Jjimjilbang is the cozy side of Korea—once you know the basics
On a rainy night, I tried the warm stone room and thought, “Ah, this is K-healing.”
With jjimjilbang etiquette, you’ll relax from the start.
Remember: the bath area and the common lounge have different rules.
Before you enter: payment, clothes, valuables
- Payment: Shoe locker key often doubles as your settlement key. Wristband barcode for inside purchases.
- Clothes: Jjimjilbang outfit in common areas; nude bath in gender-segregated sauna areas.
- Valuables: Locker storage; a tiny waterproof pouch helps.
Bath area (sauna) etiquette — 6 rules
- Full shower before any tub.
- No towels in the water.
- No photos/videos—ever.
- No splashing or swimming; keep it quiet.
- If you scrub, clean your spot afterward.
- Dry hair in the grooming zone.
Common lounge etiquette — 6 rules
- Wear your jjimjilbang outfit; use only the mat you took.
- Keep voices low; take calls in designated areas.
- Eat only in food zones; eggs & sikhye are classics, strong odors are not.
- With kids, no running; watch hot-room temperatures.
- If you sweat a lot, swap towels and rest.
- Don’t reserve space with piles of stuff—keep it light.
Beginner’s 90-minute flow (safety first)
- Shower → warm bath 5 min → hot bath 5 min → rinse
- Move to the lounge: dry sauna 10 min → rest 10 min → clay/herb room 10 min
- Hydrate + light snack → foot bath 10 min → finish with a quick rinse
Health & safety notes
- Heart/lung conditions, hypertension, early/late pregnancy: avoid long high-heat sessions.
- If you feel dizzy, step out, hydrate, rest.
- Contact lenses get dry in saunas—bring a case.
How to make the “ram’s horns” towel (super easy)
Fold each end of the towel in twice to make thick bands → roll both sides toward the center so it hugs your head and covers the ears.
It’s cute, absorbs sweat, and keeps ears warm 🐑
Mini packing list
- Small cleanser, body lotion
- Hydration drink, hair band
- Zip bag (wet clothes), spare socks
TIL (Today I Learned)
- Jjimjilbang has two zones with different rules.
- Follow 12 simple etiquette rules and you’ll be fine.
- Pace yourself in hot rooms based on your health.