Mi Jin Jang Buddhist mind training

What Meditation Finally Felt Like

Yesterday, I visited a Buddhist center in Seocho-dong, Gangnam—part of the Jungto Society in Seoul, Korea.
They offer a free four-hour program called “Jeol-cation (절캉스)”, a kind of urban templestay for people looking to take a breath in the middle of city life.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I arrived, I was surprised.
Unlike the traditional temples hidden deep in the mountains, this one was modern, sleek, and immaculately clean.
The volunteers welcomed me with warm smiles and quiet kindness, which instantly softened something inside me.

The highlight of the visit was the guided meditation session.
I’ve always struggled with meditation.
Whenever I closed my eyes, I’d wonder, “Am I doing this right? What should I be feeling? How do I know if I’m meditating correctly?”

But something the monk said finally made things click.

He explained that true meditation lies somewhere between two extremes:
① a state of total relaxation — and ② a state of intense, alert focus, like a soldier keeping watch.
He said if you’re too relaxed, you’ll get sleepy or lost in thought.
But if you focus too hard, your body tenses up and your senses become overly sharp.
The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle — relaxed, but alert.

That explanation helped me more than any book or app ever did.

I sat in half-lotus position, eyes closed, and focused on the sensation of breath passing through my nose.
The monk said:

“At this moment, the only thing that truly exists is your breath.”

He called that the core of meditation.

And when thoughts arise — and they will — it doesn’t mean you’re failing.
For example, if your thoughts are about future plans or to-dos, those thoughts often grow from worry.
If the thoughts are about past events, they often come from pain or unresolved emotions.

In my case, I kept thinking about what to cook for dinner, how to help my mom next week…
It was like a noisy traffic jam inside my head.
But the monk gently reminded us:

“That, too, is part of meditation.
Simply recognize the thought, watch it pass,
and gently return to the breath. That’s all.”

We did two sessions:
First, 10 minutes of seated meditation, followed by walking meditation.
Then another 30-minute seated session.

I had never sat still for that long before.
And during those 30 minutes, my legs hurt, I itched, I got distracted.
But somehow, I also got it.
Not perfectly.
But a little more than before. I used to think meditation was about emptying your mind.
Now, I think it’s more about watching your mind without judgment — breath by breath, moment by moment.

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

🧖 TED‑Ed: Can Saunas Make You Live Longer? – Summary(by Max G. Levy)

This TED‑Ed video explores the science-backed health benefits of sauna bathing, a practice deeply rooted in many cultures—especially Finland.

🔑 Key Points

  1. Sauna Bathing Is a Form of Heat Therapy
    Saunas raise your body temperature in a controlled way, typically up to around 38°C (100.4°F) or more, simulating a mild fever.
  2. Benefits of Sauna Use
    • Cardiovascular Health:
      Studies show that regular sauna use (4–7 times/week) is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. It mimics the effects of moderate aerobic exercise by raising heart rate and improving circulation.
    • Longevity:
      Finnish research found that people who used saunas frequently had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes.
    • Immune System Boost:
      Heat stress activates heat shock proteins, which repair damaged cells and improve immunity.
    • Mental Health:
      Sauna use may help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, possibly by releasing endorphins and regulating sleep.
  3. How It Works
    • Saunas create a kind of “hormetic stress”, which challenges the body in small doses and makes it stronger over time.
    • Blood vessels dilate, increasing circulation.
    • The body sweats, which may help remove toxins (though this is debated).
  4. Precautions
    • Stay hydrated.
    • Avoid saunas if you’re pregnant, have heart conditions, or low blood pressure—unless approved by a doctor.
    • Keep sessions around 15–20 minutes.

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

🧼 How to Use a Korean Scrub Towel the Right Way

The ultimate guide to soft skin, the Korean way.

If you’ve ever experienced a Korean bathhouse (jjimjilbang), you might already know the secret to baby-soft skin: the Korean scrub towel, also known as a tte-towel (때타월). But there’s a right way to use it — and when done properly, it becomes a deeply satisfying self-care ritual.

Here’s everything you need to know.

🛍️ 1. Choosing the Right Scrub Towel

Not all scrub towels are created equal. Trust me — I’ve tried plenty.

My top recommendation? The scrub towels made by Songwol Towel (송월타월), one of Korea’s most trusted brands. Here’s why:

  • They retain their shape better when wet
  • The color-coded system helps you choose the right strength (mild to strong)
    — I’ll talk about this in detail in a later post
  • They don’t shrink or twist awkwardly after a few uses
  • And most importantly, they’re made with safe, non-toxic dyes

Cheaper scrub towels often come with issues — uneven grit, poor durability, or worse, color dyes that leach into your bathwater. Imagine rubbing your skin with low-quality chemicals. No thanks!

🔍 Tip: Look for scrub towels that are larger than your hand and come from a reliable brand or factory. If you’re unsure, go with Songwol for peace of mind.

🚿 2. How to Scrub the Korean Way

The secret to a good scrub? Preparation. Here’s how to do it right:

🧖‍♀️ Step 1: Soak First

Soak your body in warm water for 20–30 minutes. It’s not really about temperature — whether hot or lukewarm, what matters is the duration. The longer you soak, the better your dead skin softens and loosens.

💡 Pro Tip: Rub your body with a bit of bath salt and enjoy a steam sauna first — it helps loosen dead skin even more.

🧽 Step 2: Gentle Scrubbing

Now, grab your wet Korean scrub towel and start gently rubbing your skin in circular or long strokes. Don’t go hard — you’re not sanding furniture. Just firm enough to feel “refreshing,” not painful.

For extra glide and effectiveness, add a tiny bit of soap (or traditional Korean dde-soap, aka 때비누). Some professional scrubbers even mix in diluted vinegar, which helps soften dead skin, calm irritation, and disinfect the skin. You’ll often see this method in Korean bathhouses.

⚠️ Don’t worry if you don’t see much dead skin — it varies based on your skin’s condition. Over-scrubbing can damage your barrier and dry you out, so think of this as gentle exfoliation, not punishment.

🪶 Remember: Less is more. Light, consistent pressure is all you need.

🤲 3. What About Your Back?

Scrubbing your own back can be a challenge — we’ve all tried and failed. Here’s what helps:

  • Use back scrubber tool
  • Or, better yet, ask a friend, partner, or visit a professional scrub therapist

It’s a bonding moment if done with someone you trust — and a truly relaxing experience when done right.

✨ 4. Aftercare Is Everything

Once you’ve scrubbed and rinsed off, finish with soapy foam cleansing to wash away loosened skin cells.

Then, the most important step: moisturize. Generously apply your favorite body oil, cream, or lotion while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture and restore the barrier.

Your skin just went through a deep exfoliation — now it deserves some love and hydration.

🇮🇹 It’s Called an “Italy Towel” in Korea, Too

Despite being a staple in Korean bath culture, the Korean scrub towel is often called an “Italy Towel” (이태리타월) — but no, it didn’t actually come from Italy.

The nickname comes from the origin of the fabric. The original exfoliating material was imported from Italy in the 1960s, when Korea was just beginning to industrialize. At the time, the fabric’s unique texture made it ideal for scrubbing dead skin, and people began calling it the “Italy towel” based on where the cloth came from.

Over time, Korean manufacturers started producing it locally, but the name stuck — and now it’s become a quirky piece of cultural history.

So while the towel is proudly Korean in design and tradition, its name carries a hint of European flair.

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

Foot Bath at Home – Easy DIY SPA, Korean Self-Care

Looking for a simple yet powerful way to relax and recharge? A foot bath — or jok-yok (족욕) as we call it in Korea — is one of the easiest self-care rituals you can do at home. This humble practice has been used for centuries in Korean wellness to soothe the body, calm the mind, and promote circulation. Best of all? You only need a basin, warm water, and a few minutes to feel the difference.

🌿 Benefits of a Foot Bath

  • Boosts circulation Warm water helps open blood vessels in your feet and lower legs, improving overall blood flow and warming the entire body.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety Soaking your feet can activate pressure points and nerve endings, signaling your nervous system to relax.
  • Improves sleep quality A warm foot soak before bed helps your body wind down and fall asleep more easily.
  • Eases fatigue and swelling If you’ve been standing or walking all day, a foot bath relieves heaviness, swelling, and tiredness.
  • Detox and skin health Adding salt, herbs, or essential oils may help draw out impurities and soften dry skin.

🛁 How to Do a Foot Bath at Home (Korean Style)

You’ll need:

  • A large basin or foot spa tub
  • Warm water (around 38–42°C / 100–108°F)
  • Optional: Epsom salt, Korean mugwort (ssuk), lavender oil, or fresh ginger slices
  • A towel and cozy socks

Steps:

  1. Fill your basin with warm water up to ankle or calf level.
  2. Add your preferred ingredients (salt, herbs, oils).
  3. Soak your feet for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Breathe deeply, sip some tea, or listen to calm music.
  5. Dry your feet and wear socks to retain warmth.

Tip: In Korea, people often cover their lap with a blanket while soaking for deeper body warming.

⏰ Best Time and Duration

  • Best time: Evening or before bed
  • Duration: 15–20 minutes (Too long may lead to dizziness or dry skin.)

You can do it 2–3 times a week, or even daily during cold seasons.

⚠️ Cautions and Things to Note

  • Do not use overly hot water — it can cause burns or lower blood pressure.
  • Avoid if you have open wounds, skin infections, or certain circulatory disorders.
  • Pregnant women or people with diabetes should consult a doctor first.
  • Stay hydrated during and after the soak.

In Korean culture, we believe that “when your feet are warm, your whole body feels at peace.”

So tonight, give yourself permission to pause.

Fill a bowl, dip your feet, and breathe.

You deserve it. 💛

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

Baths & Beers in Broad Daylight

There’s something deliciously bold about having a beer before the sun goes down.

Maybe it’s the quiet rebellion — drinking while everyone else is still typing, calling, rushing. That slight sense of guilt only makes the drink taste sweeter. It’s like whispering to the world, “I know there’s still work to do, but not right now.”

It’s the brightness of the day that makes everything feel more alive. The sunlight sharpens every flavor. The fact that today isn’t over yet — that you still have hours ahead — gives it all a strange freedom.

And then, there’s the midday bath.

You walk into the public bathhouse and warm sunlight streams through the glass ceiling. Steam rises like clouds meeting the sky. You sink into the hot water, stretch out your limbs, and feel your heart slowly unwind. There’s a quiet magic to bathing in daylight — as if the day itself is giving you permission to pause.

You step out refreshed, skin tingling, mind rinsed clean. And outside, the sky is still bright. It feels like a restart. Like the whole day is waiting to be lived again.

Now imagine this: a bath in the early afternoon, followed by a cold beer before sunset.

Can anything feel more indulgent — and yet more grounding — than that?

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

Try Contrast Bathing – A Hidden Ritual of Deep Healing

Once you fall in love with bathhouses, you naturally start exploring different locations and new ways to enjoy them more deeply. One method I always recommend — especially to beginners — is contrast bathing.

Contrast bathing is the practice of alternating between hot and cold water immersion. You soak in a warm tub to open up your blood vessels, then dip into a cold pool to constrict them. Repeating this cycle acts like a natural pump, boosting circulation throughout your body.

Improved circulation can ease fatigue, reduce shoulder stiffness, and most notably — help you feel mentally lighter. During one of the hardest chapters of my life, contrast bathing became an unexpected refuge. My body felt heavy, like a sponge soaked with worry. But after just one session, I walked out feeling lighter, not only physically but emotionally too. That cloud of gloom slowly began to lift, and I found myself becoming a bit more hopeful.

Of course, stepping into a cold bath isn’t easy. It takes courage — and that’s okay. You don’t need to plunge in all at once. At first, just dip your hands or feet. That alone can help cool your body down, and you’ll start to feel subtle changes. Eventually, you might find yourself thinking, “Maybe I’ll try a little more next time.” That curiosity is the start of transformation.

Once you get the hang of it, I recommend this cycle:

  • Warm bath (fully soak and relax)
  • Cold bath (stay just long enough to feel refreshed)
  • Rest (in a lukewarm bath or sitting on a bench)

You’ll start to notice a tingling sensation as your blood vessels expand again during the rest phase — it’s an invigorating, almost addictive feeling. I usually repeat this set two to four times depending on how I feel that day.

⚠️ Important Note

Contrast bathing can be taxing on the body. Avoid it if you have heart conditions, or if your physical condition isn’t optimal that day. Always listen to your body.

If you begin to enjoy this heat-and-cool rhythm, I suggest trying the same cycle using a sauna instead of the hot bath. Wait until sweat rolls down your chin before stepping into the cold plunge. Then take a short rest. No need to follow a strict timer — just go with your natural rhythm.

After all, this is just one of thousands of ways to enjoy a bathhouse. I hope you find your own version — something that brings you comfort, calm, and clarity in a noisy world.

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

🧖‍♀️ What Is a Korean Jjimjilbang?

A Beginner’s Guide to the Korean Spa Experience

If you’ve ever visited Korea or even just browsed Korean culture on YouTube, chances are you’ve heard the word “jjimjilbang” floating around. But what exactly is it?

Let me take you inside one of Korea’s most beloved and unique cultural experiences — the jjimjilbang, or Korean-style public bath and sauna.

🌡️ What Is a Jjimjilbang?

A jjimjilbang (찜질방) is a large, gender-separated bathhouse and sauna complex that offers hot and cold rooms, baths, and relaxation zones. But it’s not just about getting clean — it’s a place where people gather to detox, rest, nap, socialize, and even eat.

The core experience is all about heat therapy. Imagine stepping into a super-hot clay or stone room, almost like a giant kiln. People sit quietly on the floor, letting their bodies slowly bake in the heat — like pottery in a kiln. Soon, you’ll start sweating like rain, and your entire body feels like it’s melting into relaxation. It’s intense, but strangely addictive.

🧖‍♂️ How to Use the Hot Rooms (찜질방)

Don’t worry — you don’t have to stay long in the hottest room. Just listen to your body.

  1. Choose a room that fits your comfort — many jjimjilbangs offer rooms at different temperatures, from mild warmth to intense heat.
  2. Sit or lie down on a thin mat or towel.
  3. Stay as long as it feels right. Some people last 5 minutes, others enjoy 15–20.
  4. When it gets too hot — step out and head straight to the ice room!

❄️ The Ice Room: Cold Therapy

After sweating it all out in the hot room, you’ll want to cool down — and that’s where the ice room comes in. It’s a freezing-cold chamber that instantly refreshes your body and tightens your skin.

The contrast between hot and cold can boost circulation, soothe sore muscles, and leave you feeling deeply rejuvenated.

🧘‍♀️ Why Do Koreans Love Jjimjilbangs?

Many Koreans say that after a good jjimjil (steam session), their body feels lighter, their mind clearer, and even chronic aches like back or shoulder pain seem to ease.

It’s not just about sweat — it’s about letting go.

Plus, jjimjilbangs are affordable, social, and often open 24/7, making them a favorite hangout spot for students, families, couples, and even solo travelers.

🔥 Electric vs. Traditional Jjimjilbangs

Most big-city jjimjilbangs in Seoul use electric heaters for their hot rooms. These are clean, modern, and convenient.

But if you venture just a little outside the city, you might find traditional jjimjilbangs heated by real firewood — with rooms built from natural clay (황토, hwangto).

These traditional-style jjimjilbangs offer a deeper, more authentic experience, where the heat feels more natural, and the earthy scent of the room adds to the healing vibe.

They’re a bit farther out, but definitely worth a visit — and I can’t wait to introduce you to one of these hidden gems in a future post.

🥚 Bonus: Snacks & Culture

Don’t forget to try the iconic sikhye (sweet rice drink) and boiled eggs baked in the kiln — classic jjimjilbang treats that pair perfectly with a post-sauna rest in a reclining chair or nap zone.

✨ Final Tips for First Timers

  • Bring a change of clothes or use the provided cotton set.
  • Don’t be shy — jjimjilbangs are very communal, and everyone minds their own business.
  • Respect quiet zones.
  • Stay hydrated!
  • Try alternating hot → cold → rest in cycles — it’s therapeutic.

Korean jjimjilbangs are more than just spas — they’re a healing tradition, a part of everyday life, and a window into Korea’s deep connection with balance and well-being.

If it’s your first time, just relax — and sweat it out.

You’ll walk out feeling lighter, clearer, and maybe a little addicted.

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

Benefits of Hot-Cold Therapy (Contrast Bathing) and How to Do It Safely

Benefits of Hot-Cold Therapy (Contrast Bathing) and How to Do It Safely

Hot-cold therapy — also known as contrast bathing — is a traditional bathing method that involves alternating between hot and cold water.

It is known to improve blood circulation, boost immunity, and support the balance of the autonomic nervous system.

🌡️ Benefits of Hot-Cold Therapy

1. Improved Blood Circulation

When you alternate between hot and cold baths, your blood vessels expand and contract.

This helps improve overall blood flow throughout the body.

2. Stronger Immunity

Better circulation boosts metabolism and may strengthen your immune system, helping the body to fight off illness more effectively.

3. Balancing the Nervous System

Hot-cold therapy can help balance your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, keeping your autonomic nervous system in harmony.

This balance is essential for managing stress and maintaining emotional and physical health.

4. Fatigue Relief

By enhancing circulation and metabolism, contrast bathing can ease muscle tension and reduce overall fatigue — both physically and mentally.

🚿 How to Do It at Home with Just a Shower

Even if you don’t have access to a public bathhouse or a hot tub, you can easily recreate the effect with a basic shower:

  1. Start with 2–3 minutes of warm to hot water (Let your muscles relax and body warm up)
  2. Switch to cold water for 30–60 seconds (Breathe slowly and let your body adjust)
  3. Repeat 2–3 cycles, finishing with cold water if you want to feel refreshed — or warm water if you plan to relax

💡 Tip: If full cold showers feel too intense, try splashing cold water on just your legs or arms at first!

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

What to Pack for a Korean Bathhouse: My 10 Self-Care Essentials

10 little tools that help me feel clean, calm, and renewed.

1. Exfoliating Towel (Korean scrub towel washcloth mitt)

Korea’s not-so-secret weapon for baby-soft skin.

After 30–40 minutes of alternating between the hot and cold baths, I gently scrub softened skin with a textured towel and a touch of exfoliating soap. Dead skin rolls off easily, leaving my body smooth, refreshed, and deeply clean.

2. Fine Bath Salt Scrub

Before entering the dry sauna, I rub bath salt gently over my body. It helps me sweat more deeply and prepares my skin for exfoliation later. Brighter skin and a light, energized feeling.

3.Favorite Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash & Shower Puff

Most bathhouses offer simple bar soap for communal use, but I prefer bringing my own favorite products—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a soft shower puff. Some luxury spas do provide high-end options, but those tend to be more expensive.

4. Personal Waterproof Seat Pad

In Korean bathhouses, everyone bathes nude—including while sitting on plastic stools or wooden benches.

To keep things hygienic and comfortable, I bring a small waterproof seat pad to sit on during showers or while resting in the sauna.

It’s a little item that makes a big difference.

5. Scalp Scaler & Hair Pack

Steam + scalp care = spa-level hair day.

Cleanse your scalp thoroughly and follow with a deep-conditioning mask under a shower cap while in the sauna. It’s deeply satisfying.

6. Hair Cap or Hair Tie

It’s considered proper etiquette in Korean baths to keep long hair tied up. I always bring a soft hair tie or a plastic shower cap, especially if I’m doing a hair pack.

This way, I can care for my hair while staying respectful of others.

7. Foot File or Heel Buffer

With your feet softened from soaking, exfoliating calluses becomes easy and satisfying. I always bring my own buffer to smooth out rough heels.

8. Gua Sha Massage Tool

Once your body is relaxed, it’s the best time for a gua sha massage. Gently glide the tool along your neck, shoulders, and jawline to help circulation and reduce puffiness.

It feels amazing after the hot-cold bath ritual.

9. Hydrating Face Mask

After all the exfoliation, your face craves hydration. Apply a gentle, soothing mask while you dress or dry your hair. It’s the perfect final touch.

10. Your Own Skincare & Body Lotion

Most bathhouses provide generic toner and lotion—but they’re not always the best quality. I prefer bringing my own skincare essentials that suit my skin type, especially in colder seasons.

Mi Jin Jang Korean Bath Culture

My First Public Bath Experience in Korea as a Local

My First Memory at a Korean Bathhouse

One of my earliest memories is going to a public bathhouse with my mom.
Back then, most homes in Korea didn’t have proper shower or hot water systems.
In my own house, we had a coal briquette boiler, and we had to boil water manually to bathe.

So it was completely normal for families to visit the local bathhouse (mokyoktang) — neighborhood bathhouses — once a week.
Every town had at least one. It wasn’t a luxury; it was part of life.

Even now, decades later, I still cherish those quiet hours spent soaking in warm water. But sadly, this tradition is slowly fading, especially among the younger generation.
Modern homes now have perfect hot showers and bathtubs, so public baths are no longer as essential — but to me, they are still magical healing spaces.

What to Expect Inside a Korean Bathhouse

If you ever visit a mokyoktang, here’s what you’ll typically find:

  • Hot bath (39°C / 102°F)
  • Super hot bath (42°C/108°F)
  • Cold plunge (16–19°C/61–66°F)
  • Dry sauna & Steam sauna
  • Wall-mounted showers and small plastic stools for seated washing
  • Buckets to scoop and rinse
  • Scrubbing bed where professional exfoliation (called sesin) is offered

You’ll often see people scrubbing themselves with colorful scrub towels, or getting a deep scrub from a professional. It might look intense at first — but it’s deeply satisfying!

My Thoughts on Sesin(Korean scrub)

Some dermatologists say over-scrubbing can damage your skin.

But personally, I believe a light scrub once a week, or exfoliation once a month, helps keep my skin smooth and renewal — especially considering that our skin naturally sheds about once every 28 to 30 days.

It helps to remove dead skin, improves blood circulation, and just makes me feel… reborn.

Plus, alternating between hot and cold baths is great for relieving pain and relaxing muscles.

And in that peaceful time, I can focus on myself — do a face massage, apply a hair mask, or even use my gua sha tools. It’s a ritual of care, not just cleansing.

Why I Still Go to the Bathhouse Every Week

For me, visiting the bathhouse is a healing ritual.

I go at least once a week to soak, breathe, scrub, and reconnect with myself.

The entrance fee to most Korean bathhouses is around 10,000 KRW (about $7) with no time limit — and honestly, it’s one of the simplest yet most guaranteed pleasures in everyday life.

It’s more than just getting clean — it’s a moment of Korean-style self-love. If you ever visit Korea, I truly recommend spending a few hours in a traditional bathhouse. Small money, deep healing. That’s Korean bathhouse magic.