Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean bathhouse that opens 24 hours a day. These sauna rooms also serve as affordable accommodation options for backpackers. If you’re looking to enjoy a spa day, these bathhouse offer a range of beauty and detoxification treatments. A typical jjimjilbang has gender-segregated bathhouses, hot tubs, snack bars, outdoor pools, fitness clubs, and noraebang (karaoke rooms).

Spacious sleeping quarters with sleeping mats or bunk beds are also available if you’re planning to spend the night. Entry fees are usually between 6,000 and 8,000 won, so budget travellers opt to stay at a jjimjilbang instead of a hotel. Check out our list of Seoul’s most popular spas below. 

  • 1

    Gold Rose Sauna Jjimjilbang

    Fabulous and authentic bathhouse in Seoul

    Gold Rose Sauna Jjimjilbang
    • Couples

    Lotte Boseok is one of the best jjimjilbang (traditional bathhouse) 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 (or cheaper machines). 

    Inebriated punters aren’t allowed into this public bathhouse, which keeps the atmosphere laidback. You’ll need to take your kit off to enter the sauna – as the locals do. Feeling peckish? The in-house restaurant does delicious and moderately priced dishes like kimbap (Korean rice roll).

    Location: B1, Lotte Gold Rose 2, 31, Seolleung-ro 86-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)25-080-606

    Map
  • 2

    Supsok Hanbang Land

    Seoul sauna near Ansan Mountain

    Supsok Hanbang Land
    • Couples

    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.

    Location: 75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82 (0)23-652-700

    Map
  • 3

    Dragonhill Spa

    Dragonhill Spa & Resort has 8 floors dedicated to de-stressing zones and recreational facilities, including a movie theatre, fitness centre, arcade room, spa and sauna rooms, rooftop gardens and restaurants. 

    A must visit at this jjimjilbang is the crystal sun salt room. This treatment room is said to combat skin troubles, prevents osteoporosis, as well as treat menopausal disorder and menstrual irregularity.

    Location: 40 Hangang-daero 21na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82-2-792-0001

    Map
  • 4

    Spa Lei

    Spa Lei is a women-only bathhouse in Gangnam – it has infra-red dry room, 2 massage rooms, several wellbeing tubs, saltwater and freshwater swimming pools. You can also make use of the jjimjilbang’s internet cafe, DVD room, and powder room on the 3rd floor. Admission fees at Spa Lei cost around 16,000 won for the first 12 hours, with subsequent 1,000 won per hour.

    Location: 5, Gangnam-daero 107-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82-2-545-4002

    Map
  • 5

    Silloam Sauna

    Silloam Sauna is a gender-segregated jjimjilbang near the Chungjeongno subway station. It features multiple rooms dedicated to specific rejuvenation purposes. A must-visit is the hard charcoal cold room, which helps to increase blood flow and enhance your metabolism. 

    Those suffering from neuralgia, arthritis, and backache can opt for the bathhouse’s fire-based sauna as it helps remove toxins and wastes from the body. Silloam Sauna also offers spacious sleeping quarters, with 400 beds for men and 300 beds for women

    Location: 49 Jungnim-ro, Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Open: 24/7

    Phone: +82-2-364-3944

    Map
Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveler