be stared at.  If you can get past that it will be a wonderful experience for you!  I have been here for almost a year.  I went once.  I am glad I experienced it but I don't think I will go again.  I don't know....but it just creeps me out to be in a pool of water with a bunch of naked people when i can't smell any bleach or chlorine...maybe it was just the one I went to.

if anybody is uncomfortable with it, you can simply skip the bathtub and go directly to the sauna.

[UK girl]

I like them. Good when you have a cold, hungover, need a cheap place to stay (if they provide sleeping mats, not just the sauna-y stuff) and very relaxing and good for skin, airways etc etc.

However, if you do decide to sleep there, DO NOT STAY ALONE! I have never had any problems personally, but I know of people (including a close friend) who have been in horrible situations there. I won't divulge, but it isn't nice. Staying even in the female bedrooms does not mean you are safe, there is nothing to stop men coming in. Also, in the mixed bedrooms, there is nothing to stop people...staring and being inappropriate while you sleep, even if you are with someone there!

Despite these horrible things, I think they are a great idea and I still go. Some are far better than others, so do not be put off if you go to one and it is a bit small or doesn't offer many services- they vary greatly.

Also, I always wear underwear(knickers/panties). Barely anyone does, and you shouldn't really, but there is not problem with it if you don't want to get completely naked! No one will say anything,

Anyway, give it a try!

[amyssi]

i've been to the one in yongsan.. its huge and clean and nice. i agree that you should definitely not go alone. go with at least 2 other friends and stay together at all times. you dont really need to worry about things being stolen from you, however.
its great if youre drunk and need a place to stay for a few hours.

[sleepyinseoul]

forgot to mention i'm essentially on one leg for the next few weeks.  does anyone know if the dragon hill is all stairs or does it have elevators?  Thanks again to everyone for the information.

[Freeto]

forgot to mention i'm essentially on one leg for the next few weeks.  does anyone know if the dragon hill is all stairs or does it have elevators?  Thanks again to everyone for the information.

Dragon Hill has an elevator.

[Freeto]

Also, I always wear underwear(knickers/panties). Barely anyone does, and you shouldn't really, but there is not problem with it if you don't want to get completely naked! No one will say anything,

Please don't wear underwear in the baths. Unsanitary considering everyone else scrubs themselves clean before going in the baths. You'll also invite more stares that way.

[JuliusCaesar108]

This walks you through what it's like being in one.  Although each one is different, this should give you some tips.
Even if you don't watch it, one thing to keep in mind - if you want to avoid seeing someone naked that you might know, student or co-worker, it's best to avoid this by going to one in a city far away from you.

Another thing to keep in mind is the snoring!!  >_<  They don't know when to quit - so before even traveling, go to a store and buy some earplugs if you are a light sleeper.  Also take an eye mask with you in case you need it darker.  Not all 찜질방's have mats/blankets, but if they do, and you travel alone, those mats are fair game to be taken away if you go to the bathroom or something.

I hope these tips are helpful.

[LemonWater]

If you're travelling around the country, they are a great place for cheap accommodations. You get a nice hot tub an Sauna before heading to bed .. . as a foreigner, you will get some stares, but, if you're comfortable with that, it is a nice relaxing way to spend the night.

[mryogurt892]

If your going to try and sleep Bring EARPLUGS!

[peasgoodnonsuch]

I think there is some confusion on here between Jjimjilbangs and Sauna's as they are defined in Korea. Often a place will have both, but not always.

Jjimjilbang: Heated room that's communal (you're wearing the official shorts and t-shirt set) and you sweat

Sauna: Hot tubs located in the shower area of each gender's changing area where you must wash yourself first and be naked with others

As long as you aren't afraid of being naked, I think both are a blast! I find it extremely relaxing, and great for my skin.

If you're in Bundang/Yongin area, I recommend one near Jukjeon called Neuri e Deul. It's at the bus stop called "Jukhyeon Ma-eul" near the cafe streets.

They have 2 restaurants, a snack bar, massage chairs, a norae bang, pc bang, and different rooms with things like salt, charcoal, or gems lining the walls to add health benefits to your sweating!

I can't vouch for the safety of jjimjilbangs, as I've always been with others, but I think it's best to be safe than sorry!

[DeMayonnaise]

What's wrong with getting naked? Are you guys middle school students or something? I go to saunas/jimjilbangs a lot (though haven't in a while) and dont feel uncomfortable at all at em.

And don't wear your underwear! Gross! The water is perfectly clean, providing you take a shower before you get in. I know the Koreans all scrub (and scrub, and scrub, and scrub) before they get in, so it's the foreigners I'm more worried about making the pool dirty.

[cltaylor35]

I have a question.... I have done Spa's before, but not jimjibangs.... I am a big girl and i tried to go to one but they didnt have shorts big enough to fit me... this weekend i an thinking of going to the famous one in Busan, to the spa... do you think it will be OK if i bring my own tshirt and short to use in the jimjibang??

[mandalynn2104]

yes it is totally okay to bring your own shorts/tshirts -- i would just recommend that they are the modest side (no short-shorts or tank tops).

I also have the same problem.  Sometimes they will have bigger and/or men's sizes if you ask (large-ee size-uh ee-soy-yo?)

[Paul]

Yeah, I'll third Dragon Hills. They have English info aplenty, the odd funny sign, and many if not most of the patrons are in fact foreign (Japanese) so there's a bit more ... subdued sauna and jjimjilbang etiquette for a premises of that sheer size.

[cowboy7]

Dragon Hill ftw.

I've been to a good number of these and it's the best so far. 

[Stephanoushka]

Ladies,
Please be careful.