The first Bally Total Fitness health club franchise in South Korea opened in the Seoul suburb of Bundang on 1 August.

A second club will open in Pungchung, South Korea, later next month.

The 35,000 sq ft club in Bundang features state of the art CV and resistance equipment and over 120 group exercise classes including yoga and spinning. In addition, the club has a retail store, a rehabilitation centre, an indoor golf range and a child care area.

John Wilson, head of franchising for Bally Total Fitness explains why the group is targeting Korea.

'We're entering the Korean market at the perfect time. The country's focus on health and fitness is booming as most consumers are now focused on staying fit and improving their physical wellbeing. By leveraging our unsurpassed expertise in fitness and nutrition, we will help lead the way.'

Bally Total Fitness entered the Asian market in May 2002 when it opened its first club in Beijing, China, through a joint venture agreement with China Sports Industries Co.

Worldwide, Bally Total Fitness has approx. four million members and nearly 430 facilities.

Through its joint partnership with UK based operator Homes Place, Bally plans to introduce the Bally brand throughout Western Europe in 2003.