Latest news with #Jjimjilbang
Courier-Mail
6 days ago
- Courier-Mail
I got naked in Spa Land in Centum City Busan a South Korean spa experience
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. Call me crazy, but I generally try to avoid getting naked in large crowds. Obviously, it's generally frowned upon in the eyes of the law, but there's also a level of… let's call it 'quiet discomfort' that comes with getting down to skins in front of hundreds. Unless, of course, I'm in South Korea and I'm headed to a bathhouse, then all rules go out the window and I can't strip down fast enough. True, being of Turkish ancestry, I'm no stranger to a group bathing experience, but unlike hamams which are positively lawless compared to its Asian counterparts, a Korean bathhouse experience (known locally as Jjimjilbang. or quite literally, 'heated rooms') involves a specific set of rules to abide by. The best place to immerse yourself in the local spa culture? The port city of Busan which has been an international bathhouse destination since the Joseon Dynasty. If you like bath houses, Busan should be on your bucket list. Now, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the choice of spa complexes dotted around Busan. Some may prefer the dazzle of the all-new (and positively gargantuan) ClubD Oasis, a spa and waterpark which can accommodate up to 3,500 people, while others might prefer a 2am bathing option with the 24-hour Hill Spa. I'm a sucker for a multitude of glowing reviews, so I opt for a day at Spa Land, located in Centum City, one of the world's largest department stores. Here, those willing to part with 25,000 Won (around $28) for a four-hour bathhouse adventure can make the most of 18 hot spring baths and 13 themed steam baths drawn from natural hot spring water some 1,000 metres underground. Guests are given these cute head towels. Picture: Dilvin Yasa Spa Land, like most Jjimjilbang, has two distinct areas: the baths, which are same-sex only, and the saunas, which are for everyone to share. First, you have to put your shoes in an assigned locker before collecting your fetching spa uniform of chequered shorts and oversized grey marle t-shirt at the linen counter and then heading back to a locker to decide if you want to put on your uniform to enjoy the sauna facilities (yep, no towel wearing in the saunas here), or if you want to disrobe completely and head to the baths. Towels are forbidden in saunas here. Of course, you also have the option of heading upstairs to the 2nd floor to make the most of the entertainment quarter, which includes a restaurant, a casual noodle bar, a relaxation zone and many massage chairs. I dump my clothes, gather my courage and strut my naked self through the change rooms out to the hot springs (they give you a hand towel, but it is nowhere near enough to protect your modesty). Everyone has to scrub down at a washing station before entering the bath and I do, but the minute I enter a body of 40-degree water some five minutes later, a spa mistress becomes incensed that I haven't washed my hair (which is up in a bun) and starts shouting at me to get back out and try again. The floral decor is a nice touch too. Instead, I run away, taking my time to try all the baths, which range in size and temperature, from cold plunge (15 degrees) to 45 degrees (more my speed). There is, I should note, an option to book in for a scrub or a massage in a room nearby, but I'm so relaxed I can barely move (also, the spa mistress terrifies me). After yet another shower, it's time to put on my spa uniform and head up to the saunas. See also: Why you can't trust reviews in South Korea Will it be a Finnish sauna, a Roman sauna, a salt room, clay room or a hamam? Whatever your preference, you can be sure to open a door to a roomful of locals staring at their phones under a thick cloak of steam. I involuntarily listen to endless TikTok videos in all of the rooms (with the exception of the ice room) and before I know it, I have just enough time for my complimentary ice-cream and yet another shower before my locker key is handed back and I'm back out in the department store. Is a Jjimjilbang experience for you? Only if you're completely comfortable with public nudity. Me? I plan to go back, but next time, I'll be sure to bring ear plugs. Originally published as I got naked in a sauna in South Korea, I didn't expect this
Pink Villa
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
EXCLUSIVE: Super Junior shares BTS of Woke Up to SUPER TV, tricks to staying together after 20 years, and more
An abundance of wit, sarcasm, slapstick comedy, friendly fights, and lots of chaos—that's what happens when you bring the members of Super Junior together. The iconic 2nd generation K-pop boy group debuted in November 2005, and two decades later, they're still really showing the world why they deserve to be called 'super.' Rightfully nicknamed the original 'Gods of variety'—with other junior groups trying very hard to catch up, the team gathered once again for their 20th debut anniversary celebration. The mayhem that they caused was turned into a show called Woke Up to SUPER TV, which aired from March 21 on platforms including TVING, iQIYI, Kocowa, and Amazon Prime's Kocowa, running for 10 episodes. With the finale airing globally, we spoke to the nine members of Super Junior— Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyun— about their last 20 years and plans for the next 20. The team touched on their enviable bond and love for fans in India. Read below. Leeteuk: The debut stage of Super Junior on November 6, 2005, is the first thing that comes to mind. The idea of the show is basically an 'Escape Room,' just on a much larger scale. How did you first react to the concept? Shindong: When I first heard the concept, I thought, 'Oh, this is going to be really fun!' Escape game elements aren't very common in variety shows, but I thought if we approached it in our own style, it could turn into something fresh and entertaining. And it's not just about playing games— there's chemistry between the members, laughter, and even some unexpected touching moments, and I was confident all of that could be captured too. People have always said, 'Whatever Super Junior does, they do it in their own Super Junior style,' and Woke Up to SUPER TV feels exactly like that. It's a variety show where we took an ordinary concept and expanded it in our own way! That's why I was more excited, and we had such a great time filming. Your celebrations are set to continue with a comeback. What can fans expect? Heechul: We're preparing for an album comeback and a concert tour. Honestly, I think the fans are excited and nervous, but I feel even more excited and nervous. It's been a long time since we've gone on tour together! If you had to pick the best scene or moment from Woke Up to SUPER TV, what would it be? Kyuhyun: There were so many unexpected situations that I can't even remember all the scenes we filmed, but when I look back, the zombie game we played together at the Jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) stands out the most. I think we were just genuinely having fun, forgetting that we were filming. If you were to shoot season 2 of this show, when and where would you like to do it? What changes would you like? Ryeowook: I think it would be fun to go overseas and experience two completely opposite lifestyles. We could spin a roulette wheel to divide the members into a luxury team and a budget team, and while we're there, experience and learn about that country's culture and history— like a variety show that's also educational. If possible, I'd really like to go to India, feel many new things, and meet ELF there too. You have been together for 20 years; is it now easier to agree with each other? Yesung: Rather than saying it has become easier, I think it's more that we understand each other better now and have learned to be more considerate because we've spent so much time together. We've seen Super Junior members take on viral dance challenges. How do you manage to stay connected and up-to-date? Eunhyuk: That's not true. I don't think I'm fast at all or doing a good job at keeping up. In fact, I want to learn more from our juniors when it comes to those things. As a senior group in the industry, what is your opinion of the growing influence of K-pop? Siwon: K-pop is no longer just a genre. It has become a language that communicates with the world. I'm proud that we were there at the starting point of that journey. What comes to mind when you think of your fans in India? Any memorable moments or messages for them? Donghae: I want to go meet you soon. If we get the chance, I'd love to do a concert and spend a fun time together! What is your message for your fans who have been with you on this journey for 20 years? What do you think about 20 more? Donghae: The fact that we met is a miracle, and the fact that we've stayed together until now is also a miracle. I believe that our future together will be a miracle too!! I believe another 20 years will be no problem! Please continue to be with us! I'll take responsibility for ELF's happiness!
