JTBC <Diary Of a Prosecutor>
Have you ever seen those funny sheep-head towels? If you've watched a lot of Korean dramas or movies, you’ve probably come across them. Today, let’s dive into the world of ‘jjimjilbang’.
MBC <Cunning Single Lady>
Jjimjilbang these days feels like a massive cultural complex. It’s got bathhouses, saunas, and tons of food options. Some places even have PC rooms and arcade games.
Have you ever seen those funny sheep-head towels? If you've watched a lot of Korean dramas or movies, you’ve probably come across them. Today, let’s dive into the world of ‘jjimjilbang’.
MBC <Cunning Single Lady>
Jjimjilbang these days feels like a massive cultural complex. It’s got bathhouses, saunas, and tons of food options. Some places even have PC rooms and arcade games.
You can even stay overnight, making it a budget-friendly lodging option. Unlike Finnish or Russian saunas, jjimjilbangs have a different vibe. The facilities vary a lot—some are tiny and old, while others are luxurious and located in big department stores.
신세계 SPA LAND
신세계 SPA LAND
In fact, jjimjilbangs don’t have a very long history. They first appeared in the 1990s. Starting in Busan and gaining popularity, they expanded to major cities like Seoul. They gradually became popular thanks to their depiction in dramas and variety shows, and with the Hallyu wave in the early 2000s, even foreigners started taking an interest.
신세계 SPA LAND
The ‘sheep-head’ towel look, where you roll up towels on both sides of your head, really took off after the 2005 drama “My Name is Kim Sam-soon” where the main character, Sam-soon, wore it in a jjimjilbang. Of course, people did this style before, but this drama made it iconic, linking Korea > jjimjilbang > sheep-head towels.
MBC <My Lovely Sam Soon>
When you think of jjimjilbangs, boiled eggs and sikhye (sweet rice drink) come to mind. You eat a boiled egg and then drink cold sikhye if you feel a bit thirsty. It’s tasty and has become a symbol of the jjimjilbang experience. There’s also banana milk. After a hot bath, drinking cool banana milk has become a tradition.
YURA Instagram
The food, shops, and PC rooms inside jjimjilbangs are more expensive than outside. Plus, they don’t stay open all night, usually closing around 11 PM, so you can’t use their services the whole time you’re there.
한경DB
The most important feature of a jjimjilbang is the hanjeungmak, a traditional steam room. These steam rooms use burnt pine wood to heat stone kilns. The first mention of hanjeungmak in Korea dates back to the 15th century. Back then, they were national facilities managed by monks. Separate facilities for men and women were built from 1429.
백세시대
People usually go in to sweat. Friends often challenge each other to see who can stay in the longest. It’s believed to be good for health by removing toxins, though opinions on this vary. But one thing’s for sure: doing it too long isn’t good for you.
지역내일
The jjimjilbang industry is facing a crisis. According to government reports, the number of public bathhouses has been steadily decreasing since 2004. Many closed due to COVID-19. Even one of Korea’s largest jjimjilbangs has shut down. There’s data showing that young people don’t visit jjimjilbangs as much nowadays. Complaints about hygiene, safety, and theft are common, but many jjimjilbangs are working to improve.
한겨레21
Still, they’re a great place to visit. It’s an activity you can enjoy indoors all day long. Recently, many foreign tourists are visiting jjimjilbang rather than Koreans. By watching K-Dramas and other Korean contents, jjimjilbang has been a must-visit place for tourists.
SPA LEI
You can even sleep there, making it a unique travel destination. If you come to Korea, definitely check one out.
신세계 SPA LAND
In fact, jjimjilbangs don’t have a very long history. They first appeared in the 1990s. Starting in Busan and gaining popularity, they expanded to major cities like Seoul. They gradually became popular thanks to their depiction in dramas and variety shows, and with the Hallyu wave in the early 2000s, even foreigners started taking an interest.
신세계 SPA LAND
The ‘sheep-head’ towel look, where you roll up towels on both sides of your head, really took off after the 2005 drama “My Name is Kim Sam-soon” where the main character, Sam-soon, wore it in a jjimjilbang. Of course, people did this style before, but this drama made it iconic, linking Korea > jjimjilbang > sheep-head towels.
MBC <My Lovely Sam Soon>
When you think of jjimjilbangs, boiled eggs and sikhye (sweet rice drink) come to mind. You eat a boiled egg and then drink cold sikhye if you feel a bit thirsty. It’s tasty and has become a symbol of the jjimjilbang experience. There’s also banana milk. After a hot bath, drinking cool banana milk has become a tradition.
YURA Instagram
The food, shops, and PC rooms inside jjimjilbangs are more expensive than outside. Plus, they don’t stay open all night, usually closing around 11 PM, so you can’t use their services the whole time you’re there.
한경DB
The most important feature of a jjimjilbang is the hanjeungmak, a traditional steam room. These steam rooms use burnt pine wood to heat stone kilns. The first mention of hanjeungmak in Korea dates back to the 15th century. Back then, they were national facilities managed by monks. Separate facilities for men and women were built from 1429.
백세시대
People usually go in to sweat. Friends often challenge each other to see who can stay in the longest. It’s believed to be good for health by removing toxins, though opinions on this vary. But one thing’s for sure: doing it too long isn’t good for you.
지역내일
The jjimjilbang industry is facing a crisis. According to government reports, the number of public bathhouses has been steadily decreasing since 2004. Many closed due to COVID-19. Even one of Korea’s largest jjimjilbangs has shut down. There’s data showing that young people don’t visit jjimjilbangs as much nowadays. Complaints about hygiene, safety, and theft are common, but many jjimjilbangs are working to improve.
한겨레21
Still, they’re a great place to visit. It’s an activity you can enjoy indoors all day long. Recently, many foreign tourists are visiting jjimjilbang rather than Koreans. By watching K-Dramas and other Korean contents, jjimjilbang has been a must-visit place for tourists.
SPA LEI
You can even sleep there, making it a unique travel destination. If you come to Korea, definitely check one out.