Korean Job Discussion Forums

[illusion]

Anyone know of any Gyms or Fitness centers in Seoul?

Specifically, near Nowon-gu/Seongbuk-gu (northern part of seoul).

I need to start running the elliptical and do some cardio!!

Names and directions would be great. Gracias.

[JJJ]

Yep, there are hundreds, if not a thousand fitness centres or gyms here in Seoul. For your area, ask your co-workers or go for a walk this weekend and look up. Many are on the 2nd floor and higher of an office tower. Just by walking around my area I found 3 clubs. Have fun.

[maddog]

Gyms with treadmills, bikes and elliptical trainers are ten-a-penny. Literally, Koreans love gyms that are filled with machines. It's once you start looking for decent free weight equipment that you have problems. Heaven forbid you try looking for a gym with an olympic weight-lifting platform.

[sojourner1]

[Ukon]

Seoul Gyms seem to take after gyms in the 70's before the advent of places like Ballys.....just look for the place with buff guy pasted on the window and walk in....followed by the former asian Mr. Fitness owner feeling your muscle, then persumably referring to you as a girly boy in korean.

At least that's what it was like for me....most were small, some were nicer than others....prices are comparatively high given the size, but not bad.

[Starla]

Do a lot of women frequent these gyms? I plan on joining a gym in Seoul but I've heard Korean women don't work out much so my guess is Korean gyms are full of testosterone. Or am I wrong?

[samd]

[illusion]

i suppose i can ask my co-teacher. but i feel like i'm bothering her so much already with other random questions so i feel kind of bad. lol.

and thanks for the tips on what to look for when i go searching for the gyms on the streets. i'll probably go search for some this weekend..

oh and i'm a girl by the way. not that it matters... but some of you people are referring me as a guy. lol.

[Ed Provencher]

Since I'm a juggler, I've been on a perpetual search for an indoor gym space where I can practice in the winter. For me, this means I need 6 meter ceilings. Indoor basketball or racquetball courts are ideal.

I've been to my local YMCA and they told me the basketball area is for classes only with no open court time. I'm approaching my 3rd winter in Korea and still no real luck.

When I was attending Yonsei last winter, I was able to go into the old unheated gym and practice, but it was not comfortable because it was still really cold.

This year I wll attempt to juggle in Itaewon Station, in the area at the bottom of the long escalator. I figure if I stay in the corner where people don't walk, I'll be okay. My fingers are crossed that I will be permitted to practice.

[newinseoul]

[illusion]

[newinseoul]

The gym is clean, and it has about six treadmills. The gym is smallish, but workable. Directions: Sanggye Station Exit 2 (walk down the street where the faces shop is on the corner. Just keep walkig out of exit 2 down the street. Keep walking till the end, turn left, and in the first apt building, go to 2nd floor.

I'd suggest walking around your area, looking for gyms. Happy Hunting!

[aka Dave]

[chotaerang]

[Starla]