Korea’s fitness paradox: Gyms are closing, but boutique studios are thriving
For years, Korea’s gyms battled to offer the lowest prices — but as closures mount, boutique studios believe community matters more than affordability When economic uncertainty looms, people often cut back on dining out, travel and entertainment. But one expense some South Koreans are unwilling to forgo is their boutique fitness membership. “It’s a lifestyle, not a luxury,” Jamie Kim, CEO of F45 Training & FS8 Korea, told the Korea Herald. Kim’s observation reflects a growing trend in Korea’s fi
March 2, 2025
