Amuse Jjimjil-bang in Mokpo: Finding Some Rest and Relaxation

By Maryam Ali

My favorite aspect of jjimjil-bang is how refreshed you can feel after a session. It isn’t just a sauna. It’s an experience.

I take pleasure in the experience of resting after a meal and sweating it out in a sauna. Emerging in the 90s, jjimjil-bang in South Korea have become a tourist spot and regular meeting place for locals. Scientists proclaim that regular sauna use can improve heart function and relaxation, which reduces stress. I have found that my skin has felt clearer, and my mind has been able to relax more easily. Finding an affordable jjimjil- bang in Jeollanam-do can be slightly tough post-pandemic. I’ve personally enjoyed traveling across South Korea to find a good jjimjil-bang. Some of my favorites have been Aquafield in Goyang, Centum City Spa Land in Busan, and Spadium24 in Namyangju.

In this article, I will document my personal experience visiting a jjimjil-bang closer to Gwangju in the city of Mokpo. I found it difficult to find a high-quality jjimjil-bang that could rival a major city. After days of searching online, I found Amuse Spa. A 24-hour jjimjil-bang and sauna based in Mokpo. The pictures were consistent. I could find the location on Apple Maps, Kakao Maps, and Naver Maps. I knew I had to go.

Journey to Amuse Spa

To get to Mokpo from Gwangju, you can use the intercity bus or the express train (KTX). I used the KTX website to get the tickets and was provided a QR code for the trip. I decided to visit the spa on the weekend to maximize my rest. I took a taxi to Gwangju Songjeong Station and had my KTX tickets prepared in advance. It took two stops to reach Mokpo from Gwangju. I recommend heading towards the parking lot to pick up a taxi, as that’s where they congregate. From Mokpo Station, I took a taxi to the spa. I advise using Mokpo National University as a landmark to find Amuse Spa on Kakao Taxi. In total, the journey was about 22 minutes. An alternative to a taxi is taking Bus 1 from Mokpo Station to Jugong Hoeryong Village. The journey is roughly 48 minutes, with 38 minutes on the bus and a 10 minute walk.

Purchasing a Ticket

Amuse Spa is located on the second floor of the building. There are two routes to enter the spa. I made the mistake of entering through the parking lot entrance, which takes a little longer to navigate the building. I recommend locating the main entrance near the stores, as you can choose to go up the stairs or take the elevator.

Tickets vary in tiers and are separated by the use of facilities. A membership system is also available at the spa. The price of a one-day ticket for a sauna and a jjimjil-bang is 20,000 won. An additional fee of 1,000 won per hour is imposed if you stay more than 10 hours. The ticket fee is paid at the reception desk. Once it is paid, a towel is provided, and you are asked what size clothes you would like. The colors of the clothes are determined by gender, size, and age, as children and adults are provided with different garments.

Shoes are removed at the entrance. A receipt with a number is given, which is used to pick up a wristband from the designated shoe lockers. This wristband is vital for paying for services in the jjimjil-bang – services like massage chairs, meals, vending machines, and snacks. Additionally, the wristband is used as a key to open and close the changing room lockers. You have the choice to shower and experience a public bath within the facilities.

The Facilities

Amuse Spa offers a variety of facilities, including a cold room and seven saunas (one was closed during my visit). The main hall has mats, beanbags, and a communal projector. A sleeping room and cave rooms for resting – as well as a food court, self-service ramen bar, and a snack bar. There’s also a movie room, a game room, and a massage room. Families can enjoy the designated kid’s play area, which includes a small playground and swimming pool with limited aqua play hours.

The cleaners diligently cleaned the facilities. This is important for a 24-hour service, as it shows excellent service. I enjoyed the massage chairs the most. They uniquely had a remote that could be used to change the settings of the chair.

The Food

The food court is self-service with a range of food offered on the menu. I ordered the miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) and shared the shrimp fried rice with my friend. I used the wristband to pay for my meal. I enjoyed the seaweed soup but didn’t like the banchan (side dishes) or the shrimp fried rice. After finishing the meal, I emptied the food waste and organized the dishes into designated trays at the corner of the food court. At the snack bar, I paid at the till with my wristband and chose to have a refreshing ice cream. During my visit, I found many families and children enjoying the facilities. A third space that brings people together.

It feels great to experience a high quality jjimjil- bang without taking a long journey to reach it. I used the autopay checkout to organize the outstanding balance for all the services I tapped with my wristband. I picked up my shoes from the shoe locker and left the facility.

It was affordable, the services were varied and diverse, it was regularly cleaned and spotless, and it was relaxing. Relaxed and happy, I took the KTX back to Gwangju. If you find yourself near Mokpo, check out Amuse Spa. I highly recommend it.

Amuse Spa

Photograph by Maryam Ali.