Wiping sweat from my face, I head to the restaurant. Body still radiating heat. Mind clear. And then—food arrives.
Food tastes different after a jjimjilbang.
Ten years ago, a friend first took me to a Korean spa. After sweating in the saunas, I bit into a roasted egg and sipped sikhye (sweet rice drink). That combination—I didn't know food could taste like this. I've been hooked on jjimjilbang food ever since.
Why Jjimjilbang Food Hits Different
When you sweat, your body craves energy.
Jjimjilbang food knows exactly what you need. Warm broth, nutty roasted eggs, refreshing sikhye. It's optimized for replenishing what you lost.
And the prices? Honest. Most meals run ₩8,000-15,000 ($6-11). With sauna admission, you get a full day of eating and soaking for under ₩20,000 ($15).
7 Must-Try Jjimjilbang Foods
1. Roasted Eggs & Sikhye - The Iconic Combo
You can't call it a jjimjilbang experience without this.
Eggs roasted in the 80°C sauna room. Yolks creamy as custard. Whites perfectly set. One bite and nutty richness fills your mouth.
Pair it with sikhye—sweet fermented rice punch—and magic happens.
The sweet drink balances the savory egg. An iconic Korean combination you'll crave afterward.
Price: Roasted eggs ₩1,000-2,000 / Sikhye ₩3,000 Pro tip: Order at least 2 eggs. One is never enough.
2. Ramyeon & Mandu - Soul Food Classic
There's something about jjimjilbang ramyeon.
Steaming hot broth. Perfectly chewy noodles. Add a plate of mandu (dumplings) and you're in heaven.
After emerging from the sauna, that first spoonful of broth feels like coming home.
Price: Ramyeon ₩4,000-6,000 / Mandu extra ₩2,000-3,000 Recommendation: Add mandu. Tteok-mandu-guk (rice cake soup with dumplings) is also incredible.
3. Miyeok-guk & Rice - Warm Comfort
After heavy sweating, miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) calls to you.
Deep, rich broth with tender seaweed. Warm rice. Kimchi and a fried egg on the side.
It tastes like home. That's the beauty of jjimjilbang miyeok-guk.
Price: ₩8,000-10,000 ($6-8) When to eat: Perfect after early morning saunas. Makes a great breakfast substitute.
4. Bibimbap - Healthy Bowl of Goodness
Rice topped with namul (vegetables), meat, fried egg, and gochujang (chili paste).
Mix it all up. Spicy, savory, satisfying. You feel healthy eating it—because you are.
Price: ₩10,000-12,000 ($8-9) Pro tip: Add extra gochujang to taste. Jjimjilbangs keep plenty on hand.
5. Donkatsu & Milbbakgi - Hearty Protein
Sometimes after a sauna, you need protein.
Donkatsu (pork cutlet) comes out crispy and hot. Milbbakgi (grilled meat skewers) gets more savory with every chew. A bowl of rice and kimchi soup completes the meal.
Price: Donkatsu ₩10,000-12,000 / Milbbakgi ₩12,000-15,000 ($9-11) Recommendation: Order both and share. Best of both worlds.
6. Doenjang-jjigae - Authentic Korean Style
Fermented soybean paste stew with zucchini, potatoes, and tofu.
The aroma hits you first. Rich, earthy doenjang scent makes your mouth water. Mix rice into the stew and you've got healing in a bowl.
Price: ₩9,000-11,000 ($7-9) When to eat: Perfect for dinner. Warms you from inside out.
7. Cheese Tteokbokki - Modern Trend
These days, many jjimjilbangs serve tteokbokki.
Cheese melted over spicy rice cakes. Sweet, spicy, chewy. Wakes up your appetite after the heat.
Price: ₩8,000-10,000 ($6-8) Caution: Go easy on spice. Your stomach is sensitive after saunas.
Jjimjilbang Dining Pro Tips
Timing Is Everything
- Dawn 5-7 AM: Restaurant just opened. Fresh food, quiet atmosphere.
- Lunch 12-2 PM: Peak dining time. Expect waits.
- Dinner 6-8 PM: Busiest time. You'll wait for a table.
Pro tip: Go early morning or late night. Better food, shorter lines.
Budget Planning
- Minimum: 2 roasted eggs + sikhye = ₩5,000 ($4)
- Standard: Ramyeon + mandu + eggs = ₩10,000 ($8)
- Full meal: Meal set + eggs + sikhye = ₩15,000 ($11)
Solo vs Group
- Solo: Ramyeon, bibimbap—perfect individual portions.
- Group: Milbbakgi, doenjang-jjigae—meals meant for sharing.
Recommended Jjimjilbangs for Food
Sparex Dongdaemun
The biggest and most famous jjimjilbang in Seoul.
Food menu is extensive. Ramyeon, donkatsu, milbbakgi, bibimbap—they have it all.
Open 24 hours, so you can eat anytime.
Address: 18-12 Euljiro 6-ga, Jung-gu Admission: ₩13,000 (adults) Meal prices: ₩8,000-15,000 ($6-11)
Supsok Hanbang Land
Korean herbal medicine sauna meets excellent food.
Their health menus like yakbap (medicinal rice) and miyeok-guk are especially good.
Address: Seodaemun-gu Bukahyeon-dong Admission: ₩12,000 ($9) Specialty: Herbal medicine focus. Great for your body.
Hapy Land
Best value jjimjilbang.
Food prices are on the lower end.
Location: Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do Admission: ₩10,000 ($8) Good for: Families. Many family visitors.
Jjimjilbang Date Trend
Gen Z has discovered jjimjilbangs as date spots.
Sweat in saunas → eat great food → rest in ondol room. Perfect date course, all under one roof.
Recommended date course:
- Arrive 2 PM
- 3 hours of jjimjilbang (herbal room, saunas, kiln saunas)
- 5 PM dinner (donkatsu or milbbakgi)
- Rest until 7 PM
- Total cost: ₩25,000 ($19) per person
Best value date in Seoul, hands down.
Common Questions
Q: Do all jjimjilbangs have food? A: Most large ones do. Small neighborhood jjimjilbangs might not. Check beforehand.
Q: Is it okay to eat alone? A: Totally fine! Solo diners are common at jjimjilbangs. Order ramyeon or bibimbap—perfect individual portions.
Q: Can foreigners order easily? A: Many places have picture menus. Just point. English menus are becoming more common, especially at major jjimjilbangs like Sparex.
Q: Vegetarian options? A: Bibimbap (ask for no meat), miyeok-guk (no seafood), kimchi fried rice. Limited but possible.
Q: What if I have allergies? A: Tell the staff. They're helpful. Say "allergy" clearly and they'll understand.
Q: Can I bring my own food? A: Generally no. But you can bring snacks from outside. Just eat in the designated areas.
Final Thoughts
During your Seoul trip, make sure to experience jjimjilbang food.
That first meal after sweating.
It'll add something special to your travels.
One roasted egg. One glass of sikhye.
Simple happiness in a combo.
That's the magic of jjimjilbang food.
See you at the spa!
Sources:
