This is Part 2 of my Centum Spa Land jjimjilbang guide. Once you’ve finished the public bath and changed into your jjimjilbang clothes, it’s time for the main part — relaxing, sweating, and spending time inside.
If you haven’t read Part 1 (getting in & using the public bath) yet, start there first.
What Is “Jjimjil”?
If you’re new to Korean jjimjilbangs, this word might be unfamiliar.
“Jjimjil” doesn’t simply mean sitting in a sauna.
It’s a Korean way of relaxing: moving between warm rooms, sweating a little, cooling down, resting, chatting, and sometimes eating snacks.
Think of it less like a quick sauna session and more like a Korean relaxation routine.
If you’re curious about the tradition, Wikipedia has a good overview of how jjimjilbangs became part of everyday life in Korea.
Before Heading In
Phones are not allowed in the locker room or public bath area, but once you enter the jjimjilbang zone, phone use is fine.
There are phone charging boxes available. You can leave your phone inside, set a password, and charge it while you relax.
Power banks are also available for rent.
You only receive two towels in total.
Most people simply bring the towel they used to dry off after the first shower.
You can use it to wipe sweat or hang it around your neck.
If you want an extra towel, you can ask the staff, but usually one towel is enough.
Entering the Centum Spa Land Jjimjilbang Area
As soon as you enter the jjimjilbang zone, you’ll see a sign showing how to make the classic jjimjilbang towel hat.
Many foreigners know this as the “sheep head” style.
In reality, more than 90% of people can’t figure it out just by looking at the picture.
My mom has helped many confused visitors make one.
Here’s the simple way:
- Lay the towel horizontally.
- Fold it into three long sections.
- Roll up both ends.
- Open the middle part.
- Place it on your head and adjust the rolls to fit your size.
Once you see someone do it, it’s actually very simple.
To the right of the sheep-head sign, there’s a door leading outside to the foot bath area.
In winter, coats are provided.
I don’t go there often, but it’s a nice place for photos. There are also swings and hammocks.
Everything to the left of the sign is the main jjimjilbang area.
Start With Jjimjil First
I always do a round of jjimjil before eating.
If you eat first, it can feel uncomfortable to stay in the hot rooms afterward.
The first room you’ll usually see is the charcoal room (참숯방).
The temperature is not too intense and not too mild, so it’s a good place to start.
I usually stay for around 15 minutes.
If it gets too hot, I simply go in and out as needed.
Across from it, there’s an ice room.
There are also wooden beds and low sofa-style beds in the hallway if you just want to rest.
Inside the rooms, it’s considered polite to keep your voice down.
There are wooden neck pillows available.
Feel free to use them, or just lie down.
When it’s crowded, sitting is often more practical than lying down.
The charcoal room and yellow clay room (황토방) are dome-shaped.
Most people sit with their backs against the wall, facing the center.
Rooms I Usually Visit
The rooms I visit most often are:
- Charcoal room (참숯방)
- Yellow clay room (황토방)
- Salt room (소금방)
- Pyramid room
- Sound room
The salt room tends to be cooler.
The sound room is not hot at all. Many people simply lie down and sleep there. If the hallway is crowded, this is a good quiet alternative.
Don’t be surprised by the unusual ambient music — it’s intentional.
The charcoal, yellow clay, and salt rooms are on the 1st floor. The other rooms are on the 2nd floor.
There are more rooms beyond these, so try a few and stay wherever you feel most comfortable.
Personally, I don’t use the ice room much because the hallway is already cool enough.
Rest Area & Café
In front of the salt room, there’s a café and a large open floor area with two TVs. You can lie down on the floor here if you want.
Most people buy sikhye (sweet rice drink) and roasted eggs from the café and eat them while sitting on the floor. They also sell bingsu.
The classic jjimjilbang combination is:
Sikhye + roasted eggs
It’s definitely worth trying once, even though I don’t usually eat it myself.
Fun Things to Try
Doctor Fish
If you’ve never tried a doctor fish experience, give it a try!
Centum Spa Land has a doctor fish area inside the jjimjilbang zone.
I tried it once, and it was honestly more fun than I expected.
It feels very ticklish at first, but watching the tiny fish is surprisingly cute.
It’s not something you have to do, but it’s a fun little experience if you’re curious.
That’s it for Part 2 of my Centum Spa Land jjimjilbang guide. In Part 3, I’ll cover food, how to leave, and a few things I personally bring with me.