Around Pyeongtaek: Woosung Red Clay Charcoal Sauna
Have you heard that frequent sauna use helps prevent dementia? Saunas increase the blood flow and circulation to your brain as well as remove pollutants from the brain. The increase in healthy blood flow to the brain, the less likely dementia is to occur. Korean saunas, or jjimjilbang’s, play a big part in Korean culture.
A short 10 minute walk from Songtan Station will bring you to Woosung Red Clay Charcoal Sauna, a small neighborhood style jjimjilbang. There is parking in the front and back as well as bicycle parking.
If you want to visit only the charcoal sauna, the price is 10,000 won during the day, 11,000 during the nighttime hours which are in effect after 8pm. If you want use to the sauna and the jjimjilbang, the price is 13,000 and 14,000 won. Discounts are given for children, seniors and when purchasing multi-visit packs.
Price list at Woosung Red Clay Charcoal Sauna
Once you enter the building, take your shoes off. After you’ve paid, you’ll be given an outfit and a locker key. The shoes you’ve taken off will go into the first locker. Your key will work in the shoe locker and the same locker number in the locker room. In the entry, orange lockers are for women and beige are for men. After you’ve stored your shoes away, head to the correct floor.
Women’s locker room is on the second floor and men’s locker room is on the third floor. I recommend checking out the charcoal sauna before heading into the jjimjilbang. Find your locker and change into your t-shirt and short set. The charcoal sauna is on the 3rd floor, separate from the men’s locker room.
This was the driest sauna I was in and it was hot. I took my phone in there but it could only last a few minutes before overheating. This space was also very quiet as I found everyone else hanging out in the wet saunas and jjimjilbang. There’s also an ice room here, although it’s currently unavailable.
If you’ve never been to a jjimjilbang, or Korean spa, before, you should be aware that it is a fully naked experience in the spa areas. Because of this, the spas are in the locker rooms. When you check in, you’re given two towels. If your hair is long, you’ll want to wrap it up to keep it out of the water. You don’t have to use the towel, though most do, you can use a hair tie or a clip as well.
Stairwell lined with toiletries of the "regulars"
There are two hot tubs of differing temperatures and a large cold plunge pool. There are also two saunas in the jjimjilbang, one regular sauna and one steam sauna. I recommend starting in a hot tub, cooling off in the cold pool and then heading into the sauna. The cold pool is also great for cooling off in between saunas and hot tubs.
You can also pay extra for an array of sports massages outside of the sauna as well as several massage options in the jjimjilbang. (And yes, your masseuse will be mostly naked in the jjimjilbang.)
Sports massage price list
Beverages are available in the locker room (cash only) but you can also bring your own. You’ll definitely want something cool to drink while in the sauna! A lovely woman I met gifted me a drink when she saw me go into the sauna and I was so grateful to her.
There was also a vending machine located on the second floor. The stairs behind the vending machine lead to the women’s quiet area where you can nap and relax. There’s also a similar option on the men’s floor.
Vending machine in the shared space. Similar items were available for sale inside the locker room as well.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS
Don't expect anyone to speak English but also don’t be nervous if someone DOES speak English. They’ll give you helpful tips if they notice you’re uncomfortable.
Take a moment to look around and observe. See how/what everyone is doing to get a better feel for the space.
Bring your own toiletries and spare towel if you plan on showering here when finished.
Don’t overdo it in the cold pools or the sauna.
Remember that everyone is nervous their first time.
Phones are not allowed inside the jjimjilbang so you don’t have to worry about anyone taking your picture while naked. Please give the same respect in the locker room as well.
Naver link: 경기 평택시 탄현1로 94
우성황토참숯가마 사우나 Woosung Red Clay Charcoal Sauna
Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek-si, Seojeong-dong 508-2
Hours: Everyday, 05:00-23:00 (You can stay between 23:00 and 05:00am, but you’re not allowed to leave or enter during those hours.)
