Recommended popular Korean saunas

Whether in Korean movies, TV dramas, or variety shows, you must have seen this scene: men and women of all ages lying in a "bathhouse" wearing yukatas. Yes, this is the daily life of a Korean sauna!

Itaewon Jjimjilbang

The biggest feature of Itaewon LAND Jjimjilbang is that it builds layers of loess and canine teeth stones to resemble the shape of Cheomseongdae, which can be said to be a characteristic of Seoul's jjimjilbangs. Many celebrities have visited this place~ It is also where Hyun Bin filmed 'Secret Garden'. Advantages: Few people, you can play freely. Disadvantages: This jjimjilbang is slightly old. However, the overall environment is still good, not very large, and the facilities are not many, but it has everything you need. There is a restaurant, a convenience store, and you can stay overnight. It's a great experience.
This is one of the top jjimjilbang centers in South Korea. In addition to various types of sauna rooms, it also has hot springs and an outdoor swimming area! The entrance fee for Dragon Hill Spa is 11,000 KRW, which is equivalent to a little over 8 USD. It's very cheap but luxurious, and it's very famous, so there are quite a lot of people (many tourists and also many Koreans). What does the ticket include? You can stay inside for 12 hours, and an extra hour costs 1,000 KRW. Except for massages, beauty treatments, meals, playing video games, shopping, and phone charging, everything else is free. This means that bathing, hot springs, swimming, watching movies, various types of saunas, and sleeping are all free. The paid services are also not expensive. Some saunas have very high temperatures, so challenge yourself to stay in one that you find unbearably hot for a few minutes until you sweat profusely as if you were washed by water, and then you can come out. The feeling of sweating is very refreshing, but you can also buy a cold and sweet rice drink paired with a luxurious tea egg to make yourself feel even better.

Seoul Sealala Jjimjilbang

I initially visited this place because I saw it recommended by backpackers, and it did not disappoint. Sealala has a water park suitable for all ages, as well as traditional Korean jjimjilbang, sauna, and spa services. The service is good, making it a great place for leisure and entertainment. However, the entrance fee is 7,000 won, and you need to use your key to pay an additional 1,000 won when you collect your clothes. All other expenses are also paid using the key, and you settle the bill when you leave. There are five pools here, which are quite large but also quite crowded. After bathing, you can go to the public area, where there are four kilns with different temperatures. You can choose the temperature based on your personal preference.

Forest Korean Herbal Paradise Jjimjilbang

Forest Korean Herbal Paradise Jjimjilbang is a place where you can easily enjoy a healthy Korean herbal experience, combining healing and relaxation. In the jjimjilbang, which uses natural oak firewood for heating, the charcoal kiln, and the sauna, the healthy Korean herbal steam bath purifies both your body and mind.

Seoul Insa-dong Jjimjilbang

The jjimjilbang is adjacent to Insa-dong and Bukchon, boasting a prime location. It is clean and hygienic, making it one of the favorite jjimjilbangs among locals. The jjimjilbang adheres to traditional methods, allowing guests to experience oak-heated steam baths every morning. Unlike other saunas that use electricity and gas, here you can feel the true effects of traditional steam baths. From the entrance, Insa-dong Jjimjilbang features Korean-style decor, offering you an authentic experience of Korean culture and traditional relaxation activities. It provides a new Korean-style experience that relaxes both your body and mind.

Dragonhill SPA

Located in Yongsan, Dragonhill SPA uses traditional methods with oak wood charcoal that emits a unique fragrance. It is a large steam bathhouse and SPA center that integrates various bathing facilities such as saunas, Korean-style steam rooms, outdoor baths, seawater baths, natural salt baths, swimming pools, and fitness centers. The main hall is decorated with a design concept inspired by Chinese imperial palaces, making it splendid and luxurious. It is often used as a filming location for TV dramas or entertainment programs. The SPA center not only has various steam rooms and SPA facilities such as the main activity area, mountain leisure area, fitness training area, SPA area, and sauna area, but also offers convenient leisure facilities such as dining areas, making it a great place for relaxation and entertainment.