Showing posts with label Jjimjilbang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jjimjilbang. Show all posts

Saturday, May 5, 2012

How to survive in Korea. #2 How to use Jjimjilbang


Don't you just want to try it?


Jjimjilbang is a culture not just a bathing place

There are many countries with hot springs. 

But Korea is the only country that has a culture in which an entertainment package of hot spring, accomodation, and PC room sevices is provided for a reasonable price. 
We call the full package place Jjimjilbang.
In Korea, one Jjimjilbangs is found in at least one neighborhood, so if you need a place to stay overnight or want to spend time with friends using spa-like services, you can use Jjimjilbang for a reasonable price instead of checking into an expensive hotel or a motel.     

How to use Jjimjilbang

 First, you have to pay the fee and get your clothes (a pair of a T-shirt and shorts) and locker key. Even though there are variances, most Jjimjilbangs provide one or two towels for free.

You have to put on this uniform in Jjimjilbang


 The fee varies neighborhood to neighborhood, but the price ranges from 5000 to 8000 won (usually less than 10,000 won)


 You check the number printed on your locker key and find your shoe locker first. Put your shoes into the shoe closet and enter the locker room. Find your clothes locker and put all your belongings including your clothes into the locker before going into the shower. 
People remove their shoes before entering a Korean house




It is important to carry your key in your body by wearing it onto your wrist or ankle. 

 You should be naked in the bathhouse. Otherwise you can be mistaken as a professional scrubber.


Body scrubber is the only person
who wears pants in the bath




After having a shower dry your body and keep the towel.

Put on your Jjimjilbang clothes and remember to carry your locker key and a towel with you.

Find a sign saying “찜질방” and take your way following the sign.  
Follow this sign

There are many kinds of sauna rooms. Find your taste and soak out sweat as much as you want. In Korea, many women wanting to lose weight use sauna rooms.  
83℃ !!!!
  
You can put the tower on your head to protect your hair from the heat. Make your towel funnier by following these directions.
1. Fold the tower along its width twice


2. Fold it lengthwise three times


3. Put on your head 
Very cute!!!
  
Try Shikhae, a Korean traditional drink, and baked eggs. They cost you 2000 to 3000 won.  
Shikhae is sweet Korean drink

If you want to sleep, spread a mat on the floor or anywhere and go to sleep. Watch your belongings because there are Jjimjilbang theives! 

If you want to go out, go back to the bathhouse and take off your Jjimjilbang short sets and get into the shower. Just go out the same way you come in. If you pay the snacks by having your locker key scanned, you pay the money when your way out.

Consider this! Everyone is naked in all bathrooms in Korea. Men shoud find their way into the men’s bathroom and women take their way to the women’s. Don’t be disappointed. Everyone can meet in the sauna lounge.  


If you have fiends of the opposite sex, set a time to see at the Jjimjilbang lounge. 

Many foreigners are living in Korea and enjoying Korean things.

Suit youself. You will be welcomed anywhere as long as you pay.