Korean Job Discussion Forums

[vincentsaid]

Can anyone recommend a place to practice yoga near Yongin City or Bundang? Also, what about gyms?

[hkverde]

I know this isn't super helpful but I've been told there's a YMCA right near Lotte Mart in Yongin. I've been here just over 24 hours at this point so I haven't checked it out yet but I plan to when I can muster up the courage I'll repost when I find out more....

[vincentsaid]

I know the feeling well. I've been here just over 3 weeks. Are you interested in venturing out together? I get off work around 5 and usually just walk around and check things out.

[R. S. Refugee]

Yongin is a very large place area-wise. Maybe as much land area as L.A.

Bundang is narrowing it down a bit. I used to live at Ori Station and was a member of an ok heath club on a top floor (8th or 9th floor, I think it was) in around the same block as the station. Sorry I can't be more specific.

One thing is to look up at buildings in the business districts and look for sign that say "health." Written in hanguel "health" is " 헬 스 " (that's "hell suh" ).

However, now that I've been around a bit longer my method for solving this problem has changed. Now I would call 02-1330 (24/7 free assistance in English) and tell them where I live and ask them to tell me about ones run by the local government in that area. Say within 3 or 4 subway stops from where you live (if you're willing to travel that far). By expanding the range you're willing to go, you might find a really excellent place that you'll appreciate a lot. It pays to take the time to check out several within the range you're willing to travel because the quality a one of them may be so much more appealing than another.

I go one of the best ones in Korea, I think, in Goyang-si (north of Seoul) that I really couldn't be happier with. It costs 50,000 a month and I did have to get on a waiting list for a month to get in. But that's OK. If you find one worth waiting for, get on their waiting list and then pay at a lesser place in your neighborhood while waiting. Essentially, none of the workers at my gym speaks English. That's OK. You just call 1330 again to have them translate any necessary conversational details for you.

Good luck.
PS. There's always lots of people (99% Korean) at my gym of both sexes and all ages, but I like exercising with lots of people around and watching them exercise too rather than being alone in a nearly deserted gym.

PPS. I just had one other thought about finding a really good place and this is it. Look for a complex that has lots of things available - swimming, big gym, workout gym, ice skating, etc. The one I go to has all of those though I'm only interested in the workout gym - weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers, WBV machines, stretching classes and I'm only paying for that (as far as I know). It's more likely to be a pleasing place in my opinion. The workout gym where I spend my time is a floor above the swimming pools and while on the treadmills or elliptical trainers, I can watch swimmers doing their thing. More visually pleasant and interesting in my opinion than watching tv while exercising.

[hkverde]

Sure, Vincentsaid, I'd be into venturing out. Safety in numbers, right? Are you in Suji or elsewhere in the city?? I'll figure out how to send you a personal message....

Also, RS Refugee, thanks VERY much for all the info. I didn't know about the English assistance line - that's awesome. On your advice, I'll check out the Y accross the way from me and see what other options I have as well.... Funny, I did the whole "watching the swimmers" thing at the Y I used to go to in Santa Monica too! Might even be better than TV....

[war707]

Hey, any chance either of you found a gym that looks good? Just found this post and I'm in Suji too. One of my co-workers goes to a gym but the equipment isn't that appealing. I might check a few out this week though.

[hkverde]

Sigh! Sorry War707, since I started work I haven't had a minute to do anything so I have yet to even step inside the Y. Let me know if you get there before I do. Thanks!