A notice at a gym in Incheon says, "Off limits to ajummas" and "Only cultured and elegant women permitted to enter." / Captured from online community

A gym in Incheon has sparked controversy by posting a notice prohibiting entry to "ajummas," a Korean term that could loosley be translated as "middle-aged women" in English but also carries the social connotation of being ill-mannered.

The gym claims that such women have caused disruptions, while critics argue that excluding individuals without reasonable grounds constitutes discrimination.

According to a JTBC report, the gym recently placed a sign on its entrance stating "Off limits to ajummas," with an additional note specifying "Only cultured and elegant women permitted to enter."

The notice also listed eight criteria to distinguish "ajummas" from women:

Firstly, ajumma have a tendency to like free stuff regardless of their age. Secondly, they get criticized everywhere but are the only ones who don't realize it. Thirdly, they frequently take seats reserved for pregnant women on public transportation, though they are not pregnant.

Fourthly, they order one coffee for two people at cafes and ask for an extra cup. Fifthly, they secretly dispose of food waste in public restrooms or toilets. Sixthly, they are stingy with their own money but not with other people's money. Seventhly, they lack memory and judgment, often repeating the same things. Lastly, if they fall over, they receive help from nobody.

A notice seen on a gymnasium door explains the difference between "ajummas" and women. / Captured from online community

The gym owner told JTBC, "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, like 'You'll have healthy babies.'"

Public reaction to the gym's policy has been mixed. Some internet users defended the gym, saying, "Ajummas come to the gym, take soap, towels and tissues, and just chat loudly without exercising." Others mentioned, "I've often seen ajummas reserving spots on treadmills with their belongings and chatting on the bikes. Even as a middle-aged woman, I find some of their behavior excessive."

There have also been many negative reactions such as, "It is inappropriate to target ajummas when you should be banning troublesome customers," "There are such customers regardless of age or gender," "Wouldn't it be better to run a men-only gym if this is the case?" and "This is clearly gender discrimination."

Restricting certain customers is not in violation of any Korean laws. Business owners frequently restrict customers as seen at establishements with signs denying entry to foreigners, children, seniors or pets.

The controversy continues to provoke debate about appropriate behavior in public spaces and the boundaries of discrimination.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.