Sang Mu Sauna

I guess I should consider renaming this blog "Korean Sauna" at this point due to the surplus in relevant posts, but what can I say? I freaking love the sauna. We had a mishap this week and lost some money. We aren't sure where or how exactly. Our guess is it fell out of Jack's pocket or it may simply be lost in the abyss masquerading as my dirty laundry hamper. As such, we are saving money this week. I couldn't bring myself to pay the 6,000 won each way to go to the sauna I am aquainted with in Kumho Dong. Thus I went on a new search. After searching around a bit for a sauna closer to our neighborhood, I discovered their is actually one hidden behind the coffee shop across form our building.

The sauna I went to today is located behind Tom and Tom's in Sang Mu. It is attached as part of SM Fitness, a very overpriced gym in Sang Mu. The sauna itself is not huge my any means, but the layout is nice. As you enter you remove your shoes, grab a locker, and pay the desk clerk for your scrubber and day at the spa (roughly 5,000 won/ $4.85) You go to the second floor, find your locker and strip. I looked around the sauna and it had all the stops. Varying temperature dry saunas as well as a plethora of hot tubs to soak in after you are finished. The scrubbing stations mirror those of almost every sauna. Comfy little seat accompanied by a regular spicket and hand held shower head. I enjoyed the tubs at this sauna much more the location in Kumho Dong. There is a cold one for swimming and it has a spout that shoots down at phenomenal speeds for a great back massage effect. There are two other pools. They are 39 and 42 degrees Celsius respectively. The saunas also range in temperature. The two I saw were 70 and 76 degrees Celsius. For my American friends who don't know the conversion rate, just know that is boiling hot. You break a sweat almost as soon as you enter.

It was great. After about 15 minutes of sweating away the pounds and internal toxins, I jumped to the regular showers lining the right side of the sauna and then took the plunge into the various pools. After another 30 minutes or so of soaking I headed to the scrubbing station and wrapped up my day at the sauna. I definitely think this is going to be the thing I miss most about living in Korea. I have already mentally integrated a sauna-esque portion into the home I want to build someday. I love it!

For the foreigners who may be a bit standoff-ish, dont be a coward. This might be the best thing you do while you are in Korea for yourself. The cultural barriers will have to fall quickly, but when they do, you will be glad you took the risk. :)

Sauna part 2

Well, as I stated in the past, the sauna has become a pretty frequent tradition for me. On Saturday I take my shower bucket (consisting of shampoo, conditioner, face wash and mask, and anything else I might need) and head to Kumho Dong to go to the sauna. I choose to go outside of my neighborhood so as not to run into my students. (since people of all ages go to the sauna)

Last Saturday I had a pretty funny encounter while at the Sauna. I was going about my business in the hot rooms, pools, and scrub area when a worker walked in my area. You can usually tell who the workers are because they wear clothing of some sort. In her case just underwear. I was at the sauna alone this week. The worker came over and asked me something. I was unclear as to what it was, but I shook my head and smiled politely. It was at that point she took my scrubber out of my hand and proceeded to give me a rub down.

Aside from my mother and one other foreigner, Katherine who ventured to the sauna with me once, this was the only other lady to ever scrub my back. Koreans are very thorough. She scrubbed my back for a solid five minutes or so. Lets just say it was a cultural experience I am not soon to forget.

Go ahead and add B&E to my rap sheet

Since my parents have been here we have tried to take them to the more beautiful areas of the city of Gwangju. These have ranged from the super traditional Yangdong Market to a Kia Tigers Pro Baseball game. Today we decided to have a little fun as well. We heard from a friend there is a Danish hot dog restaurant in the World Cup Lotte Mart. We decided to check it as well as the stadium out. For those of you who do not know, South Korea put in a bid for the 2022 FIFA world cup games. As a result, there have been beautiful stadiums built throughout the country. One of the most beautiful is the Guus Hiddink Stadium. It was originally built for the 2002 games. The stadium was renamed to honor the Korean national team coach after their victory in the stadium over Spain advancing them to the semi-finals. It is considered one of the most beautiful FIFA stadiums in the world.

Much to our chagrin, the stadium was under total and complete lock-down. So Jack and I decided to go stealth. We went through the press office building to their private entrance to the stadium. The doors were unlocked there, so technically it isn't breaking an entering. Trespassing at best. haha! We didn't see any posted signs warning against trespassing, but then again if we had, we wouldn't have been able to read them. As a result, we got our own private tour of the entire stadium ranging from ground level to up in the decks. :) Enjoy the pictures!

Loving the local harvest

I am loving the local harvest this week. Those who know my tastes would know I do not like watermelon. This afternoon, after much convincing from Jack, I tried some of the watermelon that Gwangju was famous for. It is the sweetest watermelon I have ever had. It was amazing! SO here is a shout out to the watermelon from Mudeungsan Mountain. If you are ever in the area, check it out. :)

TOP FIVE!

TOP 5 RESTAURANTS WE ENJOY:

O. So - Traditional korean Barbecue which is really nothing like BBQ americans associate with. Raw meat is brought to you on a plate and you cook the meat on a small grill on your table. The side dishes are awesome. Egg, Spicy Soup, Grilled Garlic and Bean paste, fresh romaine and sesame leaves to make wraps, and of course Kimchi. It also helps that is directly across the street from our apartment.

3692- Similar to O. So in that it’s specialty is Korean BBQ bu the flavor is completely different. They are known for their sweet sauce. It is out of this world. The atmosphere of 3692 gives it an edge beyond other eateries in the area. Low lights, floor level tables, and a great traditional ambience as you sit, legs crossed, enjoying your meal.

VIPS- This is an American style Steakhouse with a Korean flair. This is no Longhorn knockoff. It is better compared to Ruth Chris. The steak is top quality and we were assured by our Korean hosts, NO MADCOW, you know like those blasted Americans.

American Pleasures: These are a few of our favorites because they remind us of home. Also the quality of all of the menitoned restaraunts is phenomenally better here for some reason. Mac Donalds, KFC, Burger King, BBQ Chicken (that is the actual name -but the fried chicken is awesome), KRAZE burgers, etc.

LeAmo- Not the best we have ever had, but if you want some pasta this is the place to go. It is a brief taste of Italian that hits the spot when we get a craving.

Our walk to the store.

It was beautiful on the way to the store today. So I decided to put up a few of the pictures i took. I hope you enjoy. I f you wan to see more clicxk on our link to our gallery.