Korean Job Discussion Forums

eIn07912 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Location: seoul

Hey all

As several of you know, I lived in Seoul for well over 3 years. After taking some time away, I'm returning to Korea, but have decided to settle in Ilsan for the next stretch.

So, I'm looking for a few places and wondering if anyone could recommend any....

1 - A top notch dermatologist (피부과) - Preferably one that can speak English and has a wide variety of services they can perform.

2 - Yoga studio - I like to do hot yoga, but it isn't necessary. Just a good studio would be nice. English not required.

3 - Shopping / Tailor - I like to buy name brand clothing, so I'm guessing there must be at least a few department stores in town, but also wondering if there are any custom tailors? I usually get shirts made in Itaewon, but it'd be nice if there was a place more local.

4 - Day spa / massage - I admit, I like to treat myself to a nice massage once a month or so. Healing Hands in Itaewon has been my haven for a few years. But I also like some standard spay treatments as well, facials, waxing, mani/pedi and such.

5 - GYM - This is an absolute must. Without a gym with a nice amount of equipment, I'm not a very a happy person. Standard machines and free weights would be enough, but cardio equipment is a big plus. New and clean is a must. Doesn't have to be huge, just not tiny. Hope it's not too expensive. I find university gyms in Seoul only go for 20,000 a month. Are there any universities in Ilsan?

6 - Tanning salon - I don't like to be burnt to a crisp, but just a little color is nice, I try to stay away from that "sickly pale" look Korean women go for.

7 - Night life / date spots - Finally, where is a good place to just go out and enjoy my time? I've heard all about La Festa, but is that all there is? How about date spots?

I've heard Ilsan is a very wealthy part of time. Most of the population is younger (meaning young families) and "better off" than Seoul. I'm hoping if it is a more "up scale" area, then it should have all the things I'm looking for and possibly more.

So, come on all you "Ilsan-ites" or "Ilsan-ians". Give me the low down.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Lake Park has some decent eats and scenery. La Festa is just full of families and teenagers. The CGV might be the most decent thing there.
Gold's World gym is the vacinity but it's not cheap like what you had in Seoul.

Ice Tea · Joined: 23 Nov 2008

Huh, that's a coincidence. I'm also returning to Korea and also moving to Ilsan. What school will you be working at? If you find a good dermatologist and gym let me know. I'd also be interested in that.

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

Where in Ilsan will you be? Tanhyeon? Daehwa? Baekseok?

WesternDom is a good date place- some decent restaurants there.

If you have a car/bike however, I suggest Anygol near Poongsan station. The restaurants there make up what's known as "lover's lane"

As for yoga, it really depends on where you live. There are billions of places for that. One which I have been to, Yoga Zen is pretty good
http://www.yoga-zen.com/

eIn07912 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Location: seoul

I'd rather not mention the school name Ice Tea (also ironic your name being my favorite beverage.) But it's just a typical hagwon.

I'm going to be near Madu station (I think) I understand that to be at the southern end of Lake Park. Which is great. I envision morning runs around that thing. It looks gorgeous from Google Earth.

I took the other guys advice and looked up the World Gym location for Ilsan. What luck, it's near Madu station as well. And it looks amazing. I've never been in a gym that well equipped. I don't care if it monthly membership is a hundred bucks or more. I will live in a place that nice.

I did a little research last night. As I suspected, Ilsan is a pretty well-to-do area. I'm sure there will be tons of dermatologists around. I'm not even worrying about that one now. There will probably be one or two within walking distance. As much time and effort that Korean women put into their skin, I'm certain of my assumption.

Also hoping there's a chiropractor in town. Any news on a spa/massage place?

Thanks for the heads up on that Things... I'll certainly try to make good use of it, haha.

otnemem · Joined: 23 Jul 2009

There is a hot yoga place in Hwajeong that my girlfriend goes to occasionally; http://www.hotyogakorea.com/

debinoxford · Joined: 10 Jan 2008

there was a really nice day spa in LaFesta...great thai massages and a full menu of types of massage available plus tons of other stuff. All I remember is it was on the second floor or maybe the third floor on the right hand side. If you look around, I'm sure you'll find it. I'm hoping it's still there because I could definitely use a killer massage.