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In a nutshell
- My go-to Korean spa in Seoul. Sealala is a jjimjilbang or Korean bathhouse that I’ve visited at least three times already. While it is also an indoor water park in Seoul that’s popular among families, they have wet and dry sauna facilities that I enjoy for just around $10. It’s also very accessible — around 18 minutes away from Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae) via subway or bus. Learn more about Sealala ➜
- Popular Jjimjilbang in Gyeonggi-do. Located just outside Seoul in Gyeonggi-do, Aquafield Hanam is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Myeongdong or Gangnam Station by public transportation. What I like about Aquafield Hanam is its spacious, open atmosphere, with large windows overlooking the surrounding nature and Han River. Another plus for me is that English instructions are available for the massage chairs and other facilities, making them easier to use even if you don’t understand Korean. See location and branches ➜
- Luxury jjimjilbang with pools in Incheon. Located in Paradise City near Incheon Airport, Cimer is a luxury jjimjil-spa that are known among locals as a posh, modern Korean bathhouse with premium facilities. While many visitors come for the swimming pools, I find the themed saunas, particularly the Virtual Spa and Cave Spa, very relaxing and worth spending more time in.
My Top Picks for Jjimjilbang or Korean Bathhouses
Before moving to South Korea, I’ve visited a lot of jjimjilbang spots in and around Seoul.
1. SeaLaLa Water Park & Spa
Easily accessible via Line 2 or the Green Line in Seoul, SeaLaLa is a 2-in-1 water park and Korean spa that’s popular among locals and tourists. We have had the chance of visiting SeaLala for around 4 times, and in 2 out of them, we’ve seen other foreigners enjoying their time. If you want to visit a clean and spacious Korean spa for men and women, then this is the perfect place to visit.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $8.99 (vs. regular price of $10.79)
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Access to sauna and jjimjilbang for 12 hours, access to water park (optional), towels, and jjimjil-spa clothes
- LOCATION & HOURS: SeaLaLa is located in Sealala Water Park: 164, Mullae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (near Mullae Station). They are open daily from 7am-9pm.
2. Aquafield Korea Spa & Jjimjilbang
Our last Korean spa recommendation is a premium wellness chain with branches located 1 hour away from Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, & Gangnam. While technically not in the Korean capital, Aquafield deserves a spot on this list. Away from the hustle and bustle in Seoul, they guarantee an extra rejuvenating and nature-themed experience for men and women of all ages. If you’re visiting, spend at least 3 hours so you can try all the luxurious and spotless amenities that are good for your body. (Oh, and make sure to dip in the rooftop pool during your visit!)
- PRICE: Book here starting at $16.2 per person (vs. regular price of $18)
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: All-access pass for 6-hours
- LOCATION & HOURS. Aquafield has the following 3 branches around Seoul:
- Aquafield Hanam at Starfield Hanam 3rd Floor, Misa-daero 750, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Open from 10am-10pm daily.
- Aquafield Goyang at Starfield Goyang 4th Floor, Goyang-daero 1955, Deokyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. Open from 10am-10pm daily.
- Aquafield Anseong at Starfield Anseong 3rd Floor, Seodong-daero 3930-39, Gongdo-eup, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do. Open from 10am-10pm daily.
- BEST REVIEW:
Convenient to book via [Klook,] and redemption was seamless too! Would highly recommend this [jjimjilbang] experience for first timers… the Starfield [Mall] Goyang is so huge… so you could go there for shopping / dining after you’re done with the jimjilbang experience! Recommend to spend a full day for this activity as you can stay up to maximum 6hrs! Many amenities to enjoy & relax! Great experience!
3. LK SPA Seoul
Located near the bustling shopping district of Myeongdong, LK SPA Seoul offers the complete Korean jjimjilbang experience with a massage treatment. Dip your body in the hot and cold bathing pools and enter the steam rooms before you pamper yourself with a relaxing acupressure massage.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $57.6!
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 80, 90, or 100-minute access to the sauna, hanbok experience, & acupressure massage (depending on the selected option)
- LOCATION & HOURS: This jjimjilbang near Myeongdong is located in 259-1 Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea. They are open from 9am-9pm daily.
- BEST REVIEW:
It was the first time for my friend and I to enjoy steaming. Through the receptionist’s step-by-step introduction and instructions, we could clearly understand and enjoy every step in detail. After completing the entire process, we deeply felt the importance of the cultural heritage of steaming, such as [if] I have a chance to come back to Seoul again, my friends and I will come back to this steam room again.
4. Myeongdong Flower Mud Jjimjilbang (For Women Only)
With various pampering services and facilities, Flower Mud Jjimjilbang in Myeongdong has become a crowd-favorite. Its all female clientele, comprised of locals and foreign tourists, love the Korean herbal sauna, massage, body wash, and mud masks filled with nutrients that rejuvenate the skin. If you’re feeling tired after a day of exploring Seoul, make sure to drop by this jjimjilbang in Seoul!
- PRICE: Book here starting at $61.5!
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Access to infrared sauna and Korean herbal sauna, Korean body scrub, bath, cucumber or seaweed natural moisture care, essential oil care, and full body sea mud care
- LOCATION: This jjimjilbang in Seoul is located in 295-4 Euljiro 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.
- BEST REVIEW: “This is such a lovely welcoming and relaxing space with the sweetest staff. The ladies working here were so fun and the treatment was amazing – my hair and body felt like silk after! 10/10 would recommend to anyone coming to Seoul,” reads a review from a satisfied visitor of this Myeongdong jjimjilbang.
5. Korean Sauna and Massage Tour in Seoul
Our fourth recommendation is actually a tour that includes a visit to a Korean sauna and spa in Seoul. If you’re feeling unsure about visiting a jjimjilbang without a knowledgable Korean guide, then this activity is for you. Moreover, the tour is offered in English, Japanese, or Chinese, so you will get to learn more about this cultural wellness experience on a deeper level.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $100 per person (vs. regular price of $102)!
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: English-speaking guide (available in Japanese or Chinese also), round-trip transfers, and admission fees
- LOCATION: Meet your guide at the set meeting point here. The tour typically starts at 1pm.
More Jjimjilbang to Visit in Seoul
Aside from the listed recommendations above, also consider visiting the following Korean sauna and spa in and around Seoul:
- The Spa in Garden 5
- Siloam Spa
- Spa Lei
A jjimjilbang visit is easy to slot into a longer Seoul stay — our practical guide to visiting South Korea covers how it fits alongside sightseeing, food, and transport planning.
