Incheon Bath House

That was a decade ago that I often used Seoul Incheon Apt. as a base for travel. The reason was simple. The airport had more flights and cheaper tickets than Tokyo Narita Apt. But the cheap flight had some inconvenience to me. A long connection time or over night connection, for instance.
On the day, I had a huge spare time at Incheon. When I glanced facility map, I found a small shower mark. It's hot summer day. I wanted to take a shower before the long flight. I went down to the basement and walked on the hallway as the map told. As I went on, shops were lessen. I was almost giving up when I found the low key signboard. A small reception table were settled at the entrance. An old woman sat there asked me. "Shower? Bath? Please come in" It looked dubious, although I decided to get into. 15000won (11USD) for 3 hour rest, I remember.

I didn't so much expected on it from the low price and the appearance. Must be a simple shower and a small couch. But actually the bathroom was big enough like Japanese public bath. The resting space was beyond my expectation too. It's neatly designed, and above all the room was chilled with AC in max power. I lay down on a sofa having a cold drink. I was alone. Nobody disturbed me. "This must be a heaven. My secret sanctuary. Incheon Bath House" Sorry, I made up the name.

I have had no chance to stop by Incheon Apt. for long time. But recently, I had to stay Incheon for a night and had checked accommodation on the Internet. A resting space "Spa on Air" ... ? Guessing form the location it seemed like the bath house. However was that such a modern name? According to the description, the old shop was once closed when the air port was renovated. Then it's renewal opened as "Spa on Air". Yeah, I got it.
The description was followed. "The shop becomes very popular now. So must get to early. Or overnight resting room becomes full quickly ..." I couldn't believe it.

I arrived Incheon at midnight and head to the "Spa on Air" for taking a rest before early morning flight. In the end of the hallway, I saw a long line of people. "Waiting line for the Spa" they told me. It's already full. And in the case some customers would check out, waiting person could check in instead. I was told. "But are there customers who check out from the sleeping facility in the middle of the night?" Although thinking like that, I joined the line. Contrary to my expectation, people came out from time to time.
So I could check in much earlier than I had thought. The reception was totally different from the old one. Young receptionists managed at the modernized counter. "Yes, this is a Spa. not a public bath any more" The price was 17000won (14USD) for 7 hours. Actually the price range was pretty wide depends on the hours. 3 hour shower only course was 7000won (5USD). So it's even cheaper than before.

The bathroom was converted from big public bath to 3 compact round jet bath tubs. Shower compartments were lined next to them. The Asian style bath were replaced to the Western standard shower room.
Meanwhile the facility itself was little bit down scaled. On that point, the old roomy space had had more relaxed air of spa.
On the corner of the bathroom, a maintenance service person were fixing a water pips and tiles without caring about customers in the bathtubs. The picture was not changed from the bathhouse era.
I came into a resting room. Mattress and reclining chairs covered the carpet floor. Dozens of peoples were breathing peacefully in dim light. I was not sure if I could wake up at 7 O'clock in the next morning.

I heard this type of accommodation is called 'Jjimjilbang' in South Korea. You can find a similar facilities also in Japan. It's often cheaper than a capsule hotel.
The strong point of Incheon airport is that these facilities are offered in reasonable price, not a over priced airport one. The terminal never sleep. Some food shop are opened 24hours. If you want to save money, there are many benches to lie down. You can rest even in the closed cafe during the night.
Incheon has such a huge capacity as a giant hub airport. As for the facilities, China's hub airports are far behind Incheon. Tokyo Narita Apt. is not even called 'a hub' any more.