If you have spent any time in Korea, you probably noticed that many shops and spaces end with the word bang (방), which literally means “room.” These aren’t just rooms in the literal sense, but immersive spaces that can have you easily spend a whole day in without realising.
These spaces reflect a unique kind of intimacy that highlights Korea’s communal culture. At the same time, they also provide some privacy for those who want to relax without caring about those around them. From sweating it out in a jjimjilbang to lazing around in a manhwa bang, each “room” offers a glimpse into everyday Korean life and its love for comfort and connection.
They are also a great wet-weather plan, so be sure to have them saved and ready in your maps to ensure your trip isn’t dampened by the unpredictable weather! However, most rooms do not allow minors to stay beyond 10pm due to Korea’s Youth Protection Act. Some places might allow longer stays only with parental/adult supervision. So if you are heading there with little ones, take note!
In this two-part article, we will introduce four of the most iconic “rooms” you shouldn’t miss when visiting Korea — and how to make the most out of each one (tested and proven)!
1. Jjimjilbang (찜질방)
A jjimjilbang is not just a public bath,it’s a full-fledged wellness experience that combines heat therapy, entertainment, and even sleepovers. Imagine walking into a multi-story complex where each floor offers something different: saunas of varying temperatures and materials (jade, salt, charcoal), cold plunge pools, sleeping areas, snack bars, and even entertainment zones. While bigger and foreigner-friendly Jjimjilbang have English signage and instructions, smaller neighbourhood ones that are frequented by locals often only have Korean, so be sure to pick up some basic Korean before visiting one!
You’ll start your visit in the gender-segregated bathing area, where everyone showers thoroughly before entering the hot and cold baths. It will be quite a cultural shock, to say the least, but nudity is completely normal here. Once you get used to it, you will be able to appreciate the steaming hot bath and the relaxation it offers. If you are up for it, give the seshin (세신) a try. It is a traditional full-body scrub that may hurt and have you regretting your life choices. But on the positive side, you will definitely leave with baby-smooth skin.
After bathing, simple amenities like hair dryers are often provided for you to freshen up. You will also put on the provided cotton shirt and pants and head to the co-ed common area. That’s where the real jjimjilbang experience begins: lying on heated floors, sweating it out in themed sauna rooms, cracking boiled eggs, and sipping sweet rice drinks to hydrate yourselves.
Typically, everything you spend in the jjimjilbang will be recorded by the number key you receive (the same key you use for your personal belongings locker). When you leave the establishment, that’s when you pay the total amount you owe at the front counter. This also means you don’t need to bring your wallet with you the whole time, and you can enjoy the experience hands-free.
2. Manhwa Bang (만화방)
If you love comics, a manhwa bang (literally “comic book room”) will be a paradise. These spaces are lined floor-to-ceiling with Korean manhwa and Japanese manga (translated into the Korean language), offering a quiet escape from the city’s buzz. Most manhwa bang offer a huge selection of books, ranging from the newest comics to old classics from decades ago. Some also offer non-fiction and fiction books for readers who don’t read comics. There may also be board games for friends and family to enjoy.
You enter the place and decide how many hours you want to spend here (don’t worry, you can always extend later if you find yourself enjoying the place too much), grab a stack of books, and sink into a recliner, cubicle, or floor mat, and happy reading! It can range anywhere from 3000-5000 won per hour (approximately 4sgd), and a complimentary drink with the visit.
Most manhwa bang also sell snacks, hot food like instant ramyeon, fried bites, and drinks. Instead of just cup noodles, you can actually order a whole meal where they cook up dishes like pasta and so much more. Some also have private booths where you can nap or binge-read for hours, so it’s not unusual to find people spending entire afternoons here. The manhwa bang admin visited recently had private video rooms where you could watch Netflix on a projector screen. Blankets were provided, and there were even leg massager machines in the booths for your total relaxation.
To make the most out of your experience in a manhwa bang, knowing how to read Korean is absolutely essential! At Sejong Korean Language School, we offer structured Korean language classes for beginner to advanced learners here in Singapore. If you want to get a head start in reading Korean literature, drop by our in-house library at our Tanjong Pagar campus and start browsing through our wide collection of books!
Stay tuned for part 2!
Written by: Ms Luisa Lim, October 2025