What you wear at a jjimjilbang, and where the towels are

찜질방 복장과 수건

A jjimjilbang has two dress codes in one building. On the men's or women's bath side you bathe naked, and on the shared sauna floor everyone wears the clothes the front desk gave you. Your own clothes stay in the locker, and the desk usually hands you one or two small towels.

Reviewed 2026-09-27 · Updated 2026-09-28 · Written from the public sources listed below

Two different dress codes in one building

The bath side is separated by gender, and there you bathe naked. The shared sauna floor is the opposite: men and women share the space, and you wear the clothes the front desk gave you. National bathhouse rules require clothing in a mixed sauna room.

So your own clothes go in the locker and usually stay there until you leave. You carry little except the key, which is usually worn on your wrist or ankle.

Towels

You are usually handed one or two small towels at the desk. They are for drying off and for sitting on, and are not meant to be wrapped around you in the bath area. Some places have extra towels near the showers, and at some places extra towels are charged to your key. If you cannot find them, ask.

What may not be included

Shampoo, soap and toothbrushes are sold or provided depending on the place, so do not assume. The same national rules do not allow a bathhouse to put out bedding for lodging, though large towels and pillows for a nap are allowed, so plan on a mat and a towel rather than a blanket. The floors may be heated while the air conditioning is cold, so bring a layer if you plan to sleep.

Sizes, and asking

The clothes come in a small number of sizes, and a larger size is not always on the shelf, though staff can often find one. There is no harm in asking at the desk before you change.