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(yesterday)We started our day a little later than usual and headed to Dragon Hill Spa. It’s known to be a spa for foreigners as it has had a handful of publicity in the media and it's also popular with the locals too. A day to relax and regain our energy from the past week was necessary so we decided to head to this place to rejuvenate ourselves. The three of us trek to Yongsan station where we found this place really easily. Prior to entering, we decided to eat something to fill our stomachs and prevent ourselves from having to fork out our wallets on overpriced meals at the spa. We opted for one of the busier street food tents and had ddeokbokgi and some fried snacks across the street.
Dragon Hill Spa is very organized and structured. Once you enter, there is a man who briefs you on all the details and services you can get from this spa in every language possible; a walking google translator. He talked really quick as if he memorized the spa information pamphlet and replayed himself as if we had pressed the rewind button. We got a personal locker number and an electronic, waterproof wristband each to keep our shoes in after we paid. This wristband gave you access to your lockers and acts as a proof of payment when you buy food from the spa.
As this was our second time (Ann and I), we didn’t think it would be as scary as our first time in Japan. However, we didn’t acknowledge that there would be guests of all ages though, from toddlers to teens, to ajummas. The change room was quite a sight, but thanks to Chloe who has been here before, she helped us two terrible vision girls navigate around the place (we had taken our glasses off). First, we had to scrub ourselves to make sure we were absolutely clean before entering the variety of tubs. There were tubs filled with natural sea water, body temperature water, ginseng infused w
ater, and so much more. It was so relaxing to just be able to sit and let yourself go or let a conversation take the stress away. An hour and a half later, we rinsed ourselves, changed into the oversized t-shirt and shorts provided and went to explore the saunas and common (unisex) area. This was another startling sight since I didn’t expect to see so many couples and families just sitting around talking, eating snacks and drinking juice from a plastic container. We got ourselves drinks as well and just sat and chitchatted. The warmth from the baths and the rooms were sufficient for us so we didn’t go into the saunas to get warmer.
ater, and so much more. It was so relaxing to just be able to sit and let yourself go or let a conversation take the stress away. An hour and a half later, we rinsed ourselves, changed into the oversized t-shirt and shorts provided and went to explore the saunas and common (unisex) area. This was another startling sight since I didn’t expect to see so many couples and families just sitting around talking, eating snacks and drinking juice from a plastic container. We got ourselves drinks as well and just sat and chitchatted. The warmth from the baths and the rooms were sufficient for us so we didn’t go into the saunas to get warmer.
For the cost of $12 Cad, you were able to stay a maximum of twelve hours and if you came at night, you were able to stay overnight to sleep on designated floors for each gender. It was a new Korean experience and I believe my comfort level has gradually increased since the tim
e in Japan. We only stayed for three hours before we called it a day and headed to the National Museum of Korea. This museum was a stop away at Icheon and offered free admission. Despite being tired and wanting a nap post-spa, we still went with our plans. When we found the place, we were in awe of the beauty and naturalistic elements of this place; a man made pond, state of the art architecture, pagodas, a gorgeous view, and the huge spacious area available. It consisted of such lovely and generous spacing that a picnic would be a fabulous idea in the Spring time. The three of us explored the 3rd and 2nd level of this museum; Southeast Asian art, sculptures, and paintings of Asia exhibition. It was very educational to gain an insight on the artistic side of Asia and neat to see artifacts dated back as early as the 3rd or 4th century.
e in Japan. We only stayed for three hours before we called it a day and headed to the National Museum of Korea. This museum was a stop away at Icheon and offered free admission. Despite being tired and wanting a nap post-spa, we still went with our plans. When we found the place, we were in awe of the beauty and naturalistic elements of this place; a man made pond, state of the art architecture, pagodas, a gorgeous view, and the huge spacious area available. It consisted of such lovely and generous spacing that a picnic would be a fabulous idea in the Spring time. The three of us explored the 3rd and 2nd level of this museum; Southeast Asian art, sculptures, and paintings of Asia exhibition. It was very educational to gain an insight on the artistic side of Asia and neat to see artifacts dated back as early as the 3rd or 4th century. 
The Mentor Club had planned a welcoming party for us exchange students that night, so after a Japanese rice bowl dinner, we went back to our rooms and got ready for our first at Barfly.(today)
As it is Sunday, I decided to join Emmaus (English-speaking Christian club) for the first time and headed to the church they are affliated with, New Philly, an English speaking congregation. The church was at Seoul National University station, about a 20-25min away from Sinchon station. The service was different from my home church, but a fresh experience indeed. Afterwards, we all went to one of the Emmaus staff members' apartment and played board and group games after a pizza dinner. The rest of the day was a great time of chilling and meeting new friends and I foreshadow many more moments like these as the term begins.
Another easy day well spent.
Labels: Culture, Jimjjibang, Korea, New Philly, Seoul
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