The best place to spend winter is inside where you can be warm and toasty! What better place than in a jjimjilbang, Korea’s traditional sauna. At a jjimjilbang, you can try sauna rooms in a wide range of temperatures from steaming hot to freezing cold, as well as try out new experiences. For instance, you can look like Princess Leia with a rolled towel on your head or try traditional steamed eggs. Jjimjilbang are also great for travelers looking for super cheap accommodations, as long as you don’t mind sharing the room with a dozen or more people. For a unique winter experience, check out one of the jjimjilbang in this column.

Traditional Oriental Forest Land

If food is at the top of your list, then Traditional Oriental Forest Land is the place for you! This jjimjilbang features plenty of tasty snacks lightly toasted over oak charcoal to bring out their flavors! The in-sauna snack bar sells everything you could hope for, from garaetteok (rice cake stick) and sikhye (sweet rice drink) to potatoes, sweet potatoes, eggs, and even tangerines; and of course, it wouldn’t be Korea without cup ramyeon!

When visiting Traditional Oriental Forest Land, keep your eyes open for Nabi, the resident cat! She especially loves the tepid room and can often be found lounging about here. Another unique feature to check out is the therapy room. The hot brazier will warm up even the coldest people!

Address: 75-7, Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Directions: Take Bus No. 7024 from Sinchon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 3 → Get off at Bongwonsa-gil Bus Stop and walk for approx. 5 min Operating hours: Open 24/7 (Day 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Night 8 p.m. - 5 a.m.) Admission - Day: Adults 12,000 won / Teenagers & Children 6,000 won / Preschoolers 4,000 won - Night: Adults 13,000 won / Teenagers & Children 6,000 won / Preschoolers 4,000 won Inquiries: +82-2-365-2700 (Korean only) Website: inforest.koreahb.kr (Korean, English, Japanese)

SPASIS

While the invention of saunas and fried chicken may not be attributed to Korea, there is no denying Korea’s love of them! Spasis in Incheon is the only jjimjilbang in Korea where you can enjoy these two Korean favorites together! Order the classic fried chicken or Korean varieties such as hot and spicy or soy sauce-marinated chicken; boneless chicken is a popular choice for people who want to eat with less mess. The serving sizes here are large, so be sure to come with an empty stomach, and don’t forget to order a beer for the true Korean chimaek (chicken and beer) experience. After getting your fill, you can relax in the Himalayan salt room, play a round of pool, or watch a movie!

Address: 263, Gyeongin-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon Directions: Walk for approx. 10 min from Dohwa Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 2 Operating hours: Day 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Night 8 p.m. - 6 a.m. Admission - Day: Adults 10,000 won / Teenagers 9,000 won / Children 4,000 won - Night: Adults 11,000 won / Teenagers 9,000 won / Children 4,000 won * Free admission for infants under 24 months Inquiries: +82-32-866-4545 (Korean only) Website: www.spasis.co.kr (Korean only)

The Spa in Garden 5

For a spa with a view, head to The Spa in Garden 5, located in the Songpa-gu district of Seoul; the bathing area is famous for its view of the sky and Lotte World Tower. Enjoy the various pools before heading to the communal area, with sauna rooms for every style. After trying out the saunas, enjoy some snacks and light conversation overlooking the Heavenly Garden Atrium. Tables and chairs are placed around the area for added comfort.

Address: 10, Chungmin-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul n Directions: Walk for approx. 10 min from Jangji Station (Seoul Subway Line 8), Exit 1 Operating hours: Day 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. / Night 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. / Weekends 5 a.m. Saturday - 5 a.m. Monday / Public holidays 5 a.m. - 5 a.m. (next day) Admission - Day: Adults 10,000 won / Children 8,000 won / Preschoolers 6,000 won - Night & weekends: Adults 12,000 won / Children 10,000 won / Preschoolers 8,000 won * Children (elementary school students) / Preschoolers (25 months – 6 years) * Free admission for infants 24 months and younger (1,000 won charged separately for clothing) Inquiries: +82-2-404-2700 (Korean only) Website: spagarden5.co.kr/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Club K Seoul

The lounge of Club K Seoul, located near Seolleung Station, combines the relaxing atmosphere of a spa with visual and literary arts. Visitors will be pleased with the book café, lifestyle shop, therapy shop, fitness club, jazz bar and other cultural amenities. One entire wall of the lounge area is covered in bookshelves filled with books. If you can’t find one to read, you can simply enjoy the cultured interior, increased by world famous paintings that scroll by on the digital frame. The fitness club operates on a membership system, but also offers a free 1-day experience.

Address: 524, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Directions: Walk for approx. 5 min from Seolleung Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Bundang Line), Exit 10 Operating hours: Jjimjilbang: Open 24/7 Café: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lounge (Jazz Bar): 4 p.m. - 1 a.m., Closed Sun days Admission: - CS-All Ticket (24 hr): Adults 20,000 won / Children price not set - CS Ticket (12 hr) Day (5 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Adults 10,000 won / Children 6,000 won Night (8 p.m. - 5 a.m.) Adults 12,000 won / Children 6,000 won - S-Ticket (5 hr) Morning (5 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Adults 7,000 won / Children 5,000 won Day (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Adults 9,000 won / Children 5,000 won Night (8 p.m. - 5 a.m.) 11,000 won / Children 5,000 won - C-Ticket (5 hr): Adults & Children 5,000 won * Ticket classifications: C – Club (jjimjilbang), S - Sauna * Adults (ages 8+) / Children (ages 3-7) Inquiries: +82-2-563-1145 (Korean, English, Japanese) Website: www.clubkseoul.com (Korean only)

Songpa Park Habio Water Kingdom & Jjimjil Spa

Park Habio’s Water Kingdom and Jjimjil Spa is the largest water play and spa facility in Seoul. The young at heart will love the fun water slides and pools in Water Kingdom, while those looking for more rest than excitement can relax to their heart’s content in the many sauna rooms.

Water Kingdom reigns supreme with the nation’s longest torrent river, the Wild Wet River. This ride uses water jets to propel riders at a rapid pace; the use of a life vest and tube is required for safety. In the Jjimjil Spa, choose from the oak charcoal room, salt room, ice room, jewel room, red clay room, or any of the other sauna rooms for some much deserved R&R. If simply resting is too boring, enjoy the additional entertainment amenities, including a Playstation zone, board games, and book rentals.

Address: Park Habio Bldg. 202, 111, Songpa-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul Directions: Walk for approx. 5 min from Jangji Station (Seoul Subway Line 8), Exit 4 Operating hours: - Jjimjil Spa: Open 24/7 (Day 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. / Night 9 p.m. - 6 a.m.) - Water Kingdom: Weekdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Afternoon 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. ) / Weekends & public holidays 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Afternoon 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.) Admission: - Jjimjil Spa Day: Adults 12,000 won / Children 9,000 won Night, weekends & public holidays: Adults 14,000 won / Children 11,000 won - Water Kingdom Weekdays: Adults 45,000 won (Afternoon 30,000 won) / Children 35,000 won (Afternoon 20,000 won) Weekends & public holidays: Adults 55,000 won (Afternoon 35,000 won) / Children 45,000 won (Afternoon 25,000 won) Inquiries: +82-1600-0666 (Korean, Japanese) Website: waterkingdom.habio.co.kr (Korean only)

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