On 17 March , I went to Jimjibang with my korean buddy. I wanted to go to Jimjibang long time ago. It's so common in Korea and Japan i think almost 99.99% of Koreans and Japanese went before. The prices of Jimjibang in Korea ranges around RM18 to RM45 (6000won to 15000won) per entry depending on the facilities and place. Jimjibang is similar to "sauna" in Malaysia. It is a like place to relax and rest. Some of the facilities inside are sauna, public bath tub, gym, some food stalls and some place to sleep/lie(lye) down. Koreans usually go there during winter because it is very cold outside.
We have to change before going in.. Cloths is included in the entrance fee.
Usually, there are a few Jimjibang (sauna) there. The jimjibang I went that day have 4 sauna.
The first one is maybe made of straw (NOT the straw we use for drinking), so it is the not-so-hot one. Temp around 58 C ~ 61 C (I forget to take some pictures of its outlook).
When I was inside Jimjibang..
The second one is made of crystals and stones, which resulted in a higher temperature from the one made of straw.
Inside, it looks similar like this too. The walls all are full of stones and crystals. Temp was around 60 C ~ 64 C.
The third one is made of white stones (outside) and the floor inside is full of mineral salt and wood.
Of course, the temperature here is higher than the other 2 and you can even lie down on the mineral sale (which is very HOT!!) I can't stand for even 5 minutes here. Temp in this room is around 62 C ~ 65 C.
And to the hottest,
This looks more like an oven stove! You can probably guess.. The temperature inside is definitely more than 65 C!! People who want to go in have to cover themselves with a blanket from top to toe so that the hot temperature inside wont harm their skin directly. I didn't try it, because this is too hot for me =(
After heating, it's cooling time =)
Well, if you feel that it is too hot there and suddenly wanna cool yourself down, there is a small ice room nearby. You can just go in and feel the cold there and come out one once you had enough.
And this is the special thing in Jimjibang. You could order a special korean rice drink called Sikhye and some boiled eggs to enjoy inside Jimjibang. Sikhye is a very special rice drink in Korea and it tastes sweet! If you have a chance to come, remember to order one to try.. This whole set cost about RM7.50. (prices may be different in different Jimjibang)
Next, if you feel a little bit tired and want to rest, there are many places to rest. One of it is just lying down in the big hall (many people did that). If u want a personal place to talk or just rest alone (or with your partner/couple/bf/gf), you could choose a place like this one below.
The floor is not as hard as it looks like. But is a very good place to relax and sleep.
After your nap, you could go for public shower (man and woman were separated). There is a big bath tub with warm water and some place to shower after the hot sauna. And hell yeah, the best part of Jimjibang! Everyone inside this public shower is naked!! You could see each other wearing nothing!! This is something that we can't experience in Malaysia. Haha.. I felt funny too, but luckily it's still ok for me since I have tried once in Taiwan.
After shower, we are getting ready to leave...
Usually, there are a few Jimjibang (sauna) there. The jimjibang I went that day have 4 sauna.
The first one is maybe made of straw (NOT the straw we use for drinking), so it is the not-so-hot one. Temp around 58 C ~ 61 C (I forget to take some pictures of its outlook).
The second one is made of crystals and stones, which resulted in a higher temperature from the one made of straw.
The third one is made of white stones (outside) and the floor inside is full of mineral salt and wood.
And to the hottest,
After heating, it's cooling time =)
Next, if you feel a little bit tired and want to rest, there are many places to rest. One of it is just lying down in the big hall (many people did that). If u want a personal place to talk or just rest alone (or with your partner/couple/bf/gf), you could choose a place like this one below.
After your nap, you could go for public shower (man and woman were separated). There is a big bath tub with warm water and some place to shower after the hot sauna. And hell yeah, the best part of Jimjibang! Everyone inside this public shower is naked!! You could see each other wearing nothing!! This is something that we can't experience in Malaysia. Haha.. I felt funny too, but luckily it's still ok for me since I have tried once in Taiwan.
It's a really very good experience. Usually, travel agencies don't bring tourist to Jimilbang. Therefore, if you are coming to korea by yourself, do remember to pay a visit to Jimjibang. It's really a great experience!!
Update (8 Jan 2015):
This Jimjilbang that I went is situated in Gwanju. Actually, there are many Jimjilbang all over Korea. Usually you can spot it by recognizing this logo below.
Anyhow, if you are in Seoul, I recommend you to go Itaewon Land. This place even provide accommodations too. More information can be found here.
This Jimjilbang that I went is situated in Gwanju. Actually, there are many Jimjilbang all over Korea. Usually you can spot it by recognizing this logo below.
Anyhow, if you are in Seoul, I recommend you to go Itaewon Land. This place even provide accommodations too. More information can be found here.
