Jimjilbang

Whenever I think of Jimjilbang. I always laugh to myself. I still remember the day when I went over in 2008. I totally have no idea what's it means, then.

I had my first culture shock when we got to overnight at one of the apartments in Hwasun. The tour guide was saying that we all can go to Spa. So to my understanding, COOL! Spa, massage and what not.. Why not?

Not until she brought us to the Spa area. First, we need they give us, some wristband thingy. She brought us to a locker area when we need to keep our shoes only. Hmm. i find it pretty high-tech. Just scan the wristband on the locker, and it will "open sesame".. :)

Next she gave us each a very small towel, which barely enough to cover the body. IT's like a size of a face towel, i think. Then, she brought us again to a very big room, with a few Korean ladies, washing up, getting ready.

And she just told us, "Ok, now enjoy yourself. If you want to go through the glass door where the sauna and hot bath are, you will need to take off your clothes.., No clothes allowed!"

I was like "WHAT???"

Yes, I remember looking at my aunt and she looking back at me. So were our other tour members. Laughing and feeling kinda of shy of the thought of being naked for everyone (females) to see.

But then, IF I never try this, I would never know. So WTH, I just went along. Took off my clothes and trying to cover my hideous body with that small piece of towel. But it's totally not helping. So quickly went to the glass door...

The moment I went in, I felt the warmth of the hot baths and the sauna. It's so warm and cozy. There are different kinds of bath pools. And it has different temperature setting. I can't remember if 40degrees was the highest. But i remember dipping my foot in and quickly took my foot out, as it's was like super HOT!

So I head start with the lower temperatures first. And went to the 40degrees pool as my last. Oh my, it was so nice. I felt so relaxed, but suddenly felt very dizzy.. I'm not sure if it's due to lack of sleep but I got up. and wash up. While washing up, I saw a few ladies, sitting at the shower area with hand scrub gloves, scrubbing their skin off. Oh dear, isn't it painful..? Their skin was like turning slightly red. But maybe that what's made their skin looking fair and flawless. Scrubbing, exfoliating the skin. I should really try... LOL.

Will I ever go to Jimjilbang again??

My answer is YES. Koreans do have a fun way of gathering and hanging out with the their own gender. Going to Jimjilbang only cost few dollars. Day admission from cost from 6am to 8pm cost only around 6000won. (SGD$7) And night admission less than (SGD$10) 10,000won. So why not, and there's noraebang ( karaoke rooms), arcade, fitness, etc. , So if you miss your last bus, trains and need some place to chill.. This is the place. :)

P.S: The photo below is not me, OK? LOL. Just wanna show you guys what it looks like.. :P