17 Oct 2010

"Jjimjilbang" Korean Public Bath House = Temporary Shelter for Homeless?

Public Bathing was originated from a communal needs of cleanliness. In Western Counturies, most public baths have been replaced by private bathing facilities while in Korea, this unique culture still exist in two forms:  Mogyoktang & Jjimjilbang, which is elaborated by incorporating recreational facilities. 



24 HOURS OPEN, we went to this 7 storeys high Spa & Resort to have a bath and different sort of sauna there. It is a place for local family, couples, friends, after-work office workers, tourist, etc. with 12000won (appox. 6.5 British pounds), one can clean their body with the unlimited supply of water, sleep in lounge area or room solely for sleeping, drink hot or cold water. A detail description by local website is linked here.


Someone interpreted this spa can be one of the sanctuary / shelter for homeless man, as described in "Two Houses in Seoul" but 12000won for 12 hours' rent as a temporary shelter, might not be a long term solution for the poor homeless. and does this traditional custom of Korean means something more than that?


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