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Tag: korean news

  • Rising Physical Inactivity: 2 in 10 Korean Adults Give Up Exercise Due to ‘Time Poverty’

    According to the “2025 Health Perception Survey,” the percentage of Korean adults who do not exercise at all has risen to 12.7%, a significant jump from previous years. When including those who exercise less than once a month, over 21% of the population is effectively living a sedentary lifestyle. While Koreans score high on personal hygiene (4.2/5.0), their engagement in active physical or social activities remains alarmingly low.

    The primary culprit is “Time Poverty,” with 72.2% of non-regular exercisers citing a lack of time as the biggest obstacle. With some of the longest working hours in the world and an average of two hours spent commuting daily in the Seoul metropolitan area, many find themselves physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the day. This exhaustion leads people to choose passive rest, such as watching TV or using smartphones, rather than active workouts at the gym.

    Experts emphasize that this is a structural issue rather than a lack of personal will. About 74.3% of respondents agree that national investment in health must be expanded, particularly to address the challenges of an aging society. As individual efforts reach their limits, there is a growing consensus on the need for systemic changes and policy support to integrate physical activity into the daily lives of overworked citizens.

     [ONLINE-KOREA: Letter from Korea]

    South Korea has the dishonorable reputation of being a “physically inactive nation.” In an attempt to defy that statistic, I somehow managed to break my own elbow and knee instead😭

    <Tyson Push-ups>

    Last winter, I came across a workout called “Tyson Push-ups” on YouTube. Driven by a surge of groundless confidence—thinking I could finally get that lean, toned physique—I jumped into it, which turned out to be the end of my luck. Instead of becoming a “Tyson,” I ended up living the life of a “patient” all winter. The only things I gained as compensation for taking a break from exercise were extra weight and a body that gets out of breath far too easily😰💦

    I have truly realized that whether it is studying or running a business, everything is ultimately a “battle of stamina.”

    Please, do not let your ambition outpace your physical limits like I did. I sincerely hope you take good care of your health with exercises that truly “fit you.”After all, good health is the prerequisite for enjoying any of life’s pleasures💪❗

  • Rise of ‘Sleep Divorce’: Over 50% of Couples Sleep Apart Due to Snoring

    While South Koreans prioritize “sleep” as the most critical factor for health, only 28.8% reported being satisfied with their sleep quality.

    According to a survey by Philips Korea, 70.4% of respondents suffer from sleep disturbances such as insomnia and snoring. This indicates a significant gap between the perceived importance of sleep and the actual quality of rest achieved.

    The study also highlighted the social impact of sleep issues, termed “sleep divorce.” Among respondents living with others, 51.6% have slept in separate rooms to improve sleep quality. Snoring, a primary cause of relationship strain, is often a precursor to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, 53.5% of those experiencing snoring reported taking no medical action, often dismissing it as mere noise.

    Experts warn that untreated sleep apnea can lead to chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and depression.

    Since OSA occurs during sleep, it is difficult for patients to self-diagnose; most become aware through their partners. Philips Korea emphasized that family members must play an active role in encouraging professional diagnosis and treatment, such as using CPAP devices, which reported a 91.7% satisfaction rate among users.

    [ONLINE-KOREA: Letter from Korea]

    Are you getting enough quality sleep lately?

    As I get older, I’ve truly realized how vital sleep is to our overall well-being.😐

    Because of this, I recently decided to invest in a high-end bed from a well-known Korean brand. However, despite being a brand-new product, I noticed the elasticity was uneven. It seems I was unlucky enough to receive a defective unit.😥

    I am currently requesting an inspection and a refund, but in the meantime, I’ve ended up sleeping on the floor despite having the new bed right there. This lack of sleep has even started to affect my physical condition.😵‍💫💦

    I’ve realized once again that even with products from trusted brands, it’s essential to check for initial defects.

    If there is a product you wish to purchase from Korea, please leave it to us. We will thoroughly inspect it on your behalf before it reaches you❗