Singer Seolhyun shows off bikini figure — the secret to staying toned while eating ramyun and shaved ice

Singer and actor Seolhyun has drawn attention to her weight-management routine after sharing footage of herself running and swimming during a vacation, even while indulging in ramyun and shaved ice. Experts say the key is not cutting out specific foods entirely, but maintaining a balance between overall activity levels and eating habits over time.

On Sunday, Seolhyun posted a travel vlog from Phu Quoc on her YouTube channel. In the video, she swims with friends at a resort pool, then starts the following morning with a run. That evening, after another swim, she samples several varieties of ramyun — and later shares a moment eating shaved ice during the trip.

On the third day of the trip, Seolhyun again began her morning with a run before enjoying a floating breakfast at the pool. She then went swimming in a red bikini, showing off her toned figure. She kept up her morning runs through the final day, never letting her exercise routine slip even while on vacation.

Eating foods high in carbohydrates, sodium and sugar — such as ramyun and shaved ice — does not automatically translate into increased body fat. Weight management is shaped far more by long-term eating patterns and activity levels than by any single meal. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that burning calories through physical activity while reducing caloric intake creates the energy deficit needed for weight loss.

Running during a trip, as Seolhyun does, helps increase total daily activity. As a higher-intensity aerobic exercise than walking, running raises the heart rate and repeatedly engages the large muscle groups of the lower body. When it comes to weight management, the habit of moving consistently matters more than a single intense workout. The CDC also notes that both physical activity and dietary control are needed to lose and maintain weight.

Swimming is equally effective for body composition. It engages virtually every major muscle group — arms, shoulders, back, core, hips and legs — and because the body works against water resistance, it trains both cardiovascular endurance and muscular stamina simultaneously. The Mayo Clinic describes aquatic exercise as a low-impact activity that reduces stress on bones, joints and muscles while supporting heart health and muscular endurance.

Combining running and swimming offers additional benefits. Running loads the lower body and cardiovascular system under full body weight, while swimming works the whole body with minimal joint strain. Alternating between the two reduces overuse of any single muscle group and helps prevent workout monotony. WHO recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, along with muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

That said, this is not a license to eat ramyun and shaved ice without limit. Ramyun tends to be high in sodium and is often built around refined carbohydrates. The American Heart Association recommends that adults limit sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, and notes that 1,500 milligrams or less is preferable for most adults.

Shaved ice also warrants caution. It may look light because it is ice-based, but toppings such as condensed milk, syrup, ice cream, rice cakes and crackers can push the sugar and calorie content significantly higher. The American Heart Association advises reducing consumption of foods and drinks high in added sugars, noting that desserts and sweetened beverages are among the main sources of added sugar in the diet.

The real question is not whether you ate something, but how often and how much. Having ramyun or shaved ice once or twice on a trip is a very different matter from regularly consuming high-sodium, high-sugar foods in daily life. If your everyday diet is balanced — with protein, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats — and you maintain an exercise habit, the occasional dessert or bowl of ramyun is unlikely to lead directly to weight gain.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that while calories matter for weight management, food quality is equally important. Less-processed foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein support eating patterns conducive to weight control. Conversely, processed foods high in refined carbohydrates, sugar and fat are associated with weight gain.

For those who want to manage their weight while traveling, starting the morning with light movement — as Seolhyun does — is one practical approach. A morning run or walk secures some activity early in the day and can also help curb overeating at subsequent meals. However, running in hot climates carries risks of dehydration and heat stroke: go out early, drink plenty of water, and stop immediately if you feel dizzy or develop a headache.

What you eat after swimming also matters. Going too long without eating after exercise can trigger overeating at the next meal. The American Heart Association notes that consuming a combination of healthy carbohydrates and protein within 30 to 60 minutes after exercise supports muscle recovery and energy replenishment.

Even when eating ramyun, adding protein and vegetables can help restore some nutritional balance. Pairing it with eggs, chicken breast, tofu or vegetables — and drinking less of the broth — can reduce the sodium load. With shaved ice, sharing a bowl rather than finishing one alone, or choosing a fruit-forward option over heavily topped varieties, can meaningfully cut the calorie count.

What stands out about Seolhyun's approach is not that she ate ramyun and shaved ice, but that she kept running and swimming throughout her trip. Sustainable weight management relies less on banning specific foods and more on maintaining consistent activity levels while moderating the frequency and quantity of high-calorie foods.

Experts say staying in shape over the long term requires making exercise and eating part of a lifestyle — not treating workouts as punishment for what you ate. The key to healthy weight management, even on vacation, is enjoying food in moderation while carving out time to move, whether through a morning run or a swim, and keeping your everyday diet in balance.