Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hunnie705 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008

I am just curious if anyone has lost weight after moving to Korea? If so, was it the change in food, culture, getting more exercise...?

madoka · Joined: 27 Mar 2008

I think I lost about 10 lbs. because:

1. The food isn't generally as bad as food in the U.S. I was pretty shocked how bland pizza from Domino's and Pizza Hut tasted because they removed all the salt.

2. You have to walk around a lot.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I've gained a bunch of weight. I blame the beer.

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

I've lost 40 pounds.

1. Walk everywhere

2. Mostly Korean diet. (Just a little rice), kimchi, veggies etc...

3. Snacking on fruit, veggies.

IAMAROBOT · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

I've lost weight because:

- Portion sizes aren't as big.

- Communal eating is heavily encouraged here. You're less likely to pig out if you're eating with other people, as opposed to eating alone in front of the TV.

IncognitoHFX · Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon

dharma bum · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

i've struggled with weight a lot here and have had to fight hard to keep from looking sickly at points (i have a very high metabolism), so i guess i'm different from the other posters who seem to have actually welcomed the change. i'm at an acceptable weight now because i watch my diet carefully, but i've had trouble for the following reasons:

1) diet: nutrient-free rice, grass, and leaves, and extremely small portions of meat

2) stress: the hustle and bustle, and pollution, of seoul combined with the stress that normally comes with adapting to and living in a culture other than one's own

madoka · Joined: 27 Mar 2008

XAdamX · Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 8:35 pm Post subject:

Too much.

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

While I thought it would be impossible to lose more weight, I have done so! My students call me chopstick because I resemble one!

Bigfeet · Joined: 29 May 2008 Location: Grrrrr.....

Yeah, I've lost some weight and I luv it! I love not having to depend on cars to go everywhere. I love not having a dozen fast food joints on every block. I love not seeing so many fat people everywhere!

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

I've only been able to weigh myself about three times since I got here. It's barely budged. Most of the time I eat less, but I also get less exercise. I used to bike to work and be on my feet all day.

talltony4 · Joined: 09 Aug 2004

Yup, I have. I was skinny before, and I'm slightly skinnier now. I put it down to less junk food, especially the junk food I used to eat after drinking lots of beer. And less beer in general. Beer in NZ is so much cheaper

Thewhiteyalbum · Joined: 13 Nov 2008

Gained about 4-5 kilos, going on how my clothes fit (or don't fit!).
Food here is waaay saltier. Too much rice, which isn't easy to avoid when lunchtime comes and there is nothing else that is healthy to eat. Food is nutritionally empty and greasy a lot of the time. Food in N.Z was for me way fresher, more salads (not swimming in fucking mayonnaise) and good proteins. I find the portion sizes here to be bigger than in N.Z but a lot smaller than the U.S where getting 'value for money' seems to have encouraged gross overeating (although I ate out a lot more when i lived in the States).
I am planning to lose it - going to the gym 5 times a week and making my own meals.

Ukon · Joined: 29 Jan 2008

Sorta.....before winter I was getting alot of regular exercise. just walking around, but Seoul In winter is not very fun to move about in....

I would say I've gained weight....I have to wonder how the rest of you lost weight....Granted...I wasn't really watching my eating and fell in love with milkis...the most delicious soft drink known to man. Not to mention you have more money to blow on snacks and the numerous convience stores in Seoul.

Then again I wasn't fat before I came...