Etiquette · Prices · What to wear · How to find a spa
🕐 Last updated: November 2026
A jjimjilbang is a Korean bathhouse with saunas, hot and cold pools, and a shared lounge where families and friends relax for hours. It is one of the most local things you can do in Seoul, and also one of the most intimidating for a first-timer, because the bathing area is fully nude and the unwritten rules are rarely explained in English.
This guide covers the practical questions travelers ask most: what it costs, how the nude and unisex zones work, what to bring, the tattoo question, and how to find a spa near Gangnam and Samseong-dong. Prices and policies vary by spa, so treat any figures below as examples and confirm before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices differ by spa, time of day and day of the week. As one example, VisitKorea lists Spa Lei in Seocho (women-only, open 24 hours) at ₩16,000 for the first 12 hours with a gown included, plus ₩1,000 for each extra hour. Entry normally covers the bathing area, a set of loose clothes, a towel and a locker. Scrubs (seshin), massages, food and drinks are paid separately. Prices change, so check the spa's own page or map listing before you go.
The bathing area is separated by gender and you go in fully nude, with no swimsuit. Shower thoroughly before entering any hot or cold pool, never put soap or your towel in the water, and tie up long hair. The unisex zone (saunas, rest areas, snack area) is shared, and everyone wears the provided clothes there. Keep your voice low and do not take photos.
You are given a t-shirt and shorts to wear in the unisex zone. Bring a toothbrush and any skincare you like, since basic toiletries are usually provided but vary by spa. Use the small towels to make the 'sheep head' (yangmeori): roll a towel lengthwise, fold the ends in and tuck them under to make a bump you can wear on your head in hot saunas. It keeps your head from overheating and is just a local custom, not a rule.
It depends on the venue. Policies are set by each spa, not by national law. Some places accept small tattoos, some ask you to cover them with a patch, and some refuse large or visible tattoos. If you have one, check the spa's tattoo policy or ask staff at the entrance before paying.
Opening hours and foreigner support change often, so confirm on the spa's own listing before you go. Search 'jjimjilbang' or 'sauna' on Naver Map or Google Maps around Gangnam Station, Yeoksam and Samseong-dong, then filter for 24-hour opening and check recent reviews for English signs and staff. Some famous large spas have closed, such as Dragon Hill Spa in Yongsan (listed as closed by VisitKorea), so make sure a place is still open before you travel.
At 24-hour spas, yes. You can rest or sleep in the shared rest areas, and many spas charge extra per hour once you pass a set time limit (for example ₩1,000 per hour after 12 hours at Spa Lei). Staff watch the unisex zone and lockers are private, so solo travelers generally find it safe. Keep your valuables in the locker, wear the wristband at all times, and expect noise and bright light, so bring earplugs.
At the front desk you pay the entry fee, swap your shoes for a shoe locker key, and receive a wristband with a locker key or barcode. Use the wristband to open your locker and to charge extras such as food, scrubs and drinks. You settle the total when you leave, usually by card or cash. Do not lose the band, because replacement fees may apply.
Tips to Avoid First-Timer Mistakes
Shower first, always. Soap off completely before any pool. Staff and regulars notice, and it is the most common etiquette slip.
Check the tattoo policy before you pay. Rules differ by spa, and refunds after entry are not guaranteed.
Go off-peak. Weekday afternoons are quieter than weekend evenings, and a calmer first visit helps if you are nervous.
Hydrate and pace yourself. Alternate hot rooms with rests, and skip the saunas if you feel dizzy.
Keep the wristband on. It is your locker key and your tab for everything you order.
Ready for More of Korea?
A jjimjilbang day is easy to pair with a Gangnam shopping or K-pop afternoon, and a 24-hour spa can double as a budget bed on a late-arrival night. Explore more practical guides for visitors at innerkorea.com.