
Heading to a Korean spa (or “jjimjilbang”) for the first time?
Here’s a list of what to bring to make the most of your experience!
Quick Summary
- Korean spas are popular for relaxation, detoxification, and a bit of pampering.
- You can bring everything or nothing to a Korean spa.
- The essentials, including comfortable undergarments, a clean pair of underwear and socks, amenities, and an Italy towel, can help you enjoy a Korean spa to the fullest.
1. Comfortable Clothing
Most Korean spas provide spa uniforms (usually a simple t-shirt and shorts) to wear in the communal areas like the saunas.
But you’ll want to bring comfortable undergarments to wear underneath the uniform for lounging.
Also, I always bring a clean pair of underwear and socks to change into at the end.
2. Toiletries
While many Korean spas offer basic toiletries like soap and toothpaste, you’ll want to bring your own amenities and skincare products.
When I go to a spa or bathhouse near home, I bring a little bath basket containing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, foam cleanser, toothbrush, toothpaste, scrubbing towel, and clean towel.
Skincare products, including moisturizers and eye cream samples, give that satisfaction of a spa experience.
If you have long hair, bringing a hair tie is always handy for the bathing areas.
For a spontaneous trip to a Korean spa, they sell all types of disposable amenities in the locker room area. So, you can literally bring nothing and still enjoy yourself.
3. Towels
Most jjimjilbangs provide two small towels, but they’re typically used for drying off quickly or as a lamb towel bun on your head inside the jjimjilbang.
If you prefer more coverage, bring a larger towel from home for after your shower.
4. Exfoliating Towel (Italy Towel)
One must-have item for the bathhouse is the famous Italy towel.
It’s a textured mitt used for scrubbing away dead skin cells.
Don’t worry if you don’t have one because you can often buy these on-site.
Or, you can always get a full body scrub (or “seshin”) to get that fresh, smooth, glowing skin without working hard exfoliating yourself!
5. Water Bottle
With all that sweating in the saunas and hot baths, it’s important to stay hydrated.
Bring a water bottle to sip throughout your visit.
Many spas have water stations with water purifiers for refills.
If you don’t want to bring a bottle, my go-to trick is buying sikhye (sweet rice punch).
After enjoying the baked egg and sikhye combination, I keep the plastic sikhye bottle and refill it with water throughout the spa day or night.
6. Extra Cash or Credit Card
Korean spas always have cafes or snack bars offering treats like sikhye, baked eggs, and even full-on Korean food like a restaurant.
Your electronic key or wristband for the locker also works as an e-wallet when buying snacks or using additional services.
You can pay for those with your credit card at the end when leaving the spa.
For services like massages or body scrubs, you’ll need extra cash.
Now you’re set for a Korean spa!
Enjoy soaking, scrubbing, and sweating your way to pure relaxation and rejuvenation.