Happy new years! Have you made your resolutions for 2017? If so, here are a few tips on how to keep those resolutions intact in Seoul this year.

Keeping fit and/or getting back in shape is often a common resolution. For those who prefer intensive training, Seoul is no stranger to the CrossFit phenomena that’s become globally popular in the last few years. Reebok holds four Seoul CrossFit centers, of the high intensity interval training program including in Hannamdong, Euljiro, in Gangnam near Samseong Station, and in Yeouido’s IFC Tower. Depending on the location, they also offer other programs such as yoga and pilates. Meanwhile Adidas has a center for joggers called Adidas Run Base Seoul up Gyeongnidan and close to the Namsan Park. For a small fee, joggers can use the lockers and shower rooms before and after their Namsan run while the base also offers regular stretching and core-strengthening classes. Nike offers its Nike+ Run Club program at select stores such as their Gangnam, IFC, and Olympic Park stores with various programs that are designed for runners based on their jogging levels.

Meanwhile a number of other regular jogging crews are found around Seoul which are open to joggers of all ages including the Seoul Flyers Running Club and the Crew Ghost which you can search online for more information. There are international groups for bikers too including Bike Party Seoul and Seoul Cycle Meetup.

If you’re looking for some new experiences, the Seoul Global Cultural Center is a great resource for both international visitors and residents Not only do they offer a wealth of tourism and residential information on Korea’s capital but they also host a number of experience programs for foreigners. You can, for example, learn Korean folk painting, participate in hanji craft making, try on Korean hanbok, and more. There’s even a regular Seoul Book and Culture Club which hosts discussion and meet and greet with authors for all you book lovers out there. Best of all, many of these programs are for free, though you must be an international resident or visitor and make advanced reservations. For more information, visit SeoulCulturalCenter.com or visit the center for yourself on the fifth floor of the M-Plaza building in Myeongdong. Those curious about the book club can search on Facebook, “Seoul Book and Culture Club”. The Myeongdong Tourist Information Center is another great resource which offers a special Seoul backdrop photo experience, Korean name stamping, and other fun programs. Don’t forget they also offer services like coin lockers and mobile phone charging for visitors.

If you’re looking to learn something in the new year, a number of educational and experience programs are offered at various places around Seoul. The National Gugak Center offers classes for a variety of Korean traditional instruments while Jeongdong Theater offers classes for janggu, or traditional Korean percussion, which you can learn after viewing one of the exciting shows there. The Namsangol Hanok Village is another venue offeriing traditional experiences such as taekwondo, hanbok wearing, and even a traditional marriage ceremony experience. The National Museum of Contemporary History offers a Korean contemporary history experience program for foreigners upon previous consultation, while various cultural and humanities-related lectures and workshops are regularly offered by the National Museum of Korea. The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is another great resource for art and related educational experiences offering various programs throughout the year. Check the respective homepages of these venues for more information.

If you’re only in Seoul for a brief time however and you want to maximize the number of unique experiences during your stay, the personalized experience One More Trip website is a fantastic resource to use. From a relaxing foot spa in a hanok with traditional tea to an exciting Korean barbecue and drinks tour, you can search and find the experience program you’re interested in for a fun and memorable time. Visit OneMoreTrip.net to find the experience that you want and start 2017 off with a bang!