By John Redmond
With the recent cold spell on the Korean Peninsula, many were tempted to stay indoors to escape the brutal icy conditions, or in some cases escape to the nearest public bathhouse (“jjimjilbang”) for a combination of relaxation and a health boost.
As in this writer’s situation, the latter was a no brainer due to frozen pipes in the water system resulting in a complete absence of hot water for over a month and a training regime that often resulted in stiff and aching muscles.
A jjimjilbang is a large, gender-segregated public bathhouse, furnished with hot tubs, showers, Finnish-style saunas, and massage tables, similar to a Korean sauna or public baths or “mokyoktang.” The word “jjimjil” is derived from the words meaning heated bath. However, in other areas of the building or on other floors there are unisex areas, usually with a snack bar, ondol-heated floor for lounging and sleeping, wide-screen TVs, PC bang (internet cafe), noraebang (karaoke style singing room), and sleeping quarters with either bunk beds or sleeping mats.
For the most part, taking advantage of the normal facilities in a bathhouse are more than adequate with the use of hot tubs and relaxation areas more than satisfying the needs of Joe average. It’s when one requires a massage or body scrub that there appears to be some gray areas in the pricing system that foreigner need to be aware of.
Many foreigners have been complaining about inconsistencies in prices quoted by some of the larger facilities in tourist areas, especially concerning large Japanese tour groups and Europeans, who are used to spending a little more than most Koreans for these services.
The prices for massage and body scrub is usually around 10,000 won for children and 12,000 won for adults. Some bathhouses however charge double that amount for an inferior service.
When questioned by a Turkish native who goes by the name of Mustafa, a staff member explained that foreigners often require more specialist treatment and therefore more highly trained staff.
However, when one goes to any jjimjilbang outside Seoul, this does not appear to be the case.
“I go to my local bathhouse and it’s not a problem. The prices are the same for Koreans and foreigners,” said Mustafa, raising concerns that this is a seasonal price hike by tourist friendly establishments.
All issues aside, spending a few hours in a jjimjilbang is time well spent as there plenty of facilities to ease away the stresses of daily life.
It is worth asking for a quick look around their facilities and have staff members answer price queries as most are willing to accommodate.
Most jjimjilbang are open 24 hours and are a popular weekend getaway for families.