Seoul was the last stop in my World Tour 2012. The last time I was in Seoul, I dropped in at Crossfit SAP, which you can read about here. Since my last visit to Seoul, another Crossfit affiliate in Seoul has opened it’s doors. With the affiliate located in the Gangnam, it couldn’t be more than appropriate to be named “Crossfit Gangnam.”
Seoul is basically spilt into two parts by the Han River – north of river is the older part of the city and the south is the newer, more modern part. One of the popular trendier places South of the Han river is “Gangnam.” I can’t say I’ve spent loads of time in this area, but I did have dinner in the Apgujung area(near Gangnam) with friends once of twice. I can definitely attest to the area being a little more affluent, i.e. higher priced restaurants.
This affiliate shares some similarities with Crossfit SAP. Those customary to the Western Gyms, we walk right into the locker rooms without any thought of taking off our footwear. In Korea, however, it’s just an unspoken rule to take off your shoes when you enter someone’s house. In this case, the locker room is considered one of those places that footwear must be removed before entering.
The workout during my visit consisted of a 5-5-3-3-1-1 back squat strength WOD. The class began with a group warm-up using PVC pipes. Then we split into groups to share the racks. I was paired up with Won Ik-Hoon on the squat rack.
One unique aspect that members take in is their gym uniform attire. Men wore Grey “Crossfit Gangnam” T-shirt while women wore the equivalent black T-shirts. I rocked my time and tried CF Playground gray shirt, thus matching their uniform attire.
The classes are conducted in Korean. The coach running the show has very limited English skills, so if you plan on dropping in, just be aware. He’ll probably put you with someone that is bi-lingual in English and Korean so that if there are questions, you’ll be immediately next to someone that can translate.
One interesting note is that in Crossfit Gangnam, their 400-meter loop is done on the treadmills. Though a treadmill doesn’t really simulate real running, it’s much safer than running the extremely busy streets of Seoul. I can clearly recall in Tokyo at Crossfit Chakira, their 400 meter loop was done outside amongst the people walking the streets, though their neighborhood isn’t exactly the same here as Seoul.
GETTING THERE
The easiest way is from Shinsa Station, exit 3 and walk straight until you see a café called “A Two Some Place.” Crossfit Gangnam is located in the basement of that building complex. It’s funny how affiliates don’t display these directions on their website. I would think it would be especially helpful for interested members to find their way. Land marks are extremely helpful in Korea as addresses are pretty much useless. From what I can gather that buildings are not number sequentially so a new building build amongst older buildings will have a number totally out of whack from it’s neighbors. So here’s a photo of what you should be looking for.
On my last day in Seoul, I hit a WOD here and afterwards I was invited to rock some Korean BBQ at a local restaurant. I don’t know if I was invited because I was Korean or they’re just friendly in nature with all drop-ins. Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself and I have to say this was one of best visits to a CF affiliate overseas.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey I will be over that way soon. How can I get in for a WOD
Just follow the directions to the box. Be sure to check out their website for their schedule crossfitgn.com
Question: My 12 and 14 year-old nieces will be in Seoul throughout the summer. Can they become membersof your CrossFit gym? If so, what days/times are your workouts and what is the cost?
Thank you.
Thomas
Thomas, I’m not the affiliate owner, you want to contact them directly. Also keep in mind that the CF in Gangnam doesn’t speak English. You may want to try it out at first.
I’ll be Seoul for a couple of days in September and I was wondering if I could work in your Box/gym while I’m in town?
I’m not the owner of CF Gangnam, you can always check out their schedule and drop in.
Hi, I´m Alex from Brazil. I´m going to Korea in December and want to train for a couple days.
How much do you guys charge for a day of class?
Thanks a lot.
Tae Kim (Alex)
Alex,
I don’t own any CF affiliates nor am I affiliated with any of them. You’ll have to contact them directly.