VOL.93/2026.04

Image of K-Book

 

Work-Life Balance: Your Guide to Sustainable and Healthy Hobby

 

 

2026.04

 

 

 

The question for this issue was: “What do you feel most defines Korean workplace culture?” The most selected response, chosen by 36.3% of participants, was "Flexible Work / Work-Life Balance (Warabel)." Work-life balance has been a major talking point in the Korean labor environment. Responding to this, Korean workplace culture has been shifting since the COVID-19 pandemic toward reducing after-work gatherings (hoesik) and prioritizing personal time to ensure a healthy balance. Consequently, an increasing percentage of office workers are dedicating their time after work to pursuing hobbies or acquiring new knowledge.

 

 

You Are a Runner Too by YouTuber Runner Imba (Yoo Mun-jin) is set to become the definitive "textbook" for novice runners. Continuing its momentum from last year, running remains immensely popular this year. It has become a common sight to see people join running crews after work, hit their target distances with teammates, and then head home. However, running requires proper preparation, and there are essential techniques to learn to avoid overexertion or injury. You Are a Runner Too provides a systematic solution, ensuring that beginners who are hesitant to start can begin their running journey safely and healthily.

 

If you want to learn true running, not just running blindly but technical running that systematically improves your stamina and overall health, I recommend reading this book. Ideally, having a pacer or a professional instructor would be best. However, considering the realistic constraints of an office worker's schedule, learning to run by using this book alongside Runner Imba’s YouTube channel as a reference would be an excellent alternative.

 

Since you have gained a life with free evenings, what kind of hobbies or studies have you started? If you have not made a decision yet, how about running? It could be a way to follow the trend while starting to reclaim a healthy life. Through a hobby, you might improve your health, build new connections, and find a fresh driving force in your life.

 

 

 

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Editor. Jeong, Haneul (The Contents Factory Co., Ltd. Researcher)

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