What do South Koreans do to relax?
If you're heading to South Korea, prepare for a jam-packed trip because you're sure to find a slew of things to do here, including:
- Shopping: While in South Korea, especially in Seoul, you cannot miss the exciting and lively shopping districts like Myeong-dong and Apgujeong for all your needs.
- Food trip: If you're a foodie, you'll find heaven in South Korea too! Wherever you go, you’ll find food stalls, restaurants, convenience stores, and cafes serving delicious dishes.
Seoul is known for its unique dining experience. Read more about some of the pet cafes in Seoul here:
- K-Beauty: Finally, live like a local and experience world-class pampering in South Korea! K-beauty rose to global acclaim thanks to its skincare products and beauty treatments. A trip to Korea is perfect for stocking up on your fave facial masks, lip tints, and more—straight from the source!
Pamper yourself with some much-needed beauty treatments in Seoul. Find the perfect treatment for you here:
- Jjimjilbang: When it comes to relaxation, South Koreans do it best with the jjimjilbang or bathhouses. Here, you can unwind like the locals do, indulging in soothing saunas and hot baths.
What is a jjimjilbang?
Pamper yourself while on vacation to South Korea! Credits to @townie.tay on Instagram
A jjimjilbang is a traditional South Korean bathhouse and is a staple in local culture.
It’s popular among locals for many reasons. You’ll find hot and cold baths, saunas, and various treatments believed to have health benefits and healing properties. Some of the benefits of the treatments include stress relief, improved circulation, detoxification, and rejuvenation.
Bathhouses have also been the go-to place for socialising. You’ll find people of all ages and groups at any time of the day just hanging out to unwind. Travellers with different budget ranges can totally avail of the services in jjimjilbang. For 7,000 to 20,000 WON (approximately 8 to 23 AUD), you’ll already have the most memorable bathhouse experience!
What to wear in a jjimjilbang?
Because this is unlike your ordinary spa, you might be wondering what you have to wear inside the bathhouse. Don’t worry because visitors will be given a change of clothes or a set of pyjamas that are breathable and comfortable.
What are the do’s and don’ts in a jjimjilbang?
If you want to go to a bathhouse, just know that there are a few things you have to consider and take note of:
- The bathhouses are gender-segregated, so you can enjoy the services with ease.
- Don’t be shocked to see naked people—it’s pretty normal in a South Korean bathhouse. That said, don’t be shy about stripping down to your birthday suit!
- Don’t forget to shower and scrub down before entering the baths or saunas. Hygiene is paramount in a jjimjilbang. There are washing stations and soap for you to use.
- While most bathhouses have complimentary toiletries (not all have the complete set) so you can bring your shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, and other items.
- Keep your personal belongings inside the locker! You'll be given a locker key, so you're assured that your belongings are secured.
- Don’t forget to slow down; if you like, you can stay the night at a jjimjilbang. Most jjimjilbang in South Korea are open 24/7, so there’s more time for you to relax!
Where can you find a jjimjilbang?
1. Siloam Bulgama Sauna Spa
Unwind like a local at Siloam Bulgama Sauna Spa! Credits to @monkrystal on Instagram
If you need to rejuvenate after days of shopping and exploring Seoul, then the local favourite Siloam Sauna Spa is the place to be!
You’ll have a great selection of services to choose from, including hot baths, saunas, and access to relaxation areas. You can also get a body scrub to get rid of stubborn dead skin cells. You might also want to stick around and fill your tummy at a snack bar.
Address: 173 Yongmasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: 5:00 - 22:00
Price: 17,000 WON (approximately 20 AUD)
2. The Spa in Garden 5
Grab your friends and make it a spa day to remember at The Spa in Garden 5. Credits to @medina_qazaqstan on Instagram
If you're in one of Korea’s largest shopping malls, Garden 5, needing to recharge after a full day of shopping or roaming, then there’s only one remedy: a visit to The Spa in Garden 5!
Head up to the 10th floor of the mall, and you’ll find The Spa where you can use the sauna room built using pine trees, a light and salt room to refresh your mood, and an ice room that helps with blood circulation.
Address: 10 Chungmin-ro, Munjeong-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: 24/7
Price: 12,000 WON (approximately 14 AUD)
3. Spa Lei
Make your Korean spa dreams come true at Spa Lei! Credits to @sea_and_fire on Instagram
Ladies, this one is for you!
Spa Lei specialises in European-style spa experiences with Korean inspiration. You’ll have access to hot baths, the traditional Korean Bulgama—a dome-shaped, higher temp sauna—along with Korean-inspired rooms like the red clay room and charcoal room/salt room.
At Spa Lei, privacy is key, especially for women who prefer a more private bathing area. Complete your relaxing trip by getting some massages and a body scrub!
Address: 5 Gangnam-daero 107-Gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Operating Hours: 24/7
Price: 19,000 WON (approximately 22 AUD)
4. Hamilton Hotel Sauna
Maximise your stay at Hamilton Hotel and visit its relaxing spa! Credits to @yoppy6002 on Instagram
If convenience is something you value, then check out the Hamilton Hotel, especially its sauna and spa! It's not only convenient for hotel guests but also easily accessible for non-hotel visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy its facilities without any hassle. Here, you’ll find a variety of services that you can also find in a traditional bathhouse, such as saunas and bathtubs.
Address: 179 Itaewon-ro, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 7:00 - 22:00
Price: 9,000 WON (approximately 10 AUD)
5. Spa 1899
Experience top-notch pampering at Spa 1899! Credits to @travel_seasia on Instagram
Treat yourself to a unique spa treatment at Spa 1899. This establishment is well-known for its restorative services for both the body and mind.
Indulge in their one-of-a-kind red-ginseng treatments, designed to restore your skin, body, and general wellness. You can also avail of their facial focus, body focus, foot focus, or a package of all their services.
Whichever you choose, you’ll leave this place feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Address: KT&G Tower B2F, 416, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price: 150,000 WON (approximately 17 AUD)
Other things to do in South Korea
Your South Korean experience doesn’t end in the bathhouses. There are a lot of places that you can visit and explore.
The best part is that you can save big bucks exploring different destinations when you purchase the Klook Pass Seoul. For AUD 47.69, you can access up to four activities, with the option to add a premium attraction! For those with more time to spare, consider getting the Discover Seoul Pass.
Make the most of your trip to Seoul and check out these unmissable spots:
Lotte World
Unlock the gateway to fun at Lotte World! Credits to Klook
Lotte World is known for leaving visitors enchanted and elated. This enormous theme park offers plenty of thrilling rides, lively performances, and captivating attractions for tourists of any age.
To maximise your full day of adventure, you can buy your Lotte World Ticket ahead of time in Klook!
Lotte World Tower
Check out the fantastic views from high up the Lotte World Tower! Credits to Klook
Don’t forget to visit Korea’s tallest building, Lotte World Tower, where you can find the Seoul Sky observation deck on top.
Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape and witness mesmerizing digital art shows that bring a whole new depth to the experience.
N Seoul Tower
Another sky-high spot in Seoul! Credits to Oat Appleseed on Unsplash
Another iconic building you can visit is the N Seoul Tower, located atop Namsan Mountain and offering panoramic views that capture the city's diverse nature. So, just imagine seeing Seoul spread out beneath your feet with all the greenery and towering buildings all around!
Don’t forget to snap some pics at all these Instagrammable places:
Namsan Cable Car
Reach new heights and admire Seoul's masterpiece. Credits to @paigeycakessss on Instagram
Soak in the beauty of Seoul by going on a Namsan Cable Car ride. Hop on a cable car that ascends the mountain, and as you go higher, you’ll see the city getting smaller but the views getting prettier!
Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise
Sail through the Hangang River and savour majestic views of the city! Credits to Geonhui Lee on Unsplash
Seoul and all its beauty are worth experiencing from every angle. Step on board the Seoul Eland Hangang River Cruise and journey along the Han River, where you can see the city from a different perspective.
Seoul is definitely the place for every kind of traveller, with its exciting attractions and sights that appeal to various interests. But more than that, you'll experience a whole new world of relaxation at jjimjilbang!
Written by: Kezhia Maglasang
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