💡 Quick Summary for Guests (핵심 요약)
- Public Bath / Bathhouse (대중탕): Gender-separated, 100% naked. It includes hot tubs and professional body scrub services (Seshin). (남녀가 엄격히 분리된 공간이며, 옷을 모두 벗고 이용합니다.)
- Jjimjilbang (찜질방): Public bath + communal sauna area. You must wear the provided uniform in the sauna area. (대중탕에 찜질 공간이 더해진 곳으로, 찜질 구역에서는 전용 옷을 입습니다.)
🛀 1. Korean Public Bath & Body Scrub (대중탕 및 때밀이 세신)
In Korea, public bathhouses are divided into strictly separate sections for men and women.
- Nudity Policy (복장 규정): You must take off all your clothes before entering the bathing area. No swimsuits are allowed. (탕 안에 들어갈 때는 모든 옷을 벗어야 하며, 수영복 착용은 금지됩니다.)
- Basic Etiquette (기본 에티켓): Always wash/shower your body thoroughly before getting into the hot tubs. (탕에 들어가기 전 반드시 샤워를 먼저 해야 합니다.)
🧼 How to Get a Korean Body Scrub / Seshin (때밀이 세신 이용 방법)
A Korean body scrub is a unique spa service where a professional scrub technician cleanses and exfoliates your entire body using specialized gloves (Italy Towels).
- Ask the Technician (세신사에게 신청하기): Go to the scrub station inside the bath area and tell the technician you want a body scrub (“Seshin-haego sipeoyo”).
- Waiting / Appointment (대기 및 시간 확인): If the technician is available immediately, you can start right away. If they are busy, they will tell you what time to return. Warm up in the hot tub while waiting to soften your skin!
- Experience the Scrub (세신 받기): As shown in the video below, you will lie completely naked on a vinyl-covered table while the professional exfoliates your body.
👇 Watch this video to see what a Korean Body Scrub is like:
(Removing Toxins & Dead Skin Cells With a Korean Scrub | Refinery29)
🧖♀️ 2. What is a Jjimjilbang? (찜질방이란?)
A Jjimjilbang is a large-scale Korean leisure facility that combines traditional public bathhouses with communal sauna rooms, relaxation zones, and snack bars.
- The Bath Section (대중탕 구역): Same as a standard bathhouse—gender-segregated and completely naked.
- The Sauna & Lounge Area (공동 찜질 구역): Unisex and social! You must wear the t-shirt and shorts provided at the entrance.
🐣 Fun Things to Do at a Jjimjilbang (찜질방 즐길 거리)
- Try Sauna Snacks (찜질방 먹거리): Baked eggs (Maekbanseok gyeran) and sweet rice drink (Sikhye) are must-try traditional snacks!
- Explore Hot & Ice Rooms (온도별 찜질방 체험): Relax in various rooms ranging from charcoal kilns to ice rooms.
- Sleep & Relax (휴식 및 수면): You can take a nap in the common lounge or sleeping caves.
👇 Check out this video to learn how to enjoy a Jjimjilbang like a local:
(How to Enjoy a Korean Sauna like a Local | VisitSeoul TV)