K-CULTURE: 「정」：消失中的韩国澡堂文化
Bathhouses are special to Koreans. It’s a place where the epitome of Korean culture, “Jeong”, blossoms. Back in the days when large families were common, Koreans would flock to bathhouses on a Sunday morning and take warm baths with their family. No wonder scenes of a father-and-son rubbing their backs in bathhouses commonly appear on Korean films. These days, modern bathhouses called jjimjilbangs took over traditional bathhouses by combining leisure facilities with bathing areas. Some modern bathhouses have teamed up with major resorts featuring grand-scale water parks, golf courts, ski resorts and more. In the ever-blooming youthful district Hongdae, there was even a bathhouse-themed bar. So what is left of traditional bathhouses, and where will it go?
对於韩国人而言，澡堂是一个特别的地方，事关它是韩国「정」文化的缩影。昔日，韩国家庭普遍人多，一家大细逢星期日早上便会浩浩荡荡到公共澡堂去洗澡，难怪韩国电影中常常出现互相擦背的情节。今天，传统的公共澡堂被集娱乐设施与澡堂於一身的「汗蒸幕 」取而代之，有些现代的澡堂更与主要度假区合作，去一趟汗蒸幕就能同时到大型水上乐园、高尔夫球场和滑雪场一遊。在年轻的弘大地区，甚至出现一个以澡堂为主题的酒吧。那麽，传统的韩国澡堂究竟何去何从呢？
To understand the bathhouse culture deeply rooted in Koreans, you have to understand the Korean lingo “Jeong.” If is often said that there is no direct translation of that word. The closest would be human attachment and warm affection. In the 90s, it was common to see Korean families visiting bathhouses and spending quality time together. Bathhouses were once a lively place where Koreans would get together and show much affection, not to mention having to bare everything when taking a bath. However, due to the rise of small families and individual bathtubs replacing mass bathhouses, the once flourished bathhouses as well as Jeong culture are fading into history.
要理解为甚麽澡堂文化对韩国人那麽重要，必先明白甚麽是「정」，即是「情」。九十年代，一家人去澡堂联络感情是一件平常的事。在澡堂里，家人一丝不掛，同时亦敞开心胸，真诚交流。後来，小家庭开始流行，加上每个家庭都开始有浴缸，风行一时的传统澡堂和澡堂文化──「정」亦开始渐渐消失。
Korea Bathhouse
One of the oldest bathhouses in Korea, Korea bathhouse boasts a long history of 76 years. With its signature bathhouse symbol painted on the chimney, Korea bathhouse itself is a landmark, as it is easy to spot in the twisted alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village. In fact, Korea Bathhouse is closed all year except for group bathers over 30 people. It is quite sad to see a public place lose its functionality as commercialism took over the quiet place.
韩国最古老的澡堂，有76年历史，其标誌性的烟筒印有澡堂的品牌商标，是北村的地标，即使身处北村韩屋村的蜿蜒巷子也轻易看到这个古老澡堂。可是，Korea Bathhouse一年基本上都不会对个别人士开放，除非是30人以上的团体。一个公共空间丧失了它原本的功能，笔者不禁为到商业化所带来的改变感到黯然。
Address／地址: 12-1, Samchungro 4-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul
Phone number／电话: 02-735-6218
Dragon Hill Spa
Since traditional bathhouses offering bathtubs and sauna facilities can’t thrive in the market as more bathers are turning their eyes to big spa resorts with resting and entertainment facilities, modern bathhouses today operate as jimjilbangs, the Korean dry sauna. The most well-known jimjilbang in Korea is Dragon Hill Spa, located in Yongsan. The spa aims to provide a nice getaway from modern hardships as a healing paradise boasting spa, massage, fitness, dining and bathing facilities.
传统的澡堂渐渐消失，取而代之就是兼备各种娱乐悠閒设施的汗蒸幕。韩国最著名的汗蒸幕名叫 Dragon Hill Spa，位於龙山区。这里集合水疗、按摩、健身、饮食和澡堂，希望能够为现代人提供一个减压的好地方。
Address／地址: Dragon Hill Spa & Resort, 40-712, Hangangno 3-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone number／电话: 02-792-0001 (Main) 02-798-0114 (English)
Bathhouse-themed pub: Tang
In Hongdae, there once was a bathhouse pub. Named after the Korean word bathtub, pub Tang was themed after bathtubs. The pub featured crossed white tiles, bath baskets, towels, mirrors, locker keys, weight scale and shower booths. What more could we ask? To target the young, the pub organized events and games on special days. A good reminiscence of the past, Hongdae pub Tang was the go-to place for those who wanted to rub off their long week. Unfortunately, the self-proclaimed culture pub Tang has closed down last summer.
弘大曾经有一间以澡堂为主题的酒吧，装潢当然不少得白瓷砖、澡堂篮子、毛巾、镜子、储物柜钥匙、重秤和淋浴间，酒吧成为不少人的週末蒲点。为了吸引年青人，酒吧会定时定候搞一些活动和遊戏。不幸地，这个澡堂酒吧在去年已经关闭了。
Taking a bath can have many meanings. The primary reason we take baths is for cleanliness and it can sometimes be medical purposes. Some people take baths for religious reasons to wipe off their sins, but we should not forget about how baths can have cultural means. For Koreans, taking a bath at a mass bathhouse can bring about memories of the past when big traditional households were common. After reading this, would you dare to make your way to a Korean bath? It’ll be a unique experience for those who haven’t been before, even more if you’re not used to being totally naked in public. One tip, though. Don’t forget to finish off the bath with a pack of banana milk to enjoy the utmost Korean bathing experience.
洗澡有很多意思－－保持卫生清洁、药疗，甚至是洗除罪恶的宗教仪式，我们千万不要忘记洗澡的文化意义呢！对於很多韩国人而言，在澡堂里面洗澡能够回味昔日传统澡堂的经验。看过这篇文章之後，你敢到韩国澡堂一趟吗？若果你从来都没有去过澡堂（又或者没有试过在公共场所脱光光）的话，这将会是一个独特的体验。到澡堂洗澡後，记得喝一包香蕉奶，完成地道的韩国澡堂经验。
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