Looking for a place to relieve your stress and revive after a long and tiring day? We have the perfect place for you!

Just as Japan has hot springs and Finland has stone saunas, Korea has jjimjilbang (Hot Sauna), but Jjimjilbang is more than just a hot sauna and is one of the truly great aspects of a unique Korean culture.  Most jjimjilbangs have restaurants, Internet cafes, movie rooms, televisions, a gymnasium and some even have swimming pools and golf ranges. This place is good for family or friends gathering, for couples to date, and for anyone who wants to relax and get energy.

Jjimjilbangs usually have several different sauna rooms with different themes, from burning hot charcoal rooms to miniature ice-houses. Some rooms are made of brick, while other are covered in clay or with stones. The heat from the floor helps the blood circulate around the body and it has a relaxing cathartic effect. It increases your metabolism as well as helps to relieve shoulder, head and neck pain. It also improves skin quality to make you look younger and loosens stiff muscles. Once you are out from the room, it is time to chase a cold glass of shikhye (a sweet drink made from fermented rice).

"I love jjimjilbang and visit once every week. It just makes me so relaxed. I want to visit as many jjimjilbangs as possible while I am in Korea." says Michal Vodrazka, a MPP student at the KDI School.

Most jjimjilbangs are open 24 hours, 7 days a week and this unique Korean facility has also become an international tourist attraction with about 150,000 foreigners visiting every year. So why not try a jjimjilbang today for yourself?

By Hara Du (2008 MBA, Korea)