Best Korean Public Bath Houses You Must Visit in South Korea: Top 8 Jjimjilbangs

In 2025, South Korea’s jjimjilbang culture is becoming even more popular among international travelers, especially those visiting from the United States. A jjimjilbang, or Korean public bath house, is not just a place to get clean – it’s an essential part of Korean life, offering relaxation, wellness, and social experiences all in one place. These bath houses are known for their hot and cold baths, steam rooms, and saunas that help relieve stress and refresh the body after a long day of sightseeing or work.

Many jjimjilbangs go beyond just baths and saunas. They include sleeping areas for overnight stays, massage services for tired muscles, and entertainment options like arcades, cafes, fitness rooms, and small cinemas. Some even have restaurants serving traditional Korean meals. This guide shares the best jjimjilbangs in South Korea for 2025, perfect for U.S. travelers looking to relax, recharge, and enjoy an authentic Korean cultural experience.

1. Dragon Hill Spa (Seoul)

Dragon Hill Spa is one of the most famous Korean public bath houses, located in the Yongsan area of Seoul. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it offers a mix of traditional relaxation and modern entertainment, making it a favourite for both locals and tourists.

What makes it special?

• Seven floors with different facilities and relaxation zones

• Hot and cold baths, including both indoor and outdoor options

• Charcoal rooms, salt rooms, and ice rooms for varied wellness experiences

• Traditional Korean body scrubs (seshin) to deeply cleanse and refresh your skin

• Sleeping zones with heated floors for rest after your bath

• Fun activities like an arcade, rooftop garden, and cinema

• Restaurants serving Korean dishes and international food for a complete meal after your spa time

Entry Price: Around $11–$13 USD (prices may vary slightly based on time and services chosen).

Why visit Dragon Hill Spa?
It is ideal for travelers who want to experience a true jjimjilbang atmosphere with everything in one place, right in the heart of Seoul.

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2. Siloam Sauna (Seoul)

Siloam Sauna is a well-known jjimjilbang located near Seoul Station, famous for its focus on health, relaxation, and healing. The sauna uses clean mineral water drawn from deep underground, which is believed to be good for the skin and body.

• Five floors featuring various spa and healing rooms

• Saunas made from jade, charcoal, and oxygen rooms for different health benefits

• Mineral baths with pools of different temperatures to suit all preferences

• Body massage and foot reflexology services available for extra relaxation

• Rest areas with heated floors and mats where you can nap comfortably

• On-site Korean food court offering traditional meals and herbal teas

Entry Fee: Around $11 USD (prices may vary slightly).

Why visit?
Siloam Sauna is ideal for people looking for a health-focused jjimjilbang experience with clean facilities, peaceful areas to rest, and a quiet environment away from busy city life.

3. Spa Land Centum City (Busan)

Spa Land is located inside Shinsegae Centum City, the world’s largest department store, in Busan. This jjimjilbang combines luxury with traditional Korean spa culture, making it a top choice for visitors.

• Features 18 spa pools filled with natural water from two different hot spring sources

• Offers 13 themed sauna rooms, including Roman, Finnish, and pyramid-style saunas

• Provides relaxing lounges with zero-gravity chairs and nap zones for ultimate comfort

• Maintains a quiet, clean, and modern atmosphere perfect for relaxation

• Has an entry limit of 4 hours to keep the space uncrowded and peaceful

Entry Fee: Around $15 USD per visit

Why visit?
Spa Land is ideal for travelers who want to unwind in a high-end, calm spa environment after a day of shopping at Shinsegae Centum City. It offers a true Korean wellness experience with modern facilities.

4. Heosimcheong Spa (Busan)

Heosimcheong Spa is located in the Dongnae area of Busan and is known as one of the largest hot spring spas in Asia. The spa uses alkaline spring water, which is gentle and soothing for the skin, making it popular among locals and tourists.

What makes it special?

• Offers over 40 types of baths, including milk baths, citrus baths, herbal baths, and more.

• Features sauna rooms with unique themes such as pine wood, salt, and mud, providing different health benefits and relaxing experiences.

• Provides traditional Korean body scrubs and massage services for full relaxation.

• Conveniently connected to Hotel Nongshim, making it easy for hotel guests to visit anytime.

Entry Fee: Approximately $10 USD, making it an affordable luxury experience.

Why visit?
Heosimcheong Spa’s wide range of baths, authentic Korean spa design, and relaxing atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for spa lovers and anyone looking to unwind in Busan.

5. Aquafield Goyang (Goyang)

Aquafield Goyang is a large and modern jjimjilbang located inside the Starfield shopping mall in Goyang, South Korea. It is popular among both locals and tourists and is especially great for families and groups looking to relax after shopping.

• Features themed saunas such as salt rooms, charcoal rooms, and forest rooms for different health benefits.

• Includes an outdoor infinity pool with beautiful city views, perfect for relaxing any time of year.

• Offers family-friendly play areas where kids can have fun safely.

• Has a spacious food court serving a variety of Korean and international dishes to suit all tastes.

• Provides comfortable lounge chairs, quiet reading rooms, and sleeping zones for full relaxation.

Entry fee: Around $11 USD, with discounted rates available for children.

Why visit?
Aquafield Goyang is an ideal place to unwind. You can shop at Starfield Mall, enjoy spa treatments, eat delicious food, and spend quality time with family – all in one convenient location.

6. Cimer Spa (Incheon)

Cimer Spa is a modern luxury spa located inside Paradise City Resort near Incheon Airport. It combines the traditional feel of a Korean jjimjilbang with elegant European-style spa facilities, making it a unique wellness destination.

Highlights:

• Beautiful infinity pools with relaxing ocean views

• Variety of saunas including Roman, Finnish, and both dry and wet options

• LED-lit indoor pools and peaceful rooftop relaxation areas

• Art displays and stylish photo zones perfect for Instagram

Entry Fee: Around $30 USD

Why Visit?
Cimer Spa is ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to unwind in luxury before or after a flight. Its location near Incheon Airport makes it a convenient choice for international visitors looking to experience Korean spa culture in a comfortable and upscale setting.

7. Jeju Sanbangsan Carbonate Hot Springs (Jeju Island)

This spa is located on Jeju Island, close to Sanbangsan Mountain. It offers a peaceful and scenic setting with natural hot spring water that comes from underground sources.

• Carbonate-rich baths that are good for your skin and help improve blood circulation

• Outdoor pools with beautiful views of the volcano and the sea

• Sauna rooms built using natural stone and clay for a traditional Korean experience

• A cosy local tea café where you can relax after your bath

Entry Fee: Around $7 USD

Why visit?
It is perfect for travelers exploring Jeju who want to take a break and relax in a natural hot spring while enjoying the island’s beautiful scenery.

8. Spa Lei (Seoul – Women Only)

Spa Lei in Sinsa-dong is a popular women-only jjimjilbang known for its safe and peaceful environment. It offers various beauty and wellness services under one roof, making it a favourite spot for local women and tourists.

• Enjoy rose, mugwort, and herbal baths that help relax your body and improve circulation.

• Facilities include a sauna, steam room, and comfortable nap area for resting between baths.

• Additional services feature a hair salon, skin treatments, and nail care, ideal for self-care days.

• You can also enjoy healthy Korean meals and herbal teas at their café.

Entry Fee: Approximately $14 USD (price may vary slightly based on services chosen).

Why visit? Spa Lei is perfect for solo female travelers who want a private, clean, and calming wellness experience in Seoul.

Conclusion

Korean public bath houses are very special places where people go to relax, rest, and enjoy quiet time. In 2025, many visitors from the U.S. are enjoying these bath houses in Korea because they are not too expensive and offer a fun local experience. Some bath houses are big and modern with colorful lights and pools, while others are peaceful with natural hot water from mountains and volcanoes. You can find a good bath house in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, no matter what kind of trip you are on. Many jjimjilbangs are open all night, and you can even sleep there, which is great if you want to save money instead of booking a hotel. People go there to feel better, sleep well, and take care of their skin. For anyone visiting for the first time, it is more than just taking a bath—it’s a fun and relaxing way to see how people in Korea enjoy life and take care of their health.

FAQs

What is a jjimjilbang?
A jjimjilbang is a Korean public bath house with baths, saunas, rest areas, and more.

Can foreigners use jjimjilbangs?
Yes, most jjimjilbangs welcome tourists and offer English signs.

Are the baths co-ed?
Bathing areas are separated by gender, but sauna lounges are co-ed.

Is it okay to stay overnight?
Yes, many jjimjilbangs have sleeping zones for a small fee.

Do I need to bring anything?
Most places provide towels, uniforms, and lockers.

How much does it cost?
Prices range from $7 to $30 depending on the location and services.

Are tattoos allowed?
Some jjimjilbangs may restrict visible tattoos, so check in advance.