Sitting indoors on a breezy gloomy lunch break. January/February are the months of cold weather and dry skin. All the memories of warm rooms come flooding back. Oh how I wish I were enjoying a sauna this lunch period. If that's not the case, I can continue to reminisce about them.
I recently read the article How a Korean Spa Can Keep you Lean, Rejuvenated, and Sexy. Need I say more about the benefits of a spa? Korean spas are pretty awesome!! Although I have not been to a spa in over a year since my return from Korea, I can attest to this healthy cleansed feeling you receive after visiting the spa. You don't even need the full scrub to feel clean. Sweating in the salt and coal rooms and cooling in the freezing rooms do wonders for my skin and health. Our bodies are full of toxins and dirt that are not easily washed off in a quick three minute shower. Cleansing the pores through sweating and other processes has its benefits not only for your body health, but for the look of your skin. You'll be glowing and smiling because of it in no time! Based on this article, it looks like I'll have to head to LA and or do a little more exploring here in San Diego.
There are many other reasons I like the jimjilbang or Korean spa/sauna experience. Check them out and get a few of your fear-filled questions answered.
Back to work!
Showing posts with label jimjilbang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jimjilbang. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
What to do on a typhoon-errific day in Korea! AKA it's monsoon season.
Last
night I was serenaded to sleep by the music of whistling winds blowing and the
pouring rains pounding outside my window.
This is very atypical weather for someone that lives in the central to
northern part of California, USA. Here we are used to temperatures ranging in
the mid to high 30 and sometime 40 Celsius range! For those of us Americans not on the same
system as the rest of the world, that’s a range in the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit!
Ridiculous! Thankfully we have very dry
heat patterns as opposed to the 90+ percent humidity during a summer in northeast Asia.
This
rain storm reminded me of the torrential downpours and rains I experienced in
South Korea the past few summers. Strangely, I actually miss the humid rainy
days and was calmed by the reminiscent thoughts of Korea’s rains flowing
through my head. [Crazy, right? Yeh, I think I miss Korea a lot!] I’m sure most
anyone reading this and experiencing Asia’s typhoons and monsoon season for the
first time does not agree with my pleasant thoughts and would rather seek ways to avoid this weather pronto. Puddles to your knees, drenched shirts, useless
umbrellas, and sticky wet feet – sound familiar anyone? Right now is Korea’s monsoon (장마 - changma) season. This season usually lasts from late
June to mid August! For anyone from a
dry non-humid climate it’s like a hell with rain instead of fire on earth. You can never escape the moisture. If you shower don’t bother toweling off. You’re going to be sticky 30 seconds
later and you’re likely to walk right outside into your second or third shower.
So
what if you’re one of those adventure-loving but rain fearing types and have nothing
to do on a rainy day in Korea? What are you to do? First, gear up for the rain! Then, embrace the
weather, take a skip through a typhoon blowing by and find something to do! Need an idea? Here are five things to
consider on a rainy day in Korea. Sorry folks, for many of these you’ll have to
be traveling through Seoul.
Let’s gear up first!
1. Umbrella! The Number 1 thing you will need if you are to live in
Korea during monsoon season is an umbrella! That’s common sense, isn’t it? Well, of course it is, but for people like me
[who thought they were immune to rain but are NOT immune to Korea’s monsoon
season] an umbrella seems like a waste of a hand that could be used for holding
a cool drink or shopping bag. Koreans insist on holding umbrellas because of
the acid rain. There is a myth (could it
be true?) that you will lose your hair because of the acidity of the rain if
you do not protect yourself. I’ve begun
to side more with this statement as truth in order to avoid any nervous comments at my lack
of umbrella use. If you forget your
umbrella or find a typhoon taking you by surprise you can be sure to find one anywhere
in Korea at this time of year. They’re at almost all of the major subway stops
or street markets and even cute shops-especially if you are in the cities such
as Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Daejeon, etc.
 |
| gmarket.com |
If you're carrying an umbrella you'll have to look out for the umbrella bag stand placed near the entrance of buildings. Because Koreans know this weather so well, they were smart enough to create the bag stand - a contraption that
allows you to place your umbrella in a bag and pull it out covered, ready to
enter a building. Be sure to utilize the bag
stand before entering any of the venues you’ll visit. Umbrella bags maintain
drier indoor environments by preventing water from
dripping everywhere.
 |
| bag stand (minus the bags) |
The other rainy day items are optional and also very common sense. They don’t hurt to have if fashion isn’t your number one priority! Although,
the rainy day fashion can be pretty cute-at least on children!
 |
| Cute korean children's rain gear courtesy of gmarket.com |
2. Raincoat! You can remove it once
you enter the store or work place! This is a great addition to an umbrella.
With winds blowing the rain east and west, to and fro you’re bound to get soaked without
one.
3. Rain boots! Puddles to your mid-calf? Rain boots to the rescue. There are lots of trendy colors and styles, too! Just look at how T-ara wears them!
 |
| kpop group, T-ara sporting their trendy rain boots. en.korea.com (2010) |
Now, let’s go! 5 things
to do on a rainy day in Korea.
 |
| www.destination360.com |
2. Jimjilbang/Sauna! (찜질방/사우나) Aren’t you trying to escape the wet humidity? Going to a sauna or jimjilbang may defeat the
purpose of staying dry-at least you’ll be out of the acid rain and wind! At a bathhouse you can enjoy a warm shower, a
nice sweat in a hot room, a chill in a cold room and partake in the singing or
game rooms with friends. Not to mention there’s always some refreshing shikhye
(rice drink) or maeshil (plum drink) commonly sipped on in a Korean sauna. You can also enjoy some ramyon (라면) and boiled eggs with your friends. You can find a
bathhouse in any town in Korea, but the biggest ones are in Seoul. My favorite
sauna is Siloam at Seoul Station Line 1.
The most famous sauna is Dragon Hill Spa at Yongsan Station off of Line
1 or Line 4. It's large and beautiful with many facilities! You can check out my post on jimjilbangs and saunas answering a few questions for first-timers here.
3. Noraebang (노래방- translated -> singing room) Noraebangs, private karaoke rooms to be enjoyed with friends or alone, are extremely popular in Korea! The noraebang experience is one of the most well-known pastimes almost all Koreans enjoy! Once you’ve found a nice room filled with fun friends and luscious couches you’re sure to pass the rainy day and sometimes even the whole night away! In the room you will find a book full of songs to choose from. Don’t worry there are even some English, Japanese and Chinese selections! You’ll grab a remote, follow the directions on the screen and enter your selections. Once you get the words up on the screen, take a microphone and start singing your heart away! You’ll be pretty famous among the locals if you find a kpop favorite of the year and try to learn that too! If anything, learn to dance to a song and you’ll be loved forever. Many Koreans have good voices (they get enough practice in noreabangs!) but for those of us with subpar voices you’re likely to make a little fool of yourself! Even with a great voice there’s always a lot of crazy to go around inside the walls of a singing room. So don’t worry! Have fun!
4. Fun at COEX Mall in Seoul! Korea is full of shopping
malls from the sky scrapers such as Migliore (in Dongdaemun and Myeongdong
shopping districts) or Shinsegae Department store to the large shopping centers
acting as a one- stop shops for cosmetics, food, and designer fashion such
as the I’Park Mall in Yongsan! They’re
all known for something different and will keep you busy on a bad weather day! However, COEX, the largest underground
shopping mall in all of Asia, is a “one-stop shop” for everything and more! If
you’re traveling through Seoul, you’ll have to set aside a few hours (maybe
even days) to fully partake in all of the available attractions. It is located
in Gangnam at Samsung station (Green Line 2 of the subway).
 |
| tripadvisor.com |
COEX attractions::
a. The
Kimchi Field Museum- Here you’ll learn about Korea’s staple food item,
kimchi. The museum contains several different exhibits that explain and display
the history of kimchi as well as the process of kimchi making.
b. COEX Aquarium- The only theme-based aquarium in Korea, the COEX
Aquarium, holds several hundred species and approximately 40,000 fish swimming
around the tanks! It’s a very beautiful sight to see.
c. Megabox Cineplex Tired of all the walking and shopping? Take a nice break and kick back for a movie at COEX’s Megabox Theater.
d. International Cuisine- After sightseeing, shopping and a movie you're probably getting hungry! The COEX food court is home to endless
options such as Burger King and McDonalds or T.G.I Fridays and On The Border.
Seafood lovers have the option of dining at Todai Restaurant while others with
more specific tastes can choose from Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines.
Already eaten and want something a little lighter? Options such as Pascucci,
Coffee Bean, and Dunkin Donuts are just a few of the coffee shops you can enjoy.
5. Museums- This may be the last resort for some, but if you’re
in Korea to learn about the culture and its history, visiting a museum or two
will be very informative! There are several
museums throughout the major cities of Korea – each with a different focus. I would suggest visiting the largest museum
in Korea, the National Museum of Korea, a museum of art and history located in
the Yongsan region of Seoul. There are six exhibition galleries as well as
special exhibition halls and a children’s museum. After the rains let up move
outside to enjoy the interesting sculptures and outdoor exhibits. Admission?
Free! A day of culture, history, and sightseeing for free! Sign me up!
If you’re looking for something a little softer on the eyes head over to N Seoul Tower for the Teddy Bear Museum! Although this museum will cost a couple of won, it
is a unique way to see Seoul’s past, present, and future creatively exhibited with cute little teddy
bears adorned in Korea's traditional wear!
 |
| www.visitkorea.co.kr |
I hope this gives you a bigger taste of Korea and a few ideas of things you can do on a typhoon-errific kind of a day! Now go frolic in some puddles!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Jimjilbang blues
 |
| symbol for jimjilbang |
On what happens to be a cold winter's day towards the end of a long dry winter in central Cali, all I can think about is jimjilbang. Jimjilbang is a Korean sauna or bathhouse. How I wish there were an equivalent nearby. You can find a jimjilbang in almost any town in Korea. You go there to shower and enjoy saunas, hot rooms, cold rooms, hot tubs, game rooms, food, friendship, etc.
There are so many perks to jimjilbangs, you'd have to go to one yourself to discover them all!
First, why wouldn't you want to go to one? Let's settle your fears and concerns.
Q: I'm afraid of revealing my birthday suit in public. Aren't they going to look at me?
A: Well, all the other foreigners are just as concerned as you are and yes, the locals may check you out a little. Maybe an old ahjumma or halmoni (grandmother-aged figure) will give you some looks. Be proud of being different! (Luckily, I'm a pure Korean blooded foreigner that gets to blend in.) I'm sure you'll find it in yourself to come to terms with the experience. Don't worry.
Q: Isn't it too dirty and unsanitary to bathe in public with several others?
A: The cleaning ahjummas have you covered. They are always cleaning and scrubbing down the shower room, at least in my favorite jimjilbang.
Q: You can sleep there? Isn't it unsafe to sleep in public?
A: It can be considered unsafe, but find yourself a nice little corner of a room or better yet!!! Go with your friends and chat it up 'til the rising of the sun!
Q: Do I have to wear those funny clothes?
To be honest, these were all of my fears. I couldn't bear to think about undressing in front of others or being exposed to someone else's dirty bath water. Sitting in a hot pool with my friends in our birthday suits? HECK to the NO. I was the biggest germaphobe I knew before going to Korea and definitely would never be so open about my body. Now, I don't even care. All I want is a nice warm bath and a hot tub with some friends. FYI: Men and women have separate bathing and hot tub quarters. I know. Sorry guys. All other areas are for both sexes , WITH YOUR CLOTHES ON!
After being introduced to what is now my favorite jimjilbang called Siloam in Seoul, I am forever convinced that everyone should have the jimjilbang experience at least once. [If you're interested in discovering this gem of a sauna at Seoul Station (서울역) please visit their website for directions and information. You will not regret it.]
As a foreigner always traveling the landscapes of Korea, finding cheap room and board isn't always easy. There are hostels, hotels, and guesthouses, but staying in a jimjilbang is affordable and one unique experience. It wasn't always my first option, but it worked. You can stay overnight and sleep in a sleeping room after a nice warm shower for less than the equivalent of $12 US dollars. In small towns it is even cheaper. Can you get a hotel for that price? Beat that my friends. You should be warned, you will probably be sleeping on the floor. It's something you get used to in Korea as some of the apartments don't even have mattresses or beds, anyway.
Q: I'm afraid of revealing my birthday suit in public. Aren't they going to look at me?
A: Well, all the other foreigners are just as concerned as you are and yes, the locals may check you out a little. Maybe an old ahjumma or halmoni (grandmother-aged figure) will give you some looks. Be proud of being different! (Luckily, I'm a pure Korean blooded foreigner that gets to blend in.) I'm sure you'll find it in yourself to come to terms with the experience. Don't worry.
Q: Isn't it too dirty and unsanitary to bathe in public with several others?
A: The cleaning ahjummas have you covered. They are always cleaning and scrubbing down the shower room, at least in my favorite jimjilbang.
Q: You can sleep there? Isn't it unsafe to sleep in public?
A: It can be considered unsafe, but find yourself a nice little corner of a room or better yet!!! Go with your friends and chat it up 'til the rising of the sun!
 |
| Awaiting the sunrise from a jimjilbang in Busan. |
A: Yes, they give the guys and girls a set of jimjilbang-wear. You wear these clothes outside of the shower/hot tub.
If you're afraid of how it looks, see how the characters in the recent popular Korean dramas Secret Garden and Dream High sported their clothes.
Don't these stars look great with their jimjilbang wear? Embrace the opportunity to be as cool as them and put on some jimjilbang clothes today!
If you're afraid of how it looks, see how the characters in the recent popular Korean dramas Secret Garden and Dream High sported their clothes.
 |
| ~Secret Garden~ Joo Won (Hyunbin) and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won) are a bit upset after they discover their bodies have been switched. |
 |
| ~Dream High~ The students needed a place to practice their routine. What place could be better than a jimjilbang? |
To be honest, these were all of my fears. I couldn't bear to think about undressing in front of others or being exposed to someone else's dirty bath water. Sitting in a hot pool with my friends in our birthday suits? HECK to the NO. I was the biggest germaphobe I knew before going to Korea and definitely would never be so open about my body. Now, I don't even care. All I want is a nice warm bath and a hot tub with some friends. FYI: Men and women have separate bathing and hot tub quarters. I know. Sorry guys. All other areas are for both sexes , WITH YOUR CLOTHES ON!
After being introduced to what is now my favorite jimjilbang called Siloam in Seoul, I am forever convinced that everyone should have the jimjilbang experience at least once. [If you're interested in discovering this gem of a sauna at Seoul Station (서울역) please visit their website for directions and information. You will not regret it.]
 |
| My favorite sauna in Seoul. |
As a foreigner always traveling the landscapes of Korea, finding cheap room and board isn't always easy. There are hostels, hotels, and guesthouses, but staying in a jimjilbang is affordable and one unique experience. It wasn't always my first option, but it worked. You can stay overnight and sleep in a sleeping room after a nice warm shower for less than the equivalent of $12 US dollars. In small towns it is even cheaper. Can you get a hotel for that price? Beat that my friends. You should be warned, you will probably be sleeping on the floor. It's something you get used to in Korea as some of the apartments don't even have mattresses or beds, anyway.
Why else do I like the spa and jimjilbang? Depending on the size and scale of the sauna, the nicer ones have a computer room, a game room, a singing room, and food! Some must eats in a jimjilbang are shikye, a rice drink, and eggs. You can even get a nice massage for a few extra won (the Korean currency) in the shower room. That is one thing I refrained from for personal reasons, but I'd suggest doing so if you need to relax those muscles. ALSO!! You can sweat and freeze and enjoy a hot salt rock bed as much as you want in each of the rooms.These do amazing things for your skin and pores! Right now my skin is in dire need of some love and attention, thanks to all this California weather drying it all up.
hmm... is there more? Spend time with your friends! It's a great opportunity to spend time with friends while getting out of the elements. I have sad memories of staying in a jimjilbang alone a few times, but I have even greater memories of the times I spent with friends in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu in some of the coolest jimjilbangs. I can honestly say that some of my friends became better friends because of our overnight adventures in a jimjilbang.
Well, that's that for now. My jimjilbang blues are somewhat laid to rest by reminiscing about the good times.
If you know of any good jimjilbang in the US of A, please post below and help some fellow jimjilbang loving readers out.
Thanks for reading!
hmm... is there more? Spend time with your friends! It's a great opportunity to spend time with friends while getting out of the elements. I have sad memories of staying in a jimjilbang alone a few times, but I have even greater memories of the times I spent with friends in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu in some of the coolest jimjilbangs. I can honestly say that some of my friends became better friends because of our overnight adventures in a jimjilbang.
Well, that's that for now. My jimjilbang blues are somewhat laid to rest by reminiscing about the good times.
If you know of any good jimjilbang in the US of A, please post below and help some fellow jimjilbang loving readers out.
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
nourishment
BEWARE: Random tangents and lots ...
On Friday night I considered going to Busan. I wanted to meet with others, but their plans were not solidified. Regardless, something needed to happen. I wrote down a list of some touristy and site-seeing destinations I wanted to visit (and never got to more than two of them, which is fine, fine).
i had not yet seen the fall colors, something i miss dearly after spending some high school years on the east coast, and needed some time to refresh. Although I considered Seoul again, it was time for a much needed break. I longed to be away from everything here and in the presence of the creator. I longed to feed myself in more than one way.
soo...despite not knowing what my friends were doing, I was Busan
bound alone. 1 bus to the bus station --> 1 hour+ long bus ride to Daejeon --> 40 minute bus ride to the bus terminal in daejeon, and a --> 3+ hour ride brough
t me to Busan.... the loooooooooooong trip WAS GLORIOUS, indeed.
on this journey, my eyes and soul were fed. I was so thankful^^ that I was able to see the beautiful mountains and trees, catching the last glimpse of Autumn colors as the leaves fell from the trees and winter began to blow its way in with a chill. (IT WAS FREEZING this weekend!)
My spirit was fed.
On Saturday.... I read 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galations, and Ephesians +. I began to dig in and cherish a word of comfort and encouragement. I've been so torn up about my decision to stay in the same shigol/city until summer that I haven't slept at night. the kids at school are getting crazier and there is a lot of uncontrollable frustration and tension... Sometimes I
live in the WORLD, living up to someone else's expectations and letting my heart and patience go. While talking to my K scholar again tonight, we considered giving
up if we weren't working together in the future.. but NOOO. That's not the point. "I suck" (as some koreans say when they feel they are bad at something) in a lot of ways. Life away from our comforts and norms is not easy, but these are the test and trials we are to endure as we build strength to build up others. I came to love and share the light I'm given. instead of becoming hard and angry with my students, i must remember what it is to love. because i was loved , i can love..... . (Please help me love the child that I'd rather ask to leave and never come back for she, too, is hungry and broken; please let the light shine through. ---For he who said, "Let your light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Back to the story: during my travel, I discovered that friends were heading in the same direction. so.....another 45 minute subway ride brought me to 자갈치 , the huge fish market.
and so my stomach was fed! We had the most delish, fresh
seafood for lunch. ...so fresh it was moving as we scorched it over the fire bringing it to its final seconds of life. ) :
then we ate pho. The best pho in Korea.
Then, we had waffles...
Then, we had 찜질방 food. Satisfaction at its best.
We landed at a decent 찜질방 (a lot of people come through here?) near the area we spent most of the time shopping and eating.... it had a fantabulous view and refreshing baths... (and Angella got an amazing pic of the bridge that lights up with different colors at night.)
After a short sleep, I woke up at 5am to someone's obnoxious alarm and decided to rise in awe of the night lights. As dawn approached, the ships headed out to 'sea' one by one and two by two, more and more they came. I watched the clouds roll in and out and...
dark become light... and night become day.... (cell phone pics) :
~some of them went out to sea on on ships, they were merchants on the mighty waters~
~where morning dawns and even fades, you call forth songs of joy~
if i rise on the wings of the dawn, if i settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me
해운대
Then retracing my travel, back I came the next day. The real world!!
As the week progresses, I will continue to find meaning in life and my purpose here despite the obstacles in our way.
Peace
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