Jjimjilbang

I have managed to catch a flue, which is the most wonderful way to start the new year. Since I don't have time to be sick, I have shown my mother around Seoul as much as I have been able to. 

When the winter and cold degrees slowly knocks on the Koreans doors, it's time to head to the Jjimjilbang. This is the name of the Korean sauna or heated bath. So what is so special about this sauna? Many things! 

As a non-Korean, Dragon Hill Spa close to Yongsan station is popular among tourists and non-koreans living in Korea. I really recommend this jjimjilbang to everybody! So…

Jjimjilbang or JJB is a large public bathhouse, usually open 24h and furnished with hot tubs, showers, swimming pools and massage tables. The public areas has plenty of heating rooms with different temperatures, salty saunas and even an ice room. The entrance to the JJB is more or less than 10,000krw, which will allow you to enjoy all the facilities for 12 hours. At the reception you will receive a towel and clothes meant to wear in the public areas. 

The lounge with floor heating has a purpose. In many cases, if Koreans fall asleep in the JJB, there is no worries. It's allowed to sleep over and this is even a common accommodation for Koreans traveling around in their country. The jjimjilbang is a very affordable way to get washed and some rest, even though the floor is not as soft as a bed. 

In the women's washing room you will see the strong "ahjumas" (the old korean women) in swim suits aggressively rubbing away your dead skin. For around 10,000 krw you will basically lie naked on the massage table while the ahjuma peals your skin. This is a treat Korean women are used to, but something that might hurt a sensitive tourist. Something that might be shocking for a tourist is that Korean women, in the JJB only, are not ashamed of their bodies at all. I'm used to cover myself with a towel on my way to the shower, but in Korea there is no need. To add one more thing, be prepared that as a non-korean, you will get a lot of looks. It's not everyday that Korean women will experience the sight of a "white" woman's body. The washing room is furnished with everything you need to wash yourself, like soap, toothpaste, herb baths etc. 

The jjimjilbang is a great place for couples, well hello, welcome to Korea, what is not suiting for a couple in love? The JJB offers korean meals, snacks, drinks, norebang (karaoke), Pc-rooms and games. 

What surprised me, was the Finland Sauna, which was not like a finnish sauna at all. Of course, we appreciate their effort though. 

After a few hours in heating rooms, herb baths and hot showers, you will feel reborn. All muscles are relaxed and you will feel cleaner than ever before. I must say, this has been one of the greatest experiences so far in South Korea, and I will definitely do it again. It's affordable, relaxing and a great way to hang out. As my dear friend Sol told me: "Usually it's difficult to get your friend to the jjimjilbang. Korean women are ashamed to show themselves naked to their friends, so if you go together to the JJB, you are really close friends!" So sweet!

Two heating rooms

Me and my mother in the salt sauna. So hot!

Sol and my mother in the Ice room