How to Stay in Shape in Seoul (Without Spending a Dime)

Thanks to all the cafes, brunches and increasingly more convenient food delivery apps, trying to stay in shape is like trying to swim up a waterfall. There are plenty of gyms, personal trainers, and yoga classes to choose from, but sometimes we just want to get a good workout in without breaking the bank.

So that we can use that money for more important things like… coffee… and maybe a slice of cake.

So for all our friends looking to do the same, here are 3 ways to stay in shape in Seoul without spending a dime!

1. Join an Exercise Club

We spent the summer doing Moonlight Yoga from July to August, but there are plenty of other options in Seoul. Ever since COVID, hiking and jogging groups have popped up all over the city. Some have club fees, but many are free and perfect for getting in some social time while working out.

Most clubs meet once or twice a week. They’re one part weekly work out and one part social club. You can get tips on where the best tracks are in Seoul and make friends all in one shot.

2. Go for a jog by the Han (or any other river in Seoul)

Seoul might be one of the best cities to run in. We’ve stumbled across some truly hidden gems while running through the streets of various neighborhoods. We still go for the occasional jogs through the neighborhoods, but all the foot traffic and uneven terrain tends to slow us down. Not to mention the lack of sidewalks and speeding motorcyclists.

Running tracks by the rivers are well-taken care of and they’re less strain on the feet. Not to mention, we get to enjoy the views, wildlife and breathe in some fresh air away from the dense urban city. Whenever we want to get a good uninterrupted run and just get in the zone, we always head to the nearest river.

3. Park Exercises

Public parks in Korea are populated with the most unusual exercise machines. Most offer low resistance workouts so that older folks don’t hurt themselves using them. But (!!) it’s gotten much more common to see actual free-weights in these areas.

We’ve worked out on the bench press and used the dumbbell weights which were all in good condition. It was basically a free, outdoor gym. Best of all, it’s almost always empty and we don’t have to worry about any funky smells. Except our own.

4. Hiking

Trekking through the mountains is by far the most popular form of exercise in Korea. What was once an activity enjoyed enjoyed primarily by the elderly, has now attracted the attention of 20 and 30 somethings looking to destress. Korea is pocked with mountains and hills that have been mapped out and covered in trails. As far as we can tell, there are hundreds of trails in Seoul alone.

The last few hikes we went on actually had college students. It’s been a lot more common to see a wider range of trekkers on the trails thanks to the fresh air and the low-impact workout hiking offers. I recommend Inwangsan just northwest of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The trails are challenging enough for a good workout and the peak has amazing views of Seoul, including Gyeongbokgung Palace.