How to Start Pole Dance in Busan (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

A step-by-step guide for locals & foreigners who want to try pole dancing in Busan

Thinking about starting pole dance in Busan?
I’ve been there, scrolling through Instagram videos thinking,
“Wow, that looks amazing… but can I actually do that?”

Short answer: Yes, you absolutely can.
Busan has a great pole community, tons of beginner-friendly studios, classes that welcome total newbies, and most importantly foreigner-friendly for those who can’t speak much Korean.

In this post, I’ll walk you through:
✔ how to pick the right studio

✔ how to book the first class
✔ what to wear for your first class
✔ what actually happens in a beginner pole session

Let’s make your first step into pole a lot less intimidating!

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⭐ 1. How to Choose a Pole Studio in Busan

Busan has studios in most major neighborhoods: Seomyeon, Haeundae, Gwangalli, Centum, Kyungsung Univ, Nampo, etc. But picking the right one can make or break your experience.

✔ 1) Location matters more than anything

Pole dance requires consistency, so pick a studio that’s close to your home, work, or a place you already visit often. If it’s far, you simply won’t go. I will come back with a new post about different pole dance studios in Busan (based on my experience).

✔ 2) Check the instructor’s style

Every instructor has their own vibe. Some focus on flow, others on tricks or choreography.
Most post regularly on Instagram, so watch a few videos to see if their energy matches yours.

✔ 3) Class size matters

Pole is safest when it’s 1 person per pole.
Look for studios that limit classes to 4–6 people for beginners.

✔ 4) For foreigners: ask about English support

Busan studios vary a lot in English communication.
Some instructors speak English fluently, some can mix Korean+English, and some stick to Korean.
If you’re nervous, just dm or message the studio. They’re usually very kind and helpful.

 

If you are particularly looking for a pole class fully taught in English in Busan, there is a studio called Day Pole & Aerial Studio in Gwangalli. They are offering regular classes for expats in Korea to make pole dance accessible for everyone. It’s a nice option for expats who aren't confident in their Korean and feel more comfortable with slower, clearer explanations when starting out.

데이폴스튜디오학원 · 부산광역시 수영구 광안동 번지 502호 118-2 성우이린타워

 

✔ 5) Always take a trial class

This is the easiest way to check the vibe, teaching style, cleanliness, and how comfortable you feel in the space.

 

⭐ 2. How to Book Your First Pole Class

Korean studios usually use Naver Booking (네이버 예약). However, it often requires a Korean phone number for verification and may not accept prepaid SIM numbers, which can make online booking frustrating.

I recommend contacting the studio directly via Instagram. Pole dance is highly social-media-driven, and most studios actively communicate there.

For a faster response, try KakaoTalk channel (카카오톡 채널). Search for the studio’s Korean name to find their channel and message them in real time.

 

⭐ 3. What to Wear to Your First Pole Class

Good news: you do NOT need tiny pole shorts on day one.

✔ For your first day

• Short leggings or shorts
• Sports bra or sleveless t-shirt

✔ As you progress

Grip skin becomes important in pole dance as we use different body parts to hold ourselves in the air, so you might switch to outfit dedicated to pole dance. In Korea, it is usually called Pole Wear. And you can find a lot of pole wear brands in Korea and internationally. Next time, I will come back with this topic.

After a few classes, if you feel like your hands are too slippery to hold the pole tight, grip aids will be the solution. Sweaty hands or skin reduce friction, making it harder to grip the pole safely. Some people naturally have drier or oilier skin, which affects grip. Good grip allows students to focus on technique and strength rather than constantly slipping.

There are many types of grip aids and my personal go-to is liquid chalk.

❌ Avoid

• Body lotion/oil (you’ll slip right off the pole) - If you did already, simply wipe your skin with wet tissues or towels.
• Jewelry (it scratches the pole)
• Loose clothes that get caught

 

⭐ 4. What Happens in a Beginner Pole Class in Busan

Most Busan studios have a very friendly vibe, and many students are complete beginners. Expect something like:

✔ Typical class flow

1. Warm-up & stretches (10-15 mins)
2. Basic tricks for beginners (20-30 mins)
3. Short beginner choreography (the last 5-10 mins of the class)
4. Cool-down stretch (1 min)

You might get a few bruises (“pole kisses”) and feel sore the next day, and tha'ts totally normal! It will go away as you pratice regularly😉

 

⭐ 5. Realistic Tips for Starting Pole

• Try to go at least once or twice a week for progress
• Film your practice (it helps A LOT)
• Try a few studios before choosing “the one” that suits your style

 

Hope you enjoy your first pole dance class, and continue the journey with this beautiful community!