What should I know about visiting a Korean public bathhouse (목욕탕) or jjimjilbang?

Korean bathhouses and jjimjilbangs are one of the best uncommon experiences in Korea, and they are very affordable. Here is the etiquette and flow.

The basics. A 목욕탕 is a traditional bathhouse with hot pools and saunas. A 찜질방 is a larger complex with bathhouses plus dry sauna rooms, sleeping areas, and food. Entry costs around 8,000 to 15,000 won for a 목욕탕 and 10,000 to 20,000 won for a 찜질방, with 24-hour stays often available at higher-end places.

Nudity is mandatory in the bath area. The bath section is gender-segregated, and you cannot wear a swimsuit. This is non-negotiable Korean bathhouse rule. The cultural understanding is that everyone is in the same situation and no one is watching. The 찜질방 communal area (after the baths) is mixed-gender and requires the uniform shirt and shorts provided at entry.

Flow at a 찜질방. At the entrance, take off your shoes and put them in a locker. Pay and receive a locker key bracelet and 찜질방 uniform. Go to the gendered locker room, undress completely, store everything in your locker, and bring only a small towel and your bracelet into the bath.

Before entering pools, take a thorough shower with soap and shampoo. Sit on a small plastic stool while washing. Use the provided basin, but do not enter the bath dirty. Korean bath etiquette is strict on cleanliness.

Soak in the various pools (hot, cold, ginseng, mugwort, etc.). When done, shower again, dry off, and put on the uniform to access the 찜질방 zones. Sauna rooms have different temperatures and themes (charcoal, salt, ice, jade). Sleeping areas and TV rooms are typical. Snack bars sell egg in foil (구운달걀) and sweet rice drink (식혜).

Some popular spots include Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan), Spaland (Busan), Aquafield (multiple cities), and Itaewon Land. Most have English-speaking front desk.