Korean Phrases for the Sauna — What to Actually Say at a Jjimjilbang

The first decision at the counter is whether you want the bathhouse only or the jjimjilbang floors as well — the price differs. Holding up fingers for the number of people removes most confusion.

• 한 명이요 — han myeong-iyo — One person
• 목욕만 할게요 — mogyok-man halgeyo — Just the bathhouse
• 찜질방까지요 — jjimjilbang-kkajiyo — With the jjimjilbang too
• 얼마예요? — eolma-yeyo? — How much is it?
• 카드 되나요? — kadeu doenayo? — Do you take cards?
• 여기 처음이에요 — yeogi cheoeum-ieyo — It's my first time here

That last line does more than it looks. Say it and most counters will walk you through the wristband and point you to the right changing room before you have to ask.

The sequence is nearly identical everywhere: leave your shoes in the shoe box at the entrance, collect a wristband (or locker key) at the counter, then use the matching numbered locker in the changing room. The wristband is both key and wallet — anything you spend inside is charged to it and paid once at the exit.

• 신발장 열쇠 — sinbaljang yeolsoe — Shoe box key
• 번호 몇 번이에요? — beonho myeot beon-ieyo? — What is my number?
• 안 열려요 — an yeollyeoyo — It won't open
• 수건 하나 더 주세요 — sugeon hana deo juseyo — One more towel, please
• 찜질복 주세요 — jjimjilbok juseyo — The jjimjilbang uniform, please

You only receive the uniform if you are using the heated floors. It is included at some venues and ₩1,000–2,000 extra at others, so if you want to be sure, ask 찜질복 포함이에요? (jjimjilbok pohamieyo? — Is the uniform included?).

A body scrub is arranged directly with the attendant inside the bathhouse and paid to them directly. Some venues take the booking at the front counter, but usually you simply walk over to the scrub beds and speak up. If there is a queue, they will give you a number or tell you where you are in line.

• 세신 되나요? — sesin doenayo? — Is a scrub available?
• 얼마나 기다려요? — eolmana gidaryeoyo? — How long is the wait?
• 얼마예요? — eolma-yeyo? — How much is it?
• 살살 해주세요 — salsal haejuseyo — Please go gently
• 아파요 — apayo — That hurts
• 등만 해주세요 — deung-man haejuseyo — Just my back, please

A Korean scrub is firmer than most first-timers expect. Saying 살살 해주세요 at the start makes the whole thing more comfortable, and if the pressure is still too much, say 아파요 — nobody expects you to endure it, and they will ease off immediately. Expect roughly ₩20,000–30,000, varying by venue and course, so confirm before starting.

You will barely need to speak inside the baths. A few lines help when taking a seat, judging how hot a room is, or looking for water.

• 여기 앉아도 돼요? — yeogi anjado dwaeyo? — May I sit here?
• 자리 있어요? — jari isseoyo? — Is this seat free?
• 뜨거워요 — tteugeowoyo — It's hot
• 물 어디 있어요? — mul eodi isseoyo? — Where is the water?
• 화장실 어디예요? — hwajangsil eodi-yeyo? — Where is the toilet?
• 수면실 어디예요? — sumyeonsil eodi-yeyo? — Where is the sleeping room?

The heated rooms label their own temperature if you know the words: bulgama and hanjeungmak are the hottest, the ochre (황토) and salt (소금) rooms sit in the middle, and the ice room is the opposite. At the washing stations you sit down to wash, and rinsing off before entering a pool is basic etiquette everywhere.

Food courts inside a jjimjilbang almost always run on the wristband. Sikhye (sweet rice drink) and roasted eggs are near-universal; many venues also serve ramyeon, seaweed soup, and cold noodles.

• 식혜 하나 주세요 — sikhye hana juseyo — One sikhye, please
• 맥반석 계란 주세요 — maekbanseok gyeran juseyo — Roasted eggs, please
• 이거 주세요 — igeo juseyo — This one, please (while pointing at the menu)
• 계산할게요 — gyesan-halgeyo — I'd like to pay
• 몇 시까지예요? — myeot si-kkaji-yeyo? — Until what time can I stay?
• 추가 요금 있어요? — chuga yogeum isseoyo? — Is there an extra charge?

Those last two matter most at 24-hour venues. Many add a late-night charge (usually 10 PM to 5 AM) or bill by the hour once you pass twelve hours. Hand back the wristband, settle the bill, collect your shoes, and you are done.

Good places to try all of this: Sparex Dongmyo in Jongno (₩14,000 daytime, ₩16,000 at night, open 24 hours) and Gangbyeon Spa Land in Gwangjin-gu (₩13,000–17,000, open 24 hours). Both are large enough that the layout is obvious and used to foreign visitors. Posted prices and hours can change, so confirm before you go.