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How Did You React When you First Went to a Jjimjilbang? |
Travel Info I was very uncomfortable at first, because I never sat naked with a bunch of guys in hot tub. Perhaps I was too homophobic at first, but now I think naked is the way to go! Travel Tips I love going to the sauna. The first time my friend and I went together it was a little strange. We were both pretty uncomfortable and awkward. We finally managed to get undressed and actually get into the steam room. These little old ajummas were sitting in there drinking ginseng juice and gabbling. They gave us each cup and proceeded to show us the proper way to use all of the hot tubs/etc. It was pretty freaking awesome. And then they scrubbed our backs, which we found werid until we realized everybody was doing it. It's one of those things that is uncomfortable until you realize that no one's paying you any mind. The weirdest part for me was all the naked little kids who were staring at me ('cause let's face it, naked weiguks are interesting to little kids). Other foreigners (particularly newbies) have told me it's something they would never do, which I find totally silly. You've moved to a foreign land but you're not going to try out new things? What's the point of that? Besides, it's the best way to relax ever. I go before work sometimes just to get a good start to the day. Also, a lot of Korean homes don't have bathtubs or have weak showers so people go to get a really good scrub on. Plus, if you find yourself stranded in a strange Korean city and you can't find a love motel you can cheaply and safely crash in the jimjilbang. I've done it... And they serve beer and seaweed!! Others I don't think you necessarily have to be naked right? You can change into comfortable tshirt & shorts that they lend customers, & just take a nap. You can also buy snacks & relax too. I was born & raised in the U.S., so I only see jjimjilbangs through tv, but I would like to go to one here someday.. I honestly don't want to go to saunas or mokyoktahngs because I don't want to be naked in front of strangers.. but well good for you! I am korean. I never went to jimjilbang before. I go to mogyoktang alot instead. naked in there is natural. I was a little surprised but not really uncomfortable. I quickly realized that if any of the Koreans looked it was only because they were curious about how well (or poorly) they "stacked up" against miguks. Public bathing is more of an "old world" tradition where being naked in public is no big deal and carries no sexual connotation. It is the culture of the "new world" that has sexualized all forms of nudity due to strict interpretation of religious prudishness. This attitude has now become a habit for many westerners which is not helped by the lack of public bathing facilities and public bathing culture at home. I'm sure going to miss jjimjilbangs when i leave korea.. they are such a holistic place for relaxation, and cheap to boot! I think Jimjilbang is one of korea's greatest cultures. Yah, it is kind of weird if you think about it, bathign with naked people. but like no one cares, and it's not like u will ever see them again. and it is men/women seperated. i think the best part is after u bathe. they give u the loose shirt + pants to wear and u could go anywhere in the building. they had teh saunas, pc bang, and everything!! haha. AND good cheap food haha. awesome |
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