You’ve changed into a matching set of spa clothes. Someone nearby is peeling a brown-shelled egg, sipping a cold, sweet drink, and wearing a towel with two little rolls on either side of their head. Welcome to the jjimjilbang (찜질방), where a break between heated rooms can be just as memorable as the heat itself.

A jjimjilbang brings heated rooms, places to rest, and food together under one roof. Some also have baths, massage chairs, or games. Visitors can warm up, cool down, relax, and stop for a snack. Here’s what to expect on a first visit—and the story behind that towel.

First, find your locker

After checking in, you’ll typically receive a locker key and clothes to wear in the shared relaxation areas. Keep the key with you. At some jjimjilbangs, it also records snack-bar purchases or other extras, which you pay for when you leave. The Korea Tourism Organization’s visitor guide recommends securing your belongings and keeping the key close.

If the venue has bathing areas, these are separate from the shared spaces where visitors relax in spa clothes. Layouts and what’s included differ by location, so look at the signs or ask staff before heading in.

Warm up, then take a break

A jjimjilbang may have several heated rooms, sometimes made or decorated with materials such as clay, salt, or stone. You might also find a cooler room where you can pause between them.

You don’t have to enter the hottest room to “do it right.” The Korea Tourism Organization suggests that first-time visitors begin with a cooler room and get used to the heat gradually. Step out when you want to rest. A jjimjilbang is a place to slow down, not a test of how long you can stay inside.

That unhurried rhythm makes the snack break feel natural. You can sit with a friend or find a place to relax before deciding whether to try another room.

The signature pair: roasted eggs and sikhye

A jjimjilbang egg isn’t the usual white-shelled boiled egg you might pack for lunch. The roasted egg, or guun gyeran, has a brown shell and a firmer, chewier texture. Peel it slowly while you rest.

Alongside it, you’ll often see sikhye, a sweet Korean rice punch commonly enjoyed cold. One is a savory snack; the other is a refreshing drink to sip between bites. The Korea Tourism Organization calls chilled sikhye and roasted eggs a favorite jjimjilbang combination.

A snack bar may serve other food, including noodles or tteokbokki. But if you’re choosing just two things on your first visit, eggs and sikhye are the classic place to start.

What’s that towel on everyone’s head?

It’s called yangmeori (양머리), or “sheep head.” A small towel is folded so that its rolled ends sit beside your head like little horns. It’s a playful, instantly recognizable jjimjilbang look—though you can enjoy the spa perfectly well without making one.

Want to try it? Fold a towel lengthwise into thirds to make a long strip. Roll each end inward a few times, leaving an opening in the middle. Open that center section and slip it over your head like a cap. You can adjust the rolls until it fits comfortably. 

Now you’re ready for the familiar trio: a sheep-head towel, a roasted egg, and a cup of sikhye.

Before you go

Check the venue’s current hours, admission options, and facilities before visiting. A ticket for the bathing area may differ from one that includes heated relaxation rooms, and not every jjimjilbang has the same setup. Bring any toiletries you prefer to use, since what’s provided can vary.

Most of all, leave room in your schedule. The pleasure of a jjimjilbang isn’t finishing every room. It’s being able to warm up, take a break, and settle in for a while.