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| August 26th, 2024 Korea Wellness News |
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the exciting developments in Korea Wellness as of August 26th, 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.
Wellness and aftershocks, a new paradigm for healthy post-workout care
With the healthy leisure craze, post-workout care products are gaining traction. Nowadays, it's not just about losing weight, but also about forming a consistent exercise habit and taking care of your body and skin comfortably after exercise. As a result, the retail industry is targeting the wellness market by introducing various after-workout products.
Newkin's ‘AgeLock Wellspa iO’ is a beauty device that improves tired skin after exercise by adjusting the strength of microcurrent. The W-shaped metal node stimulates the skin to activate the body cycle, and when used in conjunction with dedicated products, it can also manage skin elasticity. The product is connected to the smart solution app Vera, which provides systematic care according to exercise conditions and supports personalised care with auto-adjusting microcurrents.
Karin and Orlot's Forest Spray deodorises and antibacterialises clothing and spaces after exercise. Inspired by the Scandinavian forest, it has a refreshing citrus and floral dew scent and is safe to use with a plant-based deodorising base.
Kimberly-Clark's Kleenex Cooling Wipes temporarily reduce skin temperature by -6°C, which is useful for cooling sweat after exercise. They contain peppermint extract for a refreshing sensation and are large and portable.
Ausserlok's Cold Brew Tea increases the capacity of the tea bag so it brews quickly in cold water to help cool down after exercise. The stick tea bags are available in a variety of flavours for easy consumption.
Industry experts say that recovering from fatigue and recharging the body and skin after exercise is an important part of a workout, and recommend that you complete your personal wellness routine with a variety of after-workout items.
‘Jecheon Wellness Centre’ opens in Suisan-myeon, Jecheon City, to improve local health and boost economy
On 23 August, the Jecheon Wellness Centre, a new health promotion facility for residents, opened in Susan-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. The centre, which was established with the support of K-water Chungju Dam and Jecheon City, is a 1,500-square-meter facility that will offer a variety of wellness programmes focused on healing the mind and body and health care.
The Jecheon Wellness Centre, which includes a botanical garden and exercise therapy room, offers ‘medical wellness’ to promote health through physical and exercise therapy, ‘health wellness’ to heal the body and mind through walking therapy and foot baths, and various wellness courses. In addition, the ‘Mom Salim Body Care Programme’ for local residents will also be held.
‘We are pleased to contribute to the health improvement of local residents and visitors through the opening of the Jecheon Wellness Centre and to revitalise the local economy,’ said Ahn Je-sik, Governor of K-water Chungju Dam, adding that the company will continue to strive to spread social values.
‘With the opening of the wellness centre, we plan to run various wellness programmes that make use of the characteristics of the Slow City,’ said Sang-joon Ko, chairman of the Susan Slow City Council. Jecheon Mayor Kim Chang-kyu hopes that the centre will become a key tourist attraction for Sususo Slow City and will actively promote it through support for the Healing Festival in the second half of the year.
The Jecheon Wellness Centre is operated by the Susususlo City Council, and inquiries regarding the centre's operation can be directed to the council at ☎043-642-8311.
MZ Announces 16 High-Value Wellness Group Products Aimed at Chinese Travellers
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Association of Travel Agents have selected 16 high-value wellness group products aimed at Chinese group tourists. The contest was held from 15 to 29 July, and 16 products were selected from 12 travel agencies' proposals in the categories of K-culture, leisure and sports, security and peace, wellness, and regional specialities.
In the wellness category, the ‘Gangwon-do Temple Stay & Wellness’ is attracting attention. It is a healing trip to a temple where participants can experience the aesthetics of slowness and rest, and enjoy both mental and physical healing.
Selected products will be provided with a variety of support, including inviting Chinese wanghong (influencers), social media marketing, close promotion through Korea Tourism Organization's local offices in China, and participation in fairs. They will also be awarded a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ and will receive points for future agency renewals.
Since the resumption of group tourism to China in August 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has been stepping up its efforts to suspend low-cost tour operators and inspect them for disruptive behaviour in order to ensure the qualitative growth of the Korean tourism market. The China Dedicated Tour Operator licence will be renewed every two years, and a plan will be introduced to give preference to products that utilise tourism resources outside of Seoul.
There are currently 215 China-only tour operators in South Korea, and evaluations for new designations will begin in May 2024. The number of Chinese tourists to Korea exceeded 3 million in the first half of this year, and the proportion of group tourists, including cruises, is also on the rise. As such, the value-added of Chinese group tourism in the Korean market is becoming an important issue.
Three beaches in Sokcho City close for 56 days, setting new standards for wellness and safety
Three beaches in Sokcho City opened on 1 July and closed on 25 August after 56 days of accident-free operation. During this year's beach season, Sokcho City demonstrated safe and comfortable beach operations that have attracted national attention.
To protect beachgoers from jellyfish and sharks, the city installed anti-jellyfish nets and conducted joint drills to prepare for shark outbreaks. In addition, as the number of jellyfish increased rapidly, the city strengthened jellyfish monitoring and removal operations using motor boats and dedicated collection equipment to minimise jellyfish stings in the Gangwon region.
Various wellness-related events and campaigns were held at Sokcho Beach. At the opening ceremony on July 1, a night landscape creation project was demonstrated, and from August 9 to 11, the ‘2024 Sokcho Beach Festival’ was held, which received a great response with eco-friendly and wellness-themed experience programmes and art exhibitions. In particular, the Sokcho Bada Beach Pub was very popular among tourists and local youth.
Sokcho was the first city on the east coast to open its beach pub at night in 2019, and it ran for two weeks from 29 July to 11 August this year, attracting many visitors to enjoy the beach even on hot summer nights.
‘We were able to operate a safe beach thanks to the cooperation of citizens, tourists, and related organisations, even under difficult conditions such as jellyfish outbreaks and rising temperatures,’ said Byung-sun Lee, mayor of Sokcho. ’We will strive to make the beach even safer and more attractive next year.’
Jeonnam to become a global tourism destination with wellness and nature
Jeonnam is promoting a large-scale project to become a global tourism destination by combining its natural beauty and wellness content. As part of the ‘Southern Region Wide Area Tourism Development Project’, Jeonnam plans to invest a total of KRW 1.302 trillion in 56 projects to establish itself as a key hub for tourism in the southern region.
The main goal of the project is to develop Jeonnam into an international tourism destination by utilising its unique tourism resources and wellness content. In particular, marine wellness experience facilities will be built along the Baekri Island Trail on the southern coast, and a healing centre using tidal flats will be built in Suncheon to enhance wellness tourism. In Haenam, a water theatre comparable to the water theatre in Bregenz, Austria, will be built to provide a sensory travel experience.
Major projects related to wellness in Jeonnam include the marine wellness experience facility, the Suncheon Bay tidal mudflat healing tourism platform, and the Haenam Land's End Water Complex, which focus on marine wellness, nature healing, and cultural experiences, respectively. In addition, a culture-infused nocturnal tourism space in Damyang and a tourist gallery in Gaudo's Forest of Light in Gangjin will also be developed as wellness tourism destinations with local characteristics.
Jeonnam's tourism development reflects the trend of eco-friendly and personalised tourism in line with the post-corona era, and plans to attract more domestic and international tourists through its unique wellness content. Through the two to three phases of the project, which will run until 2033, Jeonnam's tourism resources will be further enriched and its position as a global tourism destination will be solidified.
Seogwipo City plans a ‘garden city’ that combines wellness and gardens
Seogwipo City is planning to strengthen wellness tourism by collaborating with the National Arboretum to create a ‘garden city’. Seogwipo Mayor Oh Sun-moon and National Arboretum Director Lim Young-seok will attend the signing ceremony at Seogwipo City Hall on the 27th, and the agreement will include technical advice on garden creation, research on native forest biodiversity, cooperation on garden policy research, and support in running exhibitions and educational programmes.
Through the agreement, Seogwipo City will connect ecological rivers, native forests and parks in the city centre to transform them into ‘urban gardens’ and strengthen its ecotourism and wellness tourism infrastructure. The city plans to build an ecological network with a length of 7.5 kilometres and an area of 1,079,000 square metres by connecting nine ecological axes, including Sombancheon and Donghongcheon.
The centrepiece of the urban garden will be areas with outstanding natural scenery, such as Gulmae Ecological Park, Chilsipiri Park, and Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, which will contribute to the preservation and multiplication of rare plants unique to Jeju. Through this, Seogwipo City plans to realise a nature-friendly and carbon-neutral city and create a garden city that can provide wellness and healing to tourists.
‘In cooperation with the National Arboretum, we will create a wellness garden city that utilises the natural environment of Seogwipo City to create ecotourism and a carbon-neutral city that makes use of Jeju's unique characteristics,’ said Kang Myung-gyun, head of the Seogwipo City Clean Environment Bureau.
Rural tourism idea contest proposes wellness and local economy revitalisation
The ‘2nd Rural Tourism Idea Contest’, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Rural Development Administration, was won by a team from Sejong University. The contest was held with the aim of creating a ‘rural place to visit and stay’ through the creative ideas of the 2030 generation, and a total of 59 teams from 31 schools participated.
The Sejong University team's ‘Well in Okcheon’ proposed a wellness programme for interaction (temple food), relaxation (herbal spa), and exercise (forest walks), as well as a proposal to revitalise the local economy by using local currency. The idea was highly praised for its creative approach to overcoming the crisis of rural decline and contributing to the revitalisation of the local economy.
The top prizes went to Seoul National University's ‘Three meals in a village’ and Konkuk University's ‘Rural pet training camping using abandoned schools,’ while the runners-up included Kangwon National University's ‘Oliville, a rural village hotel,’ Seoul National University's ‘It's okay to be a toff, toff village,’ Hanyang Women's University's ‘Turn off your smartphone and play in the countryside,’ Kyung Hee University's ‘Onsamiro,’ and Jeju National University's ‘Rural Ethnicity. In addition, Hanyang University's paper ‘Analysis of emotional and behavioural effects of rural tourism interactions: Focusing on social exchange theory’ was selected as the best paper.
The grand prize team will receive the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Award and a cash prize of 2 million won, while the runner-up team will receive the Minister of Rural Affairs and Rural Development Award and 1.5 million won each. The runners-up will receive awards from various organisations and a cash prize of 1 million won each. The award ceremony will be held at the ‘A Farm Show’, a farming and agriculture fair held at the Yangjae aT Centre on the 30th.
Wellness and K-beauty on the rise, overseas sales of Goo Woon Seong Cosmetics increase by 200 per cent
Goounseong Cosmetics is making great strides in overseas markets thanks to the popularity of K-beauty. In the first half of this year, overseas sales increased by 200 per cent year-on-year, and the company is on track to surpass 200 billion won in annual sales.
According to the first half results, the company's overall sales increased by 7 per cent year-on-year, surpassing last year's sales of KRW 1984 billion. The strong growth in overseas markets is attributed to the global K-beauty trend.
The company stands out in its functional cosmetics line including ‘Dr.G’, and its Black Snail Cream and Red Blemish Cream have been very popular with sales of over 30 million and 20 million units, respectively. Recently, the company has expanded its brand portfolio by launching new eco-friendly brands such as Bebeadrow, which is made from vegan-certified ingredients, Healer's, a make-up brand, and Wrapit, which is aimed at Gen Z.
Gowon World Cosmetics is strengthening its overseas marketing, focusing on Japan and Southeast Asia, and is raising brand awareness through collaborations with popular artists such as Boy Next Door. The company's recent pop-up store at Tokyo's Shibuya shopping mall and entry into Malaysia's H&B stores are considered successful examples of overseas expansion.
The company is confident of surpassing KRW 200 billion in annual sales this year by continuing to expand exports to overseas markets in the second half of the year. Gowon World Cosmetics' successful wellness beauty brand strategy is making an important contribution to the global spread of K-beauty.
Harmony of Wellness and Nature, 12 Wellness Destinations in Jeju Island
Jeju Island has recently selected 12 wellness destinations that combine nature and culture, showcasing a sustainable tourism model for Jeju. The Jeju Tourism Organization unveiled the 12 sites, which will be designated as wellness tourism destinations in 2024 and offer a variety of healing programmes using natural resources.
The wellness destinations are divided into four categories. **The Nature and Forest Healing category includes Merchewat Forest Trail, Seogwipo Healing Forest, Papaville, and Fantastic Forest Gokjawal Park. These places offer programmes to heal the mind and body using clean natural resources, and you can experience healing in nature with a forest guide.
In the **Healing and Meditation** category, Jeju 901, Takea Sun Resort, Thinking Garden, and Haevichi Hotel & Resort were selected. These destinations offer professional meditation programmes, structured programmes to help with psychological relaxation, and provide a space to find inner peace.
In the **Beauty & Spa** category, WE Hotel Wellness Centre stands out. It offers hydrotherapy and medical spa programmes using natural volcanic bedrock water to treat both skin and body health.
In the category of **Wellness Community**, Shinheung2-ri Camellia Village, Woori Daok, and Scenes of Jeju were selected. These destinations offer unique wellness experiences through interaction with traditional Jeju culture and the local community, and feature a variety of programmes that involve local residents.
Merchewat Forest Path, in particular, is well-known as a filming location for the Netflix film Kingdom, and retains the beauty of a pristine forest. The Thinking Garden offers beautiful bonsai gardens and meditation experiences, while the Dongbaek Village in Sinheung 2-ri emphasises interaction with local specialities, such as making natural soap using camellia oil and eating camellia rice.
These Jeju wellness tourism destinations offer visitors the opportunity to experience Jeju's nature and culture in a deeper way, and are presenting a new model for wellness tourism.
Wellness meets Japanese tradition in the hot springs of Oita Prefecture
Japan's Oita Prefecture is known as the ‘hot spring kingdom,’ with 4.49 million visitors to the region last year, and attractions such as Beppu and Yufuin are particularly popular with onsen-seeking tourists. Oita Prefecture has more than 5,000 hot spring sources, making it one of the largest hot spring regions in Japan.
Recently, however, Yamashiroya, a ryokan in Yunohira Village, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture, has been attracting attention for its new strategy of targeting foreign tourists. Although the ryokan has a 50-year history, it has recently been filled to capacity with foreign tourists. The village is located 15 kilometres from Yufuin and is not easy to get to due to poor transport links, but the marketing strategy of emphasising ‘traditional Japaneseness’ has been successful.
Yamashiroya has become very popular with foreign guests by emphasising traditional Japanese beauty. The ryokan provides traditional Japanese yukata and serves Japanese home-style meals, including the speciality Bungo beef, to give visitors an authentic Japanese culture experience. The ryokan also provides a multilingual website and instructional videos for foreign guests to increase accessibility.
The Beppu region of Oita Prefecture is known for its unique onsen experiences, such as the ‘Hell Onsen Pilgrimage’. Beppu offers a variety of experience programmes that allow you to enjoy the hot springs with all five senses, and the traditional local dish of ‘Jigoku’ is also popular. Beppe has expanded hot springs beyond just bathing into the realm of healing and wellness.
On the other hand, Korean hot spring areas are mainly traditional bathing facilities, which limits the ability to create a unique hot spring culture or a five-sensory experience like Bepp's. It has been pointed out that Korean hot springs should also incorporate ‘Korean’ elements to create a unique hot spring culture. Taking a cue from successful examples such as BEF, Korean hot spring regions should explore wellness tourism strategies that utilise local resources and characteristics.
Wellness and Technology, Newkin's Smart Beauty Devices
Newkin Korea has been ranked No. 1 in the direct sales category of the 2024 Consumer's Choice Awards. Newkin is a global beauty and wellness company that has recently gained global recognition for its smart beauty devices.
Founded in the United States in 1984, Newkin Enterprises now operates in 50 countries, and Newkin Korea, founded in 1996, has been recognised for its innovative quality in Korea. Newkin provides personalised beauty solutions based on a systematic and scientific skin care system, and boasts unrivalled technology, especially in its smart device lineup.
Starting with the Galvanic Spa system, Newkin's smart beauty devices, including the Aegilac Face Galvanic Spa +, Aegilac Boost, and Aegilac Lumispa iO, have become very popular among consumers. These devices deliver active ingredients deep into the skin, improve the skin's natural function, and provide deep cleansing and skin fitness effects.
In addition, Newkin has been presenting a healthy life through strict quality control in collaboration with health functional food brand Pharmanex. Recently, the company launched the Mind 360 brand for mental and body care, which sold out immediately after its launch.
Newkin is not only known for its quality, but also for its social contribution activities. In 1998, it established the Force for Good Foundation to support children with congenital heart disease and donates nutritious food for malnourished children through the Nourish the Children programme. Newkin Korea contributes to the local community through various social contribution activities, including the opening of the Newkin Library of Hope, the delivery of lunch boxes, and educational programmes for migrant women.
Newkin's smart beauty devices and wellness solutions are further strengthening its position in the global market as a brand that combines technology and social responsibility.
Wellness and sleep: 3 Ways to Beat the Longest Tropical Night on Record
With the hot and humid tropical nights, many people are struggling to get a good night's sleep. A good night's sleep plays an important role in wellness, including brain function, immune function, and emotional regulation, and is essential for mental and physical health. Here are three ways to get a good night's sleep, according to health and wellness company Herbalife.
1. Eat Right
It's important to manage your eating habits as they affect your sleep. Avoid eating a heavy meal before bed and avoid spicy, salty, high-fat and high-sugar foods. These foods can put a strain on your digestive system and prevent you from getting a good night's sleep. Caffeine and alcohol also have a negative impact on sleep, so it"s a good idea to drink soothing herbal teas in the evening. As for children, it"s best to limit high-sugar foods as much as possible.
2. Exercise adequately
Lack of exercise increases stress, which has a negative impact on sleep. On the other hand, lack of sleep increases fatigue during the day, which leads to less activity. Proper exercise reduces stress and provides better rest. Keeping your body moving by exercising daily will help you sleep better.
3. Manage your sleep patterns and environment
Consistent sleep patterns and environmental management are essential for a good night's sleep. You can promote sleep by setting a regular sleep schedule, meditating for 30 minutes to an hour before bed, journaling, reading, or listening to soothing music. You should also keep your sleeping area cool, dark, and quiet, and avoid using your smartphone and TV. Naps should be kept short, no more than 30 minutes, so they don't affect your sleep at night.
These three tips will help you get a healthy, quality night's sleep during the longest tropical night on record.
Wellness and innovation: TerraBody launches the Recovery Pulse, a highly portable wearable device
Wellness tech company Therabody has launched a new wearable device called Recovery Pulse. The product is being touted as an innovative healthcare device to help relieve muscle pain and aid recovery.
Recovery Pulse uses vibration, compression, and far-infrared light to improve muscle fatigue and promote recovery. It comes in sleeves that can be worn on the arm and calf, making it convenient to use in a variety of situations, such as stretching after a workout or on a long flight. In particular, TerraBody's patented VibraPulse Technology™ provides simultaneous vibration and compression, while 11 QX-Micro motors precisely stimulate muscles for effective recovery.
Recovery Pulse also uses FlowKnit, a high-performance fabric infused with germanium yarns, to deliver precise vibration and compression. This maximises the convenience and effectiveness of wearable devices.
According to global market research firm Research Nestor, the wearable device market is expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2035. Therabody continues to innovate through continuous research and development in the field of wearable devices, and is expected to set new standards in the healthcare market with this new product, Recovery Pulse.
‘Recovery Pulse is a wellness solution with our unique technology that will provide users with an effective healthcare experience anytime, anywhere,’ said Jinil Kwak, Executive Director of Marketing at TerraBody Korea.
Wellness and innovation: AI-powered smart fitness assistant ‘Trackme’ launched
Digital health smartwear company WaveCompany has launched TracMe, a new wearable AI assistant. The product is a personalised fitness solution, a smart device that makes exercise more effective and convenient. TracMe, which will make its debut on 26 August at the Wellness Store at Lotte High Mart Gwangbok Lotte Mall, is expected to revolutionise the fitness experience.
TrackMe automatically collects and analyses users' exercise data in real-time through its built-in textile sensors. This allows users to receive personalised fitness coaching based on AI analysis of their exercise frequency, form, and movement. In particular, for beginners who are unsure of how to exercise, AI-powered workout routines, related videos, and emojis are displayed on the screen to help them understand.
Currently, TrackMe offers 250 bodyweight exercises and stretches, and in November, dumbbell and band workout content will be added. The device uses nano-new materials to precisely detect motion and AI technology to provide personalised exercise recommendations and feedback. The device also features wireless data transfer via Bluetooth, a 30-hour battery life and easy-to-clean protector.
TrackMe was recognised for its technology by winning the Innovation Award in the Digital Health category at CES 2024. Wave Company believes the product will provide users with effective exercise guidance and revolutionise the domestic fitness market. The launch of TrackMe is expected to open a new chapter in health management through the convergence of wellness and fitness technology.
Dongseung Group, opening up the future with wellness, begins development of Gangjin Wellness Resort
Dongseung Parks & Resorts, an affiliate of Dongseung Group, has received permission to change the designation of cultural assets for its ‘Gangjin Wellness Resort’ development project in Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. The approval marks an important turning point for the project, which is being promoted under an MOU signed with Gangjin-gun in September 2022.
Gangjin Wellness Resort will be a complex wellness resort including a luxury hotel (Hilton), a nine-hole golf course, and a therapeutic forest path, with a total investment of KRW 120 billion on a 4.55 million square metre (approximately 1.38 million square kilometres) site. The resort is expected to bring about a significant change in the tourism industry in the Gangjin region. According to the development plan, construction will begin in the second half of this year with district-level planning, and is expected to begin by the end of 2025 and be completed by 2027.
To foster both the residential and tourism industries, Gangjin County is supporting the construction of infrastructure such as county-level access roads, and is promoting development in line with new tourism trends towards ‘small-scale’ and ‘high-end’. Through this project, Dongseung Park & Resort plans to create a wellness theme park and further enhance the tourism appeal of Gangjin.
‘Now that we have secured permission to change the designation of cultural assets, we will expedite administrative procedures such as drafting a county management plan, and invest in the project with the goal of completing it within 2025,’ said Kim Yong-sik, CEO of Dongseung Park & Resort.
Dongseung Group is a medium-sized company founded in 1969 and currently operates various businesses, including more than 4,500 stores in Dongdaemun Market, JW Marriott Hotel, Icheon News Springville CC in Gyeonggi-do, and News Springville 2 CC in Sangju. Gangjin Wellness Resort is an important project to strengthen Dongseung Group's wellness and tourism business, and is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism industry.
Marriott Bonvoy JW Marriott Jeju launches special package combining wellness and golf
Marriott Bonvoy is offering a unique experience combining wellness and golf with the ‘Marriott Bonvoy Golf Escape’ programme at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa. The programme will take place from 24 to 25 September and offers a unique luxury experience for Marriott Bonvoy Moments members.
The package includes a golf masterclass with professional Duck Ho Ko, a round of golf at Blackstone Jeju, a one-night stay at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, a JW Garden party and a morning walk on Jeju Olle 7 Course. In addition, a BMW courtesy car will be provided to ensure participants travel in comfort and style.
Ko is a PGA Class A member, recently served as a commentator at the Paris Global Sports Competition and is recognised as one of Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers in the world. His masterclasses are expected to provide a high level of instruction.
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa features architecture and interiors that reflect the island's natural beauty, a variety of dining options and wellness programmes, and a prime location with stunning views of Jeju Island.
Bonvoy members who wish to participate can bid on the packages via the sports category on the Marriott Bonvoy Moments website. There are three packages available, with bids starting at 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. The auction will run until 10 September and is open to adult golf enthusiasts aged 19 years and above.
‘The Golf Escape Moments will provide an unforgettable wellness and golf experience in the beautiful nature of Jeju Island,’ said Ki-Deok Nam, Country Manager, Korea and Philippines, Marriott International. ’We will continue to provide our members with enriching experiences through various Bonvoy programmes.’
Wellness and Tourism Ideas, Sunchang Fermented Tourism Foundation Holds ‘2024 Sunchang Tourism Idea Contest’
(The Sunchang Fermented Tourism Foundation has announced the ‘2024 Sunchang Tourism Idea Contest’ to revitalise local tourism. The contest is designed to inject new vitality into the local tourism industry by soliciting creative ideas based on the unique tourism resources of Sunchang and various tourism topics such as wellness, taste and food, blazers (business + leisure), and tourism routes.
The competition is open to anyone interested in tourism in Sunchang, aged 19 and above, and is open to individuals and teams. Participants can download the application form from the Sunchang Fermented Wine Tourism Foundation website, fill it out and submit it via email. The submitted ideas will be judged based on creativity, feasibility, effectiveness, and completeness, and will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges.
A total of six winners will be awarded, with one grand prize winner (team) receiving KRW 1 million, two first prize winners (team) receiving KRW 500,000 each, and three second prize winners (team) receiving KRW 300,000 each. The final results will be announced on 27 September.
Sun Yoon-sook, CEO of the Sunchang Ferment Tourism Foundation, said, ‘We expect many creative and practical ideas using Sunchang's unique tourism resources to emerge through this contest, and we will commercialise the discovered ideas to contribute to the development of Sunchang tourism.’ The ideas selected through the contest will be used to develop new tourism products and establish marketing strategies for Sunchang County.
Meanwhile, Sunchang County is reducing the economic burden on farmers and strengthening support for farmers in the run-up to the holidays through the Tax-Free Oil Price Stabilisation Support Project for Farm Machinery, which subsidises the purchase cost of up to 10,000 litres. This will reduce the economic burden on farmers and provide practical help.
The 1st Wellness Seoul, held at Banpo Han River Park, with Wellness
On 6 October 2024, the 1st Wellness Seoul 2024 - Slow Run Extreme Fun Han River will be held at Banpo Han River Park in Seoul. The event is co-hosted by Herald Media and Mirae Hangang Headquarters, and is a large-scale festival where citizens can enjoy various programmes on the theme of wellness and health.
The event consists of various programmes such as ▷ Healing Wellness (Slow Turtle Marathon with Pet), ▷ Music Wellness (Han River Concert), ▷ Kids Wellness (Balance Cycle), ▷ Meditation Wellness (Yoga Class), and ▷ Experience Wellness (Theme Booth). The festival, which runs from 1pm to 9pm, will be held in the Banpo Han River Park area, including the car-free diving bridge.
The main event is the Slow Turtle Marathon with Pets. The marathon is organised by Lee Bong-ju, and the concept is ‘Run Together, Run Slow’, so you can enjoy a leisurely and relaxing marathon. The course starts at the Diving Bridge and finishes at Ichon Han River Park, and there will be a spot zone for nostalgic games along the way.
The highlight of the music wellness is the ‘Han River Concert’, which takes place on the waterfront stage from 6pm to 8pm. Various artists, including the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra, soprano Kim So-hyun, and musical actor and actress Son Joon-ho, will perform beautiful melodies.
Kids' wellness activities will include a balance cycle competition for children aged 3 to 5 and a yoga class with Mulaware. The Mulla Wear yoga class will be held at Banpo Hangang Park Moonlight Square, and the first to book will receive a Mulla merchandise.
There will also be a variety of experiential wellness booths, including MBTI interpretation by Heo Jun, face painting, children's painting and sketching, and more.
The Wellness Seoul Grand Festival provides an opportunity for citizens who are tired of their daily routines to find wellness and happiness, and is expected to attract more than 30,000 participants.
Wellness and young consumers in the digital age: Future consumption trends
With the development of digital technology, the wellness market is changing rapidly. In the past, digital products such as music and e-books were the mainstream, but now, with the convergence of advanced technologies such as cloud, IoT, and AI, digital products and services related to wellness are growing significantly. In particular, personalised digital services in healthcare, fitness, pet care, and other areas are gaining popularity.
According to a recent report by Deloitte, digital goods and services account for 2.0 per cent of consumer spending, similar to household goods and healthcare. In South Korea, digital spending is higher than the global average at 2.8 per cent, and is particularly strong among young people. Respondents aged 18-34 are increasingly spending on new forms of digital goods, including digital health, online learning, VR content, and content creator subscriptions.
Spending related to digital wellness is expanding beyond streaming services and authored content to include health, online education, and VR content, indicating a maturation of digital consumption. Young people are more willing to spend on the latest digital products, and it's important for organisations to have strategies in place to target them.
These shifts are a major factor driving the growth of the digital goods and services market, and it's time for organisations to adopt innovative customer strategies that align with new consumption trends. To capture the market opportunity in digital wellness, it is important to understand the needs of young consumers and tailor services accordingly.
Hanam City recruits participants for wellness and cycling programme
The city of Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, is recruiting participants for the second half of the wellness and cycling programme run by the Gamil Healthy Living Support Centre from 26 August on a first-come, first-served basis. The programme is aimed at residents of Gamil, Gambuk, and Wirye-dong, and consists of two wellness and cycling exercises.
The ‘Wellness Phase 2’ programme is an exercise programme using small tools and will run from 23 September to 14 November. Every Monday and Thursday, the programme is divided into two classes: ‘Posture! Flexibility!’ (for those aged 20 to 50, to strengthen posture and flexibility) at 10am and ‘Naiya Gara~’ (for those aged 50 and over, to strengthen joint and spinal muscles) at 11am.
The ‘Circular Exercise’ programme utilises mat exercises and circular exercise equipment, and will be held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 24 September to 13 November. The programme will be divided into two classes: Group I (10 participants) at 10.30am and Group II (10 participants) at 2pm.
Priority will be given to new participants, who can apply by visiting the Hanam City Health Centre website or the Gamil Healthy Living Support Centre in person. Online registration is also available through the QR code on the poster.
‘We will support local residents to form healthy lifestyles through wellness and cycling exercise programmes,’ said Park Kang-yong, director of the Hanam City Health Center, ’and we plan to expand the programme in the future.’
For more information about the programme, please contact the Healthy Living Support Centre at the Hanam City Health Centre.
2024 K-MedWellness Festa, a place to experience wellness and Korean medicine
The K-Med Wellness Festa 2024 will be held from 24 to 26 August at the Daegu EXCO, providing an opportunity to introduce traditional Korean culture, wellness experiences, and the essence of Korean medicine. The event is organised by the Daegu Metropolitan Korean Medical Association and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Gyeongsangbuk-do.
The festival is divided into four main areas: Korean Medicine Industry Hall, K-Wellness Experience Hall, Korean Medicine Experience Hall, and K-Beauty Hall. The Korean Medicine Industry Pavilion will introduce various herbal medicine-related technologies and products, including an automated manufacturing system for customised herbal medicines and a GE ultrasound diagnostic machine. The K-Wellness Experience Centre offers wellness experiences linked to traditional Korean culture, such as foot baths, herbal tea tasting, and hanbok experience, as well as various healing classes such as aroma DIY and natural soap making.
Free health counselling and chuna experiences are also available at the Korean Medicine Experience Centre. Doctors from Daegu True Love Oriental Clinic and Open Oriental Clinic Daegu Yulha Branch will be on hand to answer visitors' questions about oriental medicine and provide simple treatments. In particular, the Chuna experience is said to help relieve shoulder, back, and neck pain.
During the event, the 2024 Daegu Korean Medical Association Congress will also be held, and continuing education courses will be held on a variety of topics, including ultrasound diagnosis of knee joints, obesity clinics, and the use of skin laser devices.
‘The wellness industry is playing an important role in improving the quality of life in conjunction with modern science,’ said Noh Hee-mok, chairman of the Daegu Korean Medical Association. ’We hope to position Korean medicine as a leader in the global wellness industry through this festival.’
Global Cyber University's Department of Brain Education, Relay for Life to Revitalise Local Communities with Wellness
The Department of Brain Education at Global Cyber University announced on the 26th that it will hold relay offline gatherings in seven cities across the country during the summer holidays to provide a place for exchanges between professors and students. The gatherings began on 25 June in Busan, followed by Suncheon, Changwon, Jinju, Daejeon, and Gwangju, and concluded on 25 August at the Seoul Learning Centre.
The gatherings provided an opportunity for students to communicate with each other by sharing various information such as study coaching, certification guidance, and career counselling. The Department of Brain Education holds regional student gatherings every year through 20 partner organisations across the country, providing students with opportunities for direct communication and networking that they cannot experience online.
‘Even though we are a distance university, offline meetings are very helpful for academic persistence,’ said Jang Rae-hyuk, chair of the department. ’We will continue to expand communication and information exchange among students through our national partners even after we are upgraded to a university.’
The Department of Brain Education, which will be upgraded to a college in 2023, has a systematic curriculum that provides expertise in brain utilisation by lifecycle, including infant brain development, child and adolescent brain training, adult competence development, and dementia prevention training for middle-aged and elderly people. The school says its enrolment numbers are increasing year on year due to the growing interest in the brain, the rise of the wellness industry, and the surge in the neurocounselling industry.
The ‘CORE’ trends in furniture and appliances with wellness: clean, optimised, relaxed, and eco-friendly
In recent years, wellness-related consumption trends have become prominent in the furniture and home appliance sector. The keyword ‘CORE’ symbolises this trend, which is based on four core values: Clean, Optimisation, Relax and Eco-friendly.
**Clean: Products to maintain a healthy living environment are gaining popularity. For example, Ilum's ‘Haven’ mattress uses antimicrobial-enhanced springs and bacteria- and mite-resistant fabrics to provide a comfortable sleeping environment.
**Optimisation: Products that are tailored to individual needs are gaining traction. The Twinpressure MasterChef Low Sugar Rice Cooker from CooCoo makes it easy to manage your diet by controlling carbohydrates.
**Relax: Products that offer physical and mental relaxation are on the rise. Kojima's Koji-Stretching mat has multiple massage modes and heating functions to help you stretch and relieve fatigue.
**Eco-friendly: Products that take the environment into account are attracting consumers' attention. LG Electronics' “Whisen Objects Collection Tower” air conditioner is designed with a focus on energy efficiency to reduce power usage.
All of these wellness-related furniture and appliances are designed to meet the needs of consumers who seek health and comfort in their daily lives.
Wellness meets healing tourism, a unique experience in Gochang
On 24 August, the Gochang Culture & Tourism Foundation held a wellness programme called ‘Healing Journey - Forests and Sounds of Gochang’ to introduce Gochang's healing tourism resources and provide participants with a unique experience. Thirty people from all over the country participated in the Fam Tour, and were accompanied by two Gochang Biosphere Storytellers to explore Gochang's major attractions.
Participants visited Gochang-eupseong Fortress, Shin Jae-hyo Pansori Park, and the National Gochang Healing Forest to experience Gochang's cultural heritage and nature firsthand. At Gochang Eupseong, they explored historical ruins and watched traditional performances at Pansori Park. At the Gochang Healing Forest, the participants experienced health and healing in nature through various healing programmes and cypress pillow making in the cypress forest.
The participants were impressed by Gochang's beautiful nature and culture, and expressed great satisfaction with the tranquillity and comfort they felt in the healing forest. ‘Through this programme, participants were able to experience the true healing of Gochang,’ said Ahn Jong-sun, Executive Director of the Gochang Culture & Tourism Foundation. ’We will continue to run various programmes to promote the charm of Gochang.’
The wellness programme provides an opportunity to experience the charm of healing tourism that blends nature and culture in Gochang, and is expected to play an important role in promoting the region's wellness resources.
Harmonising wellness and marine tourism, Yeosu City launches 2035 Tourism Development Plan
The city of Yeosu has held a report on the launch of the ‘Yeosu City 2035 Tourism Development Plan’ to accelerate the creation of a marine tourism resort city. Based on the existing tourism plan established in 2020, the plan aims to set the mid- to long-term tourism policy direction for 2035 by reflecting changes in local conditions and the latest tourism trends.
The plan includes seven major areas, including sustainable tourism policies, tourism resource development, designation of special tourism zones, festivals and MICE industry, promotion and marketing, development of new tourism and cultural contents, and attracting overseas tourists. In particular, Yeosu is aiming to become a ‘marine tourism resort city based on the southern coast’ by promoting wellness tourism and recreational tourism policies.
The report was chaired by Vice Mayor Choi Jung-jeong and attended by advisors, officials, and service providers. They discussed the direction of tourism resource development in conjunction with major projects such as the Yeosu-Namhae Undersea Tunnel and the Eleven Bridge.
The city plans to draw the final results by May 2025, which will position Yeosu as a K-tourism hub and realise its vision as an international marine tourism resort city. ‘This comprehensive tourism development plan aims to build a sustainable tourism model that goes beyond simply attracting tourists and grows with the region,’ said Vice Mayor Choi Jung-jeong. ’We will lay the foundation for an international marine tourism resort city.’
Developing wellness and regional balance, Buan's Haeratun Wellness Town project in crisis
Buan County's ‘Haeotan Wellness Town’ project is in danger of collapse. The project was selected for the Regional Vitality Town Competition to promote balanced development by combining housing, culture and welfare in areas with declining population, but is currently facing difficulties in implementation.
The Buan Haeotan Wellness Town was planned to invest KRW 35.6 billion to build 80 multi-functional townhouses, a smart farm station, a botanical garden, a botanical market, and a social centre on a 36,728㎡ site by 2027. The project, jointly promoted by Buan-gun County, Buan-gun Forest Association, and Jeonbuk Development Corporation, aims to create a residential complex infrastructure for youth and families, spread garden culture, and revitalise the Buan Farm & Garden brand.
However, the Buan County Council requested a change in the project site, arguing that the area near Haetanmaru is the only resting place for Buan residents and that other convenience facilities such as sports facilities are needed. In response, Buan County requested a change in the site from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, but the change was denied due to the stipulation that the project must be built on the site at the time of application. As a result, it is facing the prospect of having to return the project cost.
The project is a large-scale project with a total investment of KRW 35.6 billion, including KRW 11.68 billion in national expenditure, KRW 1.57 billion in local expenditure, and KRW 22.43 billion in private investment, and aims to provide localised support and promote local branding. Currently, Buan-gun is in talks with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to continue the project, but it is uncertain whether the project will proceed.