South Korea: No Gym Pass

When travelling to South Korea, there's something important you should know: as a tourist, you generally cannot access local gym facilities unless you are a resident. However, don't let this deter you from maintaining your workout routine during your Korean adventure. After spending three weeks traveling from Seoul to Busan, I've discovered that the key to staying fit lies in strategic Airbnb selection and embracing active exploration.

The Local Gym Situation

Unlike many other countries, South Korea's gym culture is primarily designed for residents, making it challenging for tourists to access traditional fitness facilities. This peculiarity of the Korean fitness scene means we need to think more creatively about training days.

The Airbnb Gym Strategy

Through careful planning and research, I found that many Korean Airbnb properties offer excellent gym facilities.

My Tips

Look closely at any photos you can find of the property: Request additional gym photos from hosts if the listing doesn't provide enough detail and be wary of listings that simply mention a "gym" without photos to show this. And be sure you distinguish between full gyms and basic cardio setups, as some properties may advertise a couple of treadmills as a "gym".

Search the property's address on Google: Look for different listings of the same building from other hosts, and compare gym photos across multiple listings to get a complete picture

Access Considerations: Some properties require special access cards for the gym facilities, be prepared for some strict rules regarding gym access card usage.

And finally.. confirm the gym access details with your host before booking and making payment.

My Experience

Our property gym in Seoul, while compact, proved functional for maintaining my routine. Interestingly, the building allocated more space to their virtual golf room - a reflection of Korea's strong golf culture - than to the gym facility. Despite the size limitations, careful planning allowed for effective workouts.

In Busan, we struck gold with an impressive facility that occupied an entire floor of the building - a stark contrast to the modest size of the residential units above. The gym required specific permissions, but the extra effort in securing and managing the access card was well worth it for the quality of the facility.

Beyond the Gym: Active Exploration

Walking Your Way Through South Korea

One of the most natural ways to stay fit in South Korea is simply by exploring! You'll easily clock 15,000 to 20,000 steps daily walking through the vibrant streets, and trust me - you'll need this activity to offset the incredible food adventures awaiting you. It's fascinating to note that despite the Koreans' impressive appetite for their amazing cuisine (and they can really eat!), they maintain remarkably beautiful. The mystery of where they put all that food while staying so beautifully and petite remains unsolved!

Bike Tours: The Hidden Gem of City Exploration

Instead of traditional walking tours, consider taking a bike tour when you arrive in a new Korean city. This has become our favourite way to explore, and here's why:

You'll discover hidden gems down narrow side streets and lanes
Access beautiful parks and cross rivers with ease
Find local eateries that most tourists miss
Cover more ground while getting a great workout
Experience the city from a local's perspective

The bike tour approach offers a perfect blend of sightseeing and exercise, making it an ideal way to maintain fitness while maximizing your travel experience. Whether you're in Seoul, Busan, or any other Korean city, bike tours provide an intimate and active way to connect with the urban landscape.

Tips for Success

Start your accommodation search early to ensure properties with good gyms are available
Budget appropriately, as buildings with quality gym facilities might command higher rates
Communicate clearly with hosts about gym access and rules
Be flexible with your workout routine to adapt to available equipment
Consider booking longer stays in properties with better gym facilities
Pack comfortable walking shoes - you'll need them!
Look up bike tour options before arriving in each city
Don't shy away from the local cuisine - just stay active to balance it out

The key to maintaining your fitness routine while traveling in South Korea is combining strategic accommodation choices with active exploration methods. While you may not have access to local gyms, the combination of property facilities and outdoor activities can create an even more rewarding fitness experience.

And remember, staying fit in South Korea doesn't have to be limited to traditional gym workouts. Embrace the walking culture, try a bike tour on your first day in each new city, and you'll discover that maintaining your fitness routine becomes an exciting part of your travel adventure.

Stay strong, stay travelling, and never compromise on your fitness journey!

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