Jjimjilbangs!
By Erica Ravi
Photos courtesy of Zzimzilbang.com
Many Koreans seek relaxation in public bathhouses, more commonly known as jimjilbangs. When in Korea, do as the Koreans do! After working out, I love hitting up my local jimjilbang, VIP, in Bongseon-dong, which is close to home, and only sets me back 6,000 won. I was turned on to this aspect of Korean culture through Warren Parson’s GIC Tour to Andante Spa in Jangheung last December. Now I am addicted and want to spread the word!
Jimjilbangs are usually open 24 hours a day, offering plenty of options for patrons. Unlike typical spas one finds in the West, Korean bath houses are inexpensive (ranging from 6,000 – 10,000 won) — and yet, just as gratifying. Jimjilbangs are separated by gender and house a variety of hot spring baths and saunas. Depending on what kind of jimjilbang it is, there may also be sleeping quarters with ondol-heated floors and a restaurant.
Keep in mind that you do have to bare it all in the wet areas of jimijilbangs. The sentiment of the nude rule stems from the fact that high temperatures may cause toxic chemicals from clothes and/or bathing suits to seep out. In the saunas, you are given clothes by the facility to wear. At the front desk, you will be given the clothes and a key to your locker. Before entering the saunas, you are expected to shower, which is in the same area as the baths.
Most baths contain some sort of Korean medicinal herb, local green tea leaves, or clay that help maintain skin health. There are usually a few baths to choose from, all with varying temperatures. The multiple saunas are kiln-heated at different temperatures as well, giving bathers even more variety to sweat in.
These saunas are usually walled in by wood from local trees, roots, salt or other types of minerals that have medicinal purposes. Personally, I love that I can taste the salt or whatever is burning while sitting in these unique saunas. They are all beautifully decorated, too. VIP, the local jimjilbang I frequent, has a sauna adorned with multi-colored salt crystals that form a mosaic of bonsai trees against a baby blue sky. Burke Williams Spa has nothing on jimjilbangs.
Jimjilbangs are a great option for those traveling around Korea on a budget. An inexpensive alternative to love motels and hostels, jimjilbangs offer more than pension. If you are the type of traveller who needs privacy, then a jimjilbang is probably not your best option. However, if you are looking for a way to unwind from a long bike trip or hike and you do not mind nudity and some noise, what better way to end your day than with a warm bath, sauna, food and a massage?
Some jimjilbangs actually have restaurants that serve local dishes. Most jimjilbangs serve baked eggs that are eaten like hard boiled eggs and cooked in the saunas. To help cool you down, jimjilbangs serve sikhye, a Korean traditional rice beverage that is brewed like tea, super-sweet and known to help aid hangovers. Some bathhouses serve patbingsu, one of Korea’s most popular desserts made from fresh fruit, shaved ice and red beans.
For an extra fee, you can receive a massage. I have not had the pleasure of the experience myself, but if you like it rough, they are intense. A cupping therapy also is available at VIP and I am sure at other jimjilbangs. Cupping is a form of ancient medicine that helps with digestion and metabolism, as well as aids in the relief of muscle tension and soreness. The massage also leaves circle marks on your body for a few weeks if kept on for a long time (more than 15 minutes).
Jimjilbangs are open all year round. If you are a newer international resident to Gwangju like myself, warm up to the culture and venture to your local jimjilbang!