Kosupa Travel

South Korea has long been a popular travel destination known for its vibrant cities like Seoul and Busan. However, recent currency fluctuations have led to significant increases in hotel prices, making it more challenging for budget-conscious travelers to visit.

But don’t worry! Even with higher prices, there are still ways to enjoy a trip to Korea on a budget. In this article, we’ll share an insider tip for budget travelers on how to find incredibly affordable accommodation in Korea.

Why You Should Consider Staying at a Jjimjilbang Instead of a Hotel

Let’s cut to the chase – the secret is staying at a jjimjilbang instead of a hotel.

Even Korea enthusiasts might raise an eyebrow at this suggestion. But we’re completely serious! Jjimjilbangs are excellent facilities that can serve as incredibly affordable alternatives to hotels!

What is a Jjimjilbang?

A jjimjilbang is a Korean-style sauna complex. These facilities offer traditional Korean spa experiences featuring low-temperature saunas where people can relax and perspire.

While jjimjilbangs in other countries might be simple sauna facilities, authentic Korean jjimjilbangs are comprehensive wellness centers. They typically include pools, massage services, and restaurants, making them similar to large public bathhouses. Most importantly, they’re open 24 hours and allow overnight stays, though they don’t offer traditional beds.

These facilities are popular among local young people as a place to go after missing the last train, where friends can spend the night soaking in baths or sleeping. With overnight stays costing just 15,000-30,000 won (approximately $11-22 USD), they’re incredibly affordable and offer an authentic cultural experience.

It’s important to note that sleeping at a jjimjilbang doesn’t involve soft beds or futons. Instead, you sleep on hard floors with thin mats and blankets. There are no private rooms – you’ll sleep in communal resting areas, and if those are full, you might end up sleeping in the hallway. Additionally, except for the bathing and changing areas, spaces are mixed-gender, meaning men and women sleep in the same communal areas. This might seem unusual to international visitors.

However, this is completely normal in Korea, and security issues are extremely rare. While female travelers might feel some initial hesitation, it’s generally very safe. For those who can embrace this as an authentic local experience, staying at a jjimjilbang can add a unique cultural dimension to your trip.

How to Use a Jjimjilbang

Using a jjimjilbang is straightforward. At reception, you’ll receive rental clothes, towels, and sleeping materials (mat and blanket). Many modern facilities now use wristbands with IC chips for purchases and locker access. You’ll store your valuables in your assigned locker in the gender-specific changing area. After changing into facility clothing, you can enjoy the baths and saunas.

Dress Code Inside

You’ll wear provided facility clothing throughout your stay – typically simple pajama-style sets similar to what you might find in a business hotel. You’ll wear these while sleeping, using the saunas, and throughout the facility. If your clothes become sweaty, you can request a replacement set.

Make the Most of the Saunas

While at a jjimjilbang, don’t just use it for sleeping. Experience the unique low-temperature, high-humidity saunas to relieve travel fatigue.

Jjimjilbangs offer various types of saunas, each with different materials, therapeutic properties, and temperatures. The facility I visited featured diverse options including a circulation-promoting salt wall sauna and a traditional hot stone sauna.

While you can sleep in many areas of the jjimjilbang, avoid sleeping inside saunas. While locals might be accustomed to this, tourists unfamiliar with the environment risk severe dehydration if they accidentally fall into deep sleep in these heated spaces.

Summary

We’ve introduced jjimjilbangs as an ultra-budget accommodation option in Korea. They offer an effective way to travel economically while experiencing authentic Korean culture. While there are some drawbacks, understanding what to expect can lead to a highly satisfying travel experience.

Disclaimer

The information above is provided for general reference only. Jjimjilbang systems vary by location, so please use this information as a general guide.