Comments on: Destination: Dragon Hill (Jimjilbang) – or 10 steps to enjoying a jimjilbang in South Korea

By: Chris import

Chris import — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:31:38 +0000

@lateefahhills: The place is called 'Dragon Hill' as that is a translation of Yongsan, the area where the spa is located. Hiring foreigners? I've yet to see a foreign worker there – you're unlikely to find a job there, sorry.

By: lateefahhills

lateefahhills — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:27:57 +0000

Chris you wouldn't happen to know if Dragon Hill Spa hires people from the U.S. would you? Is it an extension of Dragon Hill Lodge?

By: Chris import

Chris import — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:00:18 +0000

@Pippi: Your idea sounds excellent - and a great use of time!

Bear in mind that you will be sleeping on the floor in a large room with other people (clothed, unless you want to sleep in the nude on a different floor than your husband). The cheaper cost comes at the price of privacy.

As for lockers - the ones at the spa are mainly for personal items, not overnight bags. The ones at the subway stations and airports are larger and come in different sizes. I'd leave my things there, then take only the necessities with you as you enjoy your layover. Have a great time :)

By: Pippi

Pippi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:01:04 +0000

Hi Chris,
I hope you don't mind my asking you some questions about Dragon Hill spa and visiting Seoul in general. I live in Southern California and just spent a few hours at a korean spa yesterday. I swear, I need to do this at least once or twice a month. Then a lightbulb went off! My husband and I will be there for a 23 hour layover next month. We arrive around 530pm on a wed. night. We were planning on staying somewhere convenient and moderate like the Koreana or one of the Best Westerns or a Ramada. Was hoping to catch a night tour bus that night if it wasn't too late, then strolling down one of the market areas, Namdaemun or Dongdaemun and having a bite to eat, then off to bed. Next morning, wake up early and try and take the tour bus to a palace or two and have a quick lunch before taking the KAL bus back to Incheon. Planning on leaving by 1pm to allow time for our 430pm flight.
NOW (sorry for the novel), I'm thinking.. We can do all the above, except instead of checking into a hotel.. go to Dragonspa for sauna/scrub and sleep there! Then wake up early, have breakfast somewhere and wait for the buses that start at 9am.
What do you think of this idea? I'm not sure my husband will be too keen on sleeping on a hard floor, but he'll be so relaxed after the spa/scrub.. and the flight.. that he won't care! The spa I went to yesterday had a sleeping room with thin pads, but it sounds like they don't have them there? or maybe not in the common areas.
Also, since we probably will have an overnight bag or two.. I was planning on storing them at the subway station until we go to the spa, where they can hold for us while we are there. Have you seen the lockers at the subway? are they pretty big? safe?
Anyhow, I hope you will see this and provide some feedback. Thanks for the comprehensive review of Dragon Hill and the 10 steps. I'm so excited! What a great way to save money, or at least get some spa services and to experience a REAL korean spa. Thanks for your time!