01 / TRY IT FIRST

A real workout, and stress that melts away.

I have been to Punch Plus (펀치플러스), Keoki Buffalo Boxing Club (커키버팔로복싱클럽) and Winner Boxing’s Sindaebang-samgeori branch (위너복싱 신대방삼거리점). I took free trial sessions at Punch Plus and Keoki Buffalo, and I chose boxing because I liked how much of a workout it was and how it relieved stress.

In the first class I learned the basic stance, the one-two and conditioning drills. As I kept going I liked feeling fitter and stronger. On the other hand, my basic fitness was lacking at first, so keeping up with the training was hard.

Before choosing gear,
find out whether you want to go back.

If it’s your first time, ask a nearby gym whether it offers a trial class. The free trials I took were the programmes at the time of my visits. Check whether they are still free, and the booking terms, in each gym’s information below.

02 / FIND YOUR GYM

Together at set times, or on your own schedule.

Visiting three gyms showed me that boxing gyms differ in how they train. Some run group sessions that start together at the same time; others work like a fitness gym where you come on your own schedule. Rather than deciding which is better, I’d suggest looking first at the times and atmosphere you can keep up with.

Below are Mangowontu’s visit experiences, compiled on 2026-10-13. Current timetables, formats and trial terms may differ. Gym names are romanized from Korean; their official English names were not confirmed, and I have not checked whether they offer English-language support.

01Set times · group training

Punch Plus (펀치플러스)

Group sessions that start together at set times, plus an AI punching bag. I learned basic conditioning and boxing.

Sparring
The programme I experienced ran without sparring.
If your schedule is
A format to compare if you want to train together at the same time and try boxing without sparring.
Location and enquiry info (Korean)
02Set times · boxing training

Keoki Buffalo Boxing Club (커키버팔로복싱클럽)

Conditioning and boxing training together at set times.

Sparring
Those who wanted to could spar; nobody was pressured to join.
If your schedule is
A format to compare if you want to follow set class times and decide about sparring later.
Location and enquiry info (Korean)
03Open visits · individual coaching

Winner Boxing, Sindaebang-samgeori branch (위너복싱 신대방삼거리점)

No class that starts together; I visited on my own schedule and was coached by the resident coach.

Sparring
Sparring was available if you wanted it, and nobody was pressured to join.
If your schedule is
A format to compare if set class times are hard to keep and you’d rather visit on your own time.
Location and enquiry info (Korean)

At Keoki Buffalo and Winner Boxing, those who wanted to could spar, and nobody was pressured. If facing an opponent feels like too much, ask at your first consultation whether you can learn without sparring.

03 / MEMBERSHIP & YOUR FIRST KIT

Think about fees and personal gear separately.

When I asked, I remember the monthly fee at all three being under ₩200,000. That is not a current price list or an exact payment record. Check fees, registration periods and trial costs with the branch you plan to attend.

I started with running shoes.

I train in running shoes that cost under ₩100,000. I plan to buy boxing shoes if I get more into boxing, so I haven’t bought a separate pair yet. Some people around me did buy boxing shoes.

In my experience you don’t need to buy all your personal gear on day one. What you need can differ by gym, though, so ask first about glove rental, whether you need your own hand wraps, and the indoor shoe rules.

If you get your own gear

from about ₩40,000

Hand wraps about ₩10,000 + gloves from ₩30,000

A starting point for the budget the author suggests. It is not an actual purchase price, a bundle or a confirmed lowest price, and fees and shoes are separate.
Worn on your hands

Hand wraps

I suggest a budget of about ₩10,000 for hand wraps. Let the gym guide you on which kind to get and how to wrap them.

When you need your own

Your own gloves

Budget from ₩30,000 for gloves and choose according to how committed you are and how much you want to invest. Ask your coach about the type and weight that suit your training goals.

An option you can add later

Boxing shoes

I started in the running shoes I already had and put off buying boxing shoes. Rather than buying separate shoes first, I’ll check the gym’s shoe rules and judge the need as I keep training.

The amounts above are not reviews of specific branded products or current sale prices. Try it first, and treat them as per-item budgets to think about when you want your own gear.

04 / IF I STARTED AGAIN

If I started again, I’d look at my fitness first.

My fitness was weak at first, which made it hard. I wish I had built a little basic fitness beforehand, with something like skipping rope. That doesn’t mean you must get fit before you can start. On your first visit, tell the coach your fitness level and adjust the workload together.

What drew me to boxing was the feeling of having really worked out and of stress melting away. Start by choosing whether you prefer training together at set times or visiting freely.

What to ask before your first visit

  • Whether there is a trial class, and what it costs and how to book.
  • Whether it runs set group classes or open visits with coaching.
  • The rules on glove rental, hand wraps and indoor shoes.
  • Whether you can learn without sparring and join in when you want to.
  • The monthly fee, registration period and any extra costs.

Rather than spending a lot at the start, look for a gym that fits your schedule and taste. Gear can come after that.