We visited a jjimjilbang in Busan last night; The jjimjilbang concept comes close to a bath-house, it is a combination of sauna, hotel and gym. I just spend a night there for $10, and I am excited, what an experience! I slept on the marble floor but had a massage in return!
Imagine a 24 hour serviced building with cinema room, hot baths, sauna, bars, restaurants and pc/tv rooms. You walk around in comfortable clothes supplied by the staff. Very relaxing athmosphere. Woman and men are separated, except for activity rooms.
Why would you go here? I guess this concept is an answer to the busy life most people have here. The jjimjilbang is a place for people to come together, rather then sitting in a small 30th floor appartment. A feeling of space and luxury in a world were space is limited. Visitors vary from drunken business men (drinking is a burden obliged by boss for many) and families that gather in the weekend. I wonder if something like this would work in Europe.
Spil Games Asia honcho with some ROK and PRC experience. Check out this blog for your daily photo feast and some background stories from Asia. 
3 Comments on "What do you get when you combine a cinema, pool and cheap hotel?"
[...] curious about Busan because I like cities next to the sea, we spend some time on the beach, had an interesting night. [...]
[...] curious about Busan because I like cities next to the sea, we spend some time on the beach, had an interesting night. While walking over the beach, we noticed that there was a film crew recording a [...]
All doors open to courtesy ;)