You may wonder where to find Yoga classes in Korea? There are few better ways to promote all-around physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing than yoga. Studies show yoga relaxes the nervous system, improves immunity, and increases strength and flexibility.
Although yoga takes many forms, Hatha Yoga, the physical practice of postures, is what many people associate with the term “yoga”. In traditional Hatha Yoga, the practice is slow, with postures held from 30 seconds to 5 minutes or more. Today a variety of forms of yoga are practiced in both Korea and the West:
The 5 Different Types of Yoga
Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Power Yoga
This is more athletic than the other forms. They combine movements in a dance-like sequence, flowing from one posture to the next.
Bikram and Hot Yoga
This involves a series of 26 postures practiced in a room heated to 35 degrees. These are excellent for weight loss.
Iyengar
This Focuses on the correct alignment of the bones and joints. It is beneficial for people recovering from injuries.
Anusara
A spiritual form of yoga that uses postures and chants to “open the heart”.
Sivananda
Relaxes and calms the body and mind.
Finding Yoga Classes In Korea
When choosing a yoga teacher, first consider your needs and decide on an appropriate style. Next, consider the teacher’s training and certification. A good teacher will be certified by a national body (Yoga Alliance, International Yoga Federation, or Korean Yoga Federation).
Finally, visit the class. Most studios will offer a free lesson to new students or will let you observe the class. Regardless of the style, each class should be taught in a relaxing environment.
Teachers should be engaged in the class and help students by correcting postures in order to prevent injuries. If you are interested in yoga taught in English, please visit one of the studios below.
Yoga Studio In Seoul
The Flow Room Yoga Studio | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
The Flow Room Yoga Studio is a dedicated English-speaking and expat-run studio located in Itaewon, the heart of Seoul’s foreign community. They provide a range of English-led yoga classes suitable for all levels and offer affordable rates to make yoga more accessible. Their boutique studio space is carefully designed to provide the perfect calming, ambient and intimate environment to let you fully immerse yourself in your yoga practice and escape from busy city life.
“At The Flow Room, we believe that community is important. Our studio is more than just a place to practice yoga; it’s a place to meet new people, relax and socialize after class in a calming and welcoming environment, and form new friendships in Seoul.” – Isabel Kwak, founder of The Flow Room. Find out more information at their 10 Directory listing here.
Hongik Yoga Institute | Gangnam-gu, Seoul | Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Hongik Yoga Institute has two locations in Seoul, Sinchon, and Daechi-dong. They stress the importance of learning Korean culture and Oriental philosophy through yoga. Find out more at their 10 Directory listing here.
Magic Pond International Yoga School | Seocho-gu, Seoul
Magic Pond Yoga is a foreign yoga school in Seocho. Yoga Master Ron Katwijk is a highly qualified and honorary secretary and representative of the International Yoga Federation (IYF) for Korea. They offer Yoga courses in a casual setting, with lots of practice and discussing the old scriptures in reference to modern-day life. For more information, visit their 10 Directory listing here.
New York Wholistic Care | Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Get your yoga classes customized for your particular needs at this wellness center. With their amazing yoga instructors, you will experience the benefits of holistic yoga. They will help cultivate your body’s natural flexibility, hidden deep inside the untapped part of your being. No one is too stiff for holistic yoga. After a thorough evaluation, your exercise will be custom-designed to suit your needs. You can find out more at their 10 Directory listing here.
JAI Yoga and Meditation | Cheongdam, Apgujeong, Hannam, Bundang
Jai Yoga offers a great range of yoga and meditation classes.
Note: there is no English class information on the site. However, if you are comfortable with Korean, this is a great option due to their many classes and locations.
Ashtanga Yoga Studio | Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Ashtanga Yoga is in Gangnam and is the premier home of Ashtanga yoga in Korea. They offer Ashtanga Vinyasa led classes as well as Mysore style classes to suit your needs. The teachers are friendly and inviting, and Director David Yang is an instructor authorized in the Ashtanga Mysore lineage of yoga.
Yoga In Busan
Kaizen Korea | Nam-gu, Busan
Kaizen yoga specializes in regular classes, teacher training, and workshops in the heart of Busan. Founder Mindy Sisco says her classes follow more of a workshop format rather than a standard weekly, leveled vinyasa class. This allows her to build with students on specific objectives over a set period of time.
Yoga In Daegu
Ayurveda Yoga Academy, Manchon Center | Manchon-dong, Sinmae-dong, Daegu
Yoga In Gwangju
Gwangju Yoga Facebook Group
Yoga In Gyeonggi-do
Bikram Yoga Pyeongcheon | Anyang
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