Heosimcheong Spa
Claiming to be the largest hot spring spa in Asia, Heosimcheong has multiple levels for your relaxing entertainment. The first-floor entry has a garish water fountain, some shops, and a bakery, but the fun starts when you head upstairs. One floor is just jjimjilbang (hot saunas), igloo-shaped structures made out of clay where you can steam yourself alive. This floor also has a snack shop and restaurant. On the other floor is the "grand hot springs," a huge atrium full of pools and waterfalls of varying temperatures, ranging from boiling hot to icy cold. Don't be shy about walking around naked in front of same-sex strangers. Koreans have been doing it since they were kids and you'll get used to it. You can also get scrubbed -- an attendant will "scrub" you with a scratchy towel that feels like sandpaper, exfoliating away dead skin and giving you a simultaneous massage. Koreans seem to love it, but it's not for those with sensitive skin. The price is generally W10,000. If you'd like to go a more gentle route, ask for just a massage. Prices vary, depending on the type and length of the massage, but start at W10,000.
Claiming to be the largest hot spring spa in Asia, Heosimcheong has multiple levels for your relaxing entertainment. The first-floor entry has a garish water fountain, some shops, and a bakery, but the fun starts when you head upstairs. One floor is just jjimjilbang (hot saunas), igloo-shaped structures made out of clay where you can steam yourself alive. This floor also has a snack shop and restaurant. On the other floor is the "grand hot springs," a huge atrium full of pools and waterfalls of varying temperatures, ranging from boiling hot to icy cold. Don't be shy about walking around naked in front of same-sex strangers. Koreans have been doing it since they were kids and you'll get used to it. You can also get scrubbed -- an attendant will "scrub" you with a scratchy towel that feels like sandpaper, exfoliating away dead skin and giving you a simultaneous massage. Koreans seem to love it, but it's not for those with sensitive skin. The price is generally W10,000. If you'd like to go a more gentle route, ask for just a massage. Prices vary, depending on the type and length of the massage, but start at W10,000.
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