South Korea's Local Governments Work to Sustain Public Bathhouses Amidst Decline

Public bathhouses, long a cornerstone of hygiene and community life in South Korea, are facing a steep decline, prompting local governments to step up efforts to preserve these essential facilities. The nationwide drop from nearly 9,000 bathhouses in 2000 to just over 5,600 in 2025, with a significant acceleration in closures recently, has raised alarms about public health and social well-being.

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Taebaek still has many homes with sheet metal or slate roofs, making them too cold for bathing during much of the year. Many homes also lack proper shower facilities.

This decline is particularly acute in smaller, rural areas, where many homes still lack adequate bathing facilities due to outdated infrastructure like sheet metal or slate roofs that make them too cold for much of the year. For vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those living alone, the closure of local bathhouses exacerbates existing challenges. These facilities are more than just places to bathe; they serve as vital social hubs where older residents can gather, combat isolation, and access basic services. The fear of slipping in poorly equipped home bathrooms also contributes to a reluctance to bathe, leading some to resort to simpler, less hygienic methods.

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Some private bathhouses remain, but are at risk of closing, making access increasingly difficult, especially for vulnerable and elderly residents.

Local governments, such as Taebaek in Gangwon Province, are taking the initiative, planning new facilities with dedicated budgets. However, central government support has lagged, leaving local authorities to shoulder the financial burden. Rising fuel costs for heating water and declining patronage have been cited as primary reasons for closures, a trend further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent energy price hikes.

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Rising utility costs make it burdensome for elderly residents to heat water at home.

From a South Korean perspective, the issue transcends mere hygiene; it touches upon social welfare and the care of an aging population. These bathhouses are viewed as crucial community welfare facilities, akin to senior centers, offering a space for connection and mental well-being. Experts emphasize their role in basic health monitoring and preventing social isolation, issues that are increasingly pertinent in a rapidly aging society. The efforts to sustain these bathhouses reflect a deep-seated cultural value placed on community and care, especially for the elderly, in ways that might be overlooked by international observers focused solely on economic or technological advancements.

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Older people living alone may also fear slipping in the bathroom, which could lead to serious injury or even death without immediate assistance. As a result, some resort to simply wiping their bodies with a wet towel.