Jjimjilbang Bliss: Discover the Best Korean Spas in the U.S.

Korean day spas, known as jjimjilbangs (찜질방), are a unique cultural experience that combines relaxation, wellness, and social interaction. These modern-day bathhouses offer a wide range of facilities, including saunas, pools, and treatment rooms, making them ideal for a day of self-care. Below, we explore what makes these spas special and highlight some of the best jjimjilbangs across the United States. And one bonus Finnish style spa!

What Are Korean Day Spas?

Korean day spas are rooted in traditional Korean culture, where communal bathhouses were places for cleansing, relaxation, and socializing. Today, jjimjilbangs have evolved into multi-functional wellness centers that cater to people of all ages. They typically include:

• Hot and Cold Pools: These pools are designed for relaxation and detoxification.
• Saunas: Various types of saunas, such as Himalayan salt rooms, clay saunas, and ice rooms, each with specific health benefits.
• Treatment Services: Options like body scrubs, massages, and facials.
• Communal Spaces: Areas for lounging, eating Korean food, or even napping.
• Affordable Pricing: Entry fees range from $10 to $30 for access to basic facilities, with additional charges for treatments.

One unique aspect of jjimjilbangs is their emphasis on cleanliness and nudity in gender-segregated areas. Visitors are required to shower thoroughly before entering pools or saunas. While the idea of nudity may feel uncomfortable at first, it quickly becomes a natural part of the experience.

Now that we understand what Korean day spas are, let’s explore some notable locations across the United States.

1. King Spa & Sauna (Palisades Park, New Jersey)

King Spa is one of the most well-known jjimjilbangs in the U.S., offering 13 themed saunas such as infrared rays, gold-lined rooms, and rock salt saunas. It also features hot tubs, cold plunges, and an extensive food court serving authentic Korean dishes. Open 24/7, it’s perfect for a late-night relaxation session.

• Base Rock Room Sauna
• Ice sauna
• Amethyst room Sauna
• Separate men’s and women’s sections with hot pools
• Healing Room and Aroma Lounge

Services:

• Restaurant serving authentic Korean cuisine
• Juice Bar
• Body scrubs and massages
• Wet massage combos
• Facials
• V-Steam treatments for women

2. Island Spa & Sauna (Edison, New Jersey)

Island Spa offers a serene environment with six distinct saunas and various wet areas. Highlights include an ice room to tighten pores after a sauna session and a clay sauna for detoxification. The spa also has a restaurant serving fresh Korean meals.

• Multiple themed saunas (clay, rock salt, charcoal)
• Hot tubs and pools
• Steam rooms and ice room
• Sleeping areas and lounging spaces

Services:

• Body scrubs and massages
• Restaurant serving Korean cuisine

3. Spa Light (Rhode Island)

 Spa Light is a Korean-inspired day spa located inside Bally’s Twin River Casino & Resort in Lincoln, Rhode Island, just minutes from Providence. 14,000 square foot facility inspired by traditional Korean bathhouses (Jimjilbang). Opened in 2023. Key features include:

Facilities:

• State-of-the-art saunas (including Himalayan salt, jade, dry charcoal, and cold saunas)
• Heated and chilled pools
• Steam room
• Relaxation lounges with heated day beds
• Massage chairs
• Restaurant serving Korean cuisine

Services:

• Massages (including hot stone and deep tissue)
• Body scrubs
• Facial treatments

4. Kelo Spa & Steam (Newton, MA)

Kelo Spa & Steam is an authentic Finnish-inspired spa located in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts. It opened in March 2023 and offers a comprehensive wellness experience. Here are some key details about the spa:

• Authentic polar pine sauna room with wood-burning heaters
• Steam room with beautiful tile finishes
• Cold plunge pools for contrast therapy
• Lounge area and snack/juice bar

Various treatments including:

• Platza (oak or birch leaf exfoliation)
• Salt and honey glazing
• Exfoliating scrubs
• Foam wash

5. Shangri-La Bath & Sauna (Tampa, Florida)

Only Korean spa in the state of Florida:

• Separate areas for men and women
• Communal room with small restaurant, pool, salt spa, and clay spa

Services:

• Full body scrub with cucumber mask
• Hot tubs and saunas
• Traditional Korean cuisine

6. Jeju Sauna & Spa Home of Wellbeing (Duluth, Georgia)

Jeju Sauna is one of the largest jjimjilbangs in the U.S., offering traditional Korean spa experiences at an affordable price. Visitors can enjoy heated rooms lined with jade or salt bricks alongside various soaking tubs:

• Open 24/7
• Junior Olympic swimming pool
• Heated pools
• Cardio fitness room
• No appointment necessary
• First-come, first-serve facility

7. Olympus Spa (Seattle & Lynnwood, Washington)

Olympus Spa focuses on holistic wellness with services like body scrubs and massages alongside its hot tubs and herbal steam rooms. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and women-only policy in certain areas, it’s perfect for those seeking privacy:

• Hot tubs, herbal steam rooms, and saunas
• Herbal Hydrotherapy bath – Hot whirlpools, Cold Water Fall
• Mugwort Herbal Well
• Mugwort Steam & Herbal Dry Sauna
• Earth energy, Far Infrared Ray heated rooms: Sea Salt, Sand & Charcoal, Mud & Jade
•  Relaxation lounges with traditional décor

Services:

• Signature body scrubs and holistic treatments
• Women-only policy in certain areas for privacy
• 50% off the day pass on your birthday

8. Aura Wellness Spa (Manhattan, NY)

Aura Wellness Spa is a modern Korean-inspired spa located in the Midtown Manhattan known as Koreatown. Key features include:

• 2,000 square feet spread across three floors
• Four therapeutic grottos (dry and steam saunas)
• Eight private treatment rooms
• Four private suites for couples therapy
• Relaxation lounge and juice bar

Services:

• Massage therapy (Swedish, Shiatsu, Hot Stone, Aromatherapy)
• Body scrubs
• Facial treatments
• Acupuncture and Asian herbal treatments
• Aqua therapy

9. Olympic Spa (Los Angeles, California)

Olympic Spa is a women-only Korean spa that focuses on holistic wellness. Highlights include:

• Saltwater, mineral water, and cold water pools
• Multiple specialized saunas
• Halotherapy salt room
• Japanese Bichotan oxygen room
• Jade healing lounge

Treatments designed to:

• Alleviate pain
• Boost mood
• Increase circulation
• Soothe skin conditions

10. Gangnam Spa (Houston, Texas)

Gangham Spa is a modern Korean spa that blends traditional practices with contemporary wellness:

• Open 24 hours
• Oxygen lounge
• Nano Clay Room
• Foot Spa (seen above)
• Yearly memberships available

Unique Features of Korean Day Spas

Each jjimjilbang offers unique features that set them apart:

• Themed Saunas: Many spas have specialized saunas designed to target specific health benefits. For example:
  • Himalayan salt rooms help detoxify the body.
  • Ice rooms close pores after heat therapy.
  • Clay saunas promote relaxation through mineral absorption.
• Overnight Stays: Some jjimjilbangs allow visitors to stay overnight in communal sleeping areas or private rooms.
• Cultural Experiences: Many spas incorporate traditional Korean elements such as hanjeungmak (heated dome-shaped chambers) or bulgama (high-temperature stone kilns).
• Food Courts: Authentic Korean cuisine is often available on-site, including dishes like bibimbap and kimchi stew.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• What to Bring: Most spas provide uniforms for communal areas but bring your own toiletries if you prefer specific brands.
• Follow Etiquette: Shower thoroughly before entering pools or saunas.
• Embrace Nudity: In gender-segregated areas like hot tubs or showers, nudity is required.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water between sauna sessions to avoid dehydration.
• Plan Your Visit: Allocate at least half a day to fully enjoy the facilities.

Korean day spas offer more than just relaxation—they provide an immersive cultural experience that blends wellness with social interaction. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or an all-day retreat, these jjimjilbangs across the U.S. cater to every need while introducing you to one of Korea’s most cherished traditions.

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