One scene that you've probably seen in a Korean drama or movie is a jjimjilbang scene. A Jjimjilbang, is a Korean public bathhouse with sauna and liesure facilities that Koreans frequent when looking for a place to relax or sweat out toxins from their bodies. Many foreign tourists actually come to Korea to experience jjimjilbangs after hearing unique stories about it online, but it's not easy to find one after the COVID-19 pandemic, as many of them have closed down. Today, we would like to introduce a place for those who want to experience a jjimjilbang - Sparex in Dongdaemun. Let's go inside and take a look!
[스팟] Sparex Dongdaemun | Korean Jjimjilbang(Sauna) in Dongdaemun
Our Visit
Front
Today, I visited the largest spa facility in Seoul, Sparex Dongdaemun, which combines traditional Korean sauna culture with modern design elements. The space is designed with traditional Korean architecture and natural wood materials, creating an atmosphere that is optimal for rest, relaxation, and tranquility.
The price table and notice board has Korean as well as other languages. That probably means that there are pletny of international visitors!
If you show the employee at the front desk your Creatrip reservation information, they'll hand you a key and a change of clothes to wear in the common area. If you have made a reservation for the ticket and spa package, please note that we are also providing a coupon for the spa session, as shown in the photo. Please take this into consideration!
There is a baggage storage area right next to the front desk. If you inform the staff, they will give you a key number to put on your luggage. Do you see a lot of suitcases? For those who have time that needs to be filled, they can spend their time here while relaxing instead of booking an expensive hotel.
On the left side of the luggage storage area, there is a gym that all Sparex users can use. However, if you want to use the running machine, you need to wear indoor shoes. For other equipment that doesn't require shoes, you can just use them as they are.
Before entering the sauna, you need to take off your shoes and put them in the shoe rack.
Find the number on the key you were handed earlier and put your shoes into the shoe locker with the same number.
Sauna
There are usually two types of customers who visit a jjimjilbang: those who take a shower before going to the sauna and those who take a shower after using the sauna. There are also various types of hot baths inside the sauna where you can relax and take a break.
On the far right side of the sauna, there is a scrubbing area called "sesinjang" prepared. Sesin, also known as "ddae" in Korean, refers to the process of removing dead skin cells, sweat, and sebum buildup from the outermost layer of the skin. After scrubbing, the skin becomes smoother and softer, making the body feel more refreshed. Many Koreans have a habit of regularly visiting saunas to engage in sesin and exfoliation.
First, apply soap all over your body, then thoroughly rinse your body in the hot tub. After that, you can hand over the coupon to the staff in charge of sesin. It is essential to thoroughly rinse your body before sesin to ensure that dead skin cells are effectively removed. Please note that there might be a short waiting time if there are many people receiving sesin, so please keep that in mind!
The duration of body scrub can vary depending on the individual, but it usually takes around 30 minutes. Our professional sesin staff will meticulously and refreshingly scrub away the accumulated dead skin cells. After body scrub, you can take another shower, and then you'll be ready to proceed to the jjimjilbang (Korean sauna)!
When you exit the women's bath, you will see the entrance to the jjimjilbang right away. Just exit through the same entrance you used to enter the bath!
To head to the jjimjilbang, you'll have to head to the basement floor.
Jjimjilbang
Upon entering the jjimjilbang, visitors are greeted with a picturesque scene of traditional Korean architecture blended with the beauty of nature. The combination of wooden elements and hanok-style buildings create an atmosphere reminiscent of an old-fashioned village, transporting guests to a simpler time.
To the right, there are these awesome massage chairs all lined up and if you go further in, there's this super cool Korean-style partition!
The first sauna you'll see is the Hanjeungmak, and it's the hottest place with temperatures of 71 and 83 degrees Celsius. I personally loved to sweat in the Hanjeungmak but some people come out right away because it's so hot as soon as you step in.
And when you go into the hanjeungmak, it's good to bring a pillow and lie down. But if you lie down for too long, you can feel dizzy when you get up, so be careful!
This room is a 71-degree traditional wood-burning charcoal sauna. As soon as you open the door, you can feel the heat. After sweating in the room, it helps remove waste from the body, increases immunity, improves skin, and also helps with blood circulation.
Now we're in a space next to the traditional wood-fired sauna, a one-person sleeping room that looks like a cave(unisex). You can bring a pillow and lie down in this cozy space with a warm floor and cave-like structure to sleep comfortably. You can also sleep on the upper level and enjoy snacks like roasted barley tea and Sikhye.
The rooms located in the innermost part are made of traditional yellow clay charcoal kiln, which also have the same effects as described above.
When you're done sweating, you can go to the ice room to cool down. But make sure you don't go in right after leaving the hot rooms, as it can be harmful to your heart. Wait until your body temperature cools down a bit before entering.
As you enter deeper into the jjimjilbang, you'll see rows of traditional Korean houses lined up, which serve as sleeping rooms and relaxation spaces.
There were decorations that made the space look more traditional and cozy.
The sleeping areas are separated by gender. The sunlight that shines through the little windows help you melt into sleep.
There is a bridge between the hanoks and pavilion where you can take pictures for your feed!
Another crucial experience you have to partake in is eating at the food court at a Jjimjilbang.
The food court was spacious and clean.
There is a snack corner where you can get snacks, drinks, and other goodies 24 hours a day.
There is also a hot water dispenser for instant noodles if you're feeling a cup noodle.
Utensils are available for self-service as well as food pick-up and cleaning up your table.
Kimchi and pickeled radish are provided for all dishes but dishes with rice get two more side dishes.
We ordered the Galbi Stew, Kimchi Jjigae, and Naengmyeon (cold noodles). When your food is ready, the chef will let you know and you can pick it up at the pick-up location.
They mixed in purple rice in the rice, so it looks more healthy.
I personally liked the cold noodles the best. They give you vinegar and mustard to add to the noodles to add according to your preference. Taste the dish as you add the vinegar/mustard, so you don't end up adding too much.
The highlight of this food experience was the sikhye. They make their own sikhye temselves here at Sparex and you have to try one!
Another thing you must try at a jjimjilbang are the hot-stone cooked eggs. They are different to normal hard-boil eggs and have a darker color and smokier flavor.
We ordered 4 glasses of sikhye, one for each person, and 4 eggs as well! We ate it on the floor as one does when at a jjimjilbang.
Sikhye is a traditional Korean drink made with rice! It is sweet and has a distinctive flavor, but it's super delicious and a must-try when in Korea.
Eggs sold at jjimjilbangs are much easier to peel. When you're getting a little hungry, it's the perfect snack!
How to make a Korean Sheep Towel Hat:
If you're an OG Korean drama fan, you've probably seen the Korean Sheep Towel hat. Here's how to make it:
Lay the towel horizontally in front of you and fold it in thirds.
Hold one end and roll up a small section.
Roll it up three to four times.
Do the same with the other end.
Here's the finished product! It may take you a few times to get it right, but you'll get there eventually!
Put it on your head like a beanie.
Make yourself a sheep towel, get a sikhye and eggs, sweat out all the toxins in your body at a hot sauna, and take a nap in the nap room and you've completed your Korean Spa experience! Spend as much time as you want in here and rest up before your next adventure!
How to Get There
Exit Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station from Exit 14.
Head behind the exit and turn left.
You'll see the Sparex sign like in the picture above. Walk through the entrance.
Ride the elevator and head down to B3F.
Sparex is on the B3 floor.
Come out of the elevator and you've arrived!
[스팟] Sparex Dongdaemun | Korean Jjimjilbang(Sauna) in Dongdaemun
We hope that you can enjoy a relaxing time at Sparex Dongdaemun! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
