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| July 19th, 2024 Korea Wellness News |
Suncheon Tourism Revitalization Forum with Wellness to Find Solutions to Local Disappearance
Suncheon City (Mayor Noh Kwan-kyu) announced that it will hold the first Suncheon Tourism Revitalization Forum, "Keeping Local, Suncheon," on July 24 at the Garden Work Center. The forum is organized by Sunhyang Net, and Professor Son Min-young of Cheongam University's Department of Wellness, Culture, Tourism & Food will deliver a keynote presentation on the topic of 'The Present and Future of Suncheon Tourism'.
Sunhyang Net is composed of experts in tourism and related fields in the region, and the forum will examine the current status and future of tourism in Suncheon, as well as a panel discussion with local content experts. The main goal of the forum is to explore the future of sustainable tourism in Suncheon through win-win cooperation with the local community.
An exhibition space will be set up at the venue to introduce local businesses that are unique to Suncheon, and a networking session will be held after the forum. Those interested in attending must apply in advance via Google Form, and space is limited.
"Through this forum, we hope to find solutions to the problem of localization through local content related to tourism and wellness, and to ensure that the solutions identified can be implemented in practice," said a city official.
Wellness and youth policy: Finding Solutions to Ulsan's Youth U-turn
In order to address the reality that Ulsan's youth are leaving the city for other areas, the city has put in place various youth support policies. Wellness policies can play an important role in addressing Ulsan's youth brain drain.
Of Ulsan's 1.1 million residents, 280,000, or 25%, are young adults between the ages of 19 and 39. Of these, 16,484 have left the city in the last three years, accounting for 56% of the total outflow. The reasons why young people want to return to Ulsan include a lack of diverse cultural spaces, public transportation, and limited job opportunities.
Ryu Ho-jung (29), a freelancer working on environmental issues, expressed his expectations for Ulsan's environmentally friendly image, but lamented the lack of cultural spaces and inconvenient public transportation. He emphasized the need for spaces where young people can communicate and called for various youth policies and the promotion of an environmentally friendly image.
Jang Hyun, 31, founded Ulsan's first youth media cooperative with dreams of becoming a broadcast PD, but pointed out the lack of media-related infrastructure and support for freelancers in Ulsan. He emphasized the need to create jobs in the IT and media sectors, as well as improve the system for young people, and called for creating an environment that encourages young people to stay in Ulsan.
The city of Ulsan needs to address the youth brain drain and improve the city's image by providing a variety of jobs and cultural spaces that young people prefer through policies related to wellness. Attracting young people back to Ulsan requires more than just policies.
Wellness and Extreme Festival: Summer Vacation in Hapcheon
The Hapcheon Vacation Festival, taking place from July 2 to 6 in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongnam, will feature a variety of programs under the theme of 'Extreme & Water Vacation' this year. The 29-year-old summer festival was selected as the '2023 Gyeongnam Culture & Tourism Festival of Excellence' and offers a wealth of attractions and experiences.
After the opening ceremony and celebratory performances on the first day of the festival, the King of the Hapcheon, an extreme obstacle race, will be held on the Hwanggang Riverbank from the 3rd to the 4th, where participants will challenge various obstacles such as wall jumps in the water and tightrope walking. Hong Bum-seok, a cast member of Netflix's "Physical 100" season 2, will also be participating, and you can sign up for the event on the festival's official website.
There will also be a 'Water Gun Battle' and 'EDM Water Night Performance' to cool off during the festival. The water gun battle will be held twice a day at Daeyaseong Park, while the EDM water night performance will heat up the summer nights with music from DJs.
There is also a free children's water pool for families, and various experience programs and balloon shows will entertain children. At the auto camping site in Jeongyang Leisure Park, you can enjoy camping while enjoying the night view of the Hwanggang River and the park.
In addition to the festival, Hapcheon-gun boasts a variety of tourist attractions. Jeongyang Swamp Ecological Park, Gyeongnam Safety Experience Center, Hapcheon Video Theme Park, and the set of the Blue House are some of the places where you can enjoy education and sightseeing at the same time. Paragliding at Daesam Mountain and Airland Hapcheon Aviation School are also recommended, and as a wellness tourism city, Hapcheon can enjoy natural scenery throughout the year.
"Hapcheon is a wellness tourism city that boasts history and nature," said Kim Yun-cheol, the mayor of Hapcheon-gun, encouraging visitors to visit the festival for special memories.
Wellness and summer water fun: where to beat the heat in Daegu
Daegu is nicknamed "Africa" because of the extreme heat in the middle of summer, but there are many wellness and water tourism spots where you can enjoy a cool summer. Bongmu Park in Dong-gu, Daegu is a family-friendly complex located at the foot of Palgongsan Mountain, with water sports and a water park. At the water sports facility in Bongmu Park, water skiing and wakeboarding lessons are offered, and equipment rental services are also available.
In addition, Spa Valley, located in Coldcheon-ri, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, combines a water park with a hot spring sauna, allowing visitors to enjoy both water play and relaxation. Spa Valley has been recognized as an 'Excellent Wellness Tourism Destination' and also has an ecological zoo and eco-friendly accommodations.
During the summer season, eWorld operates Tropical Aqua World, where you can enjoy water play and amusement facilities at the Aqua Village. The 83 Tower offers night views of Daegu, making it the perfect summer destination.
The recently opened Sincheon Water Playground features an artificial wave pool and various pools, and can accommodate up to 1,800 people per day. There are also water playgrounds at Hyeonhyeon Park in Seo-gu and various neighborhood parks in Buk-gu, and a water festival with a visiting concert is scheduled for Hamji Park.
The water playgrounds in Daegu provide a cool summer for Daegu residents and tourists during the summer, and are attracting attention as a tourist destination that can effectively overcome the heat wave through wellness and water play.
Breaking down the boundaries between wellness and medical devices: The future of smartwatches
Smartwatches are expected to evolve beyond just wellness devices to become medical devices. Currently, most smartwatches are focused on wellness functions such as sleep and stress index measurement, but in the future, they will be equipped with medical functions such as blood pressure and blood sugar measurement. This represents an expansion beyond the wellness device market into the medical device market, and is driven by the difference in size of these markets. According to market research firms, the wellness smart ring market is expected to be worth about 2 trillion won in 2032, but the blood pressure monitoring device market is expected to reach 5.6 trillion won in 2033.
Samsung's Galaxy Ring currently only measures heart rate and respiration rate during sleep, but it is likely that blood pressure measurement will be added in the future. Samsung has already received approval from the KFDA for blood pressure measurement through the Galaxy Watch 7, so it shouldn't be too difficult to apply the same technology to the Smart Ring.
OURA, a global leader in smartwatches, is also looking to expand from wellness to medical devices. China's Xiaomi and Apple are also planning to enter the smart ring market, and it is being closely watched whether they will include medical functions. Korean SME Sky Labs took its first step into the medical device market with a smartring called 'Kart Biffy', which was approved as a medical device by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The company plans to expand to the U.S. and European markets in the future.
Da Vinci Health is also planning to launch a wellness-based smartring with sleep tracking, heart rate, and oxygen saturation measurement, and plans to add blood pressure measurement to its product lineup in the future. The company is backed by researchers from Siemens Medical and Samsung Medicine to accelerate its push into the medical device market.
Smartring's advancements are expected to blur the lines between wellness and medical devices, leading to future innovations in healthcare.
Wellness and MDRT: AIA Group is the #1 Global Life Insurer for 10th Consecutive Year
For the 10th consecutive year, AIA Group leads the industry with the most Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) members of any global multinational life insurer. The MDRT is an organization of the life insurance industry's highest earning producers, financial professionals who have earned $128,000 in fees and premiums. AIA Group has the largest number of MDRT members globally through AIA Life in Korea and key local subsidiaries in China, Thailand and Hong Kong.
AIA Group provides wellness-focused financial services aimed at improving clients' health and long-term quality of life. In particular, AIA Group operates the Next Generation MDRT Program (NGMP), an agent development program that augments the agency's face-to-face channel to help new agents settle in early and grow their income. The NGMP consists of three phases: learning insurance basics, comparing product offerings, and managing activity.
Jackie Chan, Regional General Manager and Head of Sales, AIA Group, said MDRT's expertise and dedication has contributed to strengthening AIA Group's global leadership, and AIA is committed to developing its workforce with the best training support. Mr. Li Yuan Xiong, CEO of AIA Group, emphasized that AIA is building an agency model of differentiated quality as an industry leader, and praised AIA's agencies for making a positive difference in maintaining trust with clients.
In the domestic insurance market, AIA Life focuses on face-to-face sales through various channel strategies, including face-to-face, telemarketing, and bancassurance, as well as AIA Vitality, a wellness app, and AIA Premier Partners, which offers customized insurance portfolios. This has positioned AIA Group as a global leader in wellness and financial services.
Wellness and hanok experiences: Grinnier launches summer premium programs in Seoul and Busan
Korean nature healing experience and travel information provider, Greenier, is launching new premium wellness experiences in Seoul and Busan for the summer season. Following the spring season, Greenier will continue to offer a variety of programs in hanok spaces that immerse guests in traditional Korean culture.
In Seoul, the programs will be held at two locations, 'Waaok' and 'Muwolgwan' in Bukchon Hanok Village. Waaok is a 100-year-old hanok that offers folk painting sessions using summer fruits and traditional soju tastings. Muwolgwan was a venue for royal events during the Joseon Dynasty, and you can enjoy a gayageum concert on a summer night in a modernized hanok.
In Busan, 'Wolyeonjae' near Guseo Station in Geumjeong-gu is utilized as an experience space. Wolyeonjae is a space built in the traditional hanok style and hosts wellness programs such as lotus tea ceremonies, traditional carbonated rice wine making, and hanok classical concerts. It is used as a manners education center on weekdays and as a wellness life space on weekends.
"Our healing programs reflect the local characteristics of Korea to provide an attractive experience for not only Koreans but also foreigners," said Kim Chae-gyeom, CEO of Greenier. He added that the company is also planning to offer additional services for foreigners during the summer season.
This summer's premium experience course will offer guests the opportunity to experience traditional Korean culture and enjoy wellness and healing at the same time.
Wellness and K-MEDI Traditional Medicine: Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do accelerates traditional medicine silk road project
Gyeongsangbuk-do, in collaboration with Yeongdeok-gun, is accelerating the K-MEDI Traditional Medicine Silk Road Project. The project aims to create a new growth engine for the region by converging bio, beauty, and medical devices centered on traditional Korean medicine.
On the 19th, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office signed a business agreement with four organizations: Gyeongbuk Provincial Office, Daegu Gyeongbuk Regional Small and Medium Venture Business Agency, Daegu Hankuk University, and iM Bank for the 'K-MEDI Traditional Medicine Silk Road Project SME Support Cooperation'. The main contents of the agreement include supporting and fostering SMEs, organizing a council, establishing a support space, and providing financial consulting and credit support.
The agreement is a follow-up to the visit to Mongolia in February and aims to expand cooperation and market expansion in Central Asia. Through the project, Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to establish a support system for global expansion and overseas commercialization.
"The project will promote the wellness tourism industry in Yeongdeok and attract population influx," said Kim Kwang-yeol, Yeongdeok's county governor, emphasizing that he hopes to usher in the era of 15 million annual tourists. Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo said, "The globalization and industrialization of traditional medicine will contribute to job creation and revitalization of the local economy."
Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Daegu Gyeongbuk Regional SME Agency Director Lee Eun-cheong, Daegu Gyeongbuk Regional SME Agency President Byun Chang-hoon, Daegu Hankuk University President Byun Chang-hoon, and iM Bank Vice President Park Dong-hee attended the signing ceremony.
Wellness and bowel health: Why regular bowel movements can prevent organ damage
A new study shows that bowel health is closely linked to our overall well-being. A team of researchers from the Institute for Systems Biology (IBS) in Seattle, USA, analyzed data from 1,425 healthy adults and found that abnormal bowel frequency was associated with organ damage. The study was published in the international journal Cell Reports Medicine.
According to the study, abnormal bowel frequency, such as constipation or diarrhea, can cause the body to produce harmful toxins, which can lead to organ deterioration. People with constipation had high levels of kidney-damaging p-cresol sulfate and indoxyl sulfate in their blood, with concentrations three times higher than those who had regular bowel movements. The constipation group also had a 65.9% decrease in gut microbial diversity.
On the other hand, people with diarrhea had higher concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids and homocysteine, which are associated with liver damage. This suggests that diarrhea is closely linked to poor liver function.
The study shows that bowel frequency affects the gut microbiome and blood toxin concentrations, and is associated with organ damage, such as decreased kidney function. The researchers emphasize that bowel abnormalities, such as constipation and diarrhea, can be an important cause of chronic disease, and call for lifestyle interventions to prevent them. This is an important finding that reminds us that regular bowel movements are essential for maintaining good health and wellness.
Gyeonggi-do Rep. Oh Seok-kyu emphasizes support for creating a wellness tourism destination in Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do Representative Oh Seok-kyu of Uijeongbu 4 district in Gyeonggi-do, Gyeonggi-do, received a plaque of merit for his contributions to solving local issues and discovering people's problems in 31 cities and counties in the province. Rep. Oh received the award at the reception room of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Speaker on the 16th.
Rep. Oh said he has been working for two years to reflect local issues and citizens' opinions into policies and produce tangible results. "I have contributed to discovering policies to solve local issues in Uijeongbu City and creating practical results," he said, "and I am further developing local policies based on this experience."
He held a total of 88 meetings with the provincial and district education departments, cities, counties, and public organizations with the Legislative Policy Advisory Team to identify 4,101 local issues and derive 681 priority policies. In particular, Oh emphasized the need for Uijeongbu City to actively support the project to create the largest healing and wellness tourist destination in northern Gyeonggi Province.
Rep. Oh's efforts are making a significant contribution to regional development through various policy support, including the creation of wellness tourist destinations in local communities, which is expected to have a positive impact on other regions in Gyeonggi-do.
Wellness meets nature, introducing a global luxury resort
The ancient city of AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia is renowned for its imposing sandstone canyons and lush oasis valleys. Here, Our Habitas AlUla is a resort that offers a luxurious wellness experience in the desert. Located in a sandstone canyon and ancient oasis, the resort offers a variety of room options, including Celestial Villas, Alcove Villas, and Canyon Villas, and the pool in the middle of the desert is a magical experience for travelers. For more information, visit [website](http://www.ourhabitas.com/alula).
Our Habitas Ras Abrouq, on Qatar's western peninsula, is a private resort overlooking the Arabian Gulf coast, where guests can enjoy the tranquility of the desert and the sea. The 41 villas come with private pools and outdoor decks, and the iconic infinity pool offers sunset and water peace. For more information, visit [website](http://www.ourhabitas.com/ras-abrouq).
Six Senses Kyoto, located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, offers wellness programs that utilize traditional Japanese aesthetics and natural materials. In particular, the aquatic healing program "Watsu" offers a unique experience of finding inner peace through stretching and massage on the water. For more information, visit [website](http://www.sixsenses.com).
The Peninsula London, located in Belgravia, London, has opened a new spa and wellness center with an emphasis on luxury and wellness. The indoor pool is designed to mimic natural light and create a pleasant atmosphere, while being underground, and is decorated with mosaic tiles that resemble leaves reflected in the glass windows. For more information, please visit [website](http://www.peninsula.com).
Mona Yongpyong launches 'Yongpyong Valley', where wellness and K-brand meet
Mona Yongpyong has launched its K-wellness food brand 'Yongpyong Valley' to become a leader in the new wellness market. On July 19, Mona Yongpyong CEO Shin Dal-soon and local dignitaries attended the launch ceremony in Pyeongchang-gun. Ms. Shin announced the vision and goals of Yongpyong Valley, revealing various plans to provide a healthy lifestyle and happiness.
Yongpyong Valley plans to expand its business beyond the food business to non-food products and introduce Hallyu products to the world through overseas expansion. The company has been expanding its business by developing healthy foods without artificial chemical additives by utilizing natural sweeteners such as Balwangsan hydrangea tea and xylitol. Yongpyong Valley plans to establish itself as a leading brand targeting the wellness market with healthy and eco-friendly foods that utilize natural ingredients.
In particular, Hallyu actress Lee Young-ae has joined the project as an investor, which is expected to increase brand awareness and contribute to expanding overseas markets. Products scheduled to be released this year include Spicy Hwangtae Ramyun, Balwangsan Hydrangea Tea Ulgum Instant Rice, and Gifumun Organic Balwangsan Hydrangea Tea RTD Drink, with Hwangtae Ramyun attracting attention as a new product targeting the global popularity of K-ramyun and the wellness market.
The company is conducting innovative research and development in collaboration with various research institutions, including Seoul National University, Kookmin University, Sun Moon University, and Kyungnam Pharmaceutical, and will establish the Balwangsan Food Research Center to provide a platform for customer experience and communication. "We will grow into a global wellness company by providing a healthy and wellness life," said Shin Dalsun.
As part of its ESG management, Yongpyong Valley works with the local community to pursue local economic development and win-win, and aims to achieve sustainable development through various social contribution projects such as supporting pediatric patients, supporting local small businesses, and environmental protection activities.
Wellness and nature in harmony, the charm of Geochang Hangnohwa Healing Land
Geochang Hangnohwa Healing Land, located at the foot of Udusan Sangsangbong in Gajo-myeon, Geochang-gun, known as the 'Little Geumseong Mountain', has been designated as an excellent wellness tourism destination by the Korea Tourism Organization twice since its opening in November 2021, and serves as a protector of 'Geochang Forest Tourism'.
It is famous for the 'Geochang Y-shaped Chulung Bridge', the only mountain footbridge in Korea located at 620 meters above sea level, and the 'forest path' full of phytoncides. In particular, the Y-shaped Chulung Bridge is 60 meters high and has a total length of 109 meters, and is attracting attention as a spot where you can relieve stress just by walking. In addition, the anti-aging Healing Land is an optimal natural vacation spot, offering a spectacular view of the 1046-meter-high Wudusan Mountain and its strange rock peaks, as well as Sangsangbong and Bikgyesan.
The Barrier-Free Deck Road utilizes the forest environment to provide a safe and comfortable walking path for anyone who wants to walk and experience the area. In addition, a native botanical garden set against the backdrop of a rock waterfall showcases rare plants, and a forest recreation center and accommodation are available to maximize healing in nature.
This year, the 'Infant Forest Experience Center Project', which is scheduled to be approved by the Korea Forest Service, will be implemented, and the 'Forest Netting Experience Center', 'Outdoor Experience Learning Center', and 'Performance Center' will be built to provide opportunities for children to experience and learn about various functions of the forest. In addition, the project to create the 'Anti-Aging Healing Land Zando Trail' is underway as a new tourist item linked to the Y-shaped suspension bridge, and the 'Landscape Observatory,' 'Bedrock Exploration Trail,' and 'Skywalk' have been designed and will be completed by the end of next year.
Geochang Hang Aging Healing Land provides healing and healing in harmony with nature and wellness, further strengthening its appeal as a wellness tourist destination.
Wellness and vacation, special hotel packages to suit your taste
Vacations are no longer just about staying overnight, but also about creating a unique experience that is tailored to your preferences. Hotels are now offering a variety of wellness and exotic packages to create a new vacation culture.
**K-Pop Dance Classes: A Vacation with a Difference
Mayfield Hotel Seoul has launched a "Dance, Ready, Action" package that reflects the K-pop craze. The package includes dance classes and a short-form shoot in collaboration with Two Rabbit Dance Studio, and includes a one-night stay in a room and complimentary access to the gym and panoramic green-view pool. Guests will also receive a set of two GBH hand creams and a children's rashguard, as well as a discount for new enrollment at Two Rabbit Dance Studio.
**Shooting Stars and Unlimited Draft Beer Package
For one day only, on August 12, W Hotel Jeju will offer the "Shooting Star Package" where guests can enjoy both the shooting star and unlimited draft beer. The package includes a one-night stay in a room, breakfast buffet for two, a dela bar promotion with unlimited draft beer, and access to one of four wellness programs. The shooting star space show runs from 10 p.m. to midnight, weather permitting.
**Dedicated wellness rooms in the city center
LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL will introduce wellness-only rooms with the "Wellness Retreats: Sleepful Night" package. The package includes a one-night stay in a room equipped with a Kanuda Motion Bed, Coway Massage Chair Pebble Chair, Sleepwave Company's Mental Health Device, Coway Air Purifier, KRW 120,000 in F&B credit vouchers, Korean herbal tea for two, turndown service, and late checkout. Guests will also receive two Crown Goose sleep masks, two Bi-Ryongso picture books, and a limited edition THOME kit.
In this way, the hotel offers a variety of packages that reflect wellness and taste to create a special experience at the hotel.
Wellness and smart home, Hyundai E&C's innovative residential environment
As a result of Hyundai E&C's efforts to provide differentiated residential environments, the company was recently ranked first in the Premium Brand Index (KS-PBI) evaluation organized by the Korean Standards Association in the categories of 'high-end residential', 'apartment', and 'smart home service'.
**D.H. and Wellness Living Environment
Hyundai E&C's 'THE H' brand was ranked No. 1 in the newly established 'High-End Residential' category this year. The H brand combines the words "THE," which means "one" and "only," with Hyundai, "high-end," and "high society," and has been meticulously improving and investing in quality to increase the value of residential spaces.
**Hillstate's Innovative Residential Solutions
Since its launch in 2006, Hillstate has been setting new standards for residential spaces under the brand philosophy of 'lifestyle leader'. Recently, it has strengthened its brand value by implementing 'H Silent Home', a technology that reduces noise between floors, and 'Voice Home' apartments based on artificial intelligence (AI).
**Innovation in Smart Home by Hioti
The smart home system 'Hioti' is an Internet of Things (IoT) system introduced by Hyundai E&C for the first time in Korea, which allows devices and home appliances in the house to be connected and managed. The system can even control elevators and common entrance doors, and Voice Home provides a more convenient living environment for residents through voice recognition.
**Future Wellness Residential Model
Hyundai E&C is also accelerating the development of solutions in the health living, wellness, and medical fields. Through future residential models such as the 'All Life Care House', we are introducing advanced technologies to manage residents' health and overall life, and striving to provide a comfortable life on a different level.
This innovative approach shows that Hyundai E&C is leading a new residential environment by combining wellness and smart home.
Wellness and Brain Utilization: College of Brain Education Summer Relay Free Lecture
Global Cyber University's College of Brain Education has organized a relay of free lectures on 'Brain Utilization' during the summer vacation. The first lecture, titled 'Developing Human Inherent Capabilities in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence,' was held on July 10, and more than 700 people attended, showing high interest. The summer lecture series will be held every Thursday evening at 8 p.m. until August 15, with a total of six lectures.
With the increasing interest in the brain in modern society, the wellness, mind-body training, and neurocounseling industries are booming. As a result, the College of Brain Education is attracting attention as the only degree system with expertise in brain utilization and brain training. "It is time for social interest in the brain to go beyond mere knowledge and make practical changes," said Dr. Jang Rae-hyuk, chair of the Department of Brain Education.
The lectures will be held on various topics, including 'Brain Training Lifestyle,' 'Positive Relationship and Communication Skills,' 'Brain Aroma,' 'Neurological Improvement Methods for Literacy,' and 'Creativity Training. Each lecture covers practical methods and techniques for utilizing the brain, and aims to provide practical wellness benefits to participants.
Global Cyber University's College of Brain Education was upgraded to a college last year, and has three departments, including the Department of Brain Education, the Department of Brain Training, and the Dementia Specialized Care Major, as well as a new multiple-degree system. The college trains professionals who have acquired specialized knowledge and systematic training methods in the field of brain utilization, including infant brain development, child and adolescent brain training, adult competency development, and dementia prevention training for the middle-aged and elderly.
In addition, the College of Brain Education includes the Brain Trainer Examination, a nationally recognized qualification in the field of brain training authorized by the Ministry of Education, in its regular curriculum, and also offers a national certification course for nursery school teachers. Applications for the summer special course are available through the university and department websites, and the second round of recruitment for the 2024 academic year will begin on July 20th.