Getting a haircut in Seoul

Getting a haircut is not a drama but it is when you've got a bad one 'cos you're going to be stuck with it for a looong time. Now if you hair grows as slowly as mine then you're going to be wearing a hat for an even longer time.

So when I decided that it was time to get a trim I decided to consult the blogs and forums to give me a clue where I could go to find an English speaking hairdresser here in Seoul.

The internet wasn't terribly forthcoming this time but managed to find out the names of a couple that have been recommended. One was Eunha near the Ewha Women's University but no directions. The website has a map but directs you to the one in Apkujeong (I think). Also, their site seems to have a big warning on it if you try to access certain pages as being 'unsafe'. The Hair Team at Hannamdong was also mentioned but no clue where in Hannamdong. Great.

Another pricey sounding place besides Toni & Guy where one would expect to pay upwards of KRW400,000 for a colour and cut (!) is Headrush but once again no clue where it was.

An older post recommended The Green Turtle (Nogku) in Itaewon. It was close by and although another post said their masseuse grabbed her "coochie" while giving her a massage... sounded a bit dodgy to me. Is it going to be one of 'those' places???

Got to Itaewon, the directions indicate that it is above the Burger King. Wrong. The Burger King no longer exists opposite Hamilton Hotel. It has shifted about 100m down the road. That lot has been replaced with an Ice Creamery on the ground floor(I think that's the name) and a Coffee Bean on the 1st and 2nd floor.

The Green Turtle Massage or Nogku Massage Centre is located on the 3rd and 4th floors. I rocked up and checked if they had any signs for a hair salon and they did. The haircut costs KRW20,000. You may have to make an appointment for weekends but luckily I got 'slotted in'. My hair was washed by an assistant and then Michel... Yes, a Korean looking Michel (pronounced in the French way... of course) gave it his best shot.

The actual cut itself lasted only 10mins. Honestly, all he did was cut following an imaginary line. He didn't layer at all as he said I still had layers. My previous stylist in Singapore spent about 45mins cutting my hair to get it into the style I wanted. Oh well... can't complain. I just wanted it shorter.

All in all, it was an ok experience. I wouldn't colour my hair there or expect any amazing haircuts either but if you are looking for a simple and reasonably priced haircut, I'd go there. The rest of the clients were caucasians if that means anything.

Here's their website: http://www.nogku.co.kr/