One of my goals while in South Korea was to experience some kind of “Korean Water Park.” Of course, we’d visited the Sinjeongho Outdoor Pool, but I wanted to visit something that was a little more… extra. I’m not totally sure if Paradise Spa completely fit the bill, but we did have fun, so that’s saying something.
Paradise Spa Dogo in Asan
I grew up by a decent-sized water park with huge slides, a large wave pool, and a massive lazy river. So it’s hard not to compare just about every other water park to that. Plus, I’ve been to the water parks at Disney World, and I feel like those pretty much ruin all other water parks for the history of forever. So is Paradise Spa a Disney-level water park? Absolutely not. But we weren’t expecting it to be, so I can’t say we were disappointed.
The water park itself is pretty simple, but still so fun. There is an endless river (with a pretty decent current), a kid’s splash pad with a playground, a wave pool, and a larger slide. Although the larger slide seems to close at about 5:30. We got there at 5 and it closed shortly after so we didn’t get the chance to ride it. It was a bummer, but there was enough to do besides that so it wasn’t a big deal.
Kids and adults alike enjoy this water park and it’s the perfect way to beat the heat. We were there on a weekend evening during Korean summer break, so it was busy, but not unbearable. We stuck to just the water park itself, but there are other activities available (sometimes for another fee) like Doctor Fish who eat the dead skin off of your feet, as well as other typical things that you’d expect from a spa.
Something else we got to experience… nude locker rooms. Ha! We’d been warned that locker rooms in Korea are usually full nude. And I had certain expectations for what that actually meant. But when I walked into the locker room with my four daughters, I don’t think any of us were prepared for the amount of naked women just walking around the locker room. Taking full showers, blow-drying their hair, and just walking back and forth from place-to-place… completely in the buff. Thankfully, my kids didn’t seem to care too much. They were plenty mature about it and it was far less weird than I originally thought it would be. Although when we got out of the locker room, L did say “Wow. I saw a LOT of butts.” Yep. She’s my daughter.
We had so much fun meeting friends at the water park and exploring. It was a little pricier than what we like to pay for things, but it was well-worth our time and it was a great way to spend time with our family and our friends. Our kids are already asking to go back (and L is asking to have the “full Korean locker-room experience” – meaning she wants to walk around naked too… which is pretty on par for her).
’til next time…
Ash
How to visit Paradise Spa Dogo in Asan
DISCLAIMER: I wish I had better information for this section. Truthfully, since we went with some friends who had orchestrated everything, we didn’t do as much research beforehand or pay as much attention to the information once we got there as I normally would have. I was unable to verify all information (besides the Naver pin) after the fact, so the cost and hours sections may not be perfectly accurate. I will update as more information is available. If you have any information, feel free to reach out and I can correct the post!
Directions & Parking: You can use this link to access directions through Naver. Parking is free and there is a large lot in front of the building (including a dirt overflow lot if the other lot is full).
*Cost:
Hot Springs + Indoor/Outdoor Pool
Adults and children – ₩44,000 per person
Children under 3 – FREE
AFTER 3:00pm
Adults and children – ₩33,000 per person
Children under 3 – FREE
AFTER 5:00pm
Adults and children – ₩23,000 per person
Children under 3 – FREE
*Prices given are accurate according to the information that was available online, as well as what we could see when we visited in person. For more information visit the Paradise Spa Dogo website.
*Hours:
Weekdays – 9:00am – 7:00pm
Weekends – 9:00am – 9:00pm
*Exact hours were difficult to find. Information given is true according to information gathered while visiting the spa, as well as what was available online and on Naver.
Know before you go
Shoes and hats are not required inside, although hats were required (or at least strongly encouraged) outside.
Life jackets are required for children under 140 cm tall (life jackets are available to rent for ₩5,000 each).
Locker rooms at Paradise Spa Dogo are fully nude, meaning you’ll likely see many people walking around naked in the locker rooms. We personally didn’t find this awkward or offensive, but I think it’s important to be aware of in case that is something you wish you avoid. You are allowed to bring your bags and belongings to the pool with you – you just are not allowed to store your belongings ON any of the chairs. Leaving them on the ground beside a chair is fine.
After entry, proceed to the shoe locker room and find the locker that matches the number on your ticket. Place your shoes in the locker and use the key to lock it. Wear the key on your wrist for your entire stay. The key will also open the locker of the same number in the main locker room.
You can use your key bracelet to purchase food and other items during your time at the spa. Before leaving and getting your items, you’ll settle your tab at the front desk or one of the kiosks between the men’s and women’s locker rooms.
There are many different food options including a pizza restaurant outside, a snack bar on the inside, and a full food court inside. We found the food to be reasonably-priced and very good.
