The Korean word for sauna or public bathhouse is μ°μ§λ°© (jjim-jil-bang). These are popular places in Korea where people go to relax, bathe, sleep, and enjoy saunas and spa services. Itβs a unique part of Korean culture you donβt want to miss!
Whether youβre visiting Korea or just curious about Korean lifestyle vocabulary, this post will teach you 80+ important Korean words and phrases to confidently navigate a μ°μ§λ°© or λͺ©μν (public bathhouse) experience.
π’ Basic Places & Facilities in a Korean Sauna
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| μ°μ§λ°© | jjim-jil-bang | Sauna, Korean public spa |
| λͺ©μν | mok-yok-tang | Public bathhouse |
| μ¬μ°λ | sa-u-na | Sauna |
| νμμ€ | tal-ui-sil | Changing room |
| μ€μμ€ | sya-wo-sil | Shower room |
| λμ€ν | dae-jung-tang | Communal bath |
| μ¨ν | on-tang | Hot bath |
| λν | naeng-tang | Cold bath |
| λ Έμ²ν | no-cheon-tang | Outdoor bath |
| μλ©΄μ€ | su-myeon-sil | Sleeping room |
| ν΄κ²μ€ | hyu-gye-sil | Rest area |
| TVλ°© | ti-bi-bang | TV room |
| μλΉ | sik-dang | Restaurant |
| 맀μ | mae-jeom | Snack bar/convenience store |
| λ§μ¬μ§μ€ | ma-sa-ji-sil | Massage room |
| λ½μ»€λ£Έ | rak-keo-rum | Locker room |
π‘οΈ Common Sauna Rooms & Themes
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ν©ν λ°© | hwang-to-bang | Red clay room |
| μκΈλ°© | so-geum-bang | Salt room |
| μΌμλ°© | eo-reum-bang | Ice room |
| μ°μ§λ°© | jjim-jil-bang | Heated relaxation room |
| μ―λ°© | sut-bang | Charcoal room |
| νμ¦λ§ | han-jeung-mak | Traditional steam room |
| 건μ μ¬μ°λ | geon-sik sa-u-na | Dry sauna |
| μ΅μ μ¬μ°λ | seup-sik sa-u-na | Wet sauna |
𧴠Items & Services You Might Need
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| μ건 | su-geon | Towel |
| λΉλ | bi-nu | Soap |
| μ΄νΈ | syam-pu | Shampoo |
| λ¦°μ€ | rin-seu | Conditioner |
| λλ°μ΄ μ건 | ttae-mil-i su-geon | Exfoliating towel |
| λ°λμμ | ba-di-wo-si | Body wash |
| λ‘μ | ro-syeon | Lotion |
| μ€λ΄λ³΅ | sil-nae-bok | Sauna uniform |
| λΌμ»€ ν€ | ra-keo ki | Locker key |
| λ°°μ€ μ€ν¬λ½ | bae-seu seu-keu-reop | Body scrub |
| λ§μ¬μ§ | ma-sa-ji | Massage |
| μ‘±μ | jok-yok | Foot bath |
| μλ£μ | eum-ryo-su | Beverage |
π£οΈ Useful Korean Expressions & Phrases at a μ°μ§λ°©
| Korean | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| μ μ₯λ£ μΌλ§μμ? | ip-jang-ryo eol-ma-ye-yo? | How much is the entrance fee? |
| μ건 λ μ£ΌμΈμ. | su-geon deo ju-se-yo. | Please give me another towel. |
| μ΄λμ μ·μ κ°μμ μ΄μ? | eo-di-e ot-eul ga-ra-ip-eo-yo? | Where do I change clothes? |
| λ½μ»€λ μ΄λμμ? | rak-keo-neun eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the locker? |
| μ¬μ°λλ μ΄λ μμ΄μ? | sa-u-na-neun eo-di iss-eo-yo? | Where is the sauna? |
| λλ°μ΄ λ°μ μ μμ΄μ? | ttae-mil-i bat-eul su iss-eo-yo? | Can I get a body scrub? |
| μ¬κΈ°λ λ¨νμ΄μμ? | yeo-gi-neun nam-tang-i-e-yo? | Is this the menβs bath? |
| μ¬νμ μ΄λμμ? | yeo-tang-eun eo-di-ye-yo? | Where is the womenβs bath? |
| μ¬κΈ°μ μλ λΌμ? | yeo-gi-seo ja-do dwae-yo? | Can I sleep here? |
ποΈ Tips for Visiting a Korean μ°μ§λ°©
- Bring your own toiletries if you want to avoid renting.
- Public nudity is expected in the bath area, but everyone wears uniforms in the sauna/lounge areas.
- Many μ°μ§λ°© are open 24 hours, so you can even sleep overnight!
- Be respectful of the quiet zones like sleeping rooms.
π― Practice Challenge
Try answering these in the comments:
1οΈβ£ What is the Korean word for βbody scrubβ?
2οΈβ£ How do you say βWhere is the sauna?β in Korean?
3οΈβ£ What does βνμ¦λ§β mean?
π Want to Learn More?
βοΈ Essential Fitness Vocabulary
βοΈ Drinking at a Bar
βοΈ Korean Market Vocabulary
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