A wellness journey in Korea
My husband and I recently attended the IDEA Korea Fitness Summit in Songdo, a modern, eco-friendly city known for its clean streets and green parks, located just outside Seoul. This event is the Asian counterpart of IDEA World, one of the most respected global fitness and wellness conventions.
We were extra excited, not just for the learning, but also for the crisp autumn weather and the chance to explore Seoul after the summit.
I was really looking forward to experiencing wellness travel in Korea. This time, I didn’t rely on the hotel gym or fitness studios. Instead, I embraced movement in nature as my main form of exercise, while only doing a few bodyweight hotel workouts during our whole stay.
Here are some wellness experiences you can also try when visiting South Korea—or any destination you’ll be traveling to soon.
Incorporating new learnings for fresh wellness insights
Learning is an essential part of wellness—it fuels self-growth, deepens purpose, and allows me to share meaningful insights through my articles, programs, and coaching work.
Meeting fitness professionals from around the world and hearing from inspiring speakers also reignited my passion. They reminded me why I love what I do. These new ideas have renewed my energy and excitement for helping others live more balanced, fulfilling lives.
Every experience that helps you move, eat, or live better adds another layer to your personal wellness journey. And you don’t need to attend a conference to learn something new—travel itself can be a wellness classroom.
Embracing sunshine and exploring new routes
It was our first time visiting Songdo, the world’s first smart city built on reclaimed land. We were amazed by how clean, modern, and well-planned it was. Each morning before the convention, we went for a five-kilometer run around Songdo Central Park, a beautifully designed area surrounded by sleek architecture and calm waterfront paths.
The cool autumn temperature of around 10 to 12°C made every run feel effortless. I noticed that I could run better and faster because my body didn’t have to work as hard to regulate heat.
When you travel, sleep early and rise early so you can explore new places on foot or by running. It’s an excellent way to reset your mind, appreciate your surroundings, and feel gratitude for the opportunity and freedom to move, travel, and take care of your body—all at once.
Mindful and intelligent eating with Korean flavors
You can still enjoy every meal while traveling and stay true to your healthy eating habits. During our trip, I applied my usual nutrition principles—and it worked. I managed to keep my energy steady, digestion happy, and meals satisfying without the guilt, even with a complete travel itinerary.
Combining sightseeing with movement
Every time I travel, I easily get at least 15,000 steps a day—not because I aim for it, but because I prefer walking over taking a cab, bus, or train whenever the destination is within a 30-minute walk. I love how walking lets me slow down and notice the small things I’d never see from a cab or train.
Studies show that walking or moving right after a meal can help prevent sharp blood sugar spikes. The extra activity you get while exploring can significantly boost your daily step count and support better overall health. So the next time you travel, wear your fitness tracker and let every step, especially on perfect-weather days, remind you that fitness, wellness, and exploration can go hand in hand.
Appreciating real-life fitness through hiking
Real-life fitness comes alive on the trails. Hiking and climbing up and down uneven terrain tests not just your strength, but also your balance, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and agility. It’s a reminder that fitness isn’t about perfection or predictability.
In real life, you’re faced with constant changes. That’s why it’s crucial to step beyond your regular workout routine every once in a while and challenge your body in new ways. Doing so helps you appreciate your strength, health, and resilience even more—and reignites your motivation to keep moving.
Two days before leaving Korea, we scheduled a DIY hike at one of the country’s most popular destinations—Bukhansan National Park. We were lucky to catch perfect autumn weather as we took on the Baegundae Peak trail (836 meters), the park’s highest and most scenic summit. The hike took about 2.5 hours up, including short breaks, and another 1.5 hours going down. It was one of our best hiking experiences, all thanks to the good weather, the route, and the rewarding challenge.
On your next trip, consider adding a hike to your itinerary. You can always start with an easier trail. Still, once you experience that mix of movement, nature, and accomplishment, you’ll see fitness from a whole new perspective.
