Jjimjilbang etiquette: a first-timer's guide

The Korean spa is one of the great civic institutions — part bathhouse, part sauna, part living room. First-timers mostly worry about the same three things, so here are the answers.

Yes, the soaking floors are nude and separated by gender, and nobody is looking at you. The shared sauna floors are clothed — you wear the cotton uniform provided at check-in. Shower thoroughly before entering any tub; this is the one unbreakable rule everywhere in the world.

After that the ritual is yours: hot tub, cold plunge, kiln sauna, repeat. Order sikhye (sweet rice drink) and baked eggs in the lounge, and stay as long as you like — many spas run overnight, and sleeping in the warm rooms is entirely normal.