The pool is a quintessential emblem of summer; be it the kind where bikini clad beauties and brawny studs lounge about and tan, or where children flock to frolic. 

Pool-goers chill out and catch some rays at Club Pool at the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon on a July weekday afternoon. (Ahn Hoon/The Korea Herald)

So where can one head to for a dip, splash or bit of poolside partying?

Here’s a list-up of some outdoor pools in Seoul.

Bringing the party to the pool

Techno blasts. The distinct scent of tanning oil wafts over. Women clad in bikinis and men sporting muscle sit down at a set of tables near the bar and chow down, tip back a drink or two. Upstairs, where the pool is, a boatload of people chill and catch some rays.

The vibe is playful, young and relaxed; exactly what Itaewon’s Hamilton Hotel planning and inspection assistant manager Jung Hoon wants.

“The name (of the pool) is Club Pool,” the assistant manager explained. “The concept itself is that of a hybrid pool and club. So club music is always playing.”

“The clientele love it,” he enthused about the response to the DJing that goes on from noon to 6 p.m. “People just dance in their swimsuits.”

Pool patrons can also order cocktails and smoke, which is why no one under 18 is allowed in.

“I come for the music,” said pool regular Byun Hwan. “I come everyday except for when it rains.”

On Aug. 7, a foam party -- the pool will be half-filled with froth -- promises to take the fun up a notch. Then in mid-August there will be a mini-Olympics complete with some oil wrestling, a swim race, and a chicken fight.

“These guys, for the most part, really like to have a good time, so we tend to have a lot of party-like events,” said Jung.

Wonderland for kids

If Club Pool is a wonderland of sorts for adults, then Hotel Seoul KyoYuk MunHwa HoeKwan’s outdoor pool is an adventureland for children.

On a weekday afternoon, the place is teeming with kids. When the announcement blares out over the speakers that the ever-popular wave pool is revving up, a screaming bevy of tykes tromp down so they can catch the ripples. Behind the wave pool, youngsters coast down the huge rainbow High Slide.

“I think it is very good (for kids),” said Kim Hyuk, 42, who was out with his son. “It is very spacious.”

Staffed with 24 lifeguards -- over eight are certified -- and a medical room, this veteran hotel-run pool complex seems to understand what it takes to cater to families.

“We have four pools suited to each age group,” said manager Woo Jung-soo, referring to the toddler pool, the wave pool, a pool that functions like a flowing river, and a main pool.

“The main pool is the adult pool, primary school kids cannot go in.”

Indeed, a trip to the main pool, which is situated towards the back, reveals a sort of serene oasis, where grown-ups swim leisurely and soak up some sun.


Tan by the river

Poolgoer Park Sang-young summed up the allure of the Jamwon Han River Park Pool when he said: “It’s a bit cheap and it is close by.” 

Located flush up against the Han River, the place houses three pools, has an air bounce slide and only costs 3,000 won to 5,000 won to get in. 

According to manager Choi Byung-chan the pool complex attracts a largely adult crowd, many of whom prefer tanning to swimming. 

If low-budget tanning is on the agenda, this place seems like a good deal. Just don’t expect luxurious facilities. The changing room is a tent-like affair, the showers only have cold water and are out in the open and the bathrooms (with real plumbing though) resemble trailers. 


[Details]

Club Pool

Located in Itaewon’s Hamilton Hotel, opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and to 8 p.m. from Friday to Sunday. Admission costs 12,000 won from Monday to Thursday; 16,000 won from Friday to Sunday; and 10,000 won (free cocktail included) from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. from Friday to Sunday.

Towel rental is 2,000 won, lockers 2,000 won and tanning chair rentals 12,000 won.

For more information call (02) 6393-1247 or visit www.hamilton.co.kr

Hotel Seoul Kyoyuk MunHwa HoeKwan

To get to there go to Yangjae Subway Station Line 3, Exit 7. Walk straight to Seocho Citizen Hall. A free shuttle to the hotel comes every 20 minutes.

Opening hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission costs 9,000 won for adults and 7,000 won for children on weekdays; 13,000 won for adults and 11,000 won for children on weekends. Sun bed rentals cost 15,000 won plus a 5,000 won deposit; single-use lockers 1,000 won.

For more information call (02) 526-9641 or visit temf.co.kr

Jamwon Han River Park Pool

Located in Jamwon-dong, opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission costs 5,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for adolescents, 3,000 won for children and is free for children under 6. Towels cost 5,000 won, single-use lockers 1,000 won and tanning bed rentals 5,000 won plus a 5,000 won deposit.

For more information call (02) 536-8263 or visit hangangparkpool.co.kr

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldm.com)