Jeonju Hanok Spa

This jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) and fitness center is located in the heart of Jeonju's most popular tourist destinations, Gosa-dong and Hanok Village. I visited for the first time on Sunday, April 28, 2024, paying 13,000 won for a night jjimjilbang. The first floor is a gym, the second is a women's bathhouse, the fourth is a men's bathhouse, and the third is a public jjimjilbang (sleep) facility. The bathhouse facilities are reasonably good, and the public jjimjilbang, with its wood and stone floors, is a great place to relax. Of course, there's a snack shop and a cave-style sleep room, which I appreciated. However, it feels a bit dated and out of place these days, so I'd like to see some remodeling. This seems to be the most famous and well-known jjimjilbang in Jeonju. It's a great bathhouse, jjimjilbang, and fitness center, perfect for a budget-friendly overnight stay.

After having just visited several Japanese onsens, we wanted to try the Korean sauna and spa. It was very interesting to see and compare with the Japanese and our own Finnish sauna and spa. The sauna rooms were quite different but the spa looked similar to Japanese and Finnish versions. However, we never got into the pool because a woman told us to wash - but we had just washed, very thoroughly, compared to the locals, and so we washed again, frustrated. Then, as we were about to enter the pool for the second time, another ahjumma started yelling at us because in her opinion we still were "dirty". We turned away and left, sad and angry. This was the most racist experience (!!) I have ever had. Never going to visit another Korean spa again and it left a dark stain on our South Korea experience. :-(

Authentic jimjilbang experience similar those shown in kdramas. Some facilities were closed but the main sauna room, rest area, cafeteria and hot pools were open. Do try the sikhye at the cafeteria! However the spa has NO English signs or English speaking staff, so do not visit if you speak and read zero Korean (you will probably just be very confused). Place is super easy to find - just follow the giant lighted up sign at the top of the building :)

I went to a sauna to avoid the holiday traffic. I usually have a good impression of Jeonju, but the restrooms were very unclean, the lady at the snack bar was extremely unfriendly, and there were broken faucets and uncleaned areas all over the bathhouse, which was very disappointing. At this rate, the district office really needs to inspect the facilities.

The facilities are adequate and nice. I slept well in the winter because the floor was heated, but the dry air made my throat a bit sore. Entry is until 11 p.m. and showering is allowed until 11 p.m., so be aware of the times before you go. The location was my favorite part.