Visiting a traditional Korean bathhouse, or jjimjilbang, is a unique and revitalizing experience, offering a deep dive into Korean culture, wellness, and relaxation. If you know me personally, then you know this is my newest addiction.
A Korean bathhouse is a welcoming environment for all. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, detoxify, or simply explore a new cultural experience, here’s what you can expect and where to find these bathhouses, especially on the East Coast, in the USA.
In this post we will go over what a "Korean bathhouse" is, what you can expect, tips for first timers, and where you can find one close to you on the East Coast of the USA.
What is a Korean Bathhouse?
A jjimjilbang, commonly reffered to as a Korean Bathhouse, is more than just a place to take a bath—it’s a communal wellness experience rooted in Korean traditions.
These facilities typically offer multiple sauna rooms, hot and cold pools, relaxation lounges, and various services such as body scrubs, massages, and sometimes even sleeping areas! No two Korean Bathhouses are alike and each one you visit will be a unique experience.
A modern take on a Korean bathhouse, or jjimjilbang, often blends the traditional aspects of Korean spas with luxury amenities and contemporary design. While traditional jjimjilbangs focus on saunas, hot baths, and body scrubs in minimalist settings, many modern versions now include high-end spa treatments, trendy interiors, and a wider variety of relaxation areas, sometimes even with gyms and nail salons.
These updated bathhouses are designed to appeal to both younger generations and international visitors seeking a more luxurious wellness experience.
What to Expect During Your Visit to a Korean Bathhouse
When you enter the spa you will check in at the front desk and receive a key band with a bar code; this will be your form of payment for any service, food and beverages during your stay.
The key band can comfortably be worn around your wrist or ankle to keep up with it through out the day. You will use your key first to lock up your shoes in the lobby area. Then beyond the lobby area you will proceed immediately to the gender separated locker rooms.
The number on your key will correspond with two lockers - one for shoes, and one for the rest of your things in the gender separated areas. Since you will not be wearing shoes in the facility, remember to pack a pair or two of fresh socks to wear if you are uncomfortable with nothing between you and the floor.
If it’s your first time visiting a Korean bathhouse, the experience may seem overwhelming, but once you know the basics, you’ll be able to enjoy everything the spa has to offer.
Here is what you need to know:
1. Gender Separation is Required in Wet Areas
In most Korean bathhouses, the wet areas, which include pools, hot tubs, showers, and saunas, are separated by gender. Once you enter, you’ll be guided to either the men’s or women’s section, where nudity is customary. You may be wondering why the separation, and upon my first visit I was unaware of this, but you will be nude once you exit the locker room. Although this can feel unfamiliar for first-timers, it's an integral part of the traditional experience. If they are not gender separated, you may be asked to wear swimwear.
For you first step you’ll begin by showering, as it is required, before soaking in hot baths or trying out the various temperature-controlled pools designed to cleanse and relax your body.
2. The Uniform You Wear at Korean Bathhouses
Upon arrival into the locker room you will be handed a uniform (s-4x). After your time in the baths, you’ll change into a provided uniform that you received — typically a lightweight t-shirt and shorts—before entering the co-ed areas. The uniforms do not require undergarments as you will be changing in and out of your uniform throughout the day.
These co-ed areas are where you’ll find communal lounges, luxurious heated floors, and sometimes even sleeping areas if you choose to stay overnight. Part of the relaxation areas include various sauna rooms each with a unique property for wellness. From charcoal to amethyst, these rooms unlock many traditional wellness practices and provide a unique space to meditate and relax.
Pictured below are a few of King Spa's sauna rooms in Chantilly, Virginia: Charcoal, Amethyst, and Ice Rooms.
3. The Body Scrub Experience known as Seshin
One of the highlights of a jjimjilbang is the famous body scrub, or seshin. After soaking in the baths for at least 30 minutes, you can opt for this treatment where an attendant scrubs your body with an exfoliating mitt, removing dead skin to leave you with baby-soft skin.
The scrub is typically performed in a communal area while you are nude and is quite vigorous, but the result is a full-body exfoliation unlike any other. These scrubs are a very popular service and will book up quickly, you should plan in advance on how to book a session before arrival. This is the part of the bathhouse experience that intimidates the most visitors. If you can overcome the anxiety, having a seshin srcub will be a once in a lifetime experience.
4. Unique Food to Try at a Jjimjilbang
A visit to a jjimjilbang isn’t complete without sampling some of the traditional Korean snacks and dishes offered inside. One must-try is sikhye, a sweet rice drink that’s perfect for cooling down after a hot sauna session. You’ll also find maekbanseok gyeran (baked eggs), which are cooked in hot stone ovens and have a unique, smoky flavor.
Another popular treat is patbingsu, red bean shaved ice, a refreshing dessert topped with sweet red beans and fruits. For a more filling meal, many jjimjilbangs offer dishes like bibimbap, ramyeon, or kimchi jjigae to refuel after your spa experience. These foods are special to Korean bathhouses, adding a delicious twist to your day of relaxation.
Tips for First-Time Korean Bathhouse Visitors
Bring your own toiletries: Some spas provide basic soap and shampoo, but bringing your favorite products can enhance your experience. I like to bring a Korean face mask sheets, clean socks, an exfoliating pad, and foot masks. Please note these facilities do not allow mud masks of any kind.
Stay hydrated: Saunas can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water. There is often a free water source on site. While the facility provides cups, bringing your own bottle to keep with you throughout the day can be a reminder to stay hydrated and keep you from having to go back to the locker room for more.
Be open to nudity in wet areas: While it may be uncomfortable at first, it’s a key part of the bathhouse experience. Before I went to my first spa this part made me really nervous, but once in the bath house I realized no one cared, I didn't care, and that it was strangely empowering experience.
Plan to stay a while: Many people spend several hours or even the whole day at the spa to fully unwind and enjoy all the facilities. I would plan to stay for at least 3 hours. This time will allow you to maximize all theses facilities have to offer. Most spas are open from 10 AM - 10 PM and your day pass purchase covers all open hours. However, once you exit you will not be allowed to return so bringing what you need matters; plan ahead!
Where to Find Korean Bathhouses on the East Coast
Although jjimjilbangs are more common on the West Coast, the East Coast has some excellent options where you can enjoy a traditional Korean bathhouse experience. Here we will talk about the four most popular options I found doing research.
I have personally been to 2 out of 4 for these listed recommendations. The other two are happening before 2025 (hopefully)!
Spa Castle is a sprawling, multi-story complex in Queens, New York, that offers a modern take on the traditional jjimjilbang experience. With gender-segregated wet areas, a variety of themed saunas, outdoor pools, and even a rooftop bar, Spa Castle is perfect for those looking to mix relaxation with fun.
Located about 5 minutes from the Washington Dulles International Airport, King Spa is one of the most well-known Korean bathhouses on the East Coast. This massive facility offers a range of unique sauna rooms (including the ice room and charcoal room), pools, and traditional seshin body scrubs.
The co-ed area is spacious, featuring relaxation lounges and a Korean food court. King Spa is a chain, so please note this is not the only King Spa! I have personally been to this facility and can recommend highly, although the next one is my fav.
Island Spa & Sauna offers a serene escape with its beautiful, nature-inspired interiors and variety of saunas. It’s known for its calming atmosphere and traditional Korean spa services, including the seshin scrub. With plenty of relaxation areas and cozy heated floors, it’s perfect for a tranquil day of self-care.
If you are going to make a day trip anywhere, this spa is my personal favorite. While this modern spa doesn't offer any roof top pools, the hot pool areas are deeper and more unique than any spa like this I have been too. Additionally, you are allowed to talk in the body scrub area which is discouraged at some spas to provide the ultimate relaxing experience.
Jeju Sauna is a 24-hour facility offering a blend of traditional Korean spa experiences with a modern twist. It features a wide variety of saunas made from healing materials like jade and salt, as well as gender-segregated hot and cold baths.
The facility also includes a full-service restaurant offering authentic Korean dishes, making it a complete relaxation destination. The spa provides a peaceful escape from the busy city life, offering amenities like a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, a gym, and spacious lounging areas to relax in between treatments.
Why You Should Visit a Korean Bathhouse in the United States
A visit to a Korean bathhouse on the East Coast offers the perfect combination of relaxation, cultural immersion, and wellness. Whether you’re soaking in hot baths, sweating in saunas, or enjoying an invigorating body scrub, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and revitalized. With various jjimjilbangs scattered across the East Coast, there’s no shortage of places to experience this unique tradition.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your towel (or rather, your locker key), and get ready to relax, rejuvenate, and refresh at a Korean bathhouse near you!
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