“갓생”: Living a Godly Life in Korea

In recent years, a new term has taken hold in South Korea: “갓생” (God Saeng).
It’s a combination of 갓(GOD) + 인생(life), roughly translating to “Godly Life,” this trend reflects a growing desire for self-improvement and productivity, especially among younger generations!

Let’s dive into what God Saeng means and why it has become so popular.

출처: 카카오 이모티콘

What is God Saeng?

God Saeng emerged in early 2020 and has since seen a surge in popularity. It’s a lifestyle focused on achieving daily, small-scale goals to foster a sense of accomplishment and structure in one’s life. This trend gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought ways to impose order and productivity during periods of social isolation.

The Core of God Saeng

At its heart, God Saeng involves setting and adhering to personal rituals. One of the most common is waking up early—often by 5 AM—as part of what is known as the “Miracle Morning” routine. These habits, which practitioners call “rituals,” include a range of activities like exercise, reading, and meditation. The idea is to create a structured and productive day from the outset.

Are there different levels of ‘갓생’?
Let’s refer to the standards set by the Korean YouTuber, ‘시골쥐의 도시생활,’ to find out.
Here are the four levels she created to determine if you are living a ‘갓생’

Let’s see if you qualify as living a ‘갓생’ according to these standards!

Level 1: Leading an ordinary life with no specific goals beyond daily routines.
Level 2: Introducing a new habit and consistently practicing it for less than three months, such as weekly workouts or learning a new language.
Level 3: Maintaining a habit for more than three months! It’s about the consistency.
Level 4: Sustaining multiple habits or continuing a single habit for over a 6 months, representing the epitome of God saeng living!

The Broader Impact

God Saeng’s influence extends beyond individual practice. It has infiltrated social media, with countless posts tagged under #God Saeng, and inspired new products and corporate initiatives aimed at supporting this lifestyle. It reflects a broader cultural trend toward self-improvement and efficient time management, echoing the ideals of historical industriousness valued in Korean society.

The Drawbacks and Counter-Movement

However, the intense focus on productivity can lead to burnout. Some people find the pressure to maintain such a disciplined lifestyle overwhelming, leading to a counter-movement called “걍생” (Gyang Saeng), or “Just Living.” This approach embraces a more relaxed attitude, focusing on being content with ordinary, less structured lives.

Conclusion

God Saeng represents a modern pursuit of personal excellence within a highly structured framework. While it promotes positive habits and productivity, it’s important to balance ambition with well-being. Whether you aspire to live a God Saeng or a Gyang Saeng, the key is finding what brings you satisfaction and joy in your daily life. 😊

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