Korean-Style Life Hacks
When people think of Korea, flashy images like K-POP, cosmetics, and gourmet food often come to mind.
But in reality, Koreans also place a strong emphasis on self-care and personal growth.
Among Koreans in their 20s and 30s, habits and lifestyle tips aimed at self-improvement are actively shared on SNS and other platforms, gaining widespread popularity.
In this article, we’ll introduce 5 self-care life hacks from young Koreans that you can easily incorporate into your daily life in Japan!
1. Plan Your Day with a “Morning Diary Time”
In Korea, many people incorporate “morning pages” or “diary time” into their daily morning routine.
On SNS, handwritten posts showing “today’s to-do list” often gain popularity, inspiring others.
By writing down your tasks, goals, and things you’re grateful for in a diary, you can clear your mind and improve the quality of your actions throughout the day.
➡️ Even in Japan, try dedicating just 5 minutes each morning to writing in a diary.
It helps clarify your thoughts and boost your productivity!
2. Intentionally Incorporate “Chill Time”
Among young Koreans, one trending keyword is “Chill.”
It refers to deliberately setting aside time to do nothing, even amid a busy schedule.
Examples include sipping coffee while listening to music at a café, or lighting a candle at night and simply relaxing.
These small “chill” habits help protect your mental well-being.
➡️ Self-care isn’t just about working hard — it’s also about letting yourself relax.
3. “One Exercise a Day” Culture
On Korean SNS, the hashtag #1Day1Workout is frequently seen.
It’s not about intense exercise — even 10 minutes a day of movement counts.
You can do simple stretches at home, follow short fitness videos on YouTube, or go for a walk.
The key is to practice in ways that are easy to maintain without overexertion.
➡️ Instead of thinking, “I have to exercise…”, start with the mindset of “Just 10 minutes today!”.
4. Boost Focus at Your Favorite “Work Café”
Korea has a strong café culture, and “work cafés” (quiet spaces for studying or working) are very popular.
Many people intentionally seek out cafés they like to work efficiently, paying attention to the atmosphere and even the background music.
➡️ In Japan, finding a café you enjoy and designating one day a week as a “work day” can significantly improve your focus!
5. Stay Motivated by Sharing Your Routine
Young Koreans maintain motivation by sharing their routines or To-Do lists on SNS.
Hashtags like #MorningRoutine or #Gongstagram (study + Instagram) are popular on Instagram and TikTok.
➡️ Even in Japan, simply posting your “today’s tasks” on Instagram Stories or X (formerly Twitter) can surprisingly boost your motivation.
Summary
Young Koreans place great value not only on external beauty but also on nurturing the inner self.
Small, mindful efforts to spend each day thoughtfully and authentically can offer us valuable inspiration.
Start with what you can do today — why not begin your day with a little care and attention for yourself? 😊
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