VOL.93/2026.04

A Heartwarming Journey to Neighborhood Bathhouse

 

 

2026.02

 

 

 

『Blossoming Years, Neighborhood Bathhouse』
- Written by NeverlessHolida, Illustrated by Aleoji, Dot Book

 

 

 

“On days when you long for warmth, the neighborhood public bathhouse is always right by our side!”

 

With steam rising, as you soak your body in the tub, the chill hiding in every joint slips away,and a sigh of ‘"Ah, that’s good!" naturally escapes your lips – there is such a place, and it is the neighborhood bathhouse. It offers a deep refreshment incomparable to washing at home, leaving both your skin and your heart feeling lighter and softer. It brings back childhood memories of shyly turning away with a bashful grin when bumping into a neighbor, or the stinging yet affectionate sensation of a mother’s scrub amidst the thick steam. Driven by a mix of curiosity and a sense of duty to record these disappearing local bathhouse, a new book introduces them through warm, hand-drawn illustrations. This is Blossoming Years, Neighborhood Bathhouse.

 

The days when word of mouth about 'great water, top-notch facilities, and expert scrubbing' caused long lines to stretch out the door are now mostly a thing of the past. However, warm bathhouses still remain in neighborhoods across the country, filled with the genuine affection of the local residents. Some bathhouses in renowned hot spring districts like Onyang and Dongnae are cherished for their authentic water drawn straight from the source. Meanwhile, others have stood as local landmarks for over half a century—family-run establishments that have even gained fame as filming locations for movies and dramas.With the improvement of private bathing facilities, fewer people visit public bathhouses today, leading to frequent, regrettable news of closures and demolitions. Yet, in busy downtown areas, some are finding a second life. By repurposing these spaces into cafes, galleries, concert halls, exhibition venues, or guesthouses—while retaining their original names—they are preserving both the nostalgic architecture and the history within. Prominent examples include Jungangtang in Jongno-gu, Seoul—the real-life setting for Baek Heena’s picture book The Bath Fairy — and Hakcheontang in Cheongju, famous for its design by the celebrated architect Kim Swoo-geun. While they now serve different functions, they remain open, standing as enduring spaces of memory.

 

Through careful interviews, the author documents the history and practical struggles of these neighborhood bathhouses. Yet, amid the difficulties, the unwavering dedication of the owners shines through. The reflections of one owner, who has run a bathhouse in a Jeju neighborhood for many years, seem to speak for the pride and persistence of them all: “Even when it gets hard, we tell ourselves, ‘Let’s keep it spotless for the neighbors who come to visit, for as long as we keep our doors open.‘ We have lived a good life, and continue to do so, thanks to this community. Please make sure to tell them that I am always grateful.”

 

Even as generations shift and times pass, I hope the 'style' of time and space found in neighborhood public bathhouses and that Korean warmth known as 'Jeong' will live on for a long time. Shall we set off on a journey to the local bathhouse today?

 

 

 

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Written by Shin Sunhang

As the Director at Arui SHIN Agency, she has dedicated years to introducing exceptional Korean books to international readers. A first-generation copyright agent, publishing planner, and translator who deeply believes in the power of books, she continues to walk this path with steady, unwavering steps.