Credit: Aquafield Goyang

A familiar scene in Korean media features someone with a towel wrapped like ram horns on their head, sipping sweet rice punch (sikhye), and peeling roasted eggs. This quintessential jjimjilbang experience combines relaxation, food, and fun. But it's more than just saunas—jjimjilbangs offer a range of amenities, including snack bars, hot springs, and massage chairs, making them perfect for unwinding. If you’re ready to enjoy jjimjilbangs like a local, check out the tips below!

| How to Make the Most of Your Jjimjilbang Experience

Credit: Aquafield Goyang

Credit: Puksuwon Spaplex

1. Store Valuables in a Locker and Keep the Key Handy

Secure your belongings in personal lockers provided at the jjimjilbang, and always keep the key—usually worn on your wrist or ankle—close. The key also allows you to access amenities like snack bars, massage chairs, coin karaoke, and photo booths. When you're done, return the key at the counter to pay for any extras in one convenient step.

2. Start with the Cooler Rooms

For the first-timers, it might be difficult to gauge how hot the rooms are or how long you can tolerate the heat. Since everyone has a different heat tolerance, it’s best to start with the cooler rooms (30-40°C / 86-104°F). Gradually work your way up to the hotter rooms as you become more comfortable. However, be cautious with rooms exceeding 60°C (140°F)—limit your time to about 20 minutes to avoid burns or dehydration.

3. Recharge with Delicious Food

After sweating it out, refuel at the jjimjilbang’s snack bar, which serves classic Korean treats like fish cake bars, fried chicken, tteokbokki, cup noodles, and ice cream. A favorite among visitors is the affordable and satisfying combination of roasted eggs and sweet rice punch, with the punch being perfect for refreshing a dry mouth. For a more traditional experience, you can also try dishes like seaweed soup (miyeokguk) or a roasted grain powder drink (misutgaru), offering a unique taste of Korea.

| Idol-Approved Jjimjilbangs

# Aquafield Goyang

Credit: Aquafield Goyang

Credit: Aquafield Goyang

Aquafield Goyang is the jjimjilbang visited by TREASURE members on their reality show "Treasure Map." This facility offers not only saunas but also various themed rooms, such as the red clay room, salt room, heated stone room, and media art room, making it a perfect place to unwind. The media art room, where you can watch videos while enjoying heat therapy, has garnered special attention from international fans for its artistic ambiance.

Credit: Aquafield Goyang

Credit: Aquafield Goyang

After enjoying the jjimjilbang, you can step out onto a beautiful rooftop pool with stunning views of Bukhansan Mountain. There's also an indoor pool with a glass ceiling, allowing visitors to enjoy water activities year-round. What sets Aquafield Goyang apart is its comprehensive range of amenities that combine relaxation with convenience. Located inside the expansive Starfield Mall, it offers access to shopping, dining, movies, and more, making it the perfect destination for a complete leisure experience.

# Puksuwon Spaplex

Credit: Puksuwon Spaplex

Credit: Puksuwon Spaplex

ITZY members Yuna and Chaeryeong called Puksuwon Spaplex the most famous jjimjilbang while passing through their hometown of Suwon in their show “ITZY? ITZY!”. The spa features alkaline hot spring water sourced from 800 meters underground, offering a natural hot spring experience. Its amenities include a variety of baths—hot bath, very hot bath, event bath—and both dry and wet saunas. Notably, the 8th floor is dedicated to separate spaces for men and women, ensuring privacy and comfort.

Credit: Puksuwon Spaplex

Credit: Puksuwon Spaplex

On the 9th floor, the Relax Zone is ideal for couples, friends, and families. This area features several jjimjilbang spaces, including an amethyst kiln room, a steam room, a stalactite ice room, and a Finnish sauna. In the Finnish sauna, you can experience the traditional practice of pouring water over hot stones to create steam and enhance the heat. The highlight of Puksuwon Spaplex is Bali Street, designed to evoke the ambiance of a tropical resort. Its Bali Room, which offers private relaxation, is especially popular—advance bookings are highly recommended to secure your spot.

* This column was last updated in November 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.