Are you interested in experiencing both of the Jjimjil-bang (Korean bathhouse with hot tubs and traditional saunas) culture and entertainment at the same spot, while being in Incheon? Paradise City is a hotel-resort multicultural complex located in Yeongjong-do, Incheon – only a few minutes away from the airport. It has a facility called CIMER Spa: a fusion of both Korean jjimjil-bang and European sauna styles.
How can I get to CIMER?
If you plan to go directly from IGC, it’s easy! There are multiple free shuttle buses offered by Paradise City; the closest shuttle bus stops from IGC are at Songdo Hyundai Premium Outlet and Dream City.
After arriving at the spa, there are two types of tickets that you can purchase; the Jjimjil Spa Tickets, which only includes a jimjilbang experience, and then the Aqua Spa Tickets, in which entry to the swimming pools are added. There is a discount for all GMUK students, faculty and staff: 20 ~ 30% to Koreans, and 40 ~ 50% to foreigners. As a lot of Korean indoor houses and facilities require to take off the shoes, there is a shoe closet in almost every Korean Jjimjilbangs. Right after purchasing the ticket I got the key to the designated locker areas (women/ men segregated).
First Stop: Aqua Spa Zone
After taking the shower and putting on a swimsuit, you will be able to go outside to the Aqua Spa Zone. The first thing I saw was the Water Plaza, the main indoor swimming pool. Inspired by the Piazza San Marco in Italy, its colorful windows on the second floor add dimensions to the plain, white walls. You will be able to relax in the cocoon-shaped hammocks or try to take some pictures on the huge unicorn tubes. In the hidden space, there is the Virtual Spa with LED screens. It is surrounded by all three of the walls with relaxing background music. Don’t forget to experience the outdoor pools and Aqua Loop & Tornado Slides, from the height of a four-story building!
Jjimjil Spa Zone
Moving on from the Aqua Spa, the Jjimjil Spa Zone on the second floor has various rooms inspired by the traditional Asian or European Sauna styles. Typically, Korean Jjimjilbangshave multiple sauna rooms and you would usually take 10~15 minutes each to take a rest inside while inhaling the warm air. You will naturally be able to release waste matter (sweat) from the body. For example, in CIMER’s Bulhanjeungmak, it used the Nokju Quartz-Porphyry (crystal volcanic rock) that helps with circulation, metabolism and healthy skin. Not only does this floor have Jjimjilbangs, but it has other leisure activities; a community space with the mono-library (has books and magazines related to art, design) and resting areas.
Hyunseon Kim | Staff Writer
hkim204@masonlive.gmu.edu
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