Top 8 Must-Try Activities at the Korean Jjimjilbang!
Wondering how to properly enjoy a Korean jjimjilbang? Check out this ultimate guide for the top 8 must-have jjimjilbang experiences!
When winter hits, Koreans swarm to jjimjilbang for a good time! From sweating it out to eating delicious food and playing games, we're here to guide you through eight essential experiences for an unforgettable jjimjilbang visit during your Korea trip!
Reserve popular jjimjilbangs in advance!
Top 8 Must-Try Activities at the Korean Jjimjilbang
1. Bathing
출처: CNN
Let's kick off our jjimjilbang adventure with a dive into the communal bath. Koreans believe that a good, hot bath can do wonders for blood circulation. But here's the insider tip: it's not just any bath—some jjimjilbangs offer special baths with water pressure massages. So be sure to try it if you want to wash away fatigue!
출처: Joongang daily
Also, check out the scrubbing service in the bathhouse. Picture this: they are meticulously scrubbing away the day's stresses and impurities from your back, leaving you feeling refreshingly cool! Typically, you'll be charged extra for this experience, but it's a small investment for a big dose of relaxation!
2. Make a Lamb Head Hat
출처: All for Jin
For those who have watched Korean dramas or variety shows, you've probably seen celebrities rocking a particular hat in jjimjilbangs. That's right – it's the signature lamb head hat which is a fun aspect of the jjimjilbang experience!
출처: KBS
Lamb head hat is the trend of folding a towel into horn shapes and wearing it on the head. It's cute, functional, and prevents the scalp from overheating. For a quick tutorial on how to fold a lamb head hat, check out this blog!
3. Sauna
출처: Korea drama land
Jjimjilbangs have large saunas with unique ondol rooms named after medicinal herbs. For example, the "Hwangto-bang" uses yellow clay, promoting blood circulation and relaxation. It's perfect for those seeking the benefits of yellow clay!
Next to the sauna, there's also an ice room which helps cooling down your heated muscles and tightens skin elasticity. Spend around 30 minutes in the 40-degree Celsius sauna and take a 5-minute break in the ice room to avoid catching a cold!
Hongdae 24-Hour Bulgama Sauna
4. Steam Room
Jjimjilbangs also have a steam room reaching up to 80 degrees Celsius. While it's said to help eliminate toxins, be mindful that the high temperature may not suit everyone. Check your body condition before giving it a go!
Miso Sauna
5. Sleeping Room
Arriving in Korea early in the morning, missing transport, or needing a budget-friendly place to crash? Try using a jjimjilbang! With private sleeping rooms, it's a comfortable and economical option—just pay the entrance fee for free access to sleeping facilities!
출처: Korea drama land
Note that sleeping rooms in jjimjilbangs do not have individual doors or locks. Keep your personal items with you and store valuables in the provided lockers!
Sparex Dongdaemun
6. Try Jjimjilbang Snacks
In jjimjilbang, you can't miss the popular snacks: roasted eggs and sikhye (traditional sweet rice drink). For extra fun, play a game of rock-paper-scissors with friends, and the loser gets an egg cracked on their forehead!
Recently, jjimjilbangs have gained popularity for offering menus that you can grill yourself. From traditional Korean snacks like sweet potatoes and garaetteok to hearty meals like samgyeopsal (pork belly), they have it all! The experience of grilling your own food adds a unique and delicious twist to the whole experience.
Supsok Hanbang Land
7. Massage Chair
출처: lesserafim official youtube
Feeling travel fatigue? Try the massage chairs in jjimjilbang. Prices vary, but generally, you can enjoy a full-body massage for around 2,000 to 3,000 KRW for 15 minutes. On busy days, massage chairs tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend grabbing a seat quickly.
8. Comfort Facilities
출처: dragon hill spa
Some jjimjilbangs go beyond saunas, featuring facilities like gyms, pools, game rooms, and playgrounds. It's a versatile space for all ages, ideal for creating happy memories with family and friends!
Reserve popular jjimjilbangs in advance!
Now are you ready to spend a healing day at a Korean jjimjilbang? Keep these 8 tips in mind and you'll be able to enjoy the jjimjilbang like a true local! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
