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| August 5th, 2024 Korea Wellness News |
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the exciting developments in Korea Wellness as of August 5th, 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.
**Low- and zero-sugar ice cream is the next big thing in the healthy-indulgence craze
In recent years, the food industry has been introducing a number of low- and zero-sugar ice creams in line with the healthy pleasure trend. The term "healthy pleasure" is a combination of "healthy" and "pleasure" and reflects consumers' desire for a healthy yet delicious dessert. In response, food companies are launching products with reduced or eliminated sugar content to attract consumers' attention.
CJ CheilJedang, through its plant-based beverage and dessert brand 'Altive', has introduced 'Altive Monaca' low-sugar ice cream in two flavours (chestnut and chocolate). The chestnut flavour has a reduced sugar content of 3g, while the chocolate flavour contains 5.5g of protein. CJ CheilJedang has improved the texture of its plant-based ice cream with its proprietary technology.
GS Retail, in collaboration with yoghurt ice cream franchise 'Yoghurt Ice Cream', launched 'YoAjeong Strawberry Chocolate Shell Yoghurt Bar' at convenience store GS25. The product is a low-sugar yoghurt ice cream with only 2g of sugar, and GS Retail is planning to develop additional new products based on YoAjeong's popular menu.
Lotte Wellfoods was the first in the Korean ice cream industry to launch 'zero-calorie' ice cream. Its 'Jokbak' line-up, which includes 'Joss Bar', 'Screw Bar' and 'Watermelon Bar', features zero-calorie products, with the watermelon bar achieving zero calories by using natural sweeteners and excluding chocolate-coated peanuts.
These efforts by the food industry are helping consumers enjoy healthy desserts without the guilt, and research and development on health and wellness products is expected to continue.
**NC signs an agreement with wellness brand TerraBody**.
Professional baseball team NC Dinos has signed a sponsorship agreement with global wellness brand TerraBody. The signing ceremony was held at the stadium before the home game against KT Wiz on the 2nd of this month, and was attended by Kwak Jin-il, General Manager of Sales at TerraBody Korea, and Lim Sun-nam, President of NC Dinos.
Through this agreement, Therabody will provide the NC Dinos with 11 products, including its flagship Theragan Massage Gun, Recovery Air Jet Boots, and Wireless Pneumatic Leg Massager. The Theragun is a full-body massage gun that uses innovative percussive therapy technology to improve muscle mobility, relieve pain and stress, and improve circulation. The product not only speeds up the warm-up and recovery process before and after exercise, but also helps relieve daily pain and improve sleep quality.
Through this agreement, NC will utilise its prime advertising space at Changwon NC Park to promote TerraBody to baseball fans nationwide, and the two companies will work together to create a mutually beneficial marketing collaboration.
"We hope that this agreement will contribute to the improvement of the NC team's performance and increase the brand awareness of TerraBody," said Jin-il Kwak, General Manager of Sales at TerraBody Korea. "We expect that the agreement with TerraBody will help the NC Dinos prepare and recover from the game, and we hope that it will contribute to a systematic and efficient workout," said Lim Sun-nam, head coach of NC Dinos.
**Wellness and Dwaejigukbap, the new breakfast buffet at L7 Haeundae**.
A new spot in Haeundae, L7 Haeundae Hotel, is attracting attention with a breakfast buffet that combines wellness and local food. L7 Haeundae is a recently opened hotel under Lotte's lifestyle brand, located near Haeundae Beach with ocean views and modern design.
The hotel has a total of 383 rooms and offers a variety of room types. In particular, eight rooms are equipped with BEREX massage chairs for a wellness experience. The hotel's top-floor rooftop pool offers views of Haeundae and Marine City, and includes a seasonal infinity pool and sauna.
L7 Haeundae's breakfast buffet is particularly noteworthy for its pork soup, a signature dish of Busan. Dwaejigukbap is one of the hotel's buffet offerings and is characterised by its deep and refreshing soup flavour. It is highly appreciated by locals and travellers alike, and has become an original menu item at the hotel.
The hotel's many facilities include a fitness centre, unattended luggage storage, coin laundry, and a pantry area for guests' convenience. L7 Haeundae combines artistic sensibilities with modern conveniences to create a unique experience in the Haeundae area.
**WE Hotel Jeju, ESG Tourism Excellence in Wellness Certification
WE Hotel Jeju, located in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, was awarded the 'ESG Excellence Tourism Certification' in the Wellness Tourism category by the Korea Management Certification Institute on 26 July 2024. The certification recognises WE Hotel Jeju's contribution to the promotion of sustainable tourism through excellent tourism activities in the areas of environmental, social and governance (ESG).
WE Hotel Jeju has been benchmarking European spa facilities for wellness tourism since 2012 and has operated its own wellness centre since 2014. In particular, it has strengthened its wellness programme expertise by launching 'Haeam Hydro', a Jeju-type hydrotherapy programme.
From 2022 to 2023, the hotel ran a healing stay programme for COVID-19 medical staff, providing rest to 747 medical staff and their families. It also held 15 healing camps for education officials and firefighters, with more than 800 participants.
WE Hotel Jeju was launched in 2014 as the first premium health resort in Korea to combine a hotel and hospital, and has been included in the Korea Tourism Organization's 'Top 25 Wellness Tourism Destinations' since 2017. In 2024, it was named Korea's 'Outstanding Wellness Tourism Destination' and was also awarded the 'Jeju Wellness Certification' by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
"WE Hotel Jeju offers a differentiated wellness experience by providing a systematic health promotion package including medical services for wellness stays," said a hotel representative.
**The new trend of hotels transforming with wellness
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel and resort industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. While the industry used to be dominated by business travellers and large families, it is now seeing an increase in demand from individuals and small groups, which is changing the services and facilities available.
These changes are closely related to the wellness trend. Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju, for example, has made changes aimed at a smaller customer base by reducing the number of people in a room from four to two. It has also introduced a new outdoor pool and club lounge for adults only. This reflects the diverse wellness needs of guests and is a strategy to provide a quiet and relaxing space for individuals and small groups.
Parkroche Resort & Wellness in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do and Jeju Shilla Hotel are following a similar trend. Parkroche offers an indoor pool and sauna for those aged 16 and over, while Jeju Shilla Hotel offers an outdoor pool, the Adult Pool, for adults only. These measures are analysed as a way to respond to the growing number of one- and two-person use due to the declining birthrate and non-marriage trend.
L7 Haeundae and Lotte Hotel Busan in Busan also cater to the wellness needs of their guests by offering adult-only pools during afternoon hours. This shows that hotels are reflecting the wellness trend and providing customised services for smaller groups.
In conclusion, the changing trends of hotels and resorts in relation to wellness show innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of individuals and small groups, and these changes are expected to accelerate in the future.
**Hiwon Resort unveils summer holiday tailored events with wellness**.
Gangwon Land announced today that Hiwon Resort has prepared a variety of wellness-focused events for the summer holiday season. Hiwon Waterworld will host a variety of summer festivals, including DJ pool parties and laser shows, and has also prepared special programmes for families.
Hiwon Waterworld will host a DJ pool party at Poseidon Wave, which boasts the largest 3m artificial wave in Korea. Famous DJs such as Park Myung Soo and Groovy Room will perform EDM and hip-hop performances, and water cannons and water cannons will blow away the heat and stress.
For guests with children, there will be a 'Kids Camping' programme. In this programme, kidscare experts will lead children in various activities such as forest exploration, tent making, and mountain barbecue.
At night, the High One Laser Fireworks Show is held at the Grand Hotel Lawn, featuring a space-themed DJ performance, lasers, and fireworks. The Mountain Plaza will host the 'Mini Water Bomb', a festival of water bombs made from the ski resort's snow machines, and there will be busking performances by Hiwon artists throughout the resort.
Wellness programmes such as 'starry night walks' and 'yoga meditation' are also available for guests seeking quiet relaxation. Guests can stroll along the mountain paths and admire the constellations, or recharge their minds and bodies with yoga and meditation.
"We hope that our guests will enjoy their summer at Hiwon Resort, which is full of mountains, water, and various activities," said Lee Min-ho, head of marketing planning at Gangwon Land.
**Possibilities of Jeonnam, a new horizon for wellness and maritime tourism
Jeollanam-do has about 45 per cent of Korea's coastline and 2,165 islands, suggesting that the province has great potential in marine tourism and the maritime industry. As of 2023, Jeonnam's marine tourism expenditure was estimated at KRW 5.484 trillion, significantly exceeding the average revenue of KRW 3.722 trillion for all coastal marine tourism. However, several important strategies are needed to sustain the growth of marine tourism.
First, it is necessary to develop region-specific marine tourism products. Based on Jeonnam's diverse marine resources, unique marine tourism products should be created for specific regions, such as surfing in Yangyang or haenyeo experiences in Jeju. It is important to recognise Jeonnam's marine tourism as a specific formula.
Second, marine tourism infrastructure needs to be expanded and improved. Facilities such as car parks, accommodation, restaurants, public Wi-Fi, and facilities for marine leisure sports should be provided around ports and beaches to provide tourists with a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Third, tourism programmes should be developed for all seasons. Indoor marine leisure facilities in winter and marine healing programmes in all seasons should be operated to attract tourists through various seasonal marine festivals and events.
Fourth, it is important to utilise AI and big data to set policy directions. By analysing credit card and mobile phone data, tourists' spending patterns can be identified and tailored tourism products can be developed.
Finally, it is necessary to develop tourism products for different age groups. Age-specific tourism products should be planned, such as marine camping programmes for families, marine wellness programmes for middle-aged and elderly people, and marine sports experience programmes for people in their 20s and 30s.
As Jeollanam-do is blessed with abundant marine resources and diverse tourism resources, these strategies will help to revitalise the marine tourism industry and achieve sustainable development. This will position Jeonnam as an attractive marine tourism destination for domestic and international tourists.
**Gyeonggi Tourism Organization's August City Tour: Wellness and Seoul's Suburbs
Gyeonggi Tourism Organization is offering a variety of wellness and fun city tours in and around Seoul during the month of August. The tours are designed to combine healing and fun in Seoul's neighbourhoods, each with its own charm.
The first is the West Coast Golden Drive One-Day Tour, which departs from Gwangmyeong Station and includes Ansan Bangamuri Beach, Badaekhyang Arboretum, Jebudo Beach, and Seorang Cable Car. The tour features a stroll along the wide white sandy beach with the sea as a backdrop, a relaxing time at Badaekhyang Arboretum's various plants and gardens, and a cool high-altitude drive on the cable car. It costs 21,000 won for adults and 21,000 won for children, and runs every Saturday and Sunday.
**The Healing One-Day Tour to Nature in the City departs from Gwangmyeong Station and visits Gwangmyeong Cave, Oido Island, and Gaegol Ecological Park. The course includes a cool cave exploration, seascape, and a relaxing walk in the ecological park, and costs 15,000 won for adults and 15,000 won for children. It is a tour that allows you to enjoy nature comfortably even in summer and is held every weekend.
**The Gyeonggi Western Exotic One Day Tour starts at Pyeongtaek International Central Market and visits the Tiger Belly Brewery and Sea Scent Arboretum. It is offered for 35,000 won for adults and 35,000 won for children, and includes a tour of the exotic market, a brewery experience, and a beautiful arboretum. It runs every Saturday and Sunday.
**The Wellness in the City One Day Tour covers Gimpo and Bucheon and includes Aegibong Peace Ecological Park, Hangang Sunset Village, Bucheon Art Bunker B39, Lake Botanical Garden Supia, and more. It offers wellness and healing through nature and cultural experiences and is priced at 31,000 won for adults and 31,000 won for children. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Finally, the **Weekend Outing with Kids** tour consists of Gwangmyeong Cave, Bamil Food and Culture Street, Moryeongsan Chulung Bridge, Bucheon Robopark, and the Korean Manga Museum. It is suitable for family outings with children and costs 25,000 won for adults and 25,000 won for children. It runs on weekends.
These city tours provide an opportunity to find new vitality through nature, culture, and wellness experiences in the suburbs of Seoul.
**Wellness and ESG tourism certification, Haiwon Resort's achievements***.
Haiwon Resort in Jeongseon has been awarded the Social (S) category of the ESG Excellent Tourism Certification by the Korea Management Certification Institute. The certification is based on the evaluation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related activities within the tourism industry, and Hiwon Resort was particularly highly commended in the 'Wellness Tourism' category.
Hiwon Resort has been providing a healthy travel experience through various wellness programmes through the Hiwon Wellness Centre, which opened in May last year. The wellness centre has provided services to approximately 28,000 people over the past year through programs with themes such as yoga, meditation, nature experiences, and therapy.
In particular, this year, the forest healing programmes such as 'Tree Doctor Kim Sabu' and 'Picnic in the Forest', as well as the 'Mystical Herbal Tea' programme, have been newly launched and have become very popular. These programmes emphasise healing and relaxation in nature, reflecting the new trend of wellness tourism.
"Now that we have obtained the ESG Excellent Tourism Certification, we will strive to discover wellness contents that consider eco-friendliness and local win-win and promote sustainable tourism," said Lee Min-ho, Head of Marketing Planning at Hiwon Resort Gangwon Land.
Through this certification, Hiwon Resort has established itself as a leading example of a sustainable tourism model that harmonises wellness and ESG.
**Experience the Goseong Korea Circular Trail, where wellness and marine healing meet***.
On 27 and 28 July 2024, the 'Marine Healing Trail Fam Tour to Promote the Goseong Korea Rim Trail' was held in Goseong, Gyeongnam. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Goseong-gun, and organised by the Korea Healing Association, 20 travel industry representatives and influencers participated in the programme to experience courses 31-33 of the Namparang-gil.
The participants walked the Natural Man Road (Goseong 33) and Energy Road (Goseong 31) to experience wellness and healing. On the Naturalist Road, participants enjoyed the beautiful natural scenery of Sangjokam National Park, Nordic walking with Nordic poles and various experience programmes. The course offered psychological healing through caveman food, exercise, and meditation. In particular, the meditation time allowed participants to clear their minds of modern stress and resolve new goals.
The Energy Road focused on physical healing. Participants recorded their blood sugar levels and experienced energy expenditure through a combination of walking and strength training, and were able to experience blood sugar changes and body reactions in real time. Through various natural landscapes such as the Haejigae Bridge and bamboo forest paths, participants enjoyed the forest bathing and healing effects.
"We have developed a healing walking tour using the coastal scenery of Goseong," said Lee Sang-geun, the mayor of Goseong-gun. "We hope that many tourists will enjoy the benefits of nature and healing through this course."
The Fam Tour provides health and healing to tourists through the harmony of wellness and marine healing on the Korea Rim Trail, and provides an opportunity to promote the charm of the Goseong area.
**Understanding Wellness and Relationship, '4233 Mind Centre' Opens 2nd Store in Busan
The second branch of '4233 Mind Centre' opened in Gwangalli, Busan, by mental healthcare specialist EZ&Wellness. The centre, which is the second to open after the Yeonnam branch in Seoul, is an experiential psychological exhibition space where couples, friends, family, colleagues, and co-workers can participate together to understand and heal their relationships.
The 4233 Mind Centre offers a variety of game-based psychological diagnosis and experiential activities through a total of 11 missions. The experience lasts about 60 to 70 minutes, and visitors move through various rooms to identify their preferences and values with their partner. The process is differentiated from psychological counselling because it requires less human intervention and involves moving the body and thinking about the topic.
While the Yeonnam branch in Seoul has been popular as a place for 'Hongdae exotic dates' and has been sold out, the Gwangalli branch in Busan has already received about 2,000 pre-bookings. The Busan branch offers interpretive counselling by psychological experts, and you can check photos and videos of the experience through QR scanning. There is also a different experience from the Yeonnam store in Seoul.
The Busan Gwangalli store is open by appointment from 10am to 9pm, seven days a week, and until 31 August, the store is running an 'Early Bird Event' that offers up to 30% off experience tickets and interpretation consultations. Visitors will also receive '4233 Goods'.
"We plan to continue to expand the '4233 Mind Centre' to lower the threshold of psychological counselling services and help people solve their worries and difficulties in a healthy way," said Kang Min-jae, CEO of EZ&Wellness, adding that he hopes it will be a meaningful time for people in Busan to experience deep relationship understanding and development.
**A new era of wellness, genetic testing, and pharmacy-customised dietary supplements**.
In April, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's revision of direct-to-consumer (DTC) guidelines allowed the sale of health functional foods and healthcare services using genetic test results, opening up the market for genetic testing in pharmacies. In response, Kim Eun-young, a pharmacist who heads the Cham Pharma Healthcare Research Institute (hereinafter referred to as Director Kim), is strengthening the personalised health supplement business and expanding counselling education based on genetic testing and microbiome testing.
"I started studying through the Academy of Genetic Counselling Pharmacists, and since 2020, I have been conducting training courses on genetic testing and microbiome-based personalised health counselling," Kim said of the introduction of personalised nutrition counselling in pharmacies. Genetic testing is a test that diagnoses and prevents health through genetic information from saliva or cells, with results available for up to 181 items, and results are available within about two weeks.
"Genetic tests are indicators of potential health risks, not current conditions," Kim said, emphasising the need to combine genetic testing with current conditions. Genetic testing is based on genetic factors and should be combined with current diet and lifestyle habits to assess a comprehensive health status, he added.
"There is a growing interest in health maintenance and disease prevention," he said of the prospects for personalised nutrition counselling, adding that genetic testing and microbiome testing will become attractive options. Kim also noted the institutionalisation of personalised nutraceutical subdivisions, and emphasised that the use of data in pharmacy will play an important role in the future.
"Pharmacy is a profession that requires continuous learning," Kim said of the potential for pharmacists to expand their roles in the digital healthcare era, noting that genetic testing and the use of health data will continue to expand. "The way to grow as a professional is to specialise and dig deep," he added.
**Hanwha Resort Geoje Belvedere, the perfect blend of wellness and travel
Hanwha Hotels & Resorts announced today that the number of guests using the wellness programme at Hanwha Resort Geoje Belvedere is steadily increasing. Belvedere is a wellness tourism destination that combines well-being, happiness, and fitness, and has been gaining popularity in recent years. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the domestic wellness tourism market has surged from 3.6 million visitors in 2020 to more than 22 million in 2023, and is expected to reach $5.4 billion (about 7.4 trillion won) in 2022.
Since opening in October 2018, Geoje Belvedere has been leading the domestic wellness industry by offering a variety of wellness programmes, most notably a healing tourism package for COVID-19 quarantine officials, medical staff and firefighters since 2020. The package included suites, dinners, wellness programmes, and welcome kits, and attracted more than 1,300 participants.
This summer, we have organised a variety of wellness content. The Island & Island Isudo Trek, which includes a boat tour and Isudo trek, has seen high guest participation rates. The 'Mom Wellness Class' is a programme tailored for mothers who are tired of raising children, offering meditation and yoga in a studio with a view of Mongdol Beach. In addition, one-on-one health counselling through in-body measurement, morning yoga, healing meditation, and sleep improvement programmes are available at all times.
"Geoje Belvedere has been designated as an 'Excellent Wellness Destination' by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization for six consecutive years, and the number of guests using the wellness programme increased by more than 30 percent last year compared to 2022," said a representative from Hanwha Hotels & Resorts. For more information, please visit the official website of Hanwha Resorts.
**Personalised care services from Ceragem and Ativet Beauty, where wellness and beauty meet**.
The popularity of K-beauty has led to a surge in consumer interest in beauty devices and cosmetics that allow them to receive professional skin care at home. According to global market research firm DataBridge, the global beauty device market is expected to grow from KRW 59 trillion in 2022 to KRW 246 trillion in 2030. As a result, companies are actively introducing beauty-related subscription services.
Seragem's subscription skincare programme offered by 'Well Cafe' has been gaining popularity, with more than 60,000 users within eight months of its launch. For 50,000 won per month, the programme offers a wellness voucher that allows users to experience a total of 12 Seragem skincare programmes or spinal medical devices within 30 days. Recently, the company also introduced a skincare programme using its new beauty device 'Cellular Medispa Pro', which provides professional skincare services with four functions including high frequency and microcurrent.
Ativet Beauty's 'Monthly' subscription service has also recently gained attention. This service gives customers the option to rent expensive beauty devices for 30, 60, or 90 days. Unlike the usual 7-day free trial followed by a rental or purchase, 'Dal-Ae' is highly popular among Generation MZ (born in the early 1980s to early 2000s).
In addition, beauty company Bassup offers a subscription service that provides personalised cosmetics based on self-diagnosis. Users can diagnose their skin with 24 questions through the Bassup app and receive a monthly delivery of cosmetics accordingly.
Personalised beauty services like this are blurring the lines between wellness and skin care, creating a new experience for consumers.
**Newkin 'Mind 360' Launches, a Merging of Wellness and Mental Care
Newkin Korea announced the launch of Mind 360, a new mental care brand, today. 'Mind 360' is a total system brand that proposes a new life rhythm by managing memory, sleep and stress, highlighting its strengths in the wellness sector.
The products include three dietary supplements and two body care products. The products are Sharp Mind, Night Time, and Feel Cam, while the body care products include Relaxing Body Cream and Energising Hand and Body Wash.
'Sharp Mind' contains the functional ingredient 'Fibroin Extract (BF-7)', which can help improve memory. 'Night Time' supports sleep health with the main ingredient being Korea's own 'Mee Kang Jujube Extract', which has been proven in human trials to significantly improve sleep duration and efficiency. 'Feel Cam' contains 'L-Theanine' to help relieve stress, while 'Relaxing Body Cream' has a woody scent and 'Magnesium and Lotus Water Complex' to soothe the skin. The Energising Hand and Body Wash has an invigorating green apple jinseng scent that will leave you feeling energised.
The new products will be available for pre-sale on Newkin Mall until the 16th of August, and will be available on Newkin Mall and through regular channels from September onwards. Newkin will also release a 'Mind 360' brand film and hold an event to certify viewing of the film via Instagram.
"We are launching 'Mind 360' as modern people are increasingly interested in sleep and stress management," said a representative from Newkin. "We hope to provide healthy energy in everyday life through Newkin's innovative skin care system and Pharmanex's technology."
**Wellness and global growth drive LOTTE WELLFOOD's strong first half***.
LOTTE Wellfoods announced its first half results for 2024, highlighting growth through health & wellness and global business. On a consolidated basis, sales reached KRW 1.44 trillion and operating profit reached KRW 63.3 billion in the second quarter of this year, up 0.3% and 30.3% year-on-year, respectively. For the first half of the year, cumulative revenue was KRW 1,953.3 billion, down slightly year-on-year, but operating profit was KRW 10.6 billion, up 49.8 per cent.
LOTTE Wellfoods defended its sales by strengthening the health & wellness category, offsetting the sales decline due to the rationalisation of the food channel with new product launches. The health & wellness category accounted for around 10% of sales this year, and the company plans to expand it to over 20% by 2028.
The global business also performed positively. In India, sales increased due to the stabilisation of LOTTE's chocolate pie and ice cream products, and overall sales grew by 11.2%. Export sales and operating profit increased by 14.3 per cent and 65.2 per cent, respectively. In particular, the company is focusing on nurturing the global brand of Poppy Roo, raising brand awareness by expanding its presence in Costco in North America and participating in the 2024 Sweet & Snack Expo.
LOTTE Wellfoods will continue to drive growth in health & wellness and global markets to strengthen its competitiveness.
**Wellness and eco-friendly, 2024 Sokcho Sea Festival to be held**.
The 2024 Sokcho Sea Festival, which will be held at Sokcho Beach from August 9 to 11, will feature a variety of programs to beat the summer heat. The festival will feature a variety of events centred on the 'Sustainable and Eco-friendly Summer Festival' and the 'Wellness Festival'.
The festival is designed to provide visitors with an experience that considers health and the environment at the same time through eco-friendly and wellness experience programmes during the day, and at night, visitors can enjoy cold beer and various foods at the Sokchobada Beach Pub. The beach pub zone will feature 11 famous breweries from across the country, offering a variety of craft beers and local specialities such as chicken and octopus noodles.
Sokcho Sea Festival also actively promotes eco-friendly campaigns. Upcycling exhibits and sea creature air sculptures using discarded bottle caps will be placed in the venue, and ESG Sokcho Summer souvenirs will be provided.
"Sokcho Sea is one of the best tourist destinations in the country, and we will create an atmosphere of enjoying and protecting the sea," said Byung-sun Lee, mayor of Sokcho, adding that he hopes the festival will help visitors enjoy the romance of Sokcho Sea and be remembered as a place they want to visit again.
**Wellness and Blockchain, CUDIS's AI Smarting in the spotlight***.
CUDIS is garnering attention for its recently launched Solana-powered AI smartring. The wearable device monitors the user's health status, interacts with an AI coach powered by ChatGPT, and provides personalised healthcare. Cudis has been highly popular since its launch, with the first batch of 1500 units selling out in 10 days, and the second batch of 8500 units is close to selling out.
What makes Cudis unique is that it offers airdrops to its users. By purchasing Cudis, users are eligible to receive airdrops of memecoin from the Solana ecosystem in Q3, with additional airdrop rewards for providing health information through the app and earning points. In addition, Cudis is IP68-rated waterproof, has a battery life of up to seven days, and monitors and analyses wellness data in real-time.
The Cudis team believes that "users have the right to track and monetise their health data," which is why it has introduced a reward system for data utilisation. The company aims to ship one million smartrings in the next 18 months, and is aiming to be the number one distributed physical infrastructure network (DePIN) and Web3 AI device.
Cudis currently has an ambassador programme with US rower Caitlin Nifton, former German Mountain Viking Patrick Schiltz, British triple jumper Nao Metzger, and racing driver Cam Aliabadi.
**Wellness and K-Pilates go global with Hang-Jin Kim
MPI Modern Pilates CEO Hangjin Kim is set to expand into the global market. Modern Pilates is a leader in the Pilates industry in South Korea and has been providing customised wellness programmes to K-pop artists. Kim has been responsible for the physical fitness and rehabilitation of top stars such as BLACKPINK's Jenny and Jeon So Mi, sparking a boom in Korean-style Pilates.
Now, Modern Pilates is pursuing global expansion, targeting the US market. Based on his experience in helping JYP and SM artists manage their health and body shape, CEO Kim Hang-jin plans to open a new horizon for Pilates education in the United States.
Modern Pilates has more than 150 global locations in Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia, with more than 450 professional instructors. The company's strength is that it goes beyond the athletic aspect of Pilates to include wellness, such as stress relief, breathing techniques, and mindfulness.
The company is recruiting for its international instructor programme, which offers specialised training in Pilates and wellness. The course combines traditional exercise methods, anatomy, physiology, and human mechanics with Pilates, and offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes online classes and practical training in Korea. Online classes will begin in early September, followed by hands-on training in Korea in early October.
"We will raise the profile of K-Pilates in the global Pilates market based on our professional education system," said Kim. The course is open for enrolment at global.mpiedu.co.kr and provides an opportunity to grow as an international wellness coach as the demand for English-speaking Pilates instructors is on the rise.
**Wellness and Mobile Monetisation: PubMatic Leads the Way for the Future of Digital Advertising
PubMatic, Inc. participated in the Modern Growth Stack, a marketing conference held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, and presented a session on mobile monetisation strategies. The session discussed the current and future outlook of the mobile app business, ad monetisation and subscription models.
The session, which was presented by Bob Wang, General Manager of PubMatic, and Seungje Lee, Product Owner of global morning wellness app Alami, highlighted the importance of balancing ads and content, and the importance of sophisticated ad placement and targeting. "Alami is using a strategy to maximise ad revenue while preserving the user experience as much as possible," said Lee, explaining how to increase user satisfaction and boost ad revenue.
Commenting on the benefits of branded advertising, Bob Wang, Branch Manager, said, "Branded advertising can maximise revenue without compromising user experience." Pubmatic provides innovative programmatic advertising solutions to help monetise across mobile, web, CTV/OTT, and other platforms, with brand advertising as a core strategy.
According to research, 84% of South Koreans utilise in-app advertising, contributing to mobile platforms becoming the primary entertainment medium. With the introduction of the OpenWrap SDK, PubMatic is providing an integrated auction solution, giving publishers more control over their advertising and monetisation strategies in compliance with privacy laws.
The data-driven precision, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness of PubMatic's approach has made it highly desirable in the fast-paced digital landscape. It's helping both advertisers and publishers maximise the impact of their ads and get more out of their monetisation strategies.
**Wellness and Luxury: Park Hyatt Busan Launches Summer Exclusive 'Luxury Suite Offer'
Park Hyatt Busan has launched the Luxury Suite Offer for the summer season. This special offer offers the hotel's two top suites, the Presidential Suite and the Diplomat Suite, at an affordable price and provides guests with a luxurious holiday experience.
The 'Luxury Suite Offer' includes benefits for four people to stay in comfort in a spacious room. Services include breakfast for four, two rollaway beds, and welcome amenities (wine and fruit). Guests also have complimentary access to the sauna and indoor swimming pool, fitness centre with premium fitness equipment from Italian brand Technogym, and Happy Hour at the Living Room, where they can enjoy unlimited Italian food and desserts, fruit, alcoholic beverages and coffee.
The Presidential Suite is located on the 29th floor and spans 198 square metres with views of the sea and Gwangan Bridge. The Diplomat Suite is located on the 27th and 28th floors and measures 155 square metres with similar views. Both suites feature a bedroom with a king-size bed, a bathroom facing the sea, a separate dining area and an office space.
The offer is available for booking from 8 August to 29 September, with actual stays taking place from 9 August to 30 September. Advance booking is required and cannot be combined with other offers. The Presidential Suite is available for booking from KRW 2 million and the Diplomat Suite from KRW 1.2 million.
The Luxury Suite Offer is the perfect choice for guests looking for a unique summer experience that combines quality wellness and relaxation.
**Wellness and Regional Development: Mayor Lee Soon-hee of Gangbuk-gu Office promises to lead regional transformation by hosting the Sinkang North Line
Gangbuk-gu Mayor Lee Soon-hee recently announced her ambition to lead the transformation of Gangbuk-gu by easing the height restrictions on Mount Bukhansan and building the Sinkangbuk Line. In June, the Seoul Metropolitan Government lifted the height restrictions around Bukhansan Mountain, paving the way for local development. This has allowed Gangbuk-gu to develop a large-scale apartment complex with a capacity of around 2,500 units, raising expectations among residents.
"Relaxing the height restrictions has been a 30-year long-standing project for Gangbuk-gu," said Lee Soon-hee, the district's mayor, "and we will use the remaining two years as a time to achieve results." He also revealed plans to make the city a destination for 'leisurely retirees' through wellness tourism while utilising the natural characteristics of the area. Wellness tourism refers to health- and relaxation-focused tourism that utilises the natural environment and will be an important pillar of the region's development, he explained.
Gangbuk-gu is currently the only district in Seoul without a transfer station on the rail network, and the city is working to build the Sinkangbuk Line to address the issue of transportation exclusion. Lee said the line will connect six boroughs, including Gangbuk, Nowon, and Dobong, improving the local transport environment and boosting the local economy.
In addition, Gangbuk-gu is also working to attract a children's specialised hospital in Northeast Seoul and strengthen communication with the MZ generation through its YouTube channel. "We are actively utilising YouTube in line with the changing media environment, and I would like to express my gratitude to our employees," the mayor added.
**Wellness and sports brands meet: Yohemiti attracts attention with Shin Yubin Energy Gel***.
Yohemiti has been in the spotlight since Yubin Shin consumed its energy gels during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Yohemiti is a sports nutrition brand that manufactures energy gels that provide quick energy replenishment for long, high-intensity workouts. In particular, Shin Yubin's use of Yohemiti energy gels was shown on the broadcast screen and has been a hot topic in online communities in Korea and abroad.
"It's a great honour for us as a sports brand to have our products featured in the Olympics, not as an advertisement or sponsorship," said Lee Jae-sun, CEO of Yohemiti. Yohemiti is a certified vegan product that uses Grade A maple sap from Quebec as its main ingredient, which provides fast energy and is easily digestible. In particular, the low GI index of maple sap allows for quick energy replenishment during exercise.
Lee explained that Yohemiti's brand mission, "Yohemiti," comes from Yosemite National Park in California, and the company wanted to express the health and challenge of the great outdoors. Yohemiti develops innovative sports nutrition products, such as sugar-free ionised drinks, which are recognised for their high quality in consumer reviews.
The company is currently out of stock and is continuing product development with additional quantities on the way. Yohemiti is considering adding additional protein-related product categories in the future and plans to further strengthen the brand's credibility through continuous quality improvement.
**Wellness and Value for Money: PB Appliances on the Rise in the Recession
PB appliances are gaining popularity among consumers who are looking for value for money amid high inflation and recession. According to a recent seminar by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brands that are growing even in difficult economic conditions have in common a strategy that reflects 'SAVE'-that is, thrifty consumption. Private brand (PB) home appliances are in line with this trend, and demand for them is surging due to their cost-effectiveness and practicality.
Lotte Highmart's PB brand 'Highmade' has gained a great response by launching home appliances that are faithful to basic functions while drastically reducing prices. In particular, a 245-litre double-door refrigerator aimed at one- to two-person households became a hit in the first half of the year, selling 3,000 units in just two weeks. Lotte Highmart's Highmade products have been gaining traction in the large home appliance category, with high sales of wall-mounted air conditioners, LED TVs, and washing machines from January to June.
Similarly, E-Mart's PB brand 'Electroman' has also seen great success with its value-for-money home appliances. A wide range of products, including 32-inch and 43-inch TVs, fans, and microwaves, are driving sales and competing with big-brand TVs. Electroman's products are up to 40 per cent cheaper than big-brand products, without sacrificing quality, which has been well received by consumers.
The key to PB Home Appliances' success is that it works with technologically advanced SMEs to keep prices down, reduces costs at the distribution stage, and packs only the essentials instead of complex features. Lotte High Mart and E-Mart will continue to work to strengthen the competitiveness of PB appliances and introduce more innovative products.
This trend reflects the changes in modern consumers' emphasis on wellness and frugality, and shows a trend towards practical and rational consumption even in the midst of the recession.