A Jjimjilbang is a traditional bathhouse and a vital part of Korean culture – these heated rooms are also known as Korean Spa. It is common for locals to hang out, soak, and engage in various beauty-related rituals and services.
A basic Jjimjilbang offers a traditional experience with various types of baths and saunas. In contrast, the newer ones offer a variety of services including nail bars, restaurants, movie rooms, and swimming pools!
Let’s review 5 of the best Korean Spas in Seoul
Hongdae 24h Sauna 홍대24시불가마사우나 in Hongik Univ. Area
- Price Range: 10,000KRW – 15,000KRW
- Address: 쓰리알유시티 B1, 1 Sinchonro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 0507-1378-3304
- Open: 24hours
For a unique and relaxing experience in Seoul, visit the 홍대24시불가마사우나 (Hongdae 24-Hour Bulgama Sauna) in the lively Hongdae district. This traditional Korean jjimjilbang is conveniently located near Hongik University Station, making it easily accessible via Line 2, the Airport Railroad (AREX), and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line. The sauna offers a variety of facilities including a high-temperature stone kiln bulgama room for detoxification, hot and cold baths to improve circulation, and steam rooms for skin and respiratory cleansing.
After enjoying these amenities, you can relax in the communal areas with heated floors and comfortable seating, or indulge in traditional Korean body scrubs and massages for an additional fee. The in-house cafeteria provides a range of Korean dishes and snacks to replenish your energy.
Open 24 hours a day, this jjimjilbang is perfect for any time of day or night, whether you need a late-night relaxation spot or a morning refresh. The affordability and range of services make it a great value for travelers.
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Traditional Oriental Forest Land 숲속한방랜드
- Price Range: 10,000 to 16,000 won
- Address: 75-7, Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul | 서울 서대문구 봉원사길 75-7
- Phone: +82 2 365 2700
- Open: 06:30 – 22:00
This is the only authentic Jjimjilbang in Seoul. It is located in Seoul city at the center-right base of the Ansan Mountain, making it easily accessible via any transportation. The best thing about Traditional Oriental Forest is the outdoor charcoal burning kilns which are no longer found in other bathhouses in Seoul. Furthermore, they burn pinewood in accordance with the ancestral methods to make the heat for the sauna.
Moreover, they offer the only true traditional sauna Hanjeungmak in Seoul. Lastly, this place will guarantee your body to rejuvenate it’s mind, body, and soul. Besides, they offer females a resting room specifically designed by salt called the salt room. It is used for medicinal purposes offered by heated salt. You also do not have to worry about your children as they have kids play zone.
LK Spa 엘케이스파 in Seoul City Center
- Spa Package Price Range: 65,000 to 120,000 won or 55 to 101 US$
- Address: B1 & B2, 148 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul
- Phone: +82 2-2277-0060
This spa takes relaxing to a whole new level! In Seoul, the LK Spa is one of the biggest Jjimjilbangs and is located around the busiest shopping districts, Myeongdong and Dongdaemun. It is a two-story spa with a pleasingly bright and very clean environment. We recommend trying a scrubbing service. It will help you slay away all the worry along with the dull, dry skin. As an added plus, the scrub manager will provide a hot fragrance oil massage!
Moreover, LK spa contains three different kinds of sauna rooms including the Maifanshi, the Loess, and Fire, where temperatures range from 50°C to 100°C. Also, these hot springs are infused with healing ginseng, jasmine, and even red wine flavors, helping to dissolve all exhaustion from a productive shopping trip! It is located a short 2-minute walk from Euljiro 3-ga Station exit 7.
Spalei 스파레이 in Gangnam Area
- Price: 20,000KRW
- Address: 107-gil 5 Gangnamdae-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul | 서울 서초구 강남대로107길 5 (near Sinsa station)
- Phone: 02-545-4002
- Open: 24hours
Located in the upscale Gangnam area of Seoul, Spalei offers a unique blend of traditional Eastern European and Hungarian sauna experiences. This women’s-only spa features high-quality facilities and sophisticated services, merging the elegance of European Art Nouveau architecture with modern sensibilities. Guests can enjoy the spacious Korean bulhanjeungmak (dry sauna) and a special seawater bath with highly saline water from Korea’s West Coast, providing a distinctive and revitalizing experience.
Spalei also offers a meticulously maintained open-air bath, allowing visitors to bask in fresh, warm sunlight. One of the spa’s highlights is its elegant European-style terrace, where guests can unwind with a cup of tea, enjoying a moment of tranquility. This combination of luxurious amenities and serene ambiance ensures that every visit to Spalei is a delightful escape from the bustling city life, offering relaxation, cultural immersion, and a quiet moment in a beautiful setting.
Dragon Hill Spa 드래곤힐스파: The most popular Korean spa
- Price range: Admission fee starts at 13,000 to 16,000 won (or 11 to 14 US$) per adult.
- Address: 40, Hangang – daero 21 na – gil, Yongsan – gu, Seoul.
- Phone: 02-792-0001
Dragon Hill Spa is one of the most famous Korean saunas. It was featured in numerous K dramas and is located in Seoul. One of the best aspects of the Dragon Hill Spa is that it is opened for 24 hours. You can stay the entire night to truly experience relaxation. Plus you can save on the hotel bill if you are on a budget traveling. It encompasses 8 floors full of different spa zones each pinpointing the necessities for your body.
Furthermore, you can enjoy activities like screen golfing, watching a movie or K dramas, or simply relax in one of their rooftop gardens! Being one of the largest and most well-facilitated Korean Spas, the Dragon Hill not only welcomes international visitors but it is also a prime location for locals to hang out on the weekends.
It allows travelers the perfect spot to “soak in” the Korean heritage! The Dragon Hill Spa is located in Yongsan and is a short walk from the Yongsan Station exit 1.
Best foods to eat in a Jjimjilbang
Not only can you refresh your body through the hot spas in the Jjimjilbang, but you can also replenish and nourish your body through Jjimjilbang food. The most common are eggs slow-cooked in the hot saunas, Sikhye(traditional Korean sweet rice drink), seaweed soup, and traditional Korean red bean ice cream.
Sauna Eggs and Sik-hye
The baked eggs comes with a small package of salt, and the Sik-hye is usually iced and in this type of bottle.
Miyeok-Guk
This is seaweed soup. The best choice for those who want to have a taste of Korean food. Seaweed replenishes the body and is a good source of minerals and vitamins. Also, It is usually in a mussel broth, but seaweed goes well with broth made from cow meat or simply by itself. We highly recommend it!
Pat-Bing-Soo
This is Pat-bing-soo or traditional Korean ice cream made with shaved ice layered with red bean paste, sprinkled with condensed milk, grain powder, and topped with cereal. It’s so yummy! We highly recommend it.
Seoul is the heart of Korea. It shows the history with the modern and offers a nice blend of the old and new culture, food, and experience to travelers. The sense of community defines South Korean heritage and that is why Korean Spa’s or Jjimjilbang’s are such an important cultural aspect. It is still being resoundingly practiced. I think the Jjimjilbang experience for visitors would be a very interesting and unique glimpse into the life of local Koreans and how they relax after a tough week of work. A visit to these Korean Spa’s not only heals the body but also the soul.
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