When we think about Korean food—like fried chicken and samgyeopsal—and the vibrant drinking culture, we might wonder: how can anyone stay fit and healthy in such an environment? This challenge becomes even trickier for students on a tight budget. But don’t worry! Let me share some tips and tricks to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Sports

Despite the high cost of living in Seoul, you can find reasonably priced gyms. The Korean word for gym is 헬스장 [helseujang] — simply type this into Naver or Kakao Maps to find the most convenient option. Maps are especially useful since they display all essential details like operating hours and membership fees. A reasonable monthly gym membership without a personal trainer costs around 40,000 won. If you're not ready for a membership, you can try a one-day pass, called 일일입장 [irilipjang]. Personal training sessions last an hour and cost between 50,000 and 90,000 won per session.

Another great idea is to visit your local sports center, commonly known as 국민체육센터 (Gugmin Cheyuk Senteo). These centers typically offer a range of activities, including swimming, gym facilities, yoga, Pilates, dance classes, and more. Located in each administrative district, they also maintain their own websites. For instance, this is the website of Sports Center of Mapo-Gu.

Keep in mind that registration can be competitive due to high demand and limited spots. To secure your place, it’s essential to act quickly and keep a close eye on application dates.