South Korea gym sparks controversy for banning older women

The gym in Incheon City last week put up a note that could be translate into English as "ajumma not allowed to enter," with the additional explanation, "only cultivated and elegant women allowed," according to the Korea Herald.

The term "ajumma" in Korean refers to a married or middle-aged woman and typically denotes a woman who has passed her youth but is not yet elderly. It's used in various social contexts, often indicating a woman known for her assertiveness and involvement in community and family life. While it can be used with respect, it can also have pejorative nuances, particularly when referring to women who are considered overly blunt or assertive in public spaces.

The note also includes a list to distinguish "ajummas" from other women, reported Korea Times.

It says ajumma have a tendency to like free stuff regardless of their age; frequently take seats reserved for pregnant women on public transportation, though they are not pregnant; order one coffee for two people at cafes and ask for an extra cup; secretly dispose of food waste in public restrooms or toilets; are stingy with their own money but not with other people's; and lack memory and judgment, often repeating the same things.

The story quickly spread on social media. Many comments were in agreement, saying that "ajummas" come to the gym, grab soap, towels and tissues, and just chat loudly without exercising, according to K-Selection.

Others, however, criticized the gym for ageism and even sexism, saying some men behave the same and the gym has not done anything.

In defense, the gym owner told South Korean television network JTBC that "ajummas bring baskets of laundry to the gym, use hot water for one to two hours, doubling the water bill. They also make sexually inappropriate comments to younger female members."

He claimed that younger female members have directly complained about those ajummas to him more than once.