THE PAFGYM STORY
The PAFGYM story
ABOUT
On October 23, 2010,
five trainers opened the doors
PAFGYM began as the training space five trainers had dreamed of.
We see every meeting with each member as a bond that goes beyond a session,
and we have kept that going for 17 years.
ONE
Let's share the value of being a trainer
We wanted to show our families, and the world, how valuable the trainer profession is. Nothing was more rewarding than watching members grow healthier, gain confidence, and see their lives change.
TWO
Let's build a sound fitness culture
We believed good fitness means teaching honestly and correctly. So we learned, and kept learning. Even after graduating in physical education, each of us went back to graduate school or to study physical therapy, and we gave what we built back through our sessions. Trainers who study: this has become PAFGYM's culture today.
FOUNDERS
Five co-founders who have run it together since 2010
- 17yearsRun by five together
- 20,000+ sessions1:1 sessions with each co-CEO
- 8degreesMaster's · doctoral
- 100,000+ sessions1:1 sessions taught by the five founders combined
- 9studiosBuilt up together
CO-FOUNDER
Cha Ju-ho
- Fitness MBA, Sangmyung University
- M.S. in Exercise Physiology, Chung-Ang University
- B.S. in Social Physical Education, Chung-Ang University
He leads trainer education. He has taught Pilates anatomy, and has lectured at fitness management conferences and PAFGYM Conferences on pricing strategy, studio operations, and exercise management for members taking GLP-1 medication.
CO-FOUNDER
Oh Seok-jong
- Ph.D. in Exercise Behavioral Science, Chung-Ang University
- M.S. in Exercise Physiology, Chung-Ang University
- B.S. in Social Physical Education, Chung-Ang University
Has presented as a speaker at academic conferences of the Korean Society for Vascular Disease and the Korean Society of Sport and Leisure Studies, and leads PAFGYM trainer education and field practicum training for Exercise Health Managers.
CO-FOUNDER
Oh Chang-hyeon
- B.S. in Social Physical Education, Chung-Ang University
- Associate degree in health sciences, Ansan University
CEO of PAFGYM Inc. He has built a training system that records and manages members' progress, and co-authored the book 'The Ganji Body Project.'
CO-FOUNDER
Yoo Ji-hoon
- Fitness MBA, Sangmyung University
- B.S. in Social Physical Education, Chung-Ang University
- Associate degree in health sciences, Ansan University
A director on the grading committee of the Korea Fitness Professionals Association. Leads blood sugar and data-driven training and co-wrote Ganjimom Project.
CO-FOUNDER
Yoo Ji-sang
- Ph.D. in Healthcare Convergence Business, Sangmyung University
- Fitness MBA, Sangmyung University
- M.Ed. in Physical Education, Inha University
- B.S. in Exercise and Health, Namseoul University
- Associate degree in health sciences, Ansan University
A standing director of the Korea Exercise Specialists Association and a university adjunct professor, he created PAFGYM's operations manual.
STORIES
PAFGYM in the words of our members and trainers
Personal training at PAFGYM
Running along Yangjaecheon
- MEMBER TALKA Gaepo member training with Manager Cheon Ho-hyeon for 8 yearsWatch the video interview →
- TRAINER TALKManager Ahn Jun-yong on reviewing glucose records together with membersWatch the video interview →
- TRAINER TALKManager Cho Min-seok on his doctoral dissertationWatch the video interview →
IN THE MEDIA
PAFGYM in the press · key articles
- W KoreaA quiet wellness trend for looking after your body2026.04.28
- NewsisSangmyung University and Japan's University of Tsukuba hold seminar on 'developing a joint model for elderly care'2026.03.12
- Daily Hankook"Care before you get sick"… Pharma and bio companies push into 'connected health'2026.01.15
- Health NewsKakao Healthcare signs connected health business agreement with PAFGYM2026.01.14
- NewsisKakao's AI health management solution 'PASTA' combines fitness training and wellness2026.01.13
- News1Kakao Healthcare teams up with PAFGYM… health management combining AI and training2026.01.13
- Chosun BizKakao Healthcare develops health management solution with PAFGYM2026.01.13
- Electronic TimesKakao Healthcare and PAFGYM join hands to develop health management solutions2026.01.13
- Digital TimesKakao Healthcare partners with fitness consulting company PAFGYM on 'AI health management'2026.01.13
- Medigate NewsKakao Healthcare signs connected health business agreement with PAFGYM2026.01.13
- Straight News[Contribution] "I used to run alone. I needed the courage to run together"2025.09.19
- NewsisClarins completes environmental project with 'Garden II' along Jungnangcheon2025.04.20
- JoongAng IlboClarins holds tree planting and Runday event with Dongdaemun-gu2025.04.16
- Daily Hankook5,000 attendees gather for new fitness industry know-how at the '2025 Circles Fitness Convention'2025.04.01
- W Korea2025 body trends2025.03.30
- Kyosu ShinmunSangmyung University's "Graduate School of Business Fitness MBA Management Conference" concludes2024.10.30
- New DailySangmyung University Graduate School of Business Fitness MBA successfully holds '2024 Management Conference'2024.10.30
- Money TodaySangmyung University Graduate School of Business holds 'Fitness MBA Management Conference'2024.10.08
- NewsworksEPA Master launches 'PAFGYM Pass' with elite trainers' know-how2023.12.13
- W KoreaBody upgrade for vacation – 22022.07.19
- KD PRESSAjinomoto Korea holds '5th Amino Science Sports Forum'2022.05.03
- Daily SmartSangmyung University Graduate School of Business signs agreement with Sangmyung Fitness MBA students' companies for mutual growth2020.05.28
OUR VALUES
Everyone at PAFGYM
works to build a sound fitness culture.
MISSION
Together with great people,
we lead the way toward a sound fitness culture.
VISION
A leading fitness brand
offering customer-centered health services
- 01
Trusted health professionals
Through trust between members and trainers, we raise the value of the trainer profession and grow the value of the PAFGYM name together.
- 02
Customer-centered health services
We bring professional exercise experience into each client's daily life to help healthy habits last.
- 03
A recognized fitness brand
We follow standardized training and guidelines so that we teach to the same standard as we add studios.
PAFGYM CORE VALUE
PAFGYM's five core values
Advanced
Expertise
We keep studying so we can bring members up-to-date health services.
Communication
Communication
Mentors and mentees grow together by sharing knowledge and know-how.
Trust
Trust
We always keep our promises to members.
Positive
Positivity
We share good energy with members and colleagues through a bright greeting and a smile.
Influence
Influence
We set the standard for the fitness industry through growth in both quality and scale.
PAFGYM+PEOPLE=PAFLE
PAFGYM + People = PAFLE
Who PAFGYM is looking for
- P
Passion
Passion
We approach members with a responsible view of our profession and an enduring passion.
- A
Advanced
Expertise
We keep developing ourselves to prepare new health services.
- F
Feeling
Attitude
We bring good feelings, a good attitude, and positive thinking.
- L
Leadership
Leadership
We embrace everyone and become people whom everyone recognizes.
- E
Enjoyment
Enjoyment
and pursue not only the work but the joy of life as well.
OUR PROMISE
Our trainers' commitments
- We greet every member first and address them respectfully.
- We never share members' personal information or stories outside.
- Trainers do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. When needed, we refer you to a doctor, physical therapist, or dietitian.
- We keep our appointments and never stop learning.
OUR BRANDS
Brands PAFGYM creates
PERSONAL TRAINING
1:1 personal training studios in Gangnam, Seocho and Hannam. Since 2010.
Personal trainingPILATES
A Pilates studio offering only private and duet lessons.
Pilates
GLP-1 AFTERCARE
Medication takes off the weight. We protect your muscle.
A program to help prevent muscle loss for people undergoing GLP-1 treatment. PAFGYM trainers set exercise and eating guidelines together with you.
richslim.com ↗
MORE
Learn more
BOOK
First orientation sessions are booked through each studio's Naver Booking page.