JEJU WEEKLY

  • Updated 2020.11.12 09:13
  • All Articles
  • member icon
  • facebook cursor
  • twitter cursor
Art&CultureHeritage
Getting naked in Korea - public bathsA foreigner¡¯s take on taking the ultimate step in a foreign land
ÆùƮŰ¿ì±â ÆùÆ®ÁÙÀ̱â ÇÁ¸°Æ®Çϱ⠸ÞÀϺ¸³»±â ½Å°íÇϱâ
½ÂÀÎ 2013.07.11  18:23:41
ÆäÀ̽ººÏ Æ®À§ÅÍ
¡ã After bathing, Koreans often retire to the sleeping rooms at typical jjimjilbang. Photo by Kim Rina

I have showered with naked dudes all my life. Public showers are the norm when you play sports growing up and serve time in the Air Force, as I have. So, what was my problem with going to Korea's famous jjimjilbang?

Between regular workouts at the gym, discovering amazing Olle Trails, and even hiking the majestic summit of Mt. Halla, my muscles have screamed for the healing waters of the local jimjilbang. So, why did it take me six months to finally go?

A runaway imagination got the best of me. I knew the odds were I would be the only "waygook" (foreigner) there. I would walk in wearing nothing but a nervous smile. In my mind, I kept hearing the familiar Sesame Street tune:

One of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same. One of these things is not like the others. Now it's time to play our game.”

I imagined everyone in the hot tubs or scrubbing down would stop talking and turn in perfect unison to look at me, a strange bird that had somehow lost its migratory path and ended up in a Korean bath house. Of course, I'm an idiot and none of these things happened.

¡ã A typical steam room in a Korean jjimjilbang. Photo by Todtanis.

The large majority of bathers couldn’t care less about the goofy American scrubbing down in the shower. When I go I am surrounded by ordinary people like me who just want to unplug, relax and recover from the stresses of everyday life. And something I had not considered is that this is a cell-phone-free environment. That in itself is a beautiful thing. A real no phone zone. That alone is worth the admission.

There have been a few surprises along the way that are worth mentioning. One night a young guy in his twenties strutted around the perimeter of the bath house like an alpha male - head high, chest thrusted out. Without notice he would stop and drop to the floor and pump out twenty push ups. Honestly, I didn't judge, but rather thought of the dangers of dangling participles.

Another time I was sitting in the firey hot sauna sweating buckets and thinking about how my Boston Red Sox would do this year. Only one older gentleman sat across from me. He suddenly bolted into a standing position and started doing various stretches that included deep toe touches in which he would face north, south, east and west. Oh boy. Not a pretty sight. I made a quick exit and splashed down in the jet pool and tried to forget what I had just witnessed.

And finally, there was this little boy that thought he was Jacque Cousteau. He had huge goggles on his face and he kept diving down just feet in front of bathers as if he was discovering rare and never before seen sea creatures. I finally splashed water in his direction and said politely, but firmly, "Anniyo!" He took off for unchartered waters and further adventures.

¡ã Saunas are renowned for their health benefits. Photo courtesy Sanbang Sauna.

I have seen the light. I have felt the strong therapeutic jet streams. I'm a firm believer in the physical and mental benefits of the public-bathing experience. And the unexpected benefit has been the peaceful, easy feeling I have when I walk back into the real world.

And if you truly want to understand and appreciate Korean culture you have to experience the jjimjilbang. Sometimes I see three generations walk in together: grandfather, father, and son. I'm always moved by this demonstration of togetherness and unity.

Who knows, maybe you too will be inspired to write about your experiences. However, I strongly advise that you do not enter the tubs with notebook and pen.


Places to get naked around Jeju

Northeast Jeju Island

Hae Oreum Haesu Pia (ÇØ¿À¸§ÇؼöÇǾÆ)

1269-1 Hamdok-ri, Jocheon-eup

Jeju-si, Jeju-do

064-782-1552


View Larger Map

Gu (old) Jeju City

Yongduam Haesu Land (¿ëµÎ¾ÏÇؼö·£µå)

1006-3, Yongdam 3-dong

Jeju-si, Jeju-do

064-742-7000


View Larger Map

Shin (new) Jeju City

Burim Oncheon (ºÎ¸²¿Âõ)

Yeondong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

064-711-4000


View Larger Map

Northwest Jeju Island

Iho Haesu Sauna (ÀÌÈ£Çؼö»ç¿ì³ª)

864 Iho 2-dong

Jeju-si, Jeju-do

064-742-0240


View Larger Map

Southwest Jeju Island

Daejeong Haesu Sauna (´ëÁ¤Çؼö»ç¿ì³ª)

1089-42 Hamo-ri, Daejeong-eup

Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

064-794-2700


View Larger Map

Seogwipo City

Hyeondae Sauna (Çö´ë»ç¿ì³ª)

416-3 Donghong-dong

Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

064-733-6370


View Larger Map

Southeast Jeju Island

Jeju Arimi (Á¦Á־Ƹ®¸¶)

917-1 Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup

Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

064-784-5579


View Larger Map

[Related Stories]

¨Ï Jeju Weekly 2009 (http://www.jejuweekly.com)
All materials on this site are protected under the Korean Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published without the prior consent of Jeju Weekly.
ÆùƮŰ¿ì±â ÆùÆ®ÁÙÀ̱â ÇÁ¸°Æ®Çϱ⠸ÞÀϺ¸³»±â ½Å°íÇϱâ
ÆäÀ̽ººÏ Æ®À§ÅÍ
60 Second Travel
Jeju-Asia's No.1 for Cruise

Jeju Weekly

Mail to editor@jejuweekly.com  |  Phone: +82-64-724-7776 Fax: +82-64-724-7796
#505 jeju Venture Maru Bldg,217 Jungangro(Ido-2 dong), Jeju-si, Korea, 690-827
Registration Number: Jeju Da 01093  |  Date of Registration: November 20, 2008  |  Publisher: Hee Tak Ko  | Youth policy: Hee Tak Ko
Copyright ¨Ï 2009 All materials on this site are protected under the Korean Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published
without the prior consent of jeju weekly.com.

ND¼ÒÇÁÆ®