Koreans Log World's Second-Highest Daily Step Count in 2024

South Koreans recorded the second-highest daily step count in the world this year, according to a new report, as the country's running boom has established itself as a major fitness trend.

Koreans averaged 9,969 steps per day in 2024, second only to Hong Kong at 10,663 steps, according to the "2025 Garmin Connect Data Report" released by U.S. smart device maker Garmin on Monday. The global average stood at around 8,000 steps.

Korea's step count significantly exceeded the global average, showing a notable gap. Industry observers attribute this to the growing acceptance of running and walking as everyday exercise.

Korea was identified as a country where fitness activities centered on running, walking and swimming were particularly prominent this year. The running category showed growth well above the global average, with outdoor running activities increasing 61% year-on-year and indoor treadmill running rising 64%, demonstrating the sport's popularity in numbers.

Garmin compiled the report based on data accumulated through Garmin Connect, its health and fitness activity tracking and sharing app. According to the report, total activity records from Garmin users worldwide increased 8% year-on-year, indicating steadily expanding fitness participation.

Globally, the most popular exercise categories were running, walking, cycling, strength training and indoor cardio, in that order. In Asia, a training approach combining cardio and strength exercises is spreading rapidly.

In Korea, activity increases were notable across various categories beyond running and walking. Hiking participation rose 14% year-on-year, while strength training jumped approximately 40%, exceeding the Asian regional average growth rate of 27%. This suggests balanced exercise habits are gradually taking hold.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) surged 68% year-on-year, showing rapid popularization in Korea. Racket sports including pickleball, badminton, table tennis and padel grew 67% globally, with the increase more than doubling in Asia. Vietnam recorded the highest per-capita participation in racket sports.

"Garmin users around the world are systematically tracking their health and fitness activities through Garmin Connect," said Susan Lyman, Garmin's Vice President of Global Consumer Marketing. "We hope that more personalized, data-driven insights will give users the confidence to take on new challenges."