[Harumanbo Harucheonja] Retired Expert Talks About Walking Exercise... "The Best Preparation for Old Age"

Kim Kyung-rok, Advisor at Mirae Asset Global Investments

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] "I am confident that when habits of walking and writing accumulate, they can bring you back in a much healthier state in the later stages of life. Above all, consistency is the most important."

Kyungrok Kim, an advisor at Mirae Asset Global Investments, is one of Korea's leading retirement experts. He served as the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for bond management at Mirae Asset and later as the head of the Mirae Asset Retirement Research Institute. Currently, he has moved to an advisory role, continuing his writing and lecturing activities related to retirement preparation. In an interview held on the 10th at Mirae Asset Global Investments in Jongno-gu, Kim advised that retirement preparation should be approached with the concept of 'investment.' Viewing retirement from an investment perspective is essential to enjoy a comfortable old age. The investment he refers to is a broad concept that includes not only financial elements such as retirement pensions and asset management but also non-financial aspects like health, knowledge, and social networks. Kim emphasized, "Since health is a form of social capital, maintaining health should also be viewed as an investment."

Usually, financial factors such as retirement funds are considered the most important in preparing for retirement. However, Kim puts all that aside and says that 'health' is the most crucial. Even with professional retirement knowledge and sufficient financial resources, it is useless if one loses their health. He advised, "When you are young, the allocation of resources to health is relatively small, and the proportion of working time is much larger. But after reaching your 60s, you need to increase the proportion of investment in health."

Kim Kyung-rok, Advisor at Mirae Asset Global Investments, is being interviewed on the 10th at Mirae Asset Global Investments in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Kim’s chosen method of health management is 'walking 10,000 steps a day.' He has maintained his health over the past 10 years by walking 10,000 steps daily. Kim has been using a smartphone app that automatically records step counts to practice this habit. While walking exercise does not cause dramatic weight loss or sudden changes, Kim recommends walking as the best exercise to prevent deterioration and maintain current health. The average daily step count displayed on his smartphone far exceeds 10,000 steps.

Walking exercise is not only for maintaining health but also serves as an opportunity to come up with new ideas, according to Kim. He conceives most of the ideas needed for writing and lectures while walking. When walking around carefully, fresh ideas often suddenly pop into his mind. Kim said, "Walking exercise feels like a brainstorming time."

Kim, who continues to practice walking regularly, has developed habits of walking and moving in daily life. If he has to move for an external business meeting, he walks distances of around 20 minutes on foot. He walks from the office building near Jonggak to Buam-dong. During lunch breaks, he uses spare time to mainly stroll around nearby Samcheong-dong, Bukchon, and Ikseon-dong. The walking courses he recommends are Samcheong-dong and Bukchon near Gwanghwamun, Ikseon-dong in Jongno, and Jongno 3-ga. He said, "Samcheong-dong and Bukchon are slightly hilly, so they have exercise benefits. The scenery near Gwanghwamun is not very elevated, so it does not intimidate people, making it good for long walks."

Kim Kyung-rok, Advisor at Mirae Asset Global Investments, is being interviewed on the 10th at Mirae Asset Global Investments in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

He also emphasized the importance of transcription. Through transcription, one can improve concentration and eliminate distracting thoughts. Kim developed an interest in brush calligraphy three years ago and personally transcribed the Thousand Character Classic. Besides the benefit of brain health from transcription, it was also to learn Chinese characters through the Thousand Character Classic. Kim’s mother, who is religious, also transcribed the entire Old and New Testament. Through consistent transcription, Kim was able to enhance his concentration. Focusing on writing also helped him eliminate distractions. He said, "Repeatedly transcribing famous texts like Chaegundam or Myeongsimbogam has the effect of spiritual cultivation as well. I think it is especially useful for older people."

Above all, Kim stresses the importance of consistent habits. He said, "The effects of exercise do not appear overnight. (Walking exercise) is about running toward something invisible. It is like saving money." He added, "I am confident that when habits of walking and writing accumulate, they will be returned in a healthier form in the latter half of life."