I have noticed that Korea has a strong diet culture?

Korea does have a very visible diet culture, and it's helpful to understand it as a foreigner. Here's what you should know:

Why diet culture is strong here

• Appearance plays a big role in Korean social and professional life
• K-pop and media set very specific beauty standards
• Comments about weight from friends, coworkers, or even strangers are considered normal (not rude) in Korean culture

Weight management options available

• Diet clinics (다이어트 클리닉): Prescribe appetite suppressants and meal plans. Very popular but be cautious with prescription diet pills, some have strong side effects.
• Korean diet foods: Look for diet-focused products at convenience stores labeled 다이어트 or 칼로리 (low calorie). Brands like Dr. Kitchen offer calorie-controlled meal kits.
• Fitness: Gyms are everywhere. Monthly memberships run 50,000-80,000 won. Many offer PT packages around 500,000-800,000 won for 10 sessions.
• Korean traditional approaches: Fermented foods, portion control with banchan, and green tea are part of everyday eating.

What foreigners should understand

• Don't feel pressured to conform. Korean beauty standards are specific to Korean culture.
• If someone comments on your weight, it's usually not meant to be hurtful (though it can feel that way).
• If you're struggling with body image or eating issues, the Seoul Global Center can connect you with English-speaking counselors.