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| August 20th, 2024 Korea Wellness News |
**Jinju spurs global tourism with its wellness and night view**.
Jinju City, Gyeongnam Province, hosted 20 foreign influencers from 15 countries on 17-18 August. This was an important event to promote the charm of Jinju tourism to the world and position the city as a global tourism destination.
Starting with a cruise on the Namgang River cruise ship ‘Kim Minho’, the participants visited the Jinju Namgang Lantern Exhibition Centre and Lantern Park, and explored Jinju Castle to experience its historical heritage. Jinju City Mayor Cho Kyu-il actively promoted the city's attractions by introducing tourist spots and gourmet food at Chokseokru, Jinju Castle.
Night view and wellness tourism were also included in the programme. Participants enjoyed the night view and busking performances at the Namgang Starry Night Picnic and tasted local Jinju foods. They also experienced national heritage media art and Jinju Cultural Heritage Night at Jinju Castle, as well as wellness tourism and forest reportage at Jisu Seungsansan Rich People's Village and Wolasan Forest.
Through this Familiarisation Tour, participants posted posts and videos on their personal social media to introduce Jinju to the world. Mayor Cho said, ‘We will continue to promote and market pearl tourism in line with the recovery of inbound travel after COVID-19,’ adding that he hopes to attract more foreign tourists in the future.
Jinju City will host the Jinju October Festival along the Namgang River from 5 to 20 October, featuring a variety of nighttime programmes, including the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival. This year's festival has been selected as an ‘Asian Nighttime Festival’ and is expected to establish Jinju as a city specialising in night view tourism.
**Wellness innovation improves insomnia with personalised brain nerve stimulation
Neurotyx is innovating to help improve sleep and cognitive function through the latest wellness devices and digital therapies. The products introduced at the Lakeside Innovation Technology Competition are ‘WillSleep’ and ‘WillCog’, which aim to manage sleep and improve cognitive function, respectively.
WillSleep is a personalised sleep management wellness device that monitors and analyses the user's sleep patterns in real-time. It consists of a wearable device in the form of a patch and a mobile application that utilises neurofeedback and machine learning technology to deliver the right stimulation to the brain nerves to help improve sleep quality. This can effectively solve the problem of insomnia.
Wilcog, on the other hand, is a digital therapy for improving cognitive function. It comes in the form of a fun rhythm game, which can help strengthen cognitive function in all ages, from children to the elderly. It focuses on stimulating the function of specific brain regions to improve concentration and cognitive function.
Neurotyx will also collaborate with Hovan Construction's apartment community facilities to create a high-quality wellness centre. This will include a WillSleep experience area and personalised sleep care services. Additional projects include a cognitive enhancement and care centre for senior residents, a dedicated reading room for exam students, and a cognitive-boosting elite daycare centre for children. These innovative wellness solutions are expected to contribute to improving the lives of people of all ages.
**Wellness and Healing in Jeonnam, a Healing Journey***.
Jeonnam has been attracting attention as an optimal destination for modern travellers seeking healing and relaxation. The region offers a variety of tourist destinations and programmes centred on wellness and healing, helping to relieve stress and restore health.
Wando is known as a ‘marine healing’ destination. The Ocean Healing Centre offers programmes that use the marine climate and resources to heal the body and mind. The first floor offers various healing programmes using therapies, seawater mist and seaweed extracts, while the second floor offers professional marine healing such as high-pressure massage and steam showers. The park has become so popular that 30,000 people have visited within eight months of its opening, and it offers free admission and discounts to tourist attractions until the 31st.
Chuling Mountain in Jiangxi Province is known as the ‘Healing Forest’. It is home to 2.5 million cypress trees, and the phytoncides, the sound of the water in the forest, and the smell of the forest help heal the body and mind. In particular, the barefoot forest path is effective in strengthening blood circulation and immune function through stimulation of the soles of the feet.
Jeongnamjin Cypress Woodland in Jangheung is one of the best healing spots in Korea. With 120 hectares of cypress forest and various walking trails, you can enjoy forest bathing while inhaling phytoncides. In addition, the Mind Health Healing Centre offers programs to relieve physical and mental fatigue, such as hot compresses and aroma massages.
Wellness and healing trips in Jeonnam offer the opportunity to restore health with nature in various places such as healing forests, marine healing centres, and cypress forests. You can experience healthy healing through various programmes and attractions in the region that can effectively relieve modern stress and fatigue.
Wellness and Korean medicine, a global festival in Daegu** **Global Festa in Daegu
From 24 to 26 August, Daegu Metropolitan City will host the ‘K-MedWellness Festa 2024’ at Hall 2, Hall B, Daegu EXCO West Building. The event is organised by the Daegu Metropolitan Korean Medicine Association and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gyeongsangbuk-do. The festival, which will be held under the theme ‘Exploring Wellness, Korean Medicine’, is positioned as an important event to develop Daegu as a wellness medical tourism centre.
The event consists of experiential contents centred on Korean medicine and offers a variety of programmes, including the Korean Medicine Experience Hall, K-Beauty Hall, K-Wellness Culture Hall, and Korean Medicine Industry Hall. At the Korean Medicine Experience Centre, doctors from the Daegu Metropolitan Korean Medical Association will provide a variety of treatment experiences for children and adolescents, women's diseases, and painful conditions. The K-Beauty Pavilion promotes hospitals related to skin and plastic surgery, as well as beauty products related to wellness. At the K-Wellness Culture Centre, various wellness experiences such as healing concerts, aroma DIY, and natural humidifier making will be held.
In particular, the festival will coincide with the 2024 International Congress on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ICTAM), providing an opportunity to promote Daegu's herbal medicine and wellness tourism to more than 3,000 foreign participants. The festival will also feature a variety of K-culture events, including traditional games, traditional hanbok, embroidery workshops, and tastings of herbal teas and traditional refreshments.
At the Korean Medicine Industry Pavilion, various companies related to Korean medicine will participate to introduce their products and technologies, and the K-Wellness Burumarble game will provide fun opportunities for participation. In addition, the 2024 Daegu Metropolitan Korean Medical Association Congress and the Daegu Medical Tourism and Wellness Familiarisation Tour for foreigners will be held.
‘This event will be an important opportunity to develop Daegu as a global leader in wellness and medical tourism,’ said Choi Unbaek, head of Daegu's Future Innovation and Growth Office.
**Wellness and convenience: The new trend of staycationing in the heat
During the hot summer months, the ‘staycation’ and ‘stay-at-home’ trends are spreading. As consumers are reluctant to go out in the heat, they prefer to spend time in the comfort of their homes, and ‘well-made’ convenience foods are gaining attention.
According to the Korea Rural Economic Research Institute, the convenience food market reached KRW 6.53 trillion last year, doubling from 2017. As a result, the convenience food market is evolving into ‘well-made’ products that embody the flavours of professional restaurants.
Harim's ‘Dummy-style Chokgye Noodles’ and ‘Sichuan Jajangmyeon’ are two of the best snacks for summer. The ‘Chogye Noodle Soup’ is made with dongchimi broth for a cool and deep flavour, while the ‘Sichuan Jajangmyeon’ has the spicy flavour of traditional Sichuan cuisine. Pulmuwon has also launched ‘Double Texture Jajang Dosak Noodles’ and ‘Mapo Dosak Noodles’ to offer a variety of textures.
RMR (restaurant meal replacement) products are also gaining popularity. Fresh has introduced the ‘Gyeongbokgung Palace Korean Beef Bulgogi Hotpot with Cabbage’ and 7-Eleven has introduced the ‘Cheongwi Town Galbi Set Meal Box’. In addition, CJ CheilJedang, Homeplus, and BGF Retail are also expanding their line-ups of convenience food products to increase their market share.
Dongwon F&B launched a healthy snack brand called ‘Welo’, while Ottogi launched Onions in collaboration with ‘Respua’. LF Foods' Hakoya is also gaining traction in the summer noodle market with significant growth.
Various convenience foods that make it easy to enjoy a wellness lifestyle at home in the heat are gaining popularity among consumers.
**Wellness and AI: HDC Hyundai Development Company opens the era of ‘smart apartments’**.
HDC Hyundai Development Company is leading the innovation of the residential environment by introducing smart apartments that combine ‘wellness’ and AI technology. Starting with its developments in the Gwangwoon Broadband Zone, the company will introduce voice recognition wallpads based on generative artificial intelligence (AI) to its new apartments. The wallpads will greatly enhance the convenience of residents by supporting service calls such as courier, delivery, and garbage collection through voice.
In addition to voice recognition technology, HDC Hyundai Development Company offers a variety of wellness services. In particular, the Gwangwoon Broadband Zone development introduces a ‘senior-specific wellness service’ with 24-hour vital sign monitoring and fall detection to enhance the safety of the elderly. The system can analyse and respond in real time in the event of an emergency.
The AI voice-activated wallpad naturally responds to complex questions through advanced language modelling and contextual understanding, while facial recognition systems and CCTV with Crime Prevention through Architectural Design (CPTED) enhance security. Contactless access to the communal entrance, elevator calls, and unit access provides both convenience and safety for residents.
In addition, the iParkHome app enables integrated control of lighting, heating, gas, and ventilation, as well as home appliances from LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics, realising the IoT platform linkage between housing and home appliances. HDC Hyundai Development Company also provides automatic indoor air quality control by applying wireless app technology with integrated air quality sensors.
The introduction of innovative technologies such as these enhances the convenience and safety of residents' lives and contributes to the realisation of a future wellness residential environment.
**Wellness and medical tourism: Gangseo Miracle Medical Special Zone wins Ministerial Award at Wellness Fair***.
Gangseo-gu, Seoul, has once again established its status in the field of medical tourism by winning the Ministerial Award from the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the 2024 Wellness Fair. The fair, which took place at Seoul Plaza, was sponsored by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, and other organisations.
Gangseo-gu was recognised for its contribution to promoting medical tourism and creating jobs for the local community. Following the wins in 2016 and 2017, Gangseo's medical tourism brand value has been enhanced. The district introduced the wellness and medical tourism infrastructure of the Gangseo Miracle Medical Special Zone in collaboration with Gyeonghee Sonamu Oriental Clinic, Mizu Medical Hospital, and Mayfield Hotel, introducing wellness programmes and a smart consultation system to foreign tourists. Events such as Chinese medicine tasting attracted a lot of attention.
‘We will continue to do our best to grow Gangseo-gu as a representative medical tourism destination in Korea,’ said Jang Jin-soo, head of the medical department, revealing plans to provide high-quality medical services to foreign tourists.
**Wellness and Fermented Food: Gangjin County Completes Course to Train Experts in Local Food Fermented Foods
On 14 August, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do, successfully completed the ‘Gangjin Local Food Fermented Food Expert Training Course’ for members of the Fermentation Research Society. The training was part of the Rural Livelihood Plus project and aimed to develop fermented food menus that reflect local characteristics and strengthen practical competence.
The course covered the theory and practice of fermented foods, including the production of fermented foods using salt, rice yeast, dairy products, and soybeans, as well as commercialisation strategies, meal kits, and packaging techniques. Through the eight four-hour sessions, participants learned how to use fermented foods in various ways and commercialisation strategies.
The completion ceremony was attended by Yoo Young-cheol, Director of the Rural Vitality Plus Project, and Kim Dong-nam, Director of the Rural Development Division, who presented certificates of completion and awards for outstanding trainees, and exhibited and tasted fermented foods and products developed as a result of the training. Dr Kim Jae-sook said he was impressed by the enthusiastic participation of the members of the Fermentation Research Society and tried to pass on more knowledge.
‘We hope that this training will serve as the basis for the creation of differentiated fermented products unique to Gangjin, and the New Vitality Plus Project will continue to support them,’ said Yoo Young-cheol. Gangjin-gun is promoting continuous education and consulting with the aim of developing the wellness sector through fermented foods.
**Harmonising Wellness and Nature: Wellness Camping Festival in Yongoreum Village, Hongcheon-gun, Korea
Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, announced the successful completion of the first Yongoreum Village Wellness Camping Festival, which took place from 15 to 17 November in Yongoreum Village, Seoseok-myeon. The festival offered a variety of wellness programmes to heal the body and mind in nature and received a great response.
The entire site was sold out as soon as pre-bookings opened, with more than 100 participants taking part in programmes such as bodywork yoga, singing ball therapy, object play, produce harvesting, and pause meditation. Four healthy meals were also provided for the participants, and the opening ceremony was held on the afternoon of the 16th with over 200 people in attendance, and a classical music concert with the theme of ‘The Five Colours of Love’ deeply moved the participants.
The festival went beyond camping and provided an opportunity to experience wellness programmes that are difficult to experience in everyday life in a pristine natural setting. Separate experience programmes for children and adults were designed to satisfy the entire family, providing a fresh experience for visitors to the Yongoreum Valley.
‘We hope you enjoyed a true relaxation in nature through this festival,’ said Yoo Yoo-soo, head of the Agriculture Department, ’and we plan to provide various wellness programmes with nature in the future.’ The festival confirms the potential of Yongoreum Village as a wellness tourism destination and will provide a unique experience for visitors in the future.
**Wellness and pets: Pet plant startups are on the rise as ‘butlers’ increase***.
The domestic pet plant market is growing rapidly, with the number of ‘plant butlers’ who care for plants like family members on the rise. The domestic indoor farming market is expected to reach KRW 1.719 trillion by 2026, up from KRW 121.6 billion in 2021. As a result, pet plant-related startups are actively being invested and growing.
For example, Rootrix, which operates a tree data collection and distribution platform, has raised KRW 1.2 billion in Pre-A investment. Rootrix provides a platform for customers to conveniently purchase the trees they want by connecting with more than 600 tree farms, and will also set price standards through tree demand and production forecasts and research on carbon offsetting systems for landscape companies.
In addition, ‘Potts Company’, which operates the pet plant brand ‘Sunday Planet 47’, is expanding its business with seed investment. The brand offers various products such as plant care products and all-in-one seed kits, and is preparing to enter the global market.
Grew, which operates an AI-based pet plant growth management app, is strengthening its plant care and disease information services. The app provides features that help users manage their plants and is expected to grow globally.
As the pet plant market is growing, various startups related to wellness are actively being invested in, and the industry is expected to continue to expand.
**Art in the forest with wellness: WE Hotel Jeju offers ‘Play in the Forest Package’ until the end of the year**.
WE Hotel Jeju is introducing the ‘Play in the Forest Package’, which includes art activities using the natural environment of the forest, until 30 December. The package includes a one-night stay in a superior room with international breakfast buffet (for two adults and one child), ‘Kids Art Therapy’ art programme (for one child), one Hagendazu ice cream, and access to the natural volcanic bedrock water sauna.
Additional benefits include a 10% discount on food and beverages, 10% discount at the Medical Spa and complimentary access to a choice of four treatments from the wellness programme ‘We Heal with You’. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the natural volcanic bedrock outdoor pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre. For bookings made 14 days in advance, guests will receive a free extra person and a 7 per cent discount, and until August, guests who book on the website will receive four minibars.
The ‘Play in the Forest Programme’ is open to children aged 5 to primary school students, with a limit of five children per class. The programme lasts for one hour between 1pm and 4pm. The package offers a range of wellness activities that families can enjoy together in nature, giving them the opportunity to experience health and healing at the same time.
**Wellness Meets Beauty: Barneys New York Beauty Opens at Lotte Department Store Gimpo Airport
Barneys New York Beauty, the beauty and wellness brand of American luxury brand Barneys New York, opened a new store at Lotte Department Store Gimpo Airport on 20th. The store is a new concept that integrates beauty, wellness, and water, realising the brand's philosophy of self-care and healthy beauty.
Barneys New York Beauty offers products in three categories - skincare, wellness, and water - in one store, showcasing products with unique authenticity and pure ingredients. There is also a special water experience area in the store, and the two waters on sale are Northern Lights, which contains pure Norwegian water, and PureDal Natural Water. These products are safe to drink, even for babies and children.
To address the issue of microplastics, the store has introduced glass bottles made in Slovenia and eco-friendly paper packaging to reduce plastic use and promote sustainability.
To celebrate the store's opening, Barneys New York Beauty is offering customers who visit the store and purchase products to receive free samples. You can also check out Barneys New York Beauty's full range of products on its official website.
**Harmonising Wellness and Nature: Sanctum Village created by young adults
Santhum Village in Yongduri, Hyoja-myeon, Yecheon-gun, is a youth village where wellness and pristine nature come together. Located at an altitude of 600m above sea level, the village pursues a healthy lifestyle through various wellness activities such as meditation, tai chi, and farming, centred on a complex cultural space.
The name ‘Sanctum’ was inspired by the Earth defence base in the film ‘Doctor Strange’ and has become a place where young people gather to live a wellness lifestyle. Kim moved to Yecheon after being fascinated by tai chi and the healing power of nature, and since 2016, he has been revitalising the local community by creating a wellness youth village.
Sanctum Village offers a variety of programmes, including a pesticide-free walnut farm, natural dyeing, and nature trekking, where young people can connect with nature and restore their physical and mental health. In particular, the ‘Rest Day’ programme offers Tai Chi, mindfulness through food, and physical relaxation with a sound bed.
Sanctum Village is also active in developing products utilising local produce. It produces a variety of products, including apple spirits, walnut oil, and walnut nougat, and collaborates with local residents to create a win-win situation. Sanctum Village is achieving harmony between wellness and nature through interaction between the local community and young people, and we look forward to its sustainable development in the future.
**Wellness and the charm of Qingdao meet in Seongsu-dong: ‘Travel Market Cheongdo’ pop-up store**.
Cheongdo County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, will host the ‘Travel Market Cheongdo’ pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul from 6 to 15 September. The pop-up store is part of a regional branding project aimed at the younger generation, promoting wellness and nature in Cheongdo.
Cheongdo-gun is well known for its clean and wellness vegetable ‘hanjae minari’, and has recently become popular for its scenic ‘view restaurants’ and healing cafes. The pop-up store will feature photo zones, video zones, and experience zones to vividly convey the charm of Qingdao.
A particularly noteworthy programme is the ‘Qingdao Class’, which provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Qingdao. Titled ‘To Qingdao, from Qingdao’, influencers from the travel, food, photography and video sectors will introduce the city's charms and include various programmes for wellness and sustainable communication, such as a zero-waste workshop.
Through the pop-up store, the government of Qingdao and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk branch of the Korea Tourism Organization plan to promote the city's wellness, sustainable values, and local charms, and strengthen communication with young people.