How do I join a Pilates or yoga studio in Korea.?
I want to join a Pilates or yoga studio in Korea. How does the membership system work, what are the costs, and what should I expect as a foreigner?
Note: This is an editorial persona question created from common experiences of foreign residents in Korea.
1 Answer
Joining a Pilates or yoga studio in Korea is easy once you know how the system works. Here's everything you need:
Membership system
- Most studios sell session-based passes: 10, 20, or 50 sessions with an expiration date
- Or period-based passes: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months of unlimited or limited visits per week
- Private (1:1) classes and group classes are offered separately
Costs (Seoul area)
- Group Pilates: 150,000-250,000 won/month (3x per week)
- Private Pilates: 70,000-150,000 won per session
- Group yoga: 100,000-200,000 won/month
- Private yoga: 50,000-100,000 won per session
- Reformer/equipment Pilates: More expensive, group 200,000-350,000 won/month
How to sign up
- Search for Pilates or yoga on Naver Map to find studios near you
- Most studios offer a free trial class. Take advantage of this before committing.
- After the trial, sign up at the front desk. Payment by card or bank transfer.
- Some studios have apps for booking classes.
Tips for foreigners
- Language is rarely a barrier. You mostly follow the instructor's movements.
- Some studios in Itaewon, Hannam-dong, and Gangnam offer English classes.
- Bring your own workout clothes. Most studios don't provide them.
- Grip socks are usually required for Pilates. Buy them at Olive Young, Daiso, or the studio itself for about 5,000-10,000 won.
- Check the cancellation and refund policy before signing up. Refunds after starting are usually prorated minus a penalty fee.
Popular chains
- Club Pilates, Pilafit, Body and Soul
- CoreYoga, A-Yoga for yoga studios
- ClassPass also works in Korea if you want to try different studios