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| August 13th, 2024 Korea Wellness News |
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the exciting developments in Korea Wellness as of August 13th, 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.
**Hyundai E&C unveils 'H Transforming Wall & Furniture III', an innovation in wellness and futuristic living spaces**.
Hyundai E&C has unveiled its new residential model 'H Transforming Wall & Furniture III'. The innovative system maximises the multifunctionality of living spaces and provides a home that is optimised for today's wellness lifestyle.
H Transforming Wall & Furniture III features a movable wall in the living room, allowing for a variety of space utilisation. The wall flex can be moved at the touch of a button, and the motorised desk and queen-size bed can be adjusted by remote control to convert into a home office and guest room. When not in use, the furniture folds down to create a spacious living area.
The system consists of a large storage cabinet, a motorised bed, and a desk, with space to store a variety of items and a luxurious glass cabinet. The curved design of the walls emphasises aesthetics, while the design withstands heavy loads and the sensor function ensures stability.
Through these innovative technologies, Hyundai E&C is showcasing a future residential model that improves the efficiency of living spaces and responds to changing lifestyles. 'H Transforming Wall & Furniture III' can be viewed at Hillstate Lake Songdo 5th model home and Hills Casting YouTube channel.
**Philize Launches SugarCare 1:1 Solution, a Personalised Blood Glucose Management Report for Improved Wellbeing
Philize has opened a new chapter in wellness management. Today, the company unveiled the SugarCare 1:1 Solution Report, a personalised blood sugar management report. The report is available to users of the company's SugarCare blood sugar management programme.
The 1:1 Solution Report includes sophisticated analyses based on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and user input. Kim A-Young, Wellness Master at Pillize, explained that the instantaneous changes in real-time blood glucose data allow Pillize to provide more precise solutions than traditional calorie and nutrient-based consulting.
The report includes ▲ changes in blood glucose indicators ▲ comparison with other users ▲ diet analysis ▲ personalised diet planning, and provides personalised health solutions tailored to users' health goals and personal conditions. This allows users to optimise their diet and health regimen and receive comprehensive guidance tailored to their health conditions.
Philize believes that the report will provide a new direction for health consulting through real-time glucose data analysis. Users repeatedly check the report an average of 4.52 times, with a purchase rate of over 50% and a satisfaction rating of 4.78 out of 5.
Shin Shin-sik, CEO of Pillize, said the company will continue to strive to provide users with optimal healthcare solutions through the enhancement of AI-based hyper-personalised services.
**"Wellness meets K-Culture, fulfilling the things you want to do in Korea"... 20,000 foreign tourists invited to participate**.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization announced that they will host a "Korea Bucket List" event for 20,000 foreign tourists from 1 September to 10 November. The programme aims to provide foreign visitors to Korea with the opportunity to experience 'K-Culture' in celebration of the 'Year of Visit Korea 2024' and help them remember Korea's charms in a more special way.
The event will be held four times in total, and tourists who wish to participate can apply by selecting their favourite 36 perks from a dedicated nuri house. The 20,000 people selected through a lottery will be given the opportunity to experience a variety of Korean cultural experiences.
Notably, the programme also includes wellness-related programmes. A stay at a wellness resort will be offered, giving tourists a chance to experience Korea's wellness culture. Other activities include "K-Dance" at a famous dance team's studio, K-pop song recording, traditional market and Korean food classes, temple stay, and Idol hair and make-up experience.
In collaboration with Korea Airports Corporation, 100 round-trip domestic airline tickets to explore various destinations outside of Seoul will also be given away. Winners will be able to fly from Gimpo Airport and travel via regional airports such as Yeosu, Pohang Gyeongju, and Jeju.
In addition, various other benefits such as hanbok experience vouchers, amusement park passes, Han River Park picnic rental vouchers, transportation cards engraved with Cha Eun-woo, and convenience store vouchers will be provided at all times.
A policy official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said, "We hope that through this event, foreign tourists will be able to remember Korea in a special way through various K-culture and wellness experiences." "We will continue to promote the charm of Korean tourism through various events using K-culture," he added.
**JLL, "Wellness and ESG Trends Make Asia Pacific Attractive for Hotel Investment in Japan and Elsewhere in the Year Ahead"** **JLL, "Wellness and ESG Trends Are on the Rise
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) has issued a positive outlook for hotel investment opportunities in Asia Pacific over the next year. According to the report, the region's hotel markets, including Japan, are highly attractive, reflecting wellness and environmental, social and governance (ESG) trends.
In the first half of 2024, $5.7 billion worth of hotel transactions are expected to take place in Asia Pacific, with Japan accounting for 34.5 per cent of the total. Interest in Japanese hotels has exceeded pre-pandemic levels due to a combination of strong tourism infrastructure, a weaker yen, and the resumption of air travel.
"The resumption of air travel and restored seat supply in Asia Pacific is contributing to the tourism recovery, while Japan is recording high hotel values thanks to a low interest rate environment and a weaker yen," said Nihat Erkan, JLL's head of hotels and hospitality for Asia Pacific. He added that ESG factors are becoming an important factor in investment decisions, and hotels that emphasise wellness and sustainability will gain a competitive advantage in the market.
In the first half of this year, hotels in Asia Pacific recorded revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 89 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with some countries easing visa policies to encourage tourism. Large sporting and entertainment events have also significantly boosted tourist arrivals.
South Korea's hotel market also has a positive outlook, with total transaction volume expected to reach around $1.2bn in 2024. "The domestic hotel market is leading the recovery in the Asia Pacific region, with the growth of wellness and Hallyu content driving sales," said Minjoon Kim, Director, JLL Korea.
JLL predicts that investment strategies that reflect ESG factors and wellness trends will continue to be important factors in the hotel market, and hotels that emphasise sustainable investment and customer experience will stand out in the market.
**Busan International Buddhist Expo emerges as a new centre of wellness and meditation culture**.
The Busan International Buddhist Fair 2024 in Busan, South Korea, has come to a successful conclusion. Co-hosted by the Buddhist Newspaper and BBS Buddhist Broadcasting, and sponsored by the Korean Buddhist Order, the Busan Metropolitan Government, and the Busan Buddhist Association, the fair was a great success, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors.
The fair was held from 8 to 11 August at BEXCO Exhibition Center 1, Hall 3B in Busan, and as a follow-up event to the '2024 Seoul International Buddhist Fair' in April, it offered a variety of contents that could be inclusive of the young MZ generation and non-religious people. With 20,000 pre-registrations, 80 per cent of visitors were in their teens to 30s, and 43 per cent were non-religious.
With more than 140 exhibitors and 199 booths related to the traditional Buddhist culture industry, the fair featured a variety of exhibits that reminded visitors of the value of Korean Zen culture and the true meaning of Buddhism. In particular, the wellness programme, 'Special Exhibition' and 'Meditation Experience Zone' centred on meditation content gained high satisfaction, while the 'Monk AI' counselling centre using ChatGPT technology and the 'Preview of the International Meditation Competition for Peace of Mind and Peace of the World' attracted attention.
The stage programmes included performances by BUDDHA TEN SUNIM (BTENS), chanting by Kwanseo Hyunbosal (singer Seo Hyunjin), and a Buddhist EDM DJing party by New Ginsunim (comedian Yoon Sung Ho), and the talks by various monks introducing traditional Buddhist spirituality were also very popular.
The Busan International Buddhist Fair Secretariat said it will continue to make efforts to establish Busan as the centre of Korea's meditation industry. It also called for more interest in the 2024 Korea Buddhist Culture Expo, which will be held at the Daegu EXCO West Building from 5 to 8 September.
**Gyeonggi Tourism Organization attracts 1,000 Chinese incentive tourists to experience Gyeonggi wellness**.
Gyeonggi Tourism Organization (GTO) welcomed more than 1,000 Chinese corporate incentive tourists to Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday. The visit is part of the 17th anniversary celebration of the bio-company Ahn Jeongshim Group, headquartered in Guangdong Province, China, and will be travelling to Gyeonggi from 12th to 14th.
After arriving at Incheon Port, they will stay in Gimpo, Paju, and Anyang, and plan various tourist activities, including visits to kimchi and seaweed experience facilities. On the first day of their visit, the group visited Imjingak Peace Nuri Park in Imjingak, and in the evening, they enjoyed a chimac party and performance event at the Peace Nuri Grand Theatre.
To attract the group, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization held a Gyeonggi tourism briefing session in Shandong Province on 20 June in conjunction with the ferry, and from 26 to 29 June, it held a Gyeonggi tour for major travel agencies in Shandong Province.
"Corporate incentive group tourism has a higher consumption expenditure than general package groups and has a significant impact on the local economy," said Cho Won-yong, president of Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. "We will do our best to attract large incentive tourism groups from overseas companies by actively promoting Gyeonggi's differentiated tourism contents and mass resources, such as the DMZ, Imjingak Peace Nuri, World Heritage Sites, local food, wellness, and unique venues."
**Retail industry to focus on wellness for summer holidays in 'well-cation' trend**
This summer, the retail industry is introducing a variety of products under the theme of "Wellness+Vacation" in line with the "wellness" trend that emphasises physical and mental health. The concept of a wellness holiday is becoming increasingly popular among leisure travellers, who are looking to take care of their bodies and minds at the same time to achieve true relaxation in the midst of their busy lives.
Newkin has launched products to help manage memory, sleep, and stress through Mind 360. Alongside supplements such as Sharp Mind, Night Time and Feel Cam, the brand offers Relaxing Body Cream and Energising Hand and Body Wash to support relaxation in the midst of busy lives.
Lululemon's 'Breathe Through' athletic apparel provides a comfortable fit and freedom of movement during workouts, helping to combine exercise and wellness. Nonfiction's Citrus Body Mist offers a refreshing citrus scent to help combat summer fatigue, while Christian Dior Beauty's La Collaboration Privée Touraine de Jouy Summer Edition enhances relaxation with a fragrance that captures the relaxing sensations of the Mediterranean.
"With the wellness trend, it's important to experience true relaxation this summer with wellness items that nurture your body and mind," said an industry insider.
**Wellness and talent development: Startups are building a workforce of experts**.
Start-ups are accelerating the development of wellness professionals. They're training professionals through tailored training programmes and connecting them with jobs to boost the job market.
JINAM, a lifestyle and wellness company, is creating healthcare consultants for active seniors, who provide total care for seniors' lifestyles, including stress management and nutritional diet design, while also contributing to the creation of jobs for middle-aged people. Jinan is working with the Gangseo 50 Plus Centre in Seoul to support education and job creation, and will provide professional consulting services in preparation for the launch of its healthcare app.
Caregiving service startup Caring provides support for caregivers from training to job placement. It is also fostering foreign and domestic workers and providing various welfare benefits after employment. Caring plans to work with SDAMC and TWG Group to recruit foreign care professionals.
Childcare startup Comfortable World trains prospective and novice childcare workers through 'Momsitter Sitting Education'. The course can be taken anytime and anywhere through online lectures, and after the training, a certificate and certification badge are provided to provide practical caring opportunities.
Cleaning Institute, a home cleaning service platform, trains cleaning managers to become professionals and has recently graduated about 140,000 cleaning managers. It provides a systematic training process including training on how to use cleaning tools, identity verification, and personality interviews to raise the level of cleaning services.
Startups are making social contributions by training professionals and creating jobs in various fields related to wellness.
**Wellness and marine healing: Seungwoo Travel, marine wellness trip in Wando
Seungwoo Travel Agency's 'Ocean Healing Trip, Wando, 2 Days 1 Night' was selected for the 2024 Outstanding Marine Competition. It is a two-day, one-night stay trip that focuses on marine wellness tourism and offers various wellness experiences using the sea.
On the first day of the trip, you can enjoy trekking on the Geumdangdo Red Wall Cheongpung Trail and take a cruise to see the Geumdang 8 scenic rock formations and Jusangjuri. On the second day, they will visit Wando Marine Healing Centre to experience marine wellness programmes such as barefoot walking and Nordic walking at Myeongsimni Beach, and heal their bodies and minds with seawater mist, meditation pools, and algae foam therapy.
The package is being offered at a discount of KRW 100,000 per person through the contest subsidy, and will open for secondary booking on 19 August. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, and include all necessary expenses such as KTX transfer, private car, cruise ship, and accommodation.
Seungwoo Travel's Wando marine healing trip has been recognised by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Korea Maritime Foundation in the Outstanding Marine Competition, and is recommended for travellers seeking marine wellness tourism. Reservations and inquiries can be made on the Seungwoo Travel Agency website or by phone.
**Wellness and Island Experience: Yeosu to Open 'Island Learning School' in the Second Half of 2024
Yeosu City announced today that it will launch the 'Island Learning School' in the second half of 2024, in line with the wellness era. The programme is a field trip-type experience on a small island in Yeosu that aims to improve physical and mental well-being.
The 'Island Learning School' will be held from September to October and will visit five islands, including Gae-do, Daedurado, Sado, Gwanggan-do, and Yeoju-do. Participants will learn about the unique culture and history of each island, and will be provided with in-depth knowledge and experience through hands-on activities that reflect the island's characteristics. This year's course will be taught by island travel experts, making it more professional and lively.
Participant recruitment will take place from 19 to 29 August, and 125 participants (25 per session) will be recruited on a first-come, first-served basis through Yeosu's OK Integrated Reservation System. Yeosu City expects the programme to serve as an opportunity to revisit the value and importance of the island, and plans to expand island experience activities ahead of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.
The 'Island Learning School' held in the first half of this year was a great success with 108 citizens participating, and next year, the city will introduce a new programme, the 'Island Wellness Academy'.
**Wellness and medical tourism: Countries are stepping up their efforts to attract international patients after COVID-19**.
The business of attracting international patients has been revitalised after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Health Industry Brief No. 397 of the Korea Healthcare Industry Promotion Agency, the number of global medical tourists is expected to decrease from 23 million in 2019 to 14 million in 2020 and increase to about 44 million in 2025. As a result, countries that are actively seeking to attract foreign patients are becoming more prominent.
Malaysia has one of the largest medical tourism budgets in the world, investing about $4.256 million last year. The Malaysian Medical Tourism Board offers a 'one-stop service', providing comprehensive support not only for medical treatment, but also at the airport, including welcome, interpretation, visa extension, accommodation and sightseeing.
Spain is an expanding medical tourism market among European countries, attracting 51,631 foreign patients in 2021, thanks to its cost-effective medical procedures and specialised medical staff. Its abundant tourism resources and proximity to neighbouring countries are also a big plus.
The United Arab Emirates is emerging as the largest medical tourism destination in the Middle East, with 218 certified medical facilities offering state-of-the-art services. Dubai is particularly popular for dermatology, dentistry, and gynaecology, and Dubai Healthcare City is being touted as the world's first health and wellness-focused free zone.
India has been promoting medical tourism through its 'Heal in India' initiative, and is recognised for its advanced medical technology and affordable healthcare costs. Cardiovascular surgery, cancer treatment, and intestinal transplants are 65-90 per cent cheaper than in the US and Europe.
In 2022, Turkiye attracted 1,258,382 foreign patients, with healthcare costs half that of the UK. Favourite specialties include gynaecology, internal medicine, and ophthalmology, and medical staff are formally trained in the West.
As such, countries are using a strategy that combines wellness and medical tourism to attract foreign patients and offer a wide range of medical services.
**Premium tea house 'Chuhoe Daok' with Jeju Wellness, selected as the 2024 Jeju Wellness Tourism Destination**.
Jeju's local premium tea house 'Chuhoe Daok' has been selected as the '2024 Jeju Wellness Tourism Destination'. The certification scheme, which was established by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Jeju Tourism Organization to boost Jeju's wellness tourism industry and provide unique travel experiences, has been held every three years since its inception in 2021. This year, 12 new venues were selected.
Located in Cheoru-dong, a neighbourhood known for its clear water, Cheoru Tea House serves tea and refreshments that utilise Jeju's natural and seasonal ingredients. In particular, tea and tea ceremonies made with seasonal ingredients from Jeju are served in bowls made of Jeju soil, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Jeju's nature.
The main products of Cheoru Daok are the Dajeomcharim (Timakase), Tea Class, and Hansangcharim. The tea class is a programme that explains the characteristics of Jeju's teas, while the tea ceremony offers seasonal teas and refreshments. Hansangcharim is an option to enjoy Jeju teas and tea ceremony together.
The teas used at Hwihoedaok come from the Ecological Tea Forest in Seong-eup-ri, Seogwipo-si, which is grown without pesticides, while the flower teas are made from ingredients grown in an eco-friendly ara flower field in Jeju City. The tea bowls are the work of ceramic artists Kim Sung-sil and Kim Soo-hyun from Onggi Village, Jeju, and are handmade using volcanic Onggi clay.
"With this selection, we will strengthen our overseas promotion and establish ourselves as a must-visit spot for foreign tourists," said a representative from Woori Daok, adding that they plan to grow into a representative wellness brand by utilising Jeju's ingredients and local artisans.
**Summer trip to Gangwon-do with wellness: LEGOLAND and Haiwon Resort
With the heatwave continuing this summer, Gangwon-do is gaining attention as a destination that offers a variety of wellness and fun activities for families. LEGOLAND Korea Resort and Gangwon Land High One Resort are two of the best theme parks and resorts for summer holidays in Gangwon Province.
LEGOLAND Korea Resort is located in Chuncheon, where you can experience a fairytale kingdom made of LEGO blocks. LEGOLAND is hosting the O-Summer Festival at the Treasure Island water park, with wet zones including Pirates Party Plaza and Pirates of the Caribbean Cluster. The LEGOLAND Hotel is offering an 'Unbelievable Pool' package, which includes a one-day pass to Water Maze and LEGOLAND Park, as well as a range of themed rooms and facilities. LEGOLAND offers a variety of attractions that captivate the eyes and mind through photo zones and minilands.
Gangwon Land Hiwon Resort is located in Jeongseon and is known for its casino, but it is also a family-friendly resort. The resort has an outdoor wave pool and indoor pool, and offers a variety of summer events, including laser fireworks shows, waterworld DJ pool parties, and yoga and meditation programmes. Family programmes such as 'Kids Camping' are also available in August, and guests can also experience wellness programmes using the natural beauty of Gangwon-do.
In the future, Gangwon Land aims to leap forward into a complex cultural space through the 'K-HIT Project', and is also pursuing large-scale development plans such as building a new hotel and skybridge. In addition, various wellness and cultural programmes are being offered to provide more fun for families.
**K-Food's Wellness Strategy: LOTTE WELLFOOD continues its global success in the Indian market***.
LOTTE WELLFOOD has been experiencing significant growth in overseas sales and operating profit thanks to its global expansion. Recently, Lotte Well Food has been focusing on the Indian market to strengthen its global presence through wellness and localisation strategies.
In 2022, LOTTE Wellfood merged with Lotte Food and changed its name to LOTTE Wellfood to grow into a comprehensive food company beyond the confectionery business. The company has strengthened its overseas business and recently posted a 5.6 per cent and 37.6 per cent increase in overseas sales and operating profit, respectively. In particular, the company's export sales of Poppyro were approximately KRW 32.5 billion, exceeding domestic sales for the first time.
LOTTE Wellfoods has been aggressively investing in the Indian market and implementing localisation strategies. Since entering the Indian market in 2004, the company has merged Lotte India and Harvemor to form an integrated entity in India, with the goal of achieving KRW 1 trillion in annual sales. The company is planning to build its first overseas production base for Poppyro by investing about KRW 33 billion in the Haryana factory, while the Chennai factory is operating the third line of Choco Pie with an investment of KRW 30 billion.
Lotte Wellfoods has developed a vegetarian version of the chocolate pie using plant-based ingredients to reflect the wellness trend, and has appointed Newzine as an ambassador to strengthen the global marketing of the brand. The brand is being actively promoted through digital outdoor advertisements in New York and Los Angeles, and various day marketing activities in Vietnam and the Philippines.
LOTTE WELLFOOD is expanding its influence in the food industry through the global expansion of K-food, continuing its mythology in the global market based on wellness and localisation strategies.
**Wellness meets food tech: KFTC discusses global K-food innovation**.
The Korea Food Tech Council and the Korea Restaurant Association held the '2024 Food Tech Forum' at Yonsei University on the 13th to discuss the global expansion of 'K-food'. The theme of the forum was "The Present and Future of Foodservice Tech" and discussed strategies to innovate the food service industry by combining wellness and technology.
Ham Sun-ok, president of the Korea Foodservice Association, stressed the importance of introducing technology in the food service industry and said that it is necessary to promote the globalisation of K-food through cooperation between industry, government, academia, and research and develop food service technology into a high value-added industry. He explained that food service technology is applied in various fields such as cooking, systems, and food material management, and that technology can contribute to improving the food service environment and solving labour shortages.
Explaining the concept of smart meals, Lee Ki-won, chairman of the Korea Food Tech Council, said that wellness and efficiency can be improved through personalised diet design, AI-based monitoring, automation through robots and the application of 3D food printing technology. He emphasised that food tech can help solve labour shortages and provide safe and customised meals.
Jang Tae-pyeong, Chairman of the Special Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, said he will support the global expansion of K-food tech, citing AI-based personalised diets, minimising food waste, and standardisation through smart cooking as advantages of food tech.
The forum is expected to bring innovation to the food service industry by combining food service technology and wellness, and is expected to be an important milestone for Korean food service technology to become competitive in the global market.
**Rolling Hills Hotel Launches 'Falling in Rolling Package': An Autumn Getaway with Kids with Wellness
Rolling Hills Hotel has launched the Falling in Rolling package for a special autumn getaway with children, available until 30 November. The package is expected to be popular with families as it offers a range of programmes to support an autumn getaway with children.
The package includes two main options. The first is 'Falling in Wellness', which offers 'Kids Zumba & Yoga Classes' for children. This programme is only available on weekends and is open to children aged 7 to 12 years old. It consists of 30 minutes of Zumba dance and 20 minutes of kids yoga, and takes place every Saturday and Sunday on the outdoor lawn in front of The Kitchen restaurant. Participants need to book a day in advance.
The second is "Fall in Drawing," which provides kits to draw while enjoying an autumn picnic. The drawing kit includes one canvas drawing of the Rolling Hills Promenade, one child-sized paper drawing, a set of acrylic paints, and coloured pencils. An eco-friendly paper table is also provided so you and your child can enjoy a sentimental autumn experience.
The Rolling Hills Hotel's Falling in Rolling Package combines wellness and creativity to offer a unique autumn holiday for the whole family, giving guests the opportunity to spend time with their children in nature and build precious memories.
**Wellness with the Mid-Autumn Festival, special offers at resorts and hotels**.
This year's Chuseok holiday has seen a significant increase in travel interest from families in Korea, as they can enjoy a long holiday of up to nine days with just two days off work. According to Naver Search Trends, Chuseok travel-related searches have increased by 29 per cent compared to last year, while Hotels.com Korea reported a 40 per cent increase in overseas travel searches. In response, the hotel and resort industry is launching a variety of leisure products.
**SONO Hotels & Resorts is introducing 'Sonorous' and VIP membership 'Noblean Black'. These memberships include access to new resorts and various discounts, and extend benefits to resorts that are being completely renovated, including Sol Beach Namhae, which is scheduled to open in summer 2025. In particular, "Noblean Black" is the first in Korea to offer unlimited immediate family members and redeemable membership fees, making it unique.
**HANWHA RESORT Seorak Sorano will be holding a scalp diagnosis campaign to prevent summer hair loss in collaboration with 'Doctor for Hair'. From 14th to 18th August, the campaign will offer free scalp diagnosis and treatment at Seorak Solano and Waterpia to help guests improve their scalp health and prevent summer hair loss.
**Micronesia Resorts is offering special offers for guests booking through its official website at its three hotels on Saipan through its "Mega Early Bird Promotion for Second Half of 2024". The promotion is valid from September to March 2025 and includes additional benefits such as airport pick-up and drop-off service and late check-out.
**Rolling Hills Hotel is offering a Fall in Rolling package for autumn getaways until 30 November, with the Fall in Wellness option including kids' Zumba and yoga classes, and the Fall in Drawing option offering a drawing kit. The packages offer families a unique autumn getaway experience.
**Oreve Resort is a premium resort located in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, and is offering a luxury membership for up to 30 days per year. Oreve Resort offers luxury facilities and artistic and cultural experiences overlooking the Jeju Sea, and provides members with unique holiday opportunities with a range of additional benefits.
Each of these resorts and hotels combine wellness with a variety of benefits to offer travellers a differentiated experience, giving them the opportunity to enjoy an extra special trip this Chuseok holiday.
**Prevention of Social Isolation and Wellness Policies at the Wellness Fair
The Seoul Welfare Foundation's Support Centre for Socially Isolated Households will participate in the 'Wellness Fair' from 13 to 14 August at Seoul Plaza. The Wellness Fair is an event that introduces policies and industries aimed at improving people's physical and mental health and strengthening the social safety net, and is attended by the central government, public institutions, local governments, related associations, and companies.
At the event, the Socially Isolated Household Support Centre will operate an experience space centred on the Smart Safety Check Service to prevent lonely deaths among socially isolated households. The Smart Safety Check Service is a welfare service that uses AI and IoT technology to monitor and analyse power, communication, and illumination data around the clock and check on the safety of people when abnormal signals are detected. This prevents social isolation and provides an opportunity for citizens to experience it firsthand.
The centre also provides a checklist for neighbours to determine whether they are isolated and a self-diagnostic test to check their own level of isolation, and exhibits webtoons, posters, characters, and videos that won the 2024 Social Isolation Character and Content Contest in April. In addition, poems and paintings by healing activists who support socially isolated households will be introduced.
"We will publicise the centre's isolation prevention services so that people who feel socially isolated or their neighbours can easily get help," said Lee Soo-jin, head of the Socially Isolated Household Support Centre.
The wellness fair will introduce social isolation prevention and wellness-related policies and provide citizens with the opportunity to receive practical help.
**WE Hotel Jeju re-certified as a Jeju Wellness Destination for the fourth consecutive year**.
WE Hotel Jeju has been recertified as a Jeju Wellness Tourism Destination for the fourth consecutive year in 2024. Organised by the Jeju Tourism Organization, WE Hotel Jeju received an outstanding rating in the beauty and spa sector, maintaining its reputation as a wellness hotel.
WE Hotel Jeju has been recertified every year since it was first selected as one of the '15 Best Wellness Tourism Destinations in Jeju' in 2020, and has been selected as a business that operates various healing programmes using Jeju's natural resources. The term 'Jeju Wellness Destination' refers to a healing space that combines nature, culture and people, and is divided into four areas: nature and forest healing, healing and meditation, beauty and spa, and wellness community.
The hotel's wellness centre provides hydrotherapy and medical spa programs using natural volcanic bedrock water, and operates differentiated healing programs that link hotel, food and beverage, and medical care. In particular, WE Hotel has been operating its own wellness centre since 2014, and has been gaining popularity for its Jeju-type hydrotherapy programme, 'Haeam Hydro'.
Jeju Island will grant certification to the 12 selected wellness tourism destinations for three years, from 9 August 2024 to 8 August 2027, and provide various support. WE Hotel Jeju also ran a healing stay programme for medical staff and their families during COVID-19, and has continued to run a healing camp programme for stressful jobs after the pandemic ended.
Since its opening in 2014 as Korea's first premium health resort combining a hotel and hospital, WE Hotel Jeju has been offering a range of wellness therapy programmes themed around Jeju's nature and water. It has been listed on the Korea Tourism Organization's 'Top 25 Wellness Tourism Destinations' for more than seven years, making it one of the country's leading wellness destinations.
"In addition to wellness stays that provide true relaxation, WE Hotel also operates systematic and professional health promotion programmes," said a representative from WE Hotel.
**Korea Forest Welfare Promotion Agency offers forest healing experience in the city centre at Wellness Fair
The Korea Forest Service's Korea Forest Welfare Promotion Agency (KFWPA) announced that it will operate an urban forest healing experience booth at the '2024 Wellness Fair' from 13 to 14 August 2024 at Seoul Plaza. The event is organised by Channel A and is designed to discover wellness-related policies and industry contents to respond to health threats such as climate crisis and infectious diseases.
The Promotion Agency will promote the value of forest healing and provide various experience programmes that are easily accessible to citizens. The main experiences include hammock meditation, forest healing using VR, and tea ceremony, allowing people to experience the benefits of forest healing even in urban centres.
"This wellness fair is an important event that provides an opportunity for people to experience forest healing in their daily lives," said Nam Tae-heon, director of the institute, "and we will continue to strive to contribute to the improvement of people's health."
In addition, the Promotion Institute is working with the National Health Insurance Service to promote the Healthy Lifestyle Practice Support Grant Programme to help people practice forest healing in their daily lives, and is operating forest healing programmes for couples who wish to become pregnant and infertile couples at the National Forest Healing Center and the National Forest Body.
**'The Kona' Leads the Change to Wellness Lifestyle Space Design**.
'Studio Kona' has celebrated its 15th anniversary, rebranding as 'The Kona' and announcing its transformation into a wellness lifestyle space design company. Led by designer Yejin Baek, the brand has been specialising in lifestyle space design for 15 years, with designs for residential, commercial and healthcare spaces.
DERKONA recently launched its interior YouTube channel, "Interiorni," which was awarded a silver button within 10 months and has become a leading interior creator with 150,000 subscribers. The company plans to renew its focus on wellness space design from 2024, providing comprehensive wellness space solutions that integrate well-being, happiness, and health.
Ms Baek emphasised that wellness is not just a trend, but an important indicator of current and future lifestyles, and said that the company is continuously researching in line with the super-aged society and health & wellness trends. 'The CONA' aims to provide healthy and positive energy through human-centred space design.
The name 'CONA' stands for 'Comfortable & Circulation', 'Origin & Only', 'Nature & Natural', and 'Art & Ardor', reflecting the design philosophy and direction of 'Thecona'.
The company is also in the process of building a new office building, designed by Yejin Baek, which will provide a sustainable space where people and nature are in harmony. Later this year, we plan to open a hanok stay in Samsun-dong, which will be a unique cultural space in the city centre. Thecona will continue to innovate and change as a leader in wellness space design and promote the benefits of wellness spaces through customised design solutions.
**Korea Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Corporation attends the first export shipment of Naju sun pears linked to wellness to the U.S.A.
Korea Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Corporation (KFAFC) attended the first export shipment of 2024 Naju Hat Pear to the United States. President Kim Chun-jin attended the ceremony on 13 August at the Naju Pear and Horticulture Cooperative's Produce Distribution Centre to mark the export of about 110 tonnes of Naju pears to the United States. The shipment ceremony was also attended by local dignitaries, including Naju Mayor Yoon Byung-tae and Representative Shin Jeong-hoon.
To ensure the quality of Naju's sun pears, the Korea Agri-Food Distribution Corporation has been supporting farmers with quality control technology guidance and quality improvement projects. "We are conducting joint quarantine inspections between Korea and the United States to ensure smooth quarantine clearance of Korean pears," said Kim Chun-jin, president of the corporation, adding that the corporation will continue to support the country to achieve the highest export performance of fresh agricultural products by the end of the year.
In 2023, fresh pear exports are expected to reach $74.5 million, of which the U.S. market accounted for $37.5 million, or 50.3 per cent of total exports. In the second half of the year, the agency plans to establish high-quality Korean pears as a premium fruit in overseas markets through various marketing initiatives, including sales promotions with large retailers and promotional events.
On the same day, Kim also attended the '2024 Food Tech Forum' at Yonsei University's Samsung Hall to discuss ways to develop the food service and food tech industries, and the '2024 Wellness Fair' at Seoul Plaza to highlight the importance of horticultural healing. Horticultural healing is a major topic related to wellness, and it was widely recognised that the vitality of flowers and plants provides emotional stability.