In South Korea, a unique spa culture has been thriving for decades. The traditional Korean jjimjilbang, a communal spa where guests soak and relax in hot water, has become an integral part of the country’s wellness scene.

What is a Jjimjilbang?

A jjimjilbang is a type of spa that originated in Korea, where guests can soak in hot water, relax, and even receive a full-body scrub. The experience is often described as a mix of a Japanese onsen and a Finnish sauna.

The concept of jjimjilbang dates back to the Joseon dynasty, where people would lie down on heated floors to warm up. As the country modernized, the traditional Korean houses with heated floors became less common, and the jjimjilbang was born as a way to recreate this experience in a communal setting.

A Day at the Jjimjilbang

Visitors to a jjimjilbang typically start by showering and then soaking in one of the many hot pools available. After a relaxing soak, guests can opt for a full-body scrub, known as ttaemiri, which is performed by an experienced attendant.

The scrub is a unique experience, where the attendant uses scratchy hand mitts to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. The experience can be intimidating at first, but the attendants are professional and efficient, making sure guests feel comfortable throughout the process.

In addition to the hot pools and scrub, many jjimjilbangs offer other amenities, such as saunas, snack bars, and even sleeping rooms. Guests can spend the entire day relaxing and rejuvenating, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.