A recent report shows that physical activity among South Korean teens remains disturbingly low. Despite efforts, teenagers in South Korea still prioritize study over exercise. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) released the findings on Monday, highlighting how few students meet the World Health Organization’s recommended activity levels.
According to the data, only 17.3 percent of teenagers in South Korea engage in at least one hour of physical activity for five or more days each week. This is far below the WHO standard. Among the boys, the rate is slightly higher, at 25.1 percent. However, the rate for girls is much lower, at just 8.9 percent. While this figure represents a slight increase from 2023, the physical activity rate is still much lower than that of other countries.
For example, the physical activity rate among high school students in South Korea stands at just 13.4 percent. This is a stark contrast to the US, where 46.3 percent of high school students meet the activity requirements. Experts point to the demanding study culture in South Korea as a key reason for the discrepancy.
Dr. Kang Jae-heon, a family medicine professor at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, stated that long study hours significantly reduce time for physical activity. He explained that students are often busy with schoolwork, cram schools, and other obligations. As a result, they struggle to find time for exercise.
Moreover, a cultural attitude persists in South Korea that prioritizes academics over physical fitness. Kang noted that physical education classes are often viewed as “resting classes” and are not valued for their potential to enhance students’ health. In fact, physical activity is often deprioritized compared to academic subjects, which impacts students’ overall development.
This issue is not new. A 2016 WHO report revealed that 94.2 percent of Korean teens were classified as physically inactive, the highest rate globally. Furthermore, only 23.6 percent of Korean students engaged in muscle-strengthening exercises like push-ups or pull-ups in 2023. In comparison, over half of American students (51.1 percent) participated in such activities.
Experts suggest a shift toward a more “movement-friendly school culture” to tackle this issue. Dr. Cho Soo-hyun, a family medicine professor at Chung-Ang University Hospital, emphasized that increasing physical activity among South Korean teens is vital for both physical and mental health. Physical exercise can enhance focus, memory, and overall academic performance.
In conclusion, the government and educational institutions must work together to create an environment where physical activity is prioritized. If this issue is not addressed, the long-term effects on students’ health and academic performance could be significant.
