August 19th, 2024 Korea Wellness News

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the exciting developments in Korea Wellness as of August 19th, 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.

Geumcheon Baejusu Park in Cheongju to be transformed into a wellness space

Cheongju City plans to invest KRW 500 million by November to create a wellness space at Geumcheon Baejusu Neighbourhood Park. The project will consist of replacing the park's aging elastic pavement and exercise facilities, and installing a new garden and observatory.

Specifically, a new garden will be built on the section leading to the pavilion at the top of the park, and an observation deck will be installed for people to look out over the city. This is a move to provide a more pleasant and safe environment for park users, and the park has also recently added a loess experience space and a loess path.

Geumcheon Baejusu Neighbourhood Park is widely used not only by residents around Geumcheon-dong but also by Cheongju residents, and this project is part of efforts to further enhance the park's functions and increase its value as a wellness space.

Cheongju City completed the design last month and plans to start construction on the 19th of this month and complete the project by November. ‘We will do our best to ensure that local residents can use the park in a safer and more comfortable environment,’ said a city official.

Eulji University Uijeongbu Camp Completes 1st Enrolment Ceremony for Wellness-Focused Gentle Meditation AMP Course

Eulji University Uijeongbu Campus successfully completed the ‘Genti Wellness Meditation AMP Course 1st Admission Ceremony’ on the 17th. A total of 20 people, including CEOs and leaders in Pilates, meditation, and fitness-related fields, participated in the ceremony.

The AMP course is a 10-week wellness education programme that includes mental health, brain training, meditation, and singing ball. The course is Eulji University's first advanced course in Korea and is characterised by its reinterpretation of meditation in terms of professionalism and health.

Eulji University has previously applied for a trademark registration and patent for the wellness meditation term ‘Genti’, establishing its leading position in this field. The AMP course will be led by Professor Kim Jun-soo and taught by Professors Kim Sia, Choi Sun-hee, and Kang Hye-jung.

‘Through this course, we expect participants to become experts in the fields of mental health, meditation, and fitness wellness and contribute to the industry,’ said Vice Chancellor Kim Kwan-bok. ‘Genthi is not a religious meditation, but rather a meditation training that includes wellness,’ said Professor Kim. ’We plan to train master Genthi instructors through this course.’

The second edition of the AMP course will be held on a rolling basis and is scheduled to begin in February next year.

Wando Marine Healing Centre is a new spot for wellness

The Wando Marine Healing Centre in Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, has recently attracted attention as a wellness tourism destination. Since its opening in November last year, the centre has attracted around 36,500 visitors as of November 11, and since the end of July, during the summer holiday season, the centre has been receiving more than 200 visitors every day, sometimes selling out of reservations.

The Ocean Healing Centre offers a variety of therapies that use marine resources to promote health. In particular, it has 16 therapy rooms, including a thalasso pool, meditation pool, and algae bubble therapy, and is attracting attention as the first marine therapy facility in Korea. The therapies set against the backdrop of pristine nature and the blue sea are very popular among visitors.

The centre's Daelaso Pool is particularly popular, where visitors can enjoy the view of the Myeongsipiri Sea while enjoying aquatic therapy, which is effective in relieving stress. In a recent survey, more than 96% of visitors expressed their intention to return, indicating high satisfaction.

Wando Ocean Healing Centre can be booked in advance through a reservation system, or you can also purchase a ticket on site. During the summer season, the centre hosts a variety of events, including healing concerts and the Chimac Festival, and offers free visits to Wando Tower and the Jangbogo Memorial Museum, as well as discounts on the monorail and zipline with a receipt.

The Ocean Healing Centre was recently named the Korea Tourism Organization's ‘Best Wellness Destination 2024’, cementing its position as a wellness destination.

‘Hidden gem’ Woogame to expand into the wellness market?

Social casino gaming company WoW has been making waves lately, with 100 per cent of its revenue coming from overseas. The company posted an operating profit margin of 41.1 per cent in the second quarter of this year, surpassing that of SK hynix (33.3 per cent). It has achieved operating profit in the 60 billion won range for three consecutive quarters, and its revenue is the highest in 13 quarters.

Founded by CEO Kim Garam in 2012, Woogame has achieved great success with its social casino game called ‘Woogame’. The company grew rapidly by targeting the North American market, and in 2017, it acquired US social casino game company Double Down Interactive to successfully establish itself in the global market.

The company experienced a significant increase in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for online casino games surged, but the company also suffered significant losses in 2018 due to legal proceedings in the US. Currently, traditional gaming revenues have stabilised downwards since the pandemic, but recent half-yearly revenues have shown a resurgence.

WGT is 100% international, with limited presence in the domestic market. However, the company maintains a high share of the global social casino market and is actively pursuing portfolio expansion through M&A. Recently, it has been exploring the possibility of monetising its wellness subscription model. Given the high wellness spending in North America, this expansion is particularly noteworthy.

Exploring the future of wellness with Korean medicine...‘2024 K-Mediwellness Festa’ opens at Daegu Expo

The ‘2024 K-Medewellness Festa’ will be held from 24th to 26th at the Daegu EXCO (EXCO) West Building. The event will feature a variety of programmes exploring the latest trends and future of the wellness industry under the theme of ‘Korean Medicine, Pursuing Wellness’.

Organised and hosted by Daegu City and the Daegu City Korean Medical Association, and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gyeongbuk Province, the event will showcase products and services from a range of wellness-related fields, including wellness technology, medical services, health food, fitness, and more. In particular, leading companies leading the convergence of wellness and technology will be on hand to showcase their innovative solutions.

Core programmes include symposia and workshops discussing the present and future of the wellness industry. There will be panel discussions delving into global wellness trends and market forecasts, giving delegates an insight into the future of the industry.

There will also be a programme for the general public, with a range of hands-on activities to promote personal health and wellness, including health screenings, yoga and meditation sessions, and nutritional counselling. The traditional Korean medicine experience booth, hosted by the Daegu City Korean Medical Association, is expected to attract a lot of attention, offering visitors the opportunity to experience herbal diagnosis and treatment.

‘This event will provide a beneficial experience for all those interested in the wellness industry,’ said Noh Hee-mok, President of the Daegu City Korean Medicine Association, ’and we hope you will explore new possibilities for wellness through the various programmes.’

Mayor Jeong Jung-myung designs the future of Yeosu with wellness

Mayor Chung Jung-myung of Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, has declared that he will ‘usher in a new era of “beautiful and happy Yeosu” and “Mi-hang Yeosu, a city based on the south coast.”’ He also announced plans to prioritise communication and harmony in the second half of his eighth term to achieve balanced and sustainable development.

In the first half of his eighth term, Jung focused on laying the foundations of Yeosu, fulfilling 35 pledges and achieving the highest rating of ‘SA’ from the Korea Manifesto Action Centre. In particular, he secured the largest budget in history and built an annex to the main Yeosu City Hall through citizen communication.

In the second half of the year, the focus will be on the Yeosu Bay Renaissance and the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. The Yeosu Bay Renaissance is a plan to develop Yeosu's surrounding Yeoju Bay, Jangsu Bay, Gamak Bay, Yeosu Hae Bay, and Gwangyang Bay into sustainable marine ecological conservation and cultural and tourism centres by developing them according to their respective characteristics.

The 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo will be themed ‘Connecting Islands, the Sea and the Future’ and will feature various experience programmes and exhibitions using Yeosu's 365 islands. To this end, the city is focusing on discovering linkage projects and securing a budget of KRW 310 billion.

Mayor Jung also announced that Yeosu plans to leap forward as a global marine tourism resort city by strengthening youth policies, fostering the hydrogen, carbon neutral, and drone industries, and building cultural and cultural infrastructure. He emphasised that he will actively promote the improvement of Yeosu's tourism infrastructure and fostering island tourism to revitalise the local economy and complete the new 100 years of Yeosu with citizens.

Yeongdeok-gun strengthens promotion of International Wellness Festa with wellness tourism contents

Yeongdeok-gun is actively promoting wellness tourism contents in collaboration with BBS Buddhist Broadcasting ahead of the ‘Yeongdeok International Wellness Festa 2024’ in October. Under a business agreement signed on the 14th, Yeongdeok-gun and BBS Buddhist Broadcasting will work together to enhance the value of the Wellness Festa and expand its reach at home and abroad.

The signing ceremony was attended by 14 officials, including Yongdeok County Governor Kim Kwang-yeol, Lee Tae-ho, head of the Wellness Tourism Business Division of the Yongdeok Culture and Tourism Foundation, and Sung Ki-hong, acting president of BBS Buddhist Broadcasting. The main contents of the agreement include various measures to promote Yeongdeok International Wellness Festa 2024 and enhance the image of the city as a wellness city.

Specifically, BBS Buddhist Broadcasting will produce and distribute wellness-related contents such as K-meditation and herbal health programmes through its broadcasts. It will also promote programs related to the Yeomyung project of the Humanities Healing Centre, effectively promoting Yeongdeok's wellness tourism business.

This agreement is expected to improve the quality of wellness tourism contents and serve as an important step towards the successful hosting of Yeongdeok International Wellness Festa 2024.

Wellness and healing, meet nature in Ulsan's Daewonsan Healing Forest

For those looking to escape the summer heat and find relaxation in nature, Ulsan's Daewonsan Healing Forest is a great place to visit. It is a designated wellness tourism destination by the Korea Tourism Organization and offers a variety of programmes to improve health and quality of life.

Daeunsan Healing Forest is Ulsan's first wellness destination, offering cool shade in the summer and clean air thanks to the antibacterial effects of cypress trees. In particular, the sound of water flowing from the Naewonam Valley is soothing to the ears, and you can feel the vitality of nature as you walk along the forest paths.

Various healing programmes are held here, and the Sharing Forest Experience for the underprivileged is particularly popular. Participants in the programme can experience foot baths, phytoncides, and health gymnastics using cypress sticks.

At Daewonsan Healing Forest, participants are accompanied by a forest healing instructor, who helps them to feel and heal the forest through all five senses. There are also self-guided forest experience programmes for the general public, such as the orienteering-type experience of ‘Exploring Daewonsan in Search of Luck’.

Participation in these programmes can be booked in advance through the online website. Why not take a break from your busy life and spend some time healing with nature at Daewonsan Healing Forest?

Wellness and Digital Innovation, Depression Treatment App ‘Rejoin’ Launches in the U.S.

Rejoyn, a digital therapeutic application developed by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals of Japan and Click Therapeutics of the US, has been launched in the US. The app is being heralded as an innovative treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Rejoyn has been approved by the US FDA to be used as an adjunctive therapy for depression and is expected to enhance the effectiveness of treatment in combination with medication.

Rizoine is a combination of cognitive function training and cognitive behavioural therapy that uses facial expressions to represent different emotions. It is available by prescription for patients with major depressive disorder aged 22 and over, either in a clinic or via telemedicine, and is administered via an app three times a week for six weeks. The initial selling price is set at $200, but Otsuka will offer a discounted price.

In a clinical trial of 386 depressed patients aged 22-64 taking antidepressants, those who used Rizoine showed improvement in depression symptoms. Unlike other wellness applications, the app is a medical device that has been clinically proven to be effective and safe and is not available without a prescription.

Rizoine is currently in the process of applying for health insurance coverage in the United States, and is being considered for sale in Europe. Sales plans in Japan are still pending. As an innovator in digital wellness, Rizoine is bringing new possibilities to the treatment of depression.

Wellness and Daejeon Medical Tourism Promoted at Singapore Tourism Fair

Daejeon Tourism Organization participated in the ‘NATAS Holidays 2024’ tourism fair in Singapore to actively promote medical tourism in Daejeon. The fair was hosted by the Singapore Association of Travel Agents from 16 to 18 August and was an opportunity to introduce Daejeon's medical and wellness tourism resources to tourists from Asia and Greater China.

NATAS Holidays 2024 is Singapore's largest tourism fair, attracting around 100,000 visitors annually, and this year 74 organisations participated. The Daejeon Tourism Organization, along with the Korea Tourism Organization, collaborated with 10 local governments and regional tourism organisations in Korea to attract overseas audiences.

The Daejeon Tourism Organization promoted seasonal medical and wellness tourism content in line with Daejeon's excellent medical infrastructure. In particular, it introduced Daejeon's medical and wellness tourism resources through the Daejeon Hanbit Pagoda making experience and Daejeon Medical Tourism social media-linked B2C event, as well as Daejeon's representative festivals, the 0 Hour Festival and the mascot characters Dream Dol and Dream Sea Family.

‘We will do our best to continue promotional marketing for individual medical tourists from Asia to encourage them to visit Daejeon,’ said Yoon Sung-guk, President of Daejeon Tourism Organization.

Wellness and Gayageum melodies at a summer night hanok concert

Grenier is offering a variety of Korean cultural experience programmes in Seoul and Busan for the summer, including the ‘Summer Night Hanok Concert with the Breath of Gayageum’. The concert will take place in Seoul's traditional hanok ‘Mewolgwan’ and will feature gayageum player Lee Ji-yoon performing traditional and contemporary songs.

Grinnier has planned a variety of programmes, including seasonal flower arrangements using natural materials, tea, and traditional liquor, to provide an experience that captures the spirit of Korea. The Gayageum concert will provide an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature's sounds and music in a private setting while soaking up the summer night.

‘I want to showcase the beauty of Korean music and convey emotion and comfort through music,’ said Lee Ji-yoon, a gayageum player. ‘Experience a relaxing summer night with the melody of gayageum, which contains the sounds of nature,’ said Kim Chae-gyeom, CEO of Greenery, emphasising the natural sound of gayageum.

Participants commented on how much they enjoyed the quiet and private atmosphere of the gayageum performance, which was the brainchild of Kim, who has been studying the importance of relaxation in everyday life.

‘We offer premium Korean-style wellness services, and the wellness market has been growing recently,’ says Kim. ‘We are planning various experiential services that utilise Korean characteristics to attract foreigners to visit,’ he said.

Wellness and exercise: maximising your workout with diet

With the Paris Olympics a success, the diet and nutrition of athletes has been in the spotlight. As the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat,’ and proper nutrition during exercise is essential for performance and recovery.

Getting the right nutrients before and after your workout will help you maximise your results. The following are the main nutrients that contribute to performance and recovery:

- Arginine: Arginine dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow to deliver nutrients to the muscles during exercise. It's found in meat, fish, nuts, and dairy products.

- Carbohydrates: before an intense workout, you need to eat enough carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the main fuel for the brain and muscles, and you need 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour during exercise. This is important for muscle recovery and preventing muscle loss.

- Creatine: During high-intensity exercise, creatine provides energy to the muscles and improves performance. It's naturally found in animal proteins and is best taken as a supplement if you're vegan.

- BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids): Taking BCAAs during sustained endurance exercise helps with muscle nutrient supply and synthesis and is effective for fatigue recovery.

- Electrolytes: because you sweat a lot during exercise, you need to be aware of electrolyte imbalances. It"s important to replenish electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium with ionised water.

- Antioxidants: intense exercise can cause oxidative stress. Eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and E to boost your antioxidant levels after exercise.

‘It‘s important to get the right nutrients depending on the intensity and environment of your workout,’ says Dr Susan Bowman. A well-balanced diet and supplements can help you achieve both wellness and performance.

Wellness and AI: Increased adoption of generative AI in finance and healthcare

The market for generative artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly in recent years, and many companies are building and monetising AI-based business models. In particular, the financial and healthcare sectors have been actively adopting AI, which is expected to revolutionise the wellness industry.

**AI adoption in finance and healthcare

The financial and healthcare sectors have a relatively high adoption rate of generative AI. Global investment bank JP Morgan is actively using AI in monetisation channels and customer touchpoints, while pharmaceutical company Roche, chemical company BASF, and logistics company DHL are also developing business models using AI. The adoption of AI is significantly improving the efficiency and competitiveness of these industries.

**Current Status and Challenges of AI in Korea

On the other hand, the level of AI utilisation in Korea is low compared to other countries. Korea's lack of human resources, data sharing, platform infrastructure, investment, and policy support has slowed down the adoption of AI. In particular, the manufacturing industry is underutilised due to its conservative nature and high reliance on specialised labour.

**Scalability and future of digital healthcare

Digital healthcare has emerged as a promising industry for the future, and even financial and telecommunications companies are actively participating in the healthcare business. Three telecom companies (LG U+, KT, and SKT) are expanding their digital healthcare businesses, and KB Healthcare, a subsidiary of KB Insurance, has acquired a non-face-to-face medical treatment platform. Overseas, Japan's Monet Technology is promoting a business that converges healthcare and mobility, and the United Health Group in the United States operates the healthcare platform ‘Rally’.

**Conclusion

The convergence of AI and wellness is becoming a convergence industry with great scalability beyond the scope of traditional healthcare. Korea will need to increase the revenue and profit contribution of each industry through AI in the future and support government-level policies and infrastructure.

Late-coming wellness: introducing relaxing holiday packages

The hotel industry is introducing ‘Late Break’ packages for guests to enjoy a relaxing getaway in late summer and autumn after the summer holiday season. These wellness and comfort packages are tailor-made for guests looking to escape the busy summer season and enjoy a break during the quieter months.

**Kensington Hotel & Resort's Late Summer Package

Kensington Hotel & Resort at Eland Park is offering the ‘Oh Koliday!’ package at 13 locations nationwide until 30 September. package at 13 locations nationwide. Highlights include a one-night stay in a room, buffet breakfast, wine party, pool or sauna access, and late check-out. The Kensington Hotel in Seorak offers a wine party with the beautiful backdrop of Seoraksan Mountain, while the Jeju Jungmun offers cabana access to the Waterplay Zone.

**Package at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul offers two packages, ‘Cheers to the Sunset’ and ‘Summer Glow’. The ‘Cheers to the Sunset’ package includes a room with a view of Seokchon Lake and unlimited alcoholic beverages at the roof bar. The Summer Glow package is available for stays of up to 24 hours and includes breakfast and restaurant discounts.

**‘Rolling in Rolling’ package at Seaview Hotels and Resorts

At Rolling Hills Hotel, operated by Seaview Hotels & Resorts, guests can enjoy a relaxing autumn stay with the ‘Falling in Rolling’ package. The package comes in two options, ‘Falling in Wellness’ and ‘Falling in Drawing’, each offering kids' Zumba & Yoga classes and drawing kits. They also include a one-night stay in a room with breakfast and access to the indoor pool.

‘These wellness-focused packages are perfect for late summer and autumn, and we hope they will encourage guests who haven't yet taken a holiday to relax and unwind,’ said a spokesperson for the hotel.

Wellness and eco-friendliness: Innovations in ESG management at Kangwon Land

Under the leadership of Acting President Choi Chul-kyu, Kangwon Land has been actively implementing ESG (environmental, social and governance) management, and is positioning itself as a company centred on wellness and eco-tourism. Since Choi's appointment, Kangwon Land has strengthened its ESG management, maintaining an overall rating of A for four consecutive years in the Korea ESG Standard Institute's evaluation.

**Environmentally Friendly Operations

With environmental protection as a top priority, Gangwon Land has made various efforts to reduce carbon emissions from its Hiwon Resort and casino operations. Food waste is disposed of using eco-friendly methods and the company is promoting the transition to eco-friendly products at its resorts to reduce the use of disposable products. In 2020, we introduced a system to dispose of food waste on an ‘equal footing’ with larvae, which saves 692 tonnes of waste per year, and recycle the larvae as pet treats.

**Social Responsibility and Prevention of Gambling Addiction

Gangwon Land is strengthening its efforts to eradicate illegal gambling and prevent gambling addiction. It operates the only gambling addiction prevention centre in Korea, provides addiction prevention education and counselling services, and monitors illegal gambling. It participates in relay challenges to solve the problem of illegal cyber gambling among youth and conducts various social contribution activities to improve the welfare of local communities.

**Transparent Governance and Ethical Management

Gangwon Land emphasises transparent governance and ethical management, and promptly resolves ethical issues through an independent board of directors and a whistleblowing system. These measures contribute to enhancing corporate trust and securing long-term growth potential.

**Developing into a Global Integrated Resort

Kangwon Land has announced a massive investment plan worth KRW 2.5 trillion through the K-HIT (High One Integrated Tourism) project, setting various goals such as revitalising the economy of abandoned mining areas and building a family-friendly resort. Through its wellness centre and nature-friendly healing programmes, it is attracting domestic and foreign tourists and enhancing the local economy and corporate value at the same time.

Under the strong leadership of Choi Chul-gyu, Gangwon Land is expected to continue its sustainable development as an eco-friendly and wellness-focused company through ESG management.

Wellness and Innovation: WISEU's Global Strategy

WISEU's global strategy and innovation are helping the university to stand out in the field of wellness and expand globally. In the recent QS Global University Rankings, the university was ranked joint third in Korea in the hotel, tourism and leisure sector and first in the non-Seoul region. The QS ranking reflects the university's international efforts and exchange agreements with more than 200 universities in 35 countries.

Yeongsan University is realising its vision in the fields of wellness, tourism services, and cultural contents through its two campuses - Haeundae Campus and Yangsan Campus. In particular, the global campus strategy provides opportunities to encounter various cultures and languages, and innovative learning methods are applied by introducing the cyber campus system and the nanodigree campus system.

Yeongsan University is promoting sustainable development by collaborating with local governments and industries for regional innovation, and strengthening the role of humans through education that emphasises the ‘wisdom’ that AI cannot replace. Through various programmes such as the ‘Academic Ideology Competition’, the ‘Humanity Contest’, and the ‘Smile Festival’, students are cultivating wisdom and creativity.

In addition, Yeongsan University has established the ‘Senior Model Department’ to prepare for the age of prudence and the ‘AI Graphic Content Department’ to respond to the 4th Industrial Revolution, providing education in line with the changing times. Through such education and innovation, Yeongsan University is becoming a world-class university by combining wellness and global strategy.

Wellness and Nightlife: Jinju City, Fam Tour with Global Influencers

From 17 to 18 August, Jinju City, Gyeongnam, invited 20 foreign influencers to explore Jinju overnight. The participants were influencers from 15 countries, including Canada, the United States, and France, and the event aimed to promote Jinju tourism globally.

The main objective of the fame tour was to promote Jinju's night tourism content and wellness destination overseas. The influencers visited Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival, Lantern Exhibition Hall, Lantern Park, and Jinju Castle to experience the history and culture of Jinju. They also learned about Jinju's K-Entrepreneurship at Jisu Seungsan Village and experienced wellness tourism through forest gardens and curved straw wires at Wolasan Forest.

The influencers who participated in the Fam Tour shared the charm of Jinju tourism with the world through their personal social media accounts. ‘Through this Fam Tour, we were able to spread the appeal of Jinju's night tourism overseas, and we plan to continue to attract foreign tourists through promotional marketing,’ said Jinju Mayor Cho Kyu-il.

Jinju City will hold the ‘Jinju October Festival’ from October 5 to 20, including various nighttime participation programmes along the Namgang River. In particular, the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival has been selected as the ‘Asian Nighttime Festival’ this year, which is expected to further strengthen Jinju's wellness and night tourism specialised city brand ‘River Night Jinju’.

Wellness and safety: Jeju Rural Bed and Breakfast Association calls for improved safety certification system

The Jeju Rural Bed and Breakfast Association has asked the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province to improve the safety certification system for rural bed and breakfasts. The Jeju Special Self-Governing Province held a meeting on 16 August at the Jeju Farmers and Fishermen Hall to strengthen the safety of the rural bed and breakfast system. The meeting was attended by officials from the Jeju Self-Governing Province and executives from the Jeju Rural Bed and Breakfast Association, and various proposals were discussed.

The Rural Bed and Breakfast Safety Certification System was introduced in 2018 and aims to create a clean and safe environment for B&Bs, but six years after its implementation, the certification rate is only 3.2 per cent, which lacks practical effectiveness. The association has proposed several improvements to increase the effectiveness of the system. Firstly, it suggested removing outdated regulations, adding practical safety items, and including the availability of business liability insurance as part of the certification evaluation. It also suggested rebranding the programme as ‘Jeju Green Stay’ by adding Jeju's unique wellness and eco-friendly elements to the certification criteria.

The association called for the certification to be re-evaluated at the third, fifth, and seventh year to update the safety rating, and to strengthen the promotion of certified properties. For example, it was suggested that Jeju Tourism Organization and various platforms, such as Airbnb, work together to promote certified B&Bs. In addition, they requested a budget for renovation and promotion of certified B&Bs.

In response to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' proposal to improve the system, the association requested that the area standard be maintained and that the status be expanded upon inheritance, and expressed support for extending hygiene education hours but opposition to increasing penalties for violations by operators. They also emphasised the need to strengthen the regulation of illegal accommodation establishments and called for the creation of a bill to regulate global booking platforms.

The Jeju Provincial Government said that it plans to use the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen the safety of rural B&Bs and improve the certification system in consultation with the association and the provincial council. The Jeju Rural Bed and Breakfast Association said it plans to expand the number of safety and quality certified B&Bs from the current 190 to 400 by 2025, and will continue its efforts to make Jeju a centre for wellness tourism.

Blending wellness and luxury: 10 of Booking.com's favourite places to stay in Bali

Booking.com has revealed the top 10 places to stay in Bali that combine wellness and luxury. Bali is a popular holiday destination for many Korean travellers due to its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This year's travel trend is luxury travel at a low cost, and Bali is a great place to combine both.

1. Bamboo Indah - Located in Ubud, this property is a converted traditional honeymoon house built from bamboo and other eco-friendly materials. It features a natural artesian pool and rooms decorated with Southeast Asian artefacts.

2. Pearl of Trawangan - Located on Gili Trawangan Island, this resort boasts ocean views and a design that blends Eastern and Western cultures. It offers a wide range of activities and two outdoor pools.

3. Castara Resort - Near Ubud's monkey forest, this resort offers expansive jungle views, a variety of restaurants and spa services.

4. Tira Vilanya Suites & Spa - Set in a dreamy natural setting, this property offers a range of room types, art exhibitions and wellness services.

5. Green Resort Uluwatu - Located in the hills of Uluwatu, this 45-villa resort with panoramic views of the ocean and forest offers yoga classes and a toddler pool.

6. Padma Resort Ubud - Overlooking a mystical forest, this resort boasts an 89 metre long curved heated infinity pool.

7. **The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali - Located in Kuta, this resort blends traditional Balinese culture with modern luxury, featuring a wide range of facilities and dining options.

8. RIMBA by AYANA Bali - Located in Jimbaran, this peaceful retreat features multiple outdoor pools, a restaurant and fitness centre.

9. **Montigo Resort Seminyak - This family-friendly resort has three pools, with shopping, bars, a spa, a games room, and more.

10. Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu - Ideal for surfing and marine activities, this property offers modern Balinese-inspired rooms and a range of marine activities.

All of these properties combine wellness and luxury to create a relaxing and enjoyable travelling experience.

The 1st Yongoreum Village Wellness Camping Festival, a blend of wellness and nature

The 1st Yongoreum Village Wellness Camping Festival was held in Yongoreum Village, Seoseok-myeon, for two days and three nights from 15 to 17 August. The festival offered various wellness programmes to heal the body and mind in nature and received a great response from participants.

The festival received high interest, with all sites sold out as soon as pre-booking opened. During the festival, more than 100 participants had a great time participating in a variety of wellness programmes, including bodywork yoga, singing ball therapy, playground games, produce harvesting, and pause meditation.

In addition, a healthy diet consisting of white rice, bibimbap, Hongcheon Korean beef bulgogi, and sundubu was served to the participants' taste buds. On the afternoon of the 16th, the second day of the festival, a festival opening ceremony was held with more than 200 villagers and tourists.

The classical music concert, themed ‘Love in Five Colours’, impressed the participants and villagers with its beautiful melodies in harmony with nature. The festival received positive reviews for providing an opportunity to experience various wellness programmes that are difficult to find in everyday life in the pristine nature, beyond just camping.

Separate experience programmes for children and adults allowed participants to spend time according to their own preferences, and the festival was designed to satisfy the entire family. The festival confirmed the potential of Yongoreum Village as a wellness tourism destination, and the village will continue to provide visitors with special memories through various wellness programmes.

‘We hope you enjoyed a true relaxation in nature through the 1st Yongoreum Village Wellness Camping Festival,’ said Yoo Yoo-soo, head of the Agriculture Department, ’and we will do our best to welcome you back through various programmes in the future.

Harmonising wellness and Jeju tea, Hoesudaok selected as ‘Jeju Wellness Tourism Destination’

Jeju's local premium tea house, Hoesu Daok, has been selected as a ‘Jeju Wellness Tourism Destination in 2024’. The certification scheme, which was launched by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Jeju Tourism Organization to boost Jeju's wellness tourism industry, adds 12 new destinations to the list of wellness destinations selected annually to offer unique travel experiences.

Hoosu Daok is a local tea house set against the clear water and nature of Hoosu-dong, Jeju. It serves teas and tea ceremonies made with seasonal ingredients from Jeju and served in earthenware vessels made from Jeju soil. It is a space where you can experience the flavours of the season through tea that is in harmony with Jeju's nature.

The main products of Cheoru Daok are Dajeomcharim (Timakase), Tea Class, and Hansangcharim. The latter offers seasonal teas and tea ceremonies grown on Jeju, while the tea class is a programme where Jeju tea master Kim Meng-chan explains the characteristics of Jeju tea and how to enjoy it. Hansangcharim offers guests the opportunity to sample Jeju's leaf and flower teas by the cup and tea ceremony.

All of the teas used at Hwihoedaok are naturally grown in the Ecological Tea Forest in Seong-eup-ri, Seogwipo-si, while the flower teas are made from flowers and herbs grown in the Ara Flower Garden in Jeju City. The tea bowl is the work of artists Kim Sung-sil of Ongi Village, Jeju and Kim Soo-hyun of Aradoye, and faucets and drains made from Jeju volcanic Ongi soil decorate the space.

The café has provided services to experience the seasonal flavours of Jeju through various events, including the ‘2024 Jeju Forum’ and the ‘Jeju Olle CEO Walk’. Going forward, Hoesu Daok plans to further strengthen its status as a wellness tourism destination in Jeju and raise awareness among foreign tourists through overseas promotion.

‘This will be an opportunity to strengthen our overseas promotion and showcase the capabilities of Jeju's farmers and artisans,’ said a representative from Hoesu Daok. ’We will establish ourselves as a representative wellness tourism destination in Jeju by planning various products that utilise all of Jeju's ingredients.’

Wellness and Jeju's urban regeneration, Sewhwari 28.5 billion won project to be restarted

A 28.5 billion won urban regeneration project in Sewhwa-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju is to be revived. Jeju City has established a plan to revitalise the Sehwa District Urban Regeneration Project and will present its opinion at the 431st Special Session of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Assembly in September.

The Sewhwa District Urban Regeneration Project will be carried out with a total project cost of 28.5 billion won, which consists of 15 billion won in national expenses, 10 billion won in local expenses, and 2.2 billion won in self-funding. Major plans include the construction of the Sewhwa Holiday Centre and a local community hotel. The Sewhwa Holiday Centre will serve as a cultural tourism hub for the region, while the local community hotel will provide a place for visitors to stay and promote local revitalisation.

The main goal of the project is to revitalise the local economy by leveraging tourism resources such as marine leisure and the Jeju Haenyeo Festival, and it is also planned to generate revenue through hotel operations and the creation of a local brand. The Sewhwa District Urban Regeneration Project is one of the 60 billion won urban regeneration projects in the eastern part of Jeju, and the project cost is expected to be further expanded through the linkage with the Jeju Haenyeo Festival.

Jeju City is trying again this year after the Sewhwa District Urban Regeneration Project was rejected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport last year, losing out to the ‘Wellness Work Centre’ project in Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si. The urban regeneration project in Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, is a large-scale project that will cost a total of 31.8 billion won by 2027 and includes the creation of wellness-related facilities.

Jeju City held a public hearing in Sewhwa-ri on 2 September to hear the opinions of local residents, and plans to apply for the project to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport after hearing the opinions of the provincial council. The final selection of the project will be decided in December.

Wellness and AI, improving SK networks' health and expanding investments

As SK Group Chairman Choi Tae-won emphasised that ‘there is nothing else to talk about but AI’, SK networks is in full swing to improve its health and invest in AI. SK networks has invested $30 million in a large-scale AI fund and is accelerating its transformation to an AI-centric business model.

SK networks has targeted 2024 as the year of its transformation into an AI company, and is implementing various changes. This year, SK networks reorganised its business structure and established the Phoenix Lab to strengthen the AI capabilities of its subsidiaries to expand AI-related businesses. Through this, the company is pursuing the integration of AI and wellness, and improving its overall business system.

In particular, SK networks has recently participated as a major investor in the $130 million Alpine Intelligence Fund and is expanding its investment in early-stage startups in the AI and deep tech fields. This is part of a strategy to create synergies between AI and wellness and enhance corporate value.

SK magic is also aiming to transform itself into an ‘AI wellness platform company’ and is reorganising its business structure by spinning off business units and selling off goodwill. These changes have led to an increase in SK networks' operating profit and revenue.

SK networks' AI-focused business strategy is aligned with SK Group's company-wide AI strategy, and the Icheon Forum 2024 will discuss AI innovation and digital transformation. The forum will be attended by CEOs of SK Telecom, SK hynix, SK networks, and other affiliated companies to explore the future of AI and wellness.

Wellness and K-food on the rise, Korea's rice processed food exports record high

South Korea's rice processed food exports are booming, reaching a record high. In particular, the growing popularity of instant rice and frozen kimbap is contributing to the global spread of K-food. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, exports of rice-based processed foods were worth about $166.12 million through July this year, up 45.6 per cent from the same period last year. Exports to the United States accounted for more than half of the total, with a 68 per cent increase.

While domestic rice consumption has been on the decline, exports of processed rice products have been on the rise. In particular, the domestic market is also growing due to the popularity of convenience foods such as instant rice. CJ CheilJedang's ‘Hatban’ has a 68 per cent share of the domestic instant rice market and is targeting KRW 1 trillion in sales this year. Dongwon F&B is making progress by launching bibimbap and oatmeal HMR products aimed at overseas markets.

In addition, the production of powdered rice using surplus rice is being encouraged, and various products are being launched using it. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has set a target of producing 200,000 tonnes of powdered rice by 2027, and new products using powdered rice have recently appeared on the market. Shinsegae Foods has launched a powdered rice drink and is reaching out to consumers with discount promotions.

Along with the growth of rice processed foods, the wellness trend is boosting the popularity of rice-related products, which are also receiving positive responses in overseas markets. Exports of processed rice products are expected to continue to grow in line with the preferences of wellness and health-conscious consumers.

The future of wellness and life insurance, a view from the CMO of AIA Group

‘There is a growing interest in wellness in Korea, and the nature of life insurance is changing,’ said Stuart Spencer, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Group, at a recent press conference in Seoul. He said life insurers need to move away from simply providing death insurance and focus on health and wellness.

‘Life insurance is traditionally perceived as death insurance, but AIA Group is focusing on ‘life’ and ‘vitality,’’ Spencer said. In 2018, AIA introduced the first healthcare platform in Korea, AIA Vitality, which rewards customers for achieving their health goals. The service is currently used by about two million people and aims to motivate and support healthy living.

‘AIA's raison d'être is to help customers live healthier, longer, and better lives,’ he said, noting that the company recently launched a brand campaign called ’Rethink Healthy. The campaign aims to showcase different approaches to health and help people achieve their health and wellness goals with confidence.

CMO Spencer also noted that many people in South Korea tend to have an extreme understanding of health, which leads them to overlook the many ways to live a healthy life. AIA aims to dispel myths and suggest a more inclusive approach to health and wellness.

Geumcheon Baejusu Park in Cheongju City transformed into a wellness space

Cheongju City plans to invest KRW 500 million by November to create a wellness space at Geumcheonbaejusu Neighbourhood Park. The project will consist of replacing the park's aging elastic pavement and exercise facilities, and installing a new garden and observatory.

Specifically, a new garden will be created on the section leading to the pavilion at the top of the park, and an observation deck will be installed for people to look out over the city. This is a move to provide a more pleasant and safe environment for park users, and the park has also recently added a loess experience space and a loess path.