Explore Korea Like a Local

Hello, my friends! It’s Your K-Friend at K.RIDE! 👋

If you are traveling in Korea right now, you’ve probably noticed… the wind here is no joke! When the temperature drops, we Koreans have a secret weapon to stay warm, healthy, and happy. It’s the Jjimjilbang (찜질방)!

A Jjimjilbang is a traditional Korean sauna and spa. But where should you go? Instead of just tourist traps, I want to show you the real local spots.

Based on recent navigation data from Kakao T (Korea’s #1 taxi app), these are the most popular spots Koreans are visiting this winter. I’ve sorted them by region so you can find the closest one to you.

Ready to melt away the cold? Let’s go! 🔥

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📍 SEOUL & GYEONGGI-DO (Easy access from the city)

If you are staying in Seoul, these spots are perfect for a half-day trip to heal your body.

1. Forest Hanbang Land (숲속한방랜드) | Seoul

This is a legend in Seoul! Featured in many TV shows and beloved by locals.

• What to Expect: A traditional charcoal kiln located right at the base of Ansan Mountain in Seoul. You can roast sweet potatoes in the fire and enjoy the rustic, authentic atmosphere.
• Location: 75-7 Bongwonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
• Traveler Tip: It’s famous for its outdoor area where you can cool off in the fresh mountain air while wearing your sauna clothes! 🏔️

2. Kiwi Spa Land (키위스파랜드) | Incheon

Located in Incheon, this is a spacious and clean facility beloved by local families.

• What to Expect: Occupying floors 3 to 5, it offers a variety of sauna rooms and a large relaxation area. It’s very clean and modern.
• Location: 3F-5F, Block A, 306 Anaji-ro, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
• Traveler Tip: It is located in Incheon, making it a great spot to relax if you are staying in the Incheon area or western Seoul. It’s less touristy, so you can enjoy a real local vibe! 🥝

3. Spadium 24 (스파디움24) | Namyangju

Located in a massive complex just east of Seoul. It’s famous for its “book café” vibe mixed with a spa.

• What to Expect: A high-end, trendy atmosphere. You can read comic books, eat, and relax in stylish sauna rooms.
• Location: 20 Dasansunhwan-ro, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Hyundai Premier Campus Mall C-dong)
• Traveler Tip: Great for couples or friends who want cute photos! 📸

4. Dasan King Jjimjilbang (다산킹찜질방) | Namyangju

Also in Namyangju, this place lives up to its name “King.” It is huge!

• What to Expect: A massive facility with various themed rooms. It’s very family-friendly and spacious.
• Location: 8F, 22-80 Dasanjungang-ro 123beon-gil, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Traveler Tip: It has a fantastic playground for children. If you are traveling with kids, this is the best choice! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

5. Nature Spa (네이처스파) | Paju

Want fresh air? This place is famous for its open-air baths where you can feel the cool winter breeze on your face.

• What to Expect: A beautiful mix of nature and relaxation. The outdoor bath is the highlight!
• Location: 677-20 Gyoha-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Traveler Tip: Paju has premium outlets nearby. Shopping + Spa = Perfect Day! 🛍️

6. Mirinae Hillbeing Club (미리내힐빙클럽) | Yangpyeong

“Hillbeing” means Healing + Wellbeing. This is a wellness resort in the forest.

• What to Expect: A focus on health and nature. It’s quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by trees.
• Location: 585-11 Wolsan-ri, Jipyeong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
• Traveler Tip: Their healthy lunch buffet is famous among locals. I highly recommend visiting around lunch time to enjoy the meal! 🥗

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📍 BUSAN & THE SOUTH (Ocean views & Tradition)

Heading south? This area has some of the most unique and hottest spas in Korea.

7. Spaland Centum City (센텀 스파랜드) | Busan

I honestly think this is one of the best spas in the world! Located inside the world’s largest department store.

• What to Expect: Pure luxury. 18 different hot spring baths, 13 distinct theme saunas, and top-tier facilities.
• Location: 35 Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan (Shinsegae Department Store)
• Traveler Tip: Even if you don’t like heat, the relaxation rooms here are heaven.

8. Busan Hill Spa (부산 힐스파) | Busan

Do you want a view of the ocean while you sweat? This is the place.

• What to Expect: Situated on Dalmaji Hill, you get a panoramic view of Haeundae Beach.
• Location: 11 Dalmaji-gil 117beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
• Traveler Tip: Visit in the late afternoon to watch the sunset over the ocean! 🌅

9. Cheongdo Gunbullo (청도군불로) | Cheongdo

This place is a winter wonderland! It is famous for its rustic “retro” vibes and outdoor activities.

• What to Expect: It’s more than just a sauna. You can experience an authentic charcoal kiln, roast sweet potatoes and chestnuts over an outdoor fire, and even enjoy winter sledding!
• Location: 51, Naksan 1-gil, Gapbuk-myeon, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Traveler Tip: You MUST try the “Charcoal Grilled Pork Belly” (Samgyeopsal) here. Sweating in the kiln + eating BBQ = Pure Heaven. 🥩🔥

10. Taehwagang Charcoal Kiln (태화강참숯가마) | Ulsan

For the hardcore experience! This is a traditional “Charcoal Kiln” (Cham-sut-gama).

• What to Expect: This is the real deal. Intense heat from burning wood charcoal. It smells like a campfire and feels amazing for your muscles.
• Location: 82, Daamdun-gil, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
• Traveler Tip: The floor can be extremely hot! Be sure to wear thick socks (you can usually buy them at the counter) to protect your feet. 🧦

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😖 Relaxed… but worried about getting home?

Picture this: You just spent 3 hours in a warm sauna. Your skin is glowing, your body is like jelly, and you are so relaxed. 😴

But now you have to walk out into the freezing cold to find a bus stop or subway station? And what if you are in a remote place like Cheongdo or Yangpyeong where taxis are hard to find? That stress ruins the whole experience! 🙅‍♀️

I highly recommend booking a K.RIDE to get back to your hotel safely.

Don’t stand in the cold waving for a taxi. Just tap the app!

• ✅ Multi-language app support: English, Japanese, and Chinese are fully supported!
• ✅ Foreign card-friendly: No Korean cash? No problem. Register your Visa/Mastercard once and pay automatically.
• ✅ Automatic destination translation: Simply copy the English addresses above (like “Forest Hanbang Land”), and the driver sees them in Korean.
• ✅ Fair pricing: No haggling, no scams. You pay exactly what the meter says.

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Stay Warm, My Friends! 💖

Korea’s winter is cold, but our Jjimjilbang culture is incredibly warm. Whether you choose the luxury of Spaland or the rustic charm of Forest Hanbang Land, I hope you sweat out all your travel fatigue.

Wait, are you wondering “How do I use a Jjimjilbang?” or “Do I have to be naked?”? 🤔 Don’t worry! In my next post, I will share the Ultimate Etiquette Guide for First-Timers. Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!
— Your K-Friend at K.RIDE✨
See you on the road!