Korean Dictionary
How to say "Jjimjilbang" in Korean
“Jjimjilbang” in Korean is 찜질방 (pronounced "Jjimjilbang").
찜질방
Jjimjilbang
Usage & Context
찜질방 is a traditional Korean public bathhouse and sauna complex. Visitors can enjoy various heated rooms, hot baths, and communal resting areas. It is a popular place for families and friends to relax and is often open 24 hours.
Example Sentence
겨울에는 찜질방에 가서 몸을 녹여요.
In winter, I go to the jjimjilbang to warm up.
How to use 찜질방 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Jjimjilbang” is 찜질방, romanized as Jjimjilbang.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 찜질방.
Pronunciation Guide
For 찜질방 (Jjimjilbang), 'Jjim' sounds like 'jim' in 'gym', but with a tenser 'j' sound. 'Jil' is like 'jill'. 'Bang' is pronounced like 'bahng', similar to 'bang' but with a softer 'g' at the end, almost like 'bong'. The double 'ㅉㅉ' indicates a strong, tense 'j' sound.
More Example Sentences
Recounting a family outing.
주말에 가족들과 찜질방에 가서 피로를 풀었어요.
I went to the jjimjilbang with my family on the weekend to relieve fatigue.
Giving advice to a first-timer at a jjimjilbang.
찜질방에서 식혜랑 구운 계란은 꼭 먹어야 해요!
You absolutely must eat sikhye and roasted eggs at a jjimjilbang!
Suggesting a unique travel experience.
여행 중에 찜질방에서 하룻밤 묵는 것도 좋은 경험이에요.
Staying overnight at a jjimjilbang during a trip is also a good experience.
Cultural Context
A 찜질방 (Jjimjilbang) is more than just a sauna; it's a 24-hour communal bathhouse and entertainment complex, deeply ingrained in Korean culture. It's a popular spot for families and friends to relax, socialize, and even sleep overnight. Beyond various heated rooms (like salt, charcoal, or ice rooms), many offer restaurants, PC rooms, and massage services. Iconic snacks include sikhye (sweet rice drink) and maekbanseok gyeran (roasted eggs), often eaten while wearing the signature uniform of T-shirt and shorts. It's a common setting in K-dramas for bonding or even a quick, affordable stay.
Editorial note
We review entries like 찜질방 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
찜질방 가다.
To go to a jjimjilbang.
찜질방에서 자다.
To sleep at a jjimjilbang.
찜질방 데이트.
Jjimjilbang date.
Related Expressions
목욕탕
Mogyoktang
public bathhouse (more focused on bathing)
사우나
Sauna
sauna (loanword)
스파
Seupa
spa (loanword)
불가마
Bulgama
traditional hot kiln sauna (a type of jjimjilbang room)
More Culture Words
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