Hanjeungmak

Hanjeungmak (한증막; 汗蒸幕) is Korean traditional sauna. Intensely hot and dry, it uses traditionally burning wood of pine to heat a domelike kiln made of stone.

History

The first mention of hanjeungmak, initially referred to as Hanjeungso(한증소; 汗蒸所), is found in the Annals of Sejong in the 15th century.[1][2] The record also state that the Korean kiln saunas were used for medicinal purposes. At that time, hanjeungmaks were state-supported kiln saunas maintained by Buddhist monks. Since 1429, the saunas were constructed separating facilities for men and women.[3] There are a picture painted by Kim Jun geun in the 19th century depicting a hanjeungmak and its circular wall made from bricks accompanied by a bath house.

Trends

Nowadays, hanjeungmaks are incorporated into Korean-style spa, jjimjilbang rather than an independent facility. Bulgama installed in jjimjilbang is a variety of hanjeungmak, heated with higher temperature. Sometimes the dome-shaped walls of kiln rooms are plastered with loam, salt, minerals.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "Jjimjilbang: a microcosm of Korean leisure culture". koreaherald.com. 2010.
  2. ↑ "Seoul In A Sweat". The Newsweek/Daily Beast Company LLC. 2001.
  3. ↑ 김용만 (2011). "한국 생활사 목욕 풍속에서 치유와 휴양까지". 네이버캐스트.

Further reading

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