Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ds_fan]

thinking of visiting a sauna for the first time tonight, maybe tomorrow night, all depending upon how much time i have.

Any advice etc before i jump in? Reason for asking- many foreigners seem to be scared about going to them, many worried and uncomfortable about the idea of walking around in the buff being the only white hairy body there.

[Captain Marlow]

it's fantastic! some things to remember: shower before you jump in all the different tubs, don't go on sunday (super crowded), someone may ask you to scrub their back, alternate between the cold and hot baths (it's supposed to improve circulation) and last but not least, be ready for the staring

[rebel_1812]

I've never been there either. I don't see why you want to go. You know how koreans stare at you when you walk down the street and don't seem to think this behaviour is rude. I imagine they do the same thing at these bath houses. Do you really want a room full of old korean men staring at you naked?

[ytuque]

[Lekker]

Be careful which one you go to. There are many to choose from. Most of them usually change the water once a month or so.

Also, many of them don't clean the floors in the pool areas, and they don't offer flip flops, so you will most likely be walking around on some bacteria/virus ridden floors in your bare feet. You're really interested in it, look at peoples toes from time to time now that it's summer and many people are wearing flip flops and sandals. Look and see if they have yellowed, scabby, or missing toenails. Guess where they got it from?

[maddog]

Bugger. The title got my hopes up. I had visions of some exotic sauna full of Korean virgins.

Just don't go to the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon.

[soviet_man]

Don't go after 10pm unless you fancy watching a bunch of ajosshis getting dry h*mped on the floor. Yes, I'm being serious.

[Lekker]

[soviet_man]

One in the street behind the fire station in Itaewon, another in a back lane near the gambling places near Jongno3.

[maeil]

[Konglishman]

[maddog]

[maeil]

Well, there's a good one behind Seoul Station. If you go behind it and Lotte Mart is at your back, it's at like 2 o'clock across the street. I'd just like to find one that I can walk to.

[xingyiman]

There are 3 very famous spas in Asan south of Seoul. There's the Asan Spavis, The Onyang Oncheon hot spring, and the Dogo hot spring. Keep in mind these are actual hot springs with mineral waters, not just a jim jil bang with heated pools.
The Asan Spavis' water contains bicarbonate of soda, the Onyang oncheon spas contain manation minerals which are loaded with scant traces of radium, and the Dogo spa's waters are laden with sulfer. I go to one every weekend. I would say that the best waters are a toss up between Dogo and Onyang, but the Spavis has the better facilities and the water is a bit milder temperatured.

[Konglishman]