(Korea Tip of the Day)
I was recently the victim of my own poor planning, time management and over-confidence and missed my flight check-in by a mere two minutes. Missing my late-evening flight from out of Incheon to Tokyo, where I live, meant there were no other flights to catch for the rest of the night.
I gathered my bearings and mentally prepared for an uncomfortable night on an airport bench. Though the airline staff weren’t very helpful, they did suggest I visit the airport information desk for help finding a hotel for the night. Thanks to the angel working the desk that evening, I learned that I could save a ton of money and still not have to sleep on an airport bench by going to Spa on Air, a jimjilbang spa in the terminal’s basement floor.
(Photo by Denisse Rauda)
(Photo by Denisse Rauda)
(Photo by Denisse Rauda)
(Photo by Denisse Rauda)
Not only did I have a safe place to sleep, shower and store my luggage, I’d also be right at the terminal to check into my flight on time the next morning. This convenient Korean jimjilbang provides a pair of fresh pajamas and has a sauna and hot springs to soak away the stress of a missed flight.
The sleeping arrangements aren’t the most comfortable as they are hard pads on the floor with a block for a pillow but there’s separate sleeping quarters for men and women, and a larger lounge if you’re traveling with your spouse or family.
Unless you’re accustomed to futon or floor sleeping, you might not leave 100 percent well-rested from Spa on Air. However, the piece of mind that I’d be close to the check-in counter and on my next flight in a few hours was worth the kink in my neck.
Depending on what type of plan you choose, rates vary but are reasonable. A six-hour stay with access to the sleep room is 20,000 won (about $15.50) for daytime hours and 25,000 won for nighttime per person. Access to the shower and hot spring bath is only 10,000 won.
Next time you have a very early flight or find yourself in a self-inflicted situation like mine, check out this convenient option!
Things to know
Location: Incheon Airport, Terminal 1, 1BF
Hours: 00:00 ~ 24:00 (baths close for cleaning from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. but showers and rest of facilities still available.)
• No reservations in advance.
• Capacity is capped at 120 people. If at capacity when you arrive, you can wait in line for a slot to open. Peak time, according to staff, is between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Stripes Korea writer Hyemin Lee contributed to this story.
