This evening I got to experience another jimjilbang, this time in Gyeongju. For those unfamiliar this is a cheap place to crash for $10/nite with a communal sleeping hall and communal showers.

The tourist info office said there were three jimjilbangs in Gyeongju in different parts of town and fortunately there was one next to the Teddy Bear Museum which I had just visited (see previous entry)

Admission was 11,000w ($10) and as I had come early after 7pm I was the only one there and thought it was closed. Normally jimjilbangs do not get busy until after 10pm.

Luckily being this early I was able to stake out one of the sleeping pods. Normally coming later these are all gone but this early they were all empty. I had to leave things in there like maps, water bottle, and other bits of paper so somebody knows I'm using it and doesnt just move in there themselves.

Typical with saunas they had massage chairs, tv lounge, internet room, massage tables, hairdressers, and a restaurant. The changing and shower areas are separated by genders but the common areas can be used by everyone.

In my cubicle I was able to get a good nights sleep and actually slept in till 9am which is rare for a jimjilbang when I'm normally woken from 6am by the sound of many programmed cell phone alarms.

Being a bit uncomfortable sleeping on the floor mat I was able to use the water jets in the spa to massage some muscles next morning giving me a fresh start on my next day in Gyeongju

Jimjilbangs are popular with young couples as well as families and solo travellers. There was also a large group of Chinese tourists that was staying there this night. I was the only other foreigner today!