July 10, 2024 Korea Wellness News


Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the exciting developments in Korea Wellness as of July 10, 2024. 


Renowned for its innovation and holistic approach, Korea Wellness continues to set the pace in the global wellness industry. 


In this post, we delve into the nation's newest AI-driven health monitoring systems, offering real-time insights that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. 

We also highlight the booming Korea Wellness tourism sector, attracting global visitors eager to experience traditional Korean practices like Hanbang and modern wellness retreats. 


Furthermore, we discuss the government's increased funding for mental health services, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to wellness that includes mental, physical, and emotional health. 


Join us as we uncover how Korea Wellness is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, setting a global standard. 


Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about innovative health practices, this post provides valuable insights into the future of Korea Wellness. 


Read on to discover how Korea Wellness is shaping the world of wellness today.



**Gariwangsan National Garden and the future of wellness in Jeongsun


Choi Seung-joon is implementing a variety of development plans to make Jeongseon a leader in the wellness tourism industry. Centering on the Gariwangsan National Garden project, Jeongseon plans to create a forest-type garden that combines nature and Olympic heritage to provide a peaceful retreat for the people. It also aims to develop into the center of the tourism industry through the Gangwon Land global integrated resort vision, and emphasizes the health of the casino industry to contribute to regional development and attract domestic and foreign tourists.


On the second anniversary of his eighth term, Choi Seung-joon is improving the transportation network by connecting the East-West Expressway and the North-South Nine-Axis Expressway, and strengthening the foundation for economic growth by conducting a pre-feasibility study for the Gangwon Inland Expressway. In addition, Jeongseon plans to develop the county into a transportation hub by promoting the establishment of a new ITX and KTX connection route.


Moving forward, Jeongseon will pursue sustainable development through various projects related to wellness. It plans to establish itself as a global wellness tourism destination through the completion of Gariwangsan National Garden, and as a center for the tourism industry through the growth of Gangwon Land into a global resort. This is expected to revitalize the region and create opportunities for development through the entire city, while contributing to the local economy and national development.





**The Future of Jeongseon with Wellness


Jeongseon-gun is promoting various projects aimed at sustainable development centered on wellness. It is preserving its natural and cultural heritage by establishing Gariwangsan Mountain as a national garden and strengthening its position as a wellness tourism city. Efforts are also underway to improve the wide area transportation network, including the North-South Nine-Axis Expressway and the East-West Expressway, to develop it into a transportation hub. In addition, Jeongseon is positioning itself as a center for culture and arts through the K-Global Project, which promotes Jeongseon Arirang to the world. In the future, Jeongseon is expected to receive global attention as a city with wellness.





**Daegu Veterans Hospital wins the Best Practice Award for its efforts toward wellness


Daegu Veterans Hospital was awarded the grand prize by the Minister of Employment and Labor at the '2024 Occupational Health Best Practice Presentation Contest'. The hospital received high praise for its strategic promotion of employee health promotion activities centered on wellness. It operates its own health activity promotion team, which includes mental health specialists, nutritionists, and exercise prescription holders, to provide psychological support and mental health management for workers. These efforts contribute to the spread of safety and health culture, and Daegu Veterans Hospital was selected as an excellent workplace by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency last year. Going forward, Daegu Veterans Hospital plans to continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure the safety and health of its workers.





**Innovation for Wellness, Expanding Benefits for Wearable Blood Pressure Monitors


Blood pressure management is being revolutionized with the recent inclusion of the ring-type blood pressure monitor 'Kart BP' and the wristwatch-type blood pressure monitor 'H2-ABMP' on the payroll. These wearable blood pressure monitors can be worn every day and utilize optical blood flow sensors and artificial intelligence technology to provide real-time data analysis. They eliminate the pressure discomfort of traditional blood pressure cuffs and the inconvenience of measuring while sleeping, and are gaining traction as prescriptions in hospitals and clinics.


SKYLABS's 'Kart Biffy' was approved as a blood pressure measuring medical device last year and recently succeeded in applying for benefits. In addition, Charmcare's 'H2-ABMP' has also been designated for nursing care benefits and is considered an innovative product that solves the size and difficulty of using sphygmomanometers.


The spread of these wearable blood pressure monitors is expected to make it easier for hypertensive patients to manage their daily blood pressure.





**Maritime Journey with Movies for Wellness, 7th International Ocean Film Festival


The 7th International Ocean Film Festival will be held from July 19 to 21 at PIAK, a complex cultural space in Yeongdo, Busan. Under the theme of 'Boundless Ocean', the festival will showcase 27 marine films from 11 countries.


The opening films are Will Kim's animation "Disappearing Jewels" and Rick Rosenthal's documentary "Alien Contact," the latter of which explores the ecology and cognition of manta rays and will provide audiences with an innovative marine cinema experience.


The closing film will be Masoul's "Nangin," a story of love and friendship in Wan'an, China. The festival will also feature a special program with Busan's leading wellness brand Coco Island to educate audiences on life healing and the importance of wellness in the modern world.


Special sessions will include works that tell the story of haenyeo, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with GVs featuring relevant personalities, and programs that address marine environmental issues and people's connection to the sea through various documentaries and special sections are also expected.





**Better life with wellness and integrated treatment**.


At Guangdong Hospital, we provide the best care for our patients through integrative treatment that combines medical science and Chinese medicine. Medical doctors and TCM practitioners work together to provide customized treatment for a variety of conditions, including facial paralysis, dizziness, pain, and tremor, using a combination of medical tests and TCM treatments. Guangdong Hospital uses the latest rehabilitation equipment and functional medicine tests to enable precise diagnosis and provides total healthcare, including pain management and rehabilitation. The hospital fuses medical science and traditional Chinese medicine to create a patient-centered treatment environment based on the philosophy of 'healing the sick'.





**Vigorous Healing Forest with Wellness, Expanding Fee Waiver Benefits***.


The Forest of Vigorous Healing, located in Miro-myeon, Samcheok-si, is a space for healing the body and mind in nature, and the fee exemption has recently been expanded. The forest is popular with visitors for its forest therapy and various experience programs, and special consideration is given to military personnel, mine workers, and those involved in disaster-related activities. The forest is surrounded by the historic sites of Yeonggyeongmyo and Jungyeongmyo, as well as Korea's best Kumgang pine forest, providing a unique experience for visitors. This ordinance revision aims to provide opportunities for rest and healing for those who have dedicated themselves to the development of the community and the nation.





**Cheonan's Taehaksan Natural Recreation Forest with Wellness, Customized Forest Healing and Bread Charms


Taehaksan Natural Recreation Forest in Cheonan is a wellness destination that the whole family can enjoy. At an altitude of 455 meters above sea level, visitors can experience recreation and healing in the nature of Mount Taehak with various forest healing programs. The recently built Forest Culture and Recreation Center provides facilities optimized for cultural events of companies and institutions, and there is also a forest healing center and footbath.


In addition, Taekhaksan Natural Recreation Forest has been selected as a '2024 Strong Small Potential Tourism Destination' by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, positioning it as a representative wellness resort in Cheonan. The forest is equipped with facilities for the whole family to enjoy, including a forest barbecue area, auto camping sites, and an infant forest experience center, providing a relaxing break in nature.


Cheonan is also famous for its walnut sweets and fresh bread baked in stone kilns. The Stone Kiln Bread Village offers a unique bread baking experience, and the annual 'Bread Day Cheonan' festival is a must-see for bread lovers.


These attractive destinations in Cheonan are contributing to the revitalization of the local economy in addition to wellness, offering visitors new discoveries and relaxation.





**Wando-gun leads the marine therapy industry with wellness


Wando-gun won the overall grand prize at the 29th Korea Local Government Management Awards, recognizing its ongoing efforts and innovative policies for regional development. In particular, Wando-gun is seeking to revitalize its local economy through the marine therapy industry, and the Wando Marine Therapy Center, which opened last year, is positioning itself as a wellness tourism destination using marine resources. The center is popular as a healing place for both locals and tourists, and new industries such as the marine bio industry are also being actively promoted. Wando-gun plans to continue its sustainable development with wellness through various projects for regional development.





**Sustainable Development of the Floral Industry in Goyang Special City with Wellness***.


Goyang Special City is modernizing its flower distribution and production infrastructure and promoting smart farm technology to strengthen the competitiveness of the flower industry. The recently opened Metropolitan Flower Distribution Center has introduced an electronic auction system to support transparent transactions and contribute to the revitalization of the local economy. The city is also focusing on maximizing synergies through the Goyang Flower Industry Special Zone and promoting Goyang's flower products on the international stage. In addition, the city is creating a pet-friendly urban environment and contributing to the well-being of citizens through healing agriculture. In the future, Goyang Special City plans to promote various policies and projects to create a sustainable flower industry and wellness environment.





**Revitalizing beach events and tourism in Donghae City with wellness***.


Donghae City announced that it held various events to commemorate the opening of its beaches in 2024. Chuam Beach and Mangsang Beach hosted events with different attractions. At Chuam Beach, wellness activities such as sunrise yoga and meditation were held in cooperation with the Gangwon-do Tourism Foundation, and participants had a valuable time healing their bodies and minds. At Mangsang Beach, the 'Donghae Sky Race' was held, which has become an international running event. The event was held against the backdrop of the sea and mountains and attracted families, friends, and lovers, showcasing the vibrancy of Donghae City. These events contributed significantly to the revitalization of the local economy and provided an opportunity to publicize the city's tourism resources. Donghae City will continue to make various efforts to develop sustainable tourism and create a wellness environment.





**Imeco's sustainable brand activities for wellness***.


Imeco participated in the recently held 'Wanderlust Korea 2024' festival and completed a successful event. At the event, Imeco conducted various activities to strengthen its image as an eco-friendly brand. At our booth, we offered visitors the opportunity to try our eco-friendly bottled water made from 100% sugarcane containers, introducing our environmentally friendly products without microplastics. We also introduced our resource recycling campaign under the slogan "Closer to Zero" and displayed our Hour Bag, an eco-friendly bag made from recycled plastic, to attract visitors' attention.


As part of its 'Closing the Loop' campaign, imeco organized flogging activities during the event with imefloggers, who collected discarded trash and plastic bottles on site and encouraged visitors to participate in waste segregation, contributing to environmental protection. The collected empty Thanksgiving bottles will be used again through chemical recycling, helping imeco build a sustainable circular economy model.


Imeco also supplied eco-friendly reusable containers at Wonderlust and operated an integrated waste management booth to support both the return of reusable containers and waste separation. These reusable containers are made from r-PLA, a renewable raw material that lowers carbon emissions and is safe for human consumption, and are cleaned and reused.


"It was a very meaningful time for us to introduce our eco-friendly activities at Wanderlust Korea and communicate with visitors," said a representative from IMECO. IMECO plans to participate in various events to lead the eco-friendly festival culture.





**Switzerland, South Korea, builds a wellness tourism city in Inje


Inje-gun, Gangwon-do, is known as the "Switzerland of Korea" due to the beautiful natural environment of Seoraksan Mountain. It has been attracting a large number of tourists every year by utilizing its natural environment, and is now preparing for a major transformation with the goal of reaching 10 million tourists.


Inje has recently launched a project to design and build a large-scale resort and wellness tourism destination, with plans to invest around KRW 770 billion in the project, which is expected to make a significant contribution to the local economy. Inje plans to expand its festivals, which were previously limited to winter smelt festivals, to all four seasons, and to promote camping festivals to provide tourism content that maximizes the natural beauty of the region.


In particular, the city is preparing to attract more tourists by developing the Wontong area station area in anticipation of the opening of the East-West High Speed Rail in 2027. All of these efforts are aimed at transforming the city into a sustainable tourism destination that leads the way in wellness and nature-friendly tourism culture.





Summer Sea Healing with Wellness in Sokcho, Korea** **Sokcho, Korea


Sokcho is a summer vacation destination known for its blue sea and beautiful natural scenery. Sokcho Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area, and it offers a panoramic blue sea with a cool sea breeze that can soothe your fatigue. Sokcho is also popular as a wellness destination, with pine forest trails that provide phytoncides and hot spring footbaths that offer forest healing.


The beachfront offers a variety of leisure activities, while the pine forest offers camping in the shade to enjoy nature. In addition, the night view spot 'Headland' at Sokcho Beach is a healing space with romantic lighting and sea breeze, making it even more attractive after sunset.


In addition, 'Eonongchi Sea Scent Road' is the best coastal promenade on the east coast, and a stroll by the blue sea is refreshing. Especially at sunrise, the Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory offers stunning views of the blue sea, Yeonggeumjeong Island, and Dongmyeong Harbor. All of this makes summer in Sokcho a special experience with wellness.





**Samcheok, a natural healing forest for wellness***.


Located in Miro-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do, the 'Forest of Vitality Healing' is a place where you can heal your mind and restore your physical health in nature. With its forest healing programs and various hands-on activities, it has become very popular among tourists and citizens, and was recommended as a wellness tourist destination by the Korea Tourism Organization last year.


Notably, the recently revised operating ordinance provides fee exemptions for active military personnel, mine workers, and those who participated in disaster-related activities, enabling them to relax in the rejuvenating forest. These measures are expected to contribute to further strengthening the culture of wellness along with community development.





**Bioplus-Interpex Korea 2024: Global Bio-Pharma Conference with Wellness**.


Bioplus-Interpex Korea 2024 (BIX 2024), which opened at COEX in Seoul, is the largest convention for the bio-pharmaceutical industry in Korea, with the theme of "Embrace All Possibilities," introducing participants to the business strategies and technologies of domestic and international bio companies and providing a venue for networking.


At the opening ceremony, the Korea Bio Association and RX Korea emphasized the current and future development potential of the bio industry, which is expected to become a major growth engine for Korea. They also introduced the government's support efforts, including the designation of bio clusters, and emphasized that BIX 2024 is an important event that provides business opportunities for domestic and foreign companies.


In addition to presentations by various experts, the event also featured congratulatory remarks from Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Chetin Ali Donmez Turkiye and a special keynote speech from DOT. BIX 2024 is expected to serve as a guide for future development and play a role in promoting wellness and sustainable growth of the bio-pharmaceutical industry.





**Sung-ho Kim, Chairman of Yeongdeok County Council, vision of regional development towards wellness**.


Elected as the ninth and second chairman of the Yeongdeok County Council, Chairman Kim Sung-ho is vowing to pursue passionate legislative activities for regional development and the well-being of the people. Based on his four terms of experience, he plans to lead regional development by coordinating opinions within the council to promote regional well-being. In particular, he is looking to revitalize the local economy by strengthening cooperation with Chilgok Gyeongbuk National University Hospital and bringing the Shin Tae-yong soccer field to fruition. Chairman Kim aims to attract 15 million tourists in cooperation with the military, and plans to actively promote policies for regional development centered on wellness.





**Learning about wellness and addiction prevention among youth in the forest**.


The High Healing Garden, hosted by the Gangwon Land Forest Healing Foundation, will target children and adolescents in the fourth grade of elementary school and above for the "Into the Forest" program starting in September. The program will focus on hands-on activities to help them escape the risk of addiction caused by over-immersion in smartphones and the internet, and will be held at the High Healing Garden surrounded by Baekdu Daegan Mountain. Participants can enjoy the experience through behavioral addiction prevention education, forest experience education, and visits to local attractions. Recognized as an excellent wellness tourism destination, the program uses the pristine forest resources for healing and meditation to educate youth about the importance of addiction prevention in a hands-on way. Organizations interested in participating in the program can apply via email by the 26th, and the final results will be notified individually on the 9th of next month.





**Innovative research on milk and milk alternatives linked to wellness and environmental protection


According to the latest research news presented at the Korea Food Science Congress, Daily Health Nutrition, Lotte Central Research Center, and Seoul Milk Cooperative are conducting various activities to promote wellness and health.


At the conference held at Daegu EXCO, Daily Health Nutrition presented the results of its research on milk-derived functional ingredients aimed at improving skin health. In particular, its milk phospholipid-derived milk cream concentrate powder has been recognized for its ability to prevent skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays, and is gaining attention in the functional food market.


LOTTE R&D Center unveiled the results of research on its own strains for the development of plant-based fermented milk. The research is on the production of plant-based fermented milk for vegan consumers and aims to develop products that take into account healthy eating habits.


Seoul Milk Cooperative is also leading the movement to reduce the use of plastic by participating in the Bye-bye Plastic Challenge, an environmental protection campaign. This action is part of their ESG management, which aims to protect the environment and contribute to a sustainable society.


In an effort to realize a healthy lifestyle and environmental protection at the same time, their research and activities are moving toward enhancing various social values related to wellness.





**Innovative advancement of wellness and digital healthcare technologies***.


At 'Bioplus-Interpex Korea 2024', the largest bio industry convention in Korea, contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) companies showcased their innovations centered on digital healthcare technologies. Samsung Biologics had a booth focused on CDO technology, introducing its differentiated contract development services and expanded portfolio of ADC-mRNAs. Lonza showed its strength in various modalities of CDO and strengthened networking with domestic and foreign biotech companies.


In the field of digital healthcare, Dot attracted attention by showcasing innovative technology products for the visually impaired, while MediAioti and Smartus Korea also presented solutions for current and future health. BIX 2024 provided an opportunity to experience the latest trends and technological advancements in the bio industry in one place.





**French premium tea house for wellness, Cusmiti Apgujeong, opens its first store in Korea


Kusmiti, a premium tea house with a long tradition in France, has opened its only offline store in Korea, Kusmiti Apgujeong. With a yellow exterior and a unique atmosphere inspired by 'Exquisite Addict', Cusmiti Apgujeong will offer special promotions with various benefits every month.


Kusmiti's signature magnum tin case and nature-inspired murals will provide a unique tea experience alongside the unique recipes. Customers will also be able to enjoy a variety of flavors from our 'Kusumi cans' and 'Puree' lines. In-store events offer the chance to win a Kusumi Raffle and experience the Kusumi×Meguzegawa Anastasia Sand Cookie when participating in social events.


Kusumiti Apgujeong branch will provide a fun wellness experience with premium teas and plans to provide differentiated services to customers through the best teas.





**Samsung Electronics launches Galaxy Ring, a pioneer of innovation in the wellness industry


Samsung Electronics introduced a new wearable device, the Galaxy Ring, at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event in Paris, France. The Galaxy Ring is a ring-shaped healthcare device that is characterized by its ultra-light weight and all-day wearability. The device provides health management functions such as sleep, blood sugar, heart rate, and more, and has the potential to go beyond traditional smartwatches.


With the Galaxy Ring, Samsung aims to provide users with a better wellness experience, especially with enhanced features focused on health tracking and management. The launch of the Galaxy Ring heralds a revolutionary change in the wearable device market, reflecting technological advancements in healthtech and consumers' growing interest in healthcare.


The Galaxy Ring competes with traditional smartwatches and is expected to open up new markets with its unique design and user experience. Competition from companies like Aura is expected to further expand the diversity and growth potential of the wearable device market.


Samsung's launch of the Galaxy Ring is expected to lead a new trend in the healthcare market through the convergence of wellness and technology.





The secret to Wishcompany's growth: building a global fan base with 'wellness'


Wishcompany is a company that has successfully built a global fan base through beauty and wellness content, and the secret to their success is active communication through various social media channels and product development and marketing strategies tailored to local markets. CEO Park Sung-ho explained that the company is attracting overseas fans through English-language content and is expanding into the wellness sector with MindNook. The Wish Company is increasing its competitiveness in the beauty and wellness market through strengthening its organizational strength and localization strategy, and is responding quickly to market changes through continuous trend analysis and communication with consumers.