Learning Korean

Korean Weight Loss & Health: Must-Know Fit Expressions

Choi Eun-jung
8 min read
Explore Korean expressions about weight loss and health. Find slimming tactics and secrets to living healthily in Korean.

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체중 감량

English: Weight loss

건강 관리

English: Health management

다이어트

English: Diet

영양 섭취

English: Nutrient intake

칼로리 계산하기

English: Counting calories

건강한 식사

English: Eating healthy

저탄수화물

English: Low-carb

저지방 식단

English: Low-fat diet

고단백 식사

English: High-protein meal

체력 향상

English: Improving physical fitness

근육 강화

English: Muscle strengthening

스트레칭

English: Stretching

요가 수행하기

English: Practicing yoga

헬스클럽 가입

English: Joining a gym

조깅하기

English: Jogging

유산소 운동

English: Aerobic exercise

킥복싱하기

English: Practicing kickboxing

수영하기

English: Swimming

자전거 타기

English: Cycling

심박수 측정

English: Measuring heart rate

운동 일지 기록

English: Keeping a workout journal

복근 운동하기

English: Doing abdominal exercises

푸시업하기

English: Performing push-ups

팔굽혀펴기

English: Push-ups

플랭크하기

English: Doing plank exercises

단백질 보충

English: Protein supplementation

체중 조절

English: Weight control

개인 트레이너

English: Personal trainer

운동 계획 세우기

English: Creating a workout plan

몸매 관리

English: Managing one’s figure

탄력적인 몸매

English: Toned physique

체중계

English: Weighing scale

BMI 지수 확인

English: Checking BMI

당분 줄이기

English: Reducing sugar intake

금연하기

English: Quitting smoking

절주하기

English: Moderating alcohol intake

균형 잡힌 식단

English: A balanced diet

식이섬유 섭취 늘리기

English: Increasing dietary fiber intake

청결 유지

English: Maintaining cleanliness

마라톤 준비

English: Preparing for a marathon

매일 만보 걷기

English: Walking 10,000 steps daily

수분 섭취량 늘리기

English: Increasing water intake

숙면 취하기

English: Getting sufficient sleep

스트레스 관리

English: Stress management

명상하기

English: Meditating

긍정적 사고

English: Positive thinking

목표 체중 설정

English: Setting a target weight

간헐적 단식

English: Intermittent fasting

탄수화물 줄이기

English: Reducing carbohydrates

기초 대사량 알기

English: Knowing your basal metabolic rate

건강검진 받기

English: Getting a health check-up

콜레스테롤 수치 관리

English: Managing cholesterol levels

혈당 관리

English: Managing blood sugar

나트륨 섭취 줄이기

English: Reducing sodium intake

Life in South Korea often sparks admiration for its vibrant K-pop stars and energetic drama actors who seem to radiate a perfect balance of health and vitality. Many people wonder how to achieve this look and feel—without going to extremes. Sure, there’s a longing for a stylish appearance, but there’s also a deep desire for a wholesome lifestyle. So how do we weave these Korean fitness habits into our own routines while safeguarding our wellbeing? Let’s explore that together right now.

Embracing the Korean Approach

The cornerstone of fitting Korean habits into your life involves being both mindful and consistent. One key term in Korean you might like to learn is 건강 (geongang), which stands for health. When locals talk about health, they often mean more than just the physical form; they also refer to overall vitality and mental strength. Incorporating this concept into our own lives calls for gradual yet steady steps.

Here are a few Korean words I find super helpful when talking about health and fitness:

  1. 식단 (sikdan)Meal plan, focusing on balanced eating habits.

  2. 운동 (undong)Exercise, a term that includes everything from a simple walk to an intense workout.

  3. 화이팅 (hwaiting)“Fighting!”, a cheer of encouragement to keep pushing forward.

Feeling a bit curious about these expressions? Try saying 화이팅 out loud—it’s fun and uplifting, kind of like saying “Let’s go!” in English.

A Balanced Diet: From Seoul to Busan

Underline this idea

: traveling from Seoul to Busan reveals a never-ending list of tasty Korean dishes that encourage balanced eating. From the classic 김치 (kimchi)—a spicy, fermented side dish bursting with probiotics—to hearty soups and stews, many Korean meals revolve around nutritious ingredients. Including such ferments in your own diet can bolster digestion and keep your immune system humming. That’s why 서서히 (seoseohi), or “slowly”, introducing these elements into your meals may do wonders for your body and mind.

But let’s be real—food is only part of the story. Movement (운동) matters just as much. People in South Korea often fit regular walks into their day, whether strolling through a park at sunrise or wandering city alleys after work. Such small daily steps help embed fitness smoothly into a busy schedule.

  • Give yourself a short walk break in the morning.

  • Stand up and stretch every hour or so if you sit a lot.

  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.

  • Stroll around your neighborhood and explore new spots.

  • Share these short walks with friends—it makes it more fun!

Believe me, little habits can lead to big improvements over time.

Mastering Portion Control and Slow Eating

Food culture in Korea also highlights portion control. Using smaller plates reduces the temptation to overeat and increases feelings of satisfaction. On top of that, eating slowly—known in Korean as 천천히 먹기 (cheoncheonhi meokgi)—helps your body truly register fullness. It’s not always easy at first, but practicing this pace can really benefit your digestive system and support healthier weight management.

If you’re looking for ways to incorporate that special Korean spark in your daily meals, consider a quick exercise: 1. Set out smaller side dishes rather than one big plate. 2. Savor each bite by chewing more thoroughly. 3. Pause for a moment before reaching for another helping.

You’ll likely notice how pleasantly satisfying a meal can become when you slow down.

Finding Inner Balance: Mind and Body

In South Korea, mental well-being is also treated with care. 명상 (myeongsang), or meditation, is often practiced to handle stress and nurture a calmer mindset. This inner stability, combined with physical habits, reinforces a well-rounded sense of fitness you can feel inside and out. Whether you’re closing your eyes to focus on your breath or dedicating just a few minutes to journaling, this quiet time can keep you energized for the long haul.

<u>Remember</u> that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same goes for Korean-inspired fitness. It’s all about steady, sustainable changes.

Your Long-Term Vision

Ultimately, health (건강) and a balanced body don’t come from gag-worthy crash diets or fleeting fads. They blossom over time through mindful adjustments, self-discipline, and an underlying sense of harmony. The more consistently you weave these habits into your routine, the clearer the benefits become—not just in your physique, but in your overall outlook on life.

Little by little, your transformation unfolds, echoing the 깊은 호흡 (gipeun hoheup), or “deep breath,” that grounds so many wellness practices in Korea. Who knows—you might even find yourself exclaiming “대박 (daebak)!” for “Awesome!” when you see how these subtle shifts boost your confidence and vitality.

So go ahead and try something new! Before you know it, you’ll feel that gentle Korean breeze of fitness and well-being floating through your day.