Seoul's Jjimjilbang Renaissance 2025: Why Korean Spas Are Trending Again

This winter, Seoul's hottest keyword isn't a new cafe or popup store - it's jjimjilbang (찜질방), Korea's traditional 24-hour bathhouse. Once dismissed as "our parents' hangout," jjimjilbangs are experiencing a spectacular revival among Gen Z as the ultimate budget-friendly healing hotspot.

📊 Why Jjimjilbangs Are Trending Now - Data Analysis

Search Volume Explosion

As of January 2025, the keyword "jjimjilbang" recorded 460,000 searches, an increase of over 100,000 searches compared to the same period last year. What's particularly striking is the demographic shift in search traffic.

Search Demographics Shift:

• 20s age group: 2024: 25% → 2025: 42% (+17%p)
• 30s age group: Steady at 35%
• New trending keywords: "jjimjilbang date," "jjimjilbang photoshoot"

Instagram Hashtag Trends:

• #찜질방데이트 (jjimjilbang date): 350 posts/day (+280% YoY)
• #찜질방OOTD: Emerging hashtag (120K posts in 2 months)
• #찜질방힐링 (jjimjilbang healing): 520 posts/day (+195% YoY)

🎯 Why Is Jjimjilbang Trending Again?

1. Unbeatable Value for 24-Hour Healing

In an era where a single cafe drink costs ₩6,000, jjimjilbangs offer sauna, sleeping rooms, dining, and entertainment for ₩10,000-15,000 - the ultimate budget champion.

2. Perfect Match with "Simultaneous Space" Trend

2025's space trend is "multiple experiences in one location." Jjimjilbangs have been multi-experience spaces for decades, now rediscovered by Gen Z.

What you can do in a jjimjilbang:

• Sauna & hot springs (wellness)
• Nap in sleeping rooms (healing)
• Comics & movies (entertainment)
• Restaurant & cafe (F&B)
• Scrub & massage (beauty)
• Game room & karaoke (play)

3. Reborn as Instagram Photo Spot

Once "jjimjilbang = rest space," now it's "jjimjilbang = hip experience + photo op."

The retro aesthetic (fluorescent lights, sheep-horn towel headbands, sikhye & eggs) is going viral as "newtro" (new + retro) content on social media.

🏆 Seoul's TOP 10 Jjimjilbangs & Spas 2025

💎 Premium Spas (Women-Only & Luxury)

1. Spa Lei - Gangnam

Why It's Hot Now: This women-only premium spa's "gift to yourself" concept resonates strongly with Millennial and Gen Z women.

Features:

• Women-only luxury jjimjilbang
• Rooftop outdoor hot spring (year-round)
• Hotel-grade robes & amenities
• Private atmosphere

Price: Around ₩50,000 (weekday day pass)

Location: 85 Sinwon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (near Sinsa Station)

Hours: Daily 06:00 - 22:00

Pro Tips:

• Weekday mornings are quietest
• Rooftop bath offers Seoul skyline views
• Scrub service highly recommended (book ahead)

Tourist Checklist: ✅ English-speaking staff ✅ Tattoos OK ✅ Passport/credit card accepted

2. Supsok Hanbang Land - Gangnam

Why It's Hot Now: Korean herbal therapy meets traditional sauna - particularly popular with international tourists seeking "K-beauty & K-wellness" experiences.

Features:

• Herbal medicine saunas (mugwort, red clay, jade, etc.)
• Traditional Korean steam therapy
• Herb-based scrubs & massages
• Women-only facility

Price: ₩40,000 - ₩60,000 (varies by course)

Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul (address provided upon booking)

Hours: 10:00 - 22:00 (reservation required)

Herbal Sauna Types:

• Mugwort Room: Women's health, skin soothing
• Red Clay Room: Detox, blood circulation
• Jade Room: Far-infrared rays, immunity
• Salt Room: Respiratory health

Tourist Checklist: ✅ Authentic Korean traditional wellness ✅ Herbal medicine consultation available ⚠️ Advance booking strongly recommended

🏙️ Large Complex Jjimjilbangs (24-Hour Operation)

3. Dragon Hill Spa - Yongsan

Icon of Jjimjilbang Culture

One of Seoul's most famous large-scale jjimjilbangs, a "must-visit" destination among international tourists.

Features:

• 7-floor mega complex facility
• Rooftop pool & outdoor garden
• 16 themed saunas
• Movie theater, game room, karaoke, gym
• 24-hour operation

Prices:

• Weekday daytime: ₩12,000
• Weekend/nighttime: ₩14,000
• Additional services (scrub, massage): ₩30,000~

Location: 21 Hangang-daero 40na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (10 min walk from Yongsan Station)

Hours: 24 hours, year-round

16 Sauna Highlights:

• Bulgama (90°C high-heat sauna)
• Ice Room (-10°C extreme experience)
• Red clay, jade stone, salt rooms
• Event rooms (golf practice, study room)

Pro Tips:

• Overnight stay possible in sleeping rooms (no extra charge after night entry)
• 4F restaurant's sikhye & pork belly highly recommended
• Weekend evenings extremely crowded (weekdays recommended)

Tourist Checklist: ✅ English signage ✅ Multilingual information desk ✅ Common areas require swimwear/jimjilbang uniform ⚠️ Gender-separated baths are nude (Korean bathing culture)

4. Siloam Sauna - Jung-gu

The Essence of Traditional Korean Jjimjilbang

Why It's Hot Now: Word-of-mouth among foreign travelers seeking "the most local jjimjilbang experience."

Features:

• Opened in 1992, 30-year tradition
• Authentic Korean-style jjimjilbang (retro vibes)
• Budget-friendly prices (₩10,000~)
• 24-hour operation
• Subway station vicinity (5 min walk from Seoul Station)

Prices:

• Basic entry: ₩10,000
• Scrub: ₩25,000
• Massage: ₩30,000~

Location: 21 Hangang-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul (near Seoul Station)

Hours: 24 hours

Jjimjilbang Experience Highlights:

• Hanjeungmak (traditional high-heat sauna)
• Cold/hot bath alternation (Korean circulation method)
• Sikhye & black stone eggs (jjimjilbang essential snacks)
• Making towel sheep horns (Instagram must)

Tourist Checklist: ✅ Ultra-budget friendly (backpacker-friendly) ✅ Walking distance from Seoul Station (convenient transport) ✅ Authentic local experience ⚠️ Limited English communication (basic Korean helpful) ⚠️ Older facilities but well-maintained cleanliness

5. Aquafield Goyang

30 minutes from Seoul by subway

Why It's Hot Now: Located in Starfield Mall, offering "shopping + spa" combo experience, latest trendy spot.

Features:

• Opened 2018, ultra-modern facilities
• 27 spa pools & saunas
• Instagram-worthy design (Scandinavian style)
• Kids zone equipped (family-friendly)

Prices:

• Weekday: ₩38,000
• Weekend: ₩48,000
• Sauna add-on: +₩10,000

Location: 1955 Goyang-daero, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Starfield Goyang B2-3F

Transport: Subway Line 3 Madu Station, 5 min walk

Hours: 06:00 - 24:00

27 Spa Pool Highlights:

• Bade Pool - water massage
• Pinocchio Zone - kids' exclusive pool
• Outdoor hot spring (best vibes in winter)
• Nordic sauna (Finnish löyly)

Pro Tips:

• Discounts when combining with Starfield shopping
• Weekday mornings quieter
• Outdoor hot spring recommended at sunset

Tourist Checklist: ✅ Latest facilities (top cleanliness) ✅ English signage ✅ Family travelers welcome ✅ Mall integration (dining, shopping one-stop)

🧴 Complete Beginner's Guide to Jjimjilbang

Step-by-Step from Entry to Exit

STEP 1: Entry & Shoe Storage

• Pay entry fee at counter
• Store shoes in shoe locker
• Wear shoe locker key bracelet

STEP 2: Move to Locker Room

• Men's/women's baths are separated
• Store clothes and belongings in locker
• Locker key attached to bracelet

STEP 3: Bathing (Nude)

• Shower first (Korean bathing etiquette)
• Bath immersion (cold bath → hot bath alternation)
• Sauna experience (bulgama, red clay room, etc.)

STEP 4: Change into Jimjilbang Uniform

• Get jimjilbang uniform from locker (mostly free)
• Wear uniform over underwear

STEP 5: Enjoy Common Areas

• Hanjeungmak, ice room experience
• Sikhye & eggs at restaurant
• Nap in sleeping room
• Games/karaoke/movies

STEP 6: Exit

• Return to locker room, shower & change
• Return bracelet at counter & settle additional charges
• Collect shoes and exit

🚨 Essential Etiquette for International Tourists

Must-Know Korean Bath Culture:

1. Nude Bathing is Standard

   • Men's/women's baths require full nudity
   • Swimwear prohibited
   • Don't cover with towels (Korean culture)

2. Shower First, Bath Later

   • Must shower before bathing (including soap)
   • Hygiene is very important in the culture

3. Tattoo Policy

   • Most jjimjilbangs now OK with tattoos (more lenient than before)
   • Large tattoos may be asked to cover with bandage
   • Recommend checking with counter beforehand

4. Common Areas Require Jimjilbang Uniform

   • Restaurant, sleeping rooms require uniform
   • Cannot go outside in uniform

5. Sleeping Room Etiquette

   • Keep quiet (no phone calls)
   • If snoring heavily, use separate space

6. Sikhye & Black Stone Eggs Are Essential

   • Representative jjimjilbang snacks
   • Available at restaurant
   • Instagram must-have items

💰 Price & Budget Guide

Average Jjimjilbang Prices:

Additional Costs:

• Meals: ₩8,000 - ₩15,000
• Drinks/snacks: ₩3,000 - ₩6,000
• Towel rental (some): ₩2,000

Budget Tips:

• Overnight at 24-hr jjimjilbang = save accommodation cost
• Weekday daytime discounts (10-30%)
• Uniforms/towels mostly free

📸 Instagram Photo Guide

Jjimjilbang Photo Must-Haves

1. Sheep Horn Towel Headband

   • Roll towel into sheep horns on head
   • Symbol of jjimjilbang fashion
   • How-to: Search YouTube "jjimjilbang towel sheep horns"

2. Sikhye + Black Stone Eggs

   • Representative jjimjilbang snack combo
   • Yellow sikhye & brown eggs look great
   • Flat lay photography

3. Hanjeungmak Entrance

   • Retro vibes signage
   • With "Bulgama," "Ice Room" text

4. Jimjilbang OOTD

   • Neon or pastel uniform
   • Relaxed, natural poses

Instagram Hashtag Recommendations:

#jjimjilbang #koreanspa #seoulwellness #koreanculture
#jimjilbang #koreanbathhouse #seoultravel #kwellness
#찜질방 #찜질방데이트 #서울여행 #한국문화체험

🌙 Overnight Jjimjilbang Guide

Perfect 24-Hour Jjimjilbang Stay Plan

Arrival: 8 PM

• Entry, shower, bath immersion (1 hour)
• Dinner (jjimjilbang restaurant)

10 PM - 11 PM

• Hanjeungmak experience (bulgama, red clay room)
• Sikhye & egg snacks

11 PM - 7 AM

• Sleep in sleeping room
• Pillow, blanket provided (some paid)

7 AM - 9 AM

• Morning shower
• Breakfast (jjimjilbang restaurant or nearby)
• Exit

Overnight Tips:

• Sleeping rooms quietest 2-5 AM
• Bring earplugs, eye mask recommended
• Heavy snorers should request separate space
• Belongings safe in lockers

Cost Comparison:

• Jjimjilbang overnight: ₩12,000 - ₩20,000
• Seoul hostel overnight: ₩30,000 - ₩50,000
• Seoul hotel overnight: ₩100,000+

Savings: Up to ₩80,000

🌐 FAQ for International Tourists

Q1: Can I enter with tattoos?

A: Yes, mostly. Korea used to have tattoo restrictions, but as of 2025, most jjimjilbangs allow tattoos. Large tattoos may be asked to cover with bandage. Safe to check by phone or website beforehand.

Tattoo OK confirmed:

• Dragon Hill Spa
• Spa Lei
• Aquafield Goyang

Q2: Do they speak English?

A: Large jjimjilbangs (Dragon Hill Spa, Aquafield Goyang) have English signage and staff. However, neighborhood jjimjilbangs may have limited English. Helpful to know basic Korean words:

• Entry fee: ipjangnyo (입장료)
• Scrub: seu-keu-reop (스크럽) or "body scrub"
• Massage: ma-sa-ji (마사지)
• Towel: su-geon (수건)
• Water: mul (물)

Q3: Should I wear a swimsuit?

A: It depends.

• Men's/women's baths (bathing areas): Full nude (swimsuit prohibited)
• Common hanjeungmak/sleeping room/restaurant: Jimjilbang uniform (provided)
• Some large spa pools: Swimsuit required

Traditional jjimjilbang baths are nude, but facilities like Dragon Hill Spa's rooftop pool require swimsuits.

Q4: Can I sleep at the jjimjilbang?

A: Yes! 24-hour jjimjilbangs provide sleeping rooms where overnight stays are included with no extra charge. Pillows and blankets provided (some ₩1,000-2,000), safe overnight accommodation.

Popular overnight jjimjilbangs:

• Dragon Hill Spa
• Siloam Sauna
• Bandi Hill Spa

Q5: Is it safe for solo female travelers?

A: Very safe. High proportion of solo women visit Korean jjimjilbangs, and men's/women's baths are completely separated. Women-only jjimjilbangs (Spa Lei, Supsok Hanbang Land) also available. Lockers have locks, valuables can use front desk safe.

🎯 Why You Should Visit a Jjimjilbang This Winter

Trend Summary

In winter 2025, Seoul's jjimjilbangs are no longer "our parents' space."

Gen Z's Rediscovered Jjimjilbang Value:

• 24-hour healing at ₩10,000 budget
• Sauna, sleep, dining, entertainment all in one space
• Instagram photo spot (retro vibes + newtro trend)
• Perfect blend of Korean tradition + modern wellness

Why Jjimjilbang is Special for International Travelers:

• Unique experience only possible in Korea
• Scrubbing, sheep towels, sikhye & eggs - all uniquely Korean
• Local experience sharing space with locals
• Cheaper accommodation alternative than hotels (backpacker paradise)

Data Proves the Popularity:

• Search volume +460K (YoY +100K)
• Instagram hashtag #찜질방데이트 350 posts/day (+280%)
• 20s age group searches 25% → 42% (young surge)

📢 Visit Soon!

This winter, Seoul's jjimjilbangs are the hottest trend.

Search surge, Instagram virality, Gen Z rediscovery - all data points to now being the optimal timing to experience jjimjilbang.

Why Jjimjilbangs Are More Special in Winter:

• Hot springs on cold days = ultimate healing
• Outdoor baths on snowy days = romantic vibes explosion
• Christmas, New Year special event programs

If you're reading this article, right now:

1. Choose your jjimjilbang (refer to our TOP 10 list)
2. Save location in maps app
3. Pack towel, earplugs
4. Book nearest weekday daytime visit

The highlight of your Korea trip isn't Gyeongbokgung Palace or Myeongdong. It's sipping sikhye in a jjimjilbang, wearing sheep horn towels, and snapping that Instagram shot.

See you at Seoul's jjimjilbang! 🧖‍♀️🔥

Sources:

• GRRRLTRAVELER - Korean Jjimjilbang Guide
• Korea Kickstart - Korean Onsen and Spas
• Polyglot Petra - Ultimate Guide to Jjimjilbang
• Lonely Planet - First-timer's Guide to Korean Bathhouse
• Careet - 2025 Space Trend Analysis
• Local trend data from Naver search trends, Instagram hashtag analysis, Seoul tourism statistics

Written by Ye-Jin Han (한예진), Trend Analyst Last Updated: December 14, 2025 Reading Time: 18 minutes