The best jjimjilbang in Seoul are perfect if you're looking for a little pampering during your stay in South Korea. These traditional bathhouses are usually open 24 hours, are gender-segregated and have hot tubs, snack bars, outdoor pools, fitness clubs and karaoke rooms called noraebang. They also serve as affordable accommodation for backpackers and sometimes offer a range of beauty and detoxification treatments too.
Spacious sleeping quarters with sleeping mats or bunk beds are also available if you’re planning to spend the night. Entry fees are usually relatively low, so budget travellers often opt to stay at a jjimjilbang instead of a hotel. Check out our list of Seoul’s most popular bathhouses below.
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Lotte Gold Rose II
Fabulous and authentic bathhouse in Seoul
- Stellen
Lotte Gold Rose II is one of the best jjimjilbang on the south side of the Han River. While slightly pricier than other options in the city, it’s worth the splurge for anyone seeking an authentic jjimjilbang experience. Along with the standard sauna, hot tub and showers, the venue has a broad range of stress-relieving massage rooms and machines.
The atmosphere is very laidback, and you’ll need to undress to enter the sauna, as the locals do. Feeling peckish? The in-house restaurant does delicious and moderately priced dishes like rice rolls called kimbap.
Locatie: B1, Lotte Gold Rose 2, 31, Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul , South Korea
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)2-508-0606
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Supsok Hanbang Land
Seoul sauna near Ansan Mountain
- Stellen
Supsok Hanbang Land is a popular local bathhouse at the base of Ansan Mountain. While the traditional sauna might be a little warm for western tastes, it has a loyal following of locals thanks to its heat ovens and soothing scrubs. You can take a seat in the outdoor garden to enjoy mountain views.
The good-value venue also boasts a plunge pool, a sauna and a steam room. Parking is free for up to 12 hours, but the site is easy to reach via subway or bus. Supsok Hanbang Land's onsite restaurant serves excellent Korean barbeque and rice cakes.
Locatie: 75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Openingstijden: Daily from 6.30 am to 10 pm
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)2-365-2700
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Dragonhill Spa
Eight floors of amazing entertainment and wellness facilities
Dragonhill Spa & Resort provides an amazing experience over 8 floors. Everyone will find something they want to do, with de-stressing zones and recreational facilities. These include a cinema, a fitness centre, an arcade room, spa and sauna rooms, rooftop gardens and restaurants. What else could you want?
A must visit at this jjimjilbang is the crystal sun salt room that’s said to have many health benefits. There’s no reason not to pop in during your stay and see if you agree.
Locatie: 40 Hangang-daero 21na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)2-792-0001
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Spa Lei
Spa Lei is a women-only bathhouse in Gangnam. It has an infra-red dry room, 2 massage rooms, several wellbeing tubs and saltwater and freshwater swimming pools. Amenities such as hairdryers and moisturisers are available free of charge, while a body scrub treatment is available for an additional fee. This all makes it a great place to stay and pamper yourself on your trip.
On top of the bathing facilities, you can also make use of the jjimjilbang’s internet café, DVD room and powder room on the 3rd floor.
Locatie: 5 Gangnam-daero 107-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)2-545-4002
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Silloam Sauna
Unique warmth with traditional techniques
Conveniently located very close to Anguk Station, Insadong Hanjeungmak stands as a sanctuary for traditional sauna enthusiasts. Unique to this spa is a traditional Korean sauna, heated by yellow archer stones and pine wood in a fireplace, offering a distinctive warmth that sets it apart from contemporary electric saunas.
Insadong Hanjeungmak also boasts a range of spa services designed to provide a comprehensive relaxation experience. A must-try is the traditional Korean body scrub, a deep exfoliation and cleansing process using textured gloves. After this rejuvenating treatment, your body will feel silky smooth, detoxified and invigorated.
Locatie: 36 Yulgok-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu B1, Seoul, South Korea
Openingstijden: Daily from 8 am to 9 pm
Telefoonnummer: +82 (0)2-765-8025
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