April 2025
As the pandemic came to an end, a new phrase took Korea by storm: “Ounwan,” short for “today’s workout completed.” This simple phrase has completely transformed Korean lives—making them healthier and happier.
Writer. Sung Ji Yeon
Illustrator. RYUGOON
There was a time when most Koreans viewed exercise as unfamiliar territory. Exercise was once something only a minority engaged in—something people knew they should do but somehow easily gave up on, a concept difficult to embrace. This perception began to shift in 2022 when the term “Ounwan” emerged. In Korean, 오늘 (oneul) means “today,” 운동 (undong) means “workout” and 완료 (wallyo) means “completed.” The term combines the first syllables of these words and is used when someone has finished their daily exercise. After the term caught on, everyone began posting “#Ounwan” on social media to verify their workout completion.
Ounwan instantly became a mega-trend with remarkable social impact. In fashion, comfortable yet stylish workout clothes began selling rapidly. The food industry followed suit—chicken breast, protein drinks and other fitness-enhancing foods grew increasingly popular. The content industry was no exception, with fitness influencers and YouTubers creating easy-to-follow home workout routines rising to stardom.
Now in its third year, Ounwan has become a natural part of everyday language. How did it infiltrate Koreans’ lives so effectively? First, we need to examine the values of the demographics consuming this trend. The current generation prioritizes self-expression and values spending on personal growth. They’re prepared to invest time and energy in themselves.
For them, Ounwan provides quick satisfaction. Rather than following someone else’s standards, they only need to complete their self-determined exercise quota. It’s much easier to achieve than monthly or yearly goals, allowing them to experience an easily attainable yet satisfying day.
Second, Ounwan encourages continuous self-communication. Using the term requires sharing content as proof—this might be a gym selfie, smartwatch records or screenshots from weight management apps. Continuing this process helps people feel their progress toward results, making seemingly distant goals feel achievable.
Finally, Ounwan creates community synergy. The term has united both hidden fitness enthusiasts and beginners. They share workout journals and tips through social media and send encouraging messages to fellow goal-seekers. Ounwan continuously motivates people to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Ounwan injected energy into daily lives stiffened by the pandemic and gradually permeated Korean society. It wasn’t just a fleeting trend that exploded and disappeared.
The self-care culture blossomed from Ounwan. For a while, “body profile” photography—projects documenting bodies sculpted through exercise—became popular. Recently, more people have begun competing in bodybuilding. Once perceived as primarily for professionals and trainers, fitness competitions are now being embraced as hobbies by the Ounwan generation.
Ounwan’s influence extends further. It cultivated a culture that enjoys exercise and health management for their own sake, not just for specific achievements—a concept known as “healthy pleasure,” combining health and joy. Rather than simply dieting to lose weight, people now enjoy the process of managing their health through exercise.
The Ounwan and healthy pleasure trends have spread throughout society. The continuous emergence of health-related trends following Ounwan demonstrates this shift. Koreans now focus heavily on slowing aging and living healthily. They share and follow exercise methods and healthy recipes. Health-related keywords remain prominent. Fitness communities attract crowds. “Slow aging” strategies to delay aging and “zero sugar” drinks for managing blood sugar levels have gained immense popularity.
People now register for oneday workout classes or visit gyms during travels. The variety of popular exercises continues to grow. Recently, climbing and running received significant attention. Running clubs have seen rapidly increasing membership, and participation in local marathons has grown. Influenced by younger generations who confirmed exercise benefits through the Ounwan trend, even elementary and middle school children have begun engaging in high-intensity workouts.
Exercise is no longer an unfamiliar or difficult concept for Koreans. It has become a daily, enjoyable activity. The fitness trend that started with Ounwan is making Korean society increasingly dynamic. If you’re looking to try something new for your health, consider joining this movement that has so colorfully transformed Korea.
