“Four Seasons, One Body: Staying Active in Korea”

 

How I Stay Active in Korea to Battle the Four Seasons

Living in Korea means dealing with all four seasons—the beauty, the extremes, and the chaos in between. As someone who grew up in warm, tropical places, adjusting to Korean weather has been one of my biggest challenges. However, over time, I’ve developed my own routine to stay active, healthy, and sane throughout the year.

In spring, Korea feels perfect. The weather is soft, the air is cool, and the cherry blossoms make running outside feel like a scene from a K-drama. This is the season when I run the most—on tracks, river paths, and even around my neighborhood. Everyone’s outside, and the energy is great.

Then comes summer, and Korea becomes a sauna. The humidity hits you like a wall. To survive, I take my workouts indoors. I hit the gym more often, lift weights, and do light cardio to avoid melting on the streets. Sometimes, I grab an iced drink afterward and sit inside the air-conditioned convenience store like everyone else.

Fall is the reward for surviving summer. The weather is perfect again. I run more, hike a little, and enjoy the crisp air. The changing leaves make everything look like a museum painting. If Korea had fallen all year, life would be perfect.

And then… winter. My personal enemy. Running becomes almost impossible, the cold cuts through your clothes, and even thinking about going outside feels painful. To stay active, I rely on the gym again. On the toughest days, I don’t pressure myself—I drink a hot chocolate or eat warm roasted sweet potatoes from the street stalls. It’s not exercise, but it keeps my soul alive.

Staying active in Korea isn’t always easy, but finding small habits—such as running when I can, lifting weights at the gym, and warming up with sweet treats—helps me get through every season. If I can survive a Korean winter, trust me… anyone can.