‘One-day classes’ offer various activities, including sports, cooking, and art. (image: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts)
SEOUL, Dec. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Following the introduction of a government mandated 52-hour workweek, an increasing number of South Koreans are picking up hobbies as part of their efforts to enjoy a so-called ‘work-life balance’.
Simultaneously, ‘hobby curators’ are also increasing in number to help those who are having trouble finding a suitable hobby.
One local agency offers a ‘curating program’ where participants can try out six different kinds of hobbies in a 6-week course to help them discover their favorite hobby.
The program includes French cooking classes, handmade beer tasting, writing, and more.
Another agency sends hobby recipes or materials to customers.
Filling out a questionnaire on the agency’s website is enough for the agency to analyze the customer’s taste, and send out various materials to help the customer enjoy a hobby, such as assembling plastic models, making perfume, and more.
“I used to waste a whole day looking for something that I would enjoy. Now, I can spend quality time by myself making things with the materials that the company sends me,” said Choi Jeong-won, 31, a local office worker.
Others sign up for ‘one-day classes’ where they get to experience various activities, including sports, cooking, and art.
These programs attract customers who want to try out a hobby before buying proper tools for it, or those who feel uncomfortable taking long-term courses for a hobby.
“We are now in an era where there are too many hobbies for us to choose from,” said Prof. Kwak Keum-joo from Seoul National University. “Finding a hobby through professional agencies and services can be seen as a process of self-realization.”
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
