Teachers Share their Experiences While Living Abroad!

Coming from the desert, the only seasons I remember were hot and cold. That's why I am so glad to be here in Korea because we get all four! And I'm going to take advantage of this amazing weather by spending it outside. One of the best outdoor places in Korea to get your exercise and get your culture on is at Seoul Olympic Park. 

Looking for a place where we could stretch our legs, Neil and I went to walk around the Olympic Park. In 1988, Seoul hosted the Summer Olympic Games with such pride and success. Neil told me it was the Olympic Games which brought about a movement towards democracy for South Korea. It was President Park Chung-hee who first proposed the idea for hosting the Olympics, wishing to receive international approval for his authoritarian leadership. Even though he was assassinated in 1979, South Korea’s efforts to win the bid for the Olympics continued.

Since my vacation back from the states and Argentina, I have been packing on pounds like crazy! Coming back to Korea in the beginning of winter has not helped any either! I had no motivation to go to the gym or even to walk to school....UNTIL, I discovered my favorite way to stay in shape while teaching in Korea, Diet Boxing.

A few of my friends here in Korea are amateur boxers. Every time we meet up, all they talk about is boxing. I remember mentioning that I wanted to try it just to see what it was all about and my friend told me that you could actually box to lose weight. Next thing I know, I'm searching for the nearest boxing gym (which happens to be across the street from my apartment) and signing up for the month!

As soon as I get to the gym, I have to stretch and jump rope for 9 minutes. Then I learn different skills for the day and practice for about 40 minutes with the coach. Before I leave the gym, I have to do some core exercises, jump rope for another 9 minutes, and stretch. It might not sound like a lot, but my body has been aching like crazy.

I have been teaching in South Korea for almost a year and I find staying in shape easy. Major cities in Korea have a wide variety of gyms and health spas to choose from, although they can be pricey. I have paid anywhere from 100 dollars a month to 60 dollars a month. However, if you make use of your membership the price will be well worth it.