Jang Seob Yoon
Research expert covering South Korea
Fitness industry in South Korea - statistics & facts
Personal health and fitness are rising in popularity among South Koreans. As income levels rise alongside the life expectancy rate, more and more people are displaying an interest in their physical well-being. Much like how the introduction of major fitness chains in the United States kickstarted its domestic workout culture in the 1980s, South Korea is also experiencing a burgeoning gym culture of its own. For example, KD Healthcare, which operates the largest fitness chain spoAny in South Korea, continues to record revenue growth.
A record of one’s peak physical condition
Various trends can affect how consumers behave, and one trend that has impacted the domestic fitness industry in recent years is taking body profile pictures. Most prevalent among younger generations, this refers to having a professional photo highlighting one's physique taken after weeks or months of carefully planned exercise. While such an image would be common amongst health trainers and professionals, more and more members of the general public are participating in specific fitness routines to record and share the fruits of their labor. Surveyed opinions regarding this development are varied, with the majority of respondents showing a positive reaction to the body profile trend. On the other hand, others were wary of the extremes some would go to during preparation and its potential contribution to lookism in Korean society.A digital future for fitness
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted fitness studios worldwide. The social distancing measures enforced at the height of the outbreak were a driver for increased consumption of home gym equipment. Amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the business landscape, some companies have started integrating AI into various fitness apps to provide users with more detailed feedback and planning. While established players such as LG Corporation have invested in joint ventures, startups are also active in the scene. Among those is IPixel, which has developed HowFIT and Exercite, both of which are fitness apps powered by AI.
