How do I visit a jjimjilbang but I have never been to one and feel intimidated.?

Going for the first time feels intimidating and then never does again. Here is exactly what happens, in order.

목욕탕 or 찜질방?

• A 목욕탕 is a traditional bathhouse: hot pools and a sauna, nothing else. Entry is around 8,000 to 15,000 won.
• A 찜질방 is the larger complex — the bathhouse plus dry sauna rooms, sleeping areas and food. Entry is around 10,000 to 20,000 won, and higher-end places often let you stay 24 hours.

Arrival

• Take your shoes off at the entrance and put them in the shoe locker
• Pay at the front desk and take a locker key on a wrist or ankle bracelet, plus the shirt and shorts you will wear in the common areas
• Men and women have separate entrances to the bathing area

The bathing area (gender-separated, nude)

• Yes, everyone is naked, and a swimsuit is not an option. It is completely normal here and nobody is looking.
• Undress fully in the locker room and take only a small towel and your bracelet in
• Shower thoroughly with soap and shampoo BEFORE entering any pool, sitting on one of the small plastic stools. Korean bath etiquette is strict about this and it is the one rule people notice you breaking.
• Then soak: hot, warm and cold pools, and often themed ones — ginseng, mugwort, green tea, jasmine, salt

The common area (co-ed, clothed)

• Shower again, dry off and change into the provided shirt and shorts
• Themed sauna rooms at different temperatures: charcoal, salt, ice, jade
• Heated floors with the small wooden pillow-blocks, sleeping areas and TV rooms
• A snack bar selling baked eggs (구운달걀) and sikhye (식혜, sweet rice drink). The eggs are a must-try.

Etiquette

• Bring a towel or buy one there, usually 1,000 won
• Leave your phone in the locker while you are in the nude bathing area
• No outdoor shoes past the entrance
• You can stay the night — plenty of people sleep on the heated floor in the common area

Where to go first

• Dragon Hill Spa, Yongsan, Seoul: large and used to foreign visitors
• Siloam Sauna near Seoul Station: classic and very clean
• Spaland in Busan, Aquafield in several cities, and Itaewon Land are also popular, and most have an English-speaking front desk
• Go with a friend the first time if you are nervous