Sauna, or Han-jeung, is a traditional South Korean leisure activity with a long history and is beloved by the people.
Sauna is known for its ability to expel cold and dampness from the body, boost blood circulation, speed up metabolism, remove internal cold and humidity, and relieve symptoms such as joint pain and backache. Additionally, it can improve skin conditions, reduce skin laxity, soften the skin, and, through detoxification and blood circulation, help improve pigmentation and eliminate dull skin.
Sauna is said to have originated more than 600 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty. Traditional Korean saunas involve heating yellow clay and various stones. People either sit or lie down to expel wind, ward off cold, warm the body, promote blood circulation, and rejuvenate the skin. In ancient times, saunas were a privilege reserved for the nobility or royalty, but today they have become a part of everyday life for the general public in Korea.
In South Korea today, saunas have become popular places for socializing and leisure activities. Couples on dates, families, and friends often gather here to chat and enjoy each other’s company.
A typical sauna in South Korea will have various types of sauna rooms, such as pine wood fire saunas, charcoal fire saunas, stone rooms, mud rooms, salt rooms, ice rooms, and saunas. Each room is designed with different temperature levels, ranging from low to high, and there are corresponding temperature labels at the entrance of each sauna room. Visitors can choose a sauna room based on their preferences and physical tolerance.
In South Korean saunas, almost everyone wears a towel folded into a horn-shaped hat on their head, which has become the standard look for sauna-goers. This towel wrap is not only cute but also helps to secure the hair, preventing it from falling out and protecting it from high temperatures.
During the sauna session, the body sweats extensively and loses water, so it’s important to replenish energy and fluids in a timely manner. Korean saunas often have restaurants and convenience stores, allowing people to enjoy various foods while they relax in the sauna. Among the popular foods are roasted eggs, sweet rice drinks (sikhye), and ramen, and it’s common for people to eat these three together.
In addition to the basic sauna rooms, some saunas also feature recreational facilities such as gyms, game rooms, karaoke (KTV), libraries, massage areas, and children’s play zones.
Some saunas even allow visitors to stay overnight, and it’s much cheaper than staying in a hotel. However, it’s important to keep personal belongings secure to avoid losing them.
