Global Major Cities Guide

Key resources for fitness in Seoul, including gyms, parks, and fitness programs.

Sections

1. Gyms and Fitness Centers

Seoul has a variety of gyms, ranging from budget-friendly local options to high-end luxury fitness centers. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Gyms

Local Gyms (헬스장, "Helseu-jang"): These are smaller, neighborhood gyms that are affordable and cater to basic fitness needs. They typically have cardio machines, free weights, and basic strength-training equipment.
Franchise Gyms: Popular chains like Anytime Fitness, Fitness First, and Bodyfriend are widely available. These gyms often have better facilities, including group classes, personal training, and 24-hour access.
Luxury Gyms: High-end gyms like Welli Hilli Fitness or Samsung Fitness Club offer premium services, including spa facilities, saunas, and advanced equipment.

Membership Costs

Local gyms: KRW 50,000–100,000 per month (USD 40–80).
Franchise gyms: KRW 100,000–200,000 per month (USD 80–160), depending on the location and facilities.
Luxury gyms: KRW 200,000–500,000 per month (USD 160–400), with additional fees for personal training or premium services.

Membership Procedures

Most gyms require a membership contract, often for 3, 6, or 12 months. Some offer monthly or daily passes for short-term visitors.
Bring your ID (passport or alien registration card) for registration.
Many gyms require you to bring your own workout clothes, towels, and indoor gym shoes (outdoor shoes are not allowed inside).

Cultural Tips

Koreans value cleanliness, so wiping down equipment after use is expected.
Many gyms have separate male and female locker rooms, and some may have gender-specific workout areas.
It’s common to see people working out in groups or with personal trainers.

2. Outdoor Fitness Opportunities

Seoul is a city that encourages outdoor fitness, with numerous parks, trails, and public exercise facilities.

Parks and Trails

Han River Parks (한강공원): These parks along the Han River are perfect for jogging, cycling, or walking. They also have outdoor fitness equipment, basketball courts, and bike rental stations.
Namsan Park (남산공원): A popular spot for hiking and jogging, with scenic views of the city.
Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원): Ideal for hiking enthusiasts, offering trails of varying difficulty levels.
Seoul Forest (서울숲): A large park with walking paths, bike trails, and open spaces for yoga or group workouts.

Public Fitness Equipment

Many parks and residential areas have free outdoor fitness equipment, such as pull-up bars, elliptical machines, and stretching stations. These are widely used by locals, especially older adults.

Cycling

Seoul has an extensive network of bike paths, particularly along the Han River. You can rent bikes through the city’s public bike-sharing system, Seoul Bike (따릉이, "Ddareungi"), for as little as KRW 1,000 (USD 0.80) per hour.

3. Yoga, Pilates, and Specialized Studios

Yoga and Pilates are very popular in Seoul, with studios catering to all levels of experience.

Yoga Studios

Popular Studios: Yogaworks, Moksha Yoga, and Jai Yoga are well-known for their variety of classes, including hot yoga and vinyasa.
Costs: KRW 20,000–30,000 (USD 16–24) per drop-in class, or KRW 150,000–300,000 (USD 120–240) for monthly memberships.

Pilates Studios

Pilates is particularly trendy in Seoul, with many boutique studios offering reformer Pilates classes.
Popular Studios: Pilates S, Lava Pilates, and Club Pilates.
Costs: Reformer Pilates classes are more expensive, ranging from KRW 30,000–50,000 (USD 24–40) per session. Monthly packages can cost KRW 300,000–600,000 (USD 240–480).

Specialized Studios

Dance Studios: K-pop dance classes are a unique fitness option in Seoul, offered by studios like 1MILLION Dance Studio and DEF Dance School.
Martial Arts: Taekwondo and Hapkido classes are widely available for those interested in traditional Korean martial arts.

4. Community Classes and Group Activities

Seoul has a strong sense of community, and group fitness activities are popular.

Community Centers

Local community centers (주민센터, "Jumin Center") often offer affordable fitness classes, including aerobics, yoga, and Zumba. These are great for meeting locals and integrating into the community.
Costs are typically low, around KRW 30,000–50,000 (USD 24–40) per month.

Meetup Groups

Platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook Groups host fitness-related events, such as running clubs, hiking groups, and yoga in the park. These are excellent for networking and staying active.

5. Cultural Attitudes Toward Exercise

Understanding local attitudes can help you adapt to the fitness culture in Seoul.

Appearance and Fitness: Physical appearance is highly valued in Korean culture, and many people exercise to maintain a slim and toned physique.
Group Workouts: Exercising in groups or with friends is common, as Koreans often view fitness as a social activity.
Early Mornings and Evenings: Gyms and parks are busiest early in the morning and after work hours (6–9 PM), as many people fit exercise into their daily routines.
Technology Integration: Fitness apps and wearable devices are widely used to track progress and share achievements on social media.

6. Costs and Budgeting

Here’s a summary of typical costs for fitness activities in Seoul:

Gym memberships: KRW 50,000–500,000 per month (USD 40–400).
Yoga/Pilates classes: KRW 20,000–50,000 per session (USD 16–40).
Outdoor fitness: Free or minimal costs (e.g., bike rentals).
Community classes: KRW 30,000–50,000 per month (USD 24–40).

7. Unique Local Fitness Practices

Jjimjilbang (찜질방): After a workout, many Koreans visit a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) to relax and recover. These facilities often include hot baths, saunas, and relaxation areas.
Hiking Culture: Hiking is almost a national pastime in Korea. It’s common to see groups of hikers, often dressed in professional gear, enjoying the mountains around Seoul.
K-pop Dance Workouts: Inspired by the global popularity of K-pop, dance workouts are a fun and uniquely Korean way to stay fit.

8. Practical Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

Language Barrier: While many fitness centers have English-speaking staff, smaller gyms and community classes may not. Learning basic Korean fitness terms can be helpful.
Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as removing shoes in certain areas and maintaining cleanliness.
Trial Classes: Many gyms and studios offer free or discounted trial classes—take advantage of these to find the right fit for you.

Seoul offers a dynamic and diverse fitness scene, with something for everyone. Whether you prefer the structure of a gym, the tranquility of yoga, or the adventure of outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of options to stay active and healthy in this bustling city.

Seoul

Fitness and Exercise