Why South Korea’s local governments are trying to sustain bathhouses

The Vanishing Ritual: Why Korea’s Public Bathhouses are Closing

For decades, the public bathhouse has been more than just a place to get clean; it has been a communal hub and a vital welfare space for the socially vulnerable in South Korea. However, this cultural staple is disappearing at a rapid pace.

The decline is stark. Data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare shows that the number of bathhouse businesses nationwide peaked at 10,098 in 2001 but plummeted to 5,668 last year. This means nearly half of these establishments have shut their doors.

While the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a massive blow through strict social distancing, a modern crisis has emerged: spiraling energy costs. Spiraling oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict and the Iran war have made operating costs unsustainable for many owners.

Beyond Hygiene: A Growing Social Welfare Crisis

The closure of these facilities is creating a public health vacuum, particularly in rural areas. For elderly residents and those living in single-room housing, the local bathhouse is often the only place to access a proper shower.

In regions like Taebaek in Gangwon province, many homes still have slate or sheet metal roofs, making them too cold for bathing for much of the year. When private bathhouses close, vulnerable residents are left with few options.

The consequences are severe. Some elderly individuals living alone, fearing slips and falls in their own bathrooms, have reportedly resorted to simply wiping their bodies with wet towels.

Experts, including social welfare professor Bae Na-rae, argue that bathhouses should be reimagined as community welfare facilities—similar to senior centers—that alleviate isolation and depression among the elderly.

The Rural-Urban Divide: Jjimjilbangs vs. Local Baths

Interestingly, the decline is not uniform. While small, rural facilities are vanishing, larger urban bathhouses—often combined with jjimjilbang (Korean saunas)—continue to thrive. These venues attract a younger demographic and a growing number of foreign tourists looking for a cultural experience.

These urban centers offer a different experience, focusing on relaxation, traditional body scrubs, and various hot and cold baths, contrasting sharply with the essential hygiene service provided by rural public baths.

Future Trends: The Shift Toward Publicly Funded Bathing

As the private sector struggles, local governments are stepping in to treat bathing as a public good. We are seeing a trend where municipal budgets are being used to sustain basic hygiene access.

• Municipal Investment: Taebaek is pushing to build its second public bathhouse by 2028 in Jangseong-dong, a former mining area, with a budget of 2.5 billion won.
• Regional Expansion: Similar projects are being reviewed or planned in Jeongseon-gun, Yangyang-gun, and aging communities on Jeju Island and in North Jeolla province.
• Integrated Health Hubs: Future bathhouses may evolve into health monitoring venues where residents can receive basic checks, such as blood pressure monitoring, alongside their bath.

There are too growing calls for the central government to provide subsidies or introduce voucher programs to help vulnerable groups access bathing services, ensuring that hygiene does not become a luxury of the wealthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Korean bathhouses closing so quickly?
The primary drivers are rising energy and fuel costs linked to Middle East conflicts, the lingering financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and changing modern lifestyles.

What is the difference between a jjimjilbang and a mokyoktang?
While both are bathhouses, jjimjilbangs are larger sauna complexes that often include shared lounging areas and attract tourists and youth, whereas mokyoktangs typically focus on the bathing and scrubbing experience.

How are local governments helping?
Some local governments are building public bathhouses in areas with limited shower access, such as former mining towns, to protect the health and hygiene of elderly residents.