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| September 19th, Korea Wellness News |
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we explore the exciting developments in Korea Wellness as of September 19th, 2024.
Renowned for its innovation and holistic approach, Korea Wellness continues to set the pace in the global wellness industry.
In this post, we delve into the nation's newest AI-driven health monitoring systems, offering real-time insights that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being.
We also highlight the booming Korea Wellness tourism sector, attracting global visitors eager to experience traditional Korean practices like Hanbang and modern wellness retreats.
Furthermore, we discuss the government's increased funding for mental health services, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to wellness that includes mental, physical, and emotional health.
Join us as we uncover how Korea Wellness is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, setting a global standard.
Whether you're a wellness enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about innovative health practices, this post provides valuable insights into the future of Korea Wellness.
Read on to discover how Korea Wellness is shaping the world of wellness today.
**4 countries that are actively using wellness tourism to attract tourism**.
Countries with fledgling tourism industries are actively using wellness tourism to attract tourists. Greenland has opened a new international airport and airstrip to boost adventure and wellness tourism, and offers a variety of wellness experiences such as northern lights viewing to boost year-round tourism. Morocco aims to double its annual tourist arrivals by expanding its tourism infrastructure and building new wellness resorts and hotels in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup. Serbia is developing sustainable wellness tourism products and promoting tourism in harmony with nature, while Georgia is improving its tourism infrastructure by offering high-quality wellness services. These four countries are using wellness tourism to promote economic development and community stability, positioning the industry as an essential economic engine for the future. Promoting wellness tourism creates jobs, provides educational opportunities, and plays an important role in showcasing local culture and traditions. Well-managed wellness tourism has a positive impact on enriching national economies and bringing people together.
**4 Best Wellness Tourism Destinations for the Chuseok Holiday
Here are four great destinations in Korea for wellness tourism this Chuseok holiday. Seoul's four major palaces, Jongmyo and Joseon royal tombs will be open for free from September 14 to 18, and Gyeongbokgung Palace will host a variety of events, including the changing of the guard ceremony and nighttime viewing. It's a chance to soak up the beauty of the palaces in the heart of the city.
In Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, various tourist facilities will be open, including the Mancheon Skywalk Observation Deck and Gosu Cave, where you can enjoy trekking along the remnants of the Danyang River. This is a great spot for those looking for a wellness experience in nature.
In Geochang, Gyeongnam, Geochang Hangnohwa Healing Land, located at the foot of Udusan Mountain, is gaining attention as a wellness travel spot. With a Y-shaped suspension bridge and various healing facilities, it is the perfect place to heal your mind and body. You can also enjoy the abundance of nature while admiring asta chrysanthemums under the fall sky.
Last but not least, Hadong, Gyeongnam, has a healing facility with a beautiful view of Halliyehae National Park. You can enjoy the scenery through zipwires and cable cars, and at Choi Cham Pandak, the Park's Park Gyeonggi Literature Center is open for free for cultural experiences. These destinations are perfect for both wellness and cultural experiences, making them the perfect choice for healing and relaxation during Chuseok.
**Wellness Travel: Best Chuseok Healing Destinations for the Holidays
This Chuseok holiday, many office workers are looking for domestic destinations near them to relieve stress and find peace of mind. Here are a few places where you can enjoy relaxation and healing through wellness tourism.
First, Sobaeksan Mountain in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do is an area optimized for healing with its beautiful natural scenery and various hiking trails. You can enjoy a relaxing time while exploring the iconic peaks of the Sobaek Mountain Range. Paragliding is also an unforgettable experience, and thanks to the stable climate, you can fly more than 300 days a year.
Second, Suncheon Bay National Garden will host a variety of cultural events and activities during the Chuseok holiday. Visitors wearing hanbok receive free admission, and there are also a variety of games and activities for families to enjoy together, giving them the opportunity to heal in nature.
Thirdly, the National Gimcheon Healing Forest is located at the foot of Mount Suwon and offers forest healing programs. It is a place where you can calm your mind and body and reduce stress through various programs such as wellness therapy, forest yoga and fitness. You can improve your health through communing with nature in the dense birch forest.
This Chuseok holiday, visit these wellness destinations to find peace of mind and body in nature, and the beautiful scenery of each location will be an added bonus.
**Sancheong Herbal Medicine and Herb Festival with Wellness Experience
The 24th Sancheong Herbal Medicine and Herb Festival, held from September 27 to October 6 in Dongbogam Village, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam, is themed “The Mysterious Apothecary Festa 1613” and provides an opportunity to experience the herbal medicine and herbal culture of Jirisan. The festival is designed to promote the excellence of herbal medicines and encourage the public to take care of their health, reflecting the growing interest in wellness.
The festival will feature a variety of hands-on programs, including free acupuncture, herbal acupuncture, and heat therapy. Medical services will be provided to the public in the spirit of the Joseon Dynasty's “Hyeominsu,” and attendees will be able to experience treatments on more than 30 heated beds.
In particular, the 'My Body's Medicinal Experience' program gives attendees the opportunity to choose herbs that suit their constitution and make their own decoctions. The program is divided into three themes - immunity, energy, and respiratory health - and allows them to learn about and utilize the benefits of herbs with a professional herbalist.
In addition, at the Anti-Aging Beauty Pavilion, you can create customized cosmetics through AI skin diagnosis, and there will be opportunities to try out various wellness products. Throughout the festival, various healing experiences will provide valuable experiences for participants seeking a healthy life. The Sancheong Herbal Medicine and Herb Festival will be an opportunity to open a new chapter in wellness tourism.
**Changes in pet finance evolving with wellness**.
Pet finance products are evolving as the pet ownership population grows. In the past, pet insurance that covers pet accidents or illnesses was in the spotlight, but now, various wellness-oriented financial products that manage the entire life of a pet are gaining traction.
Recently, KB Card launched its 'Pet Care' subscription service, which provides pet insurance, non-face-to-face healthcare, and shopping discount coupons for less than 10,000 won per month. The service focuses on daily pet care and includes various benefits such as dog liability insurance. Shinhan Card's 'The Pet Card' is also gaining attention by offering customized discounts based on the life cycle of pets.
These changes are linked to the concept of wellness care, which emphasizes pet health management. According to a report by Samjung KPMG, the traditional approach to pet healthcare is shifting from diagnosis-treatment-aftercare to routine wellness care. Wellness care contributes to lowering the probability of disease and maintaining the overall health of pets.
Despite this, the domestic pet finance market is still in the early stages of growth. The pet insurance penetration rate is around 1.4%, which is low compared to Sweden and the UK. However, growth is evident, with the number of pet insurance contracts increasing by 52% last year, and the potential for growth in Korea is high as the global pet market expands.
The evolution of pet finance along with wellness will have a positive impact on the pet ownership culture in the future. Diversification of financial products for pet health and happiness will become more important.
**Holiday Syndrome Relief Program with Wellness: WE Hotel Jeju**.
WE Hotel Jeju, located in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, is running a wellness program to combat holiday syndrome. The hotel is a health resort that combines WE Hotel and WE Hospital, providing both health and healing through its medical spa and wellness center.
In particular, the wellness center at WE Hotel Jeju offers a variety of programs using the mid-mountain forest and natural volcanic rock pools. 'Haeamhydro', a water therapy program tailored to the customer's physical condition, is effective in relaxing muscles and relieving stress through stretching and acupressure while the body is floated on the water using a floatation device. The program is conducted in a relaxing aquatic environment while listening to music, promoting a calm mind and body.
In addition, the Medical Spa Center uses an infrared body heat diagnostic machine to determine areas of illness and provides customized spa therapies based on the diagnosis of a specialist. The 'Vichy Therapy' massages the entire body with water streams from seven shower heads, promoting lymph and blood circulation to manage edema and enhance detoxification.
WE Hotel Jeju offers wellness programs that are effective in relieving holiday syndrome, helping guests to find peace of mind and maintain a healthy lifestyle. These various wellness programs provide guests with valuable experiences for relaxation and healthy living.
**The story of Jeju's native black pig farm that grows with wellness
Mr. Kim and his wife have been living a life of wellness by raising native black pigs on Jeju Island. Their farm, Jilpurun Farm, is the only place where you can experience Jeju's native black pigs in a private home, and the couple has been living their beliefs by living with the animals in nature.
The elder Kim gained life wisdom from farming and business as a young man, and even dabbled in real estate, but quickly returned to his belief in “not being greedy.” He began raising native black pigs in 1989, a process that gave him a sense of pride and responsibility as a small farmer. He wanted to avoid competition and keep farming in harmony with nature.
Their wellness program is more than just raising pigs; it's also about how to keep their native black pigs healthy, while providing customers with the taste and health benefits of nature. “The indigenous black pig needs to be raised for at least 18 months to produce the best flavor,” says Kim, expressing his pride in the meat, while also incorporating natural elements, such as the yanli tree, to create a unique experience for customers.
Elder Kim emphasizes that “true happiness is to go your own way without comparing yourself to others,” and he dreams of passing on the value of agriculture to future generations. His idea of a happy life is to coexist with nature, not simply pursue material abundance, and to farm and live life on your own terms. Their lives exemplify the essence of wellness.
**The appeal of Gyeongnam tourism, where you can experience wellness and gourmet food**.
Gyeongsangnam-do participated in the K-Tourism Roadshow in Osaka, Japan, to promote its attractive tourism resources. The event was held under the theme “Gyeongsangnam-do, the closest province to Japan,” with the aim of attracting Japanese tourists. Gyeongsangnam-do introduced a variety of tourism themes, emphasizing its accessibility to Gimhae Airport, located one and a half hours from Osaka Kansai Airport.
Gyeongnam showcased several themes, including gourmet tourism, outdoor activities, wellness programs, and historical tourism, through Gyeongnam's promotional character, “Ryeo-ri.” The 300 participants of the event were given souvenirs such as Hadong green tea mentaiko seaweed and fans along with the Ryeo-ri character to further highlight Gyeongnam's appeal.
Reflecting the popularity of the Korean drama, Japanese tourists are planning a healing trip to Gyeongnam to enjoy oysters. “We want Gyeongnam to be easily recognized as a travel destination in Japan, and we will continue to develop customized products,” said Kim Yong-man, head of the Tourism Policy Division.
The event provided an opportunity for Gyeongnam to raise its profile as a tourist destination that combines wellness and gastronomy, and attract more Japanese tourists. Gyeongnam tourism with wellness and gourmet food will be an attractive option for Japanese tourists.
**Chuseok holiday program at Jeongseon High One Resort with wellness***.
Jeongseon High One Resort has prepared a variety of family-friendly programs and special performances for the Chuseok holiday. The resort, located on a plateau between 800 and 1300 meters above sea level, will hold a two-day 'Chuseok Local Festival' on the lawn of Mountain Condo from the 16th.
The festival will feature a 'Kids Wonderland' with a variety of performances including balloon art, bubble show, and magic show for children to enjoy, as well as a program where they can experience traditional games such as raising kicks, yuks, and kite flying. It will be a great opportunity for the whole family to feel the holiday spirit together.
In particular, visitors seeking health and healing will be able to experience Haiwon Resort's wellness programs, such as herbal tea classes and aromatherapy classes. In addition, there will be booths where you can taste local foods and traditional liquors from Jeongtae Ginseng, so you can enjoy purchasing local specialties.
The outdoor wave pool at Hiwon Waterworld offers water leisure experiences that can only be enjoyed during the fall season, allowing visitors to have a unique experience in the pristine nature through paddle boards, pedal boats, and transparent kayaks.
Jeongseon High One Resort offers both wellness and fun this Chuseok holiday, and is sure to create a special time with your family.
**A fall trip to Jeollanam-do full of wellness and charm
Jeollanam-do has prepared a variety of global festivals and discount events for tourists who want to enjoy a fall trip. The flagship event, the International Namdo Food and Culture Big Feast, will be held at the Mokpo Arts Center from October 27 to 29, introducing a variety of Namdo foods and offering experience programs. In particular, the Namdo Gimbap Menu Contest, traditional liquor tasting, and children's cooking classes will be a great experience for families.
The Myeongnyang Daejeon Daehak Festival, which will be held at Uldolmok from October 18 to 20, is an event that honors the history of the Joseon Navy, and will feature multimedia naval battle reenactments using cutting-edge ICT technology, a maritime parade, and an air force air show.
In addition, the Jeonnam Camping Tourism Expo will be held from October 25 to 27 at Yeongam International Motor Raceway, attracting the attention of camping enthusiasts with a variety of camping equipment and experience programs. In addition, the 'Namdo Liquor Festa' will introduce traditional and local beers and will be held at Light Garam Lake Park in Naju.
Don't miss the wellness experience in Jeonnam. You can explore gardens and old houses to get a sense of tradition, or take a temple stay for a healing experience. Travel agencies offer specialized tours like this, and there are also discounted accommodation deals.
“We have prepared various programs for tourists visiting Jeonnam this fall to have an enriching experience,” said Joo Soon-sun, director of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports. ”Jeonnam will grow into a global tourist destination through the World Tourism and Culture Games and the development of tourism infrastructure.”
**Uijeongbu City's efforts to improve the welfare of the elderly with a wellness senior center**.
Uijeongbu City Mayor Kim Dong-geun visited a senior center in Yangji Village 8 Complex on the 13th to communicate with the elderly as part of the 'Wellness Senior Center' project. The visit was aimed at paying more attention to the local elderly and hearing their voices directly.
Mayor Kim carefully checked whether there was any inconvenience in using the senior center and listened to their suggestions through a meeting after serving lunch. “I am happy to hear the voices of the elderly at the senior center, which is a valuable space for a vibrant and happy old age,” he said, emphasizing that the city will continue to strengthen support for senior centers so that the elderly are not marginalized.
Uijeongbu City plans to visit senior centers in the city sequentially to reflect the diverse needs and opinions of the elderly. By doing so, we will strive to improve their well-being and welfare and help them lead healthier and happier lives. Mayor Kim Dong-geun's visit is the first step toward the creation of wellness senior centers, and is expected to contribute to improving the welfare of local communities.
**Wellness and Pets: The Age of Lifecycle Personalized Care
Pets are no longer just pets, but members of the family, and as such, the pet healthcare market, or “petscare,” is evolving toward prevention and wellness. Whereas in the past, the focus was on nutritional supplements and reactive treatments, today it's on genetic disease testing and daily health checks using smart devices.
In particular, genetic disease testing is a way to identify the possibility of genetic diseases in dogs in advance, and companies such as Embark in the US have become prominent in this market. In Korea, diagnostic technologies such as MRI, X-ray, and CT are advancing, and artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling fast and accurate analysis.
As the average life expectancy of pets is increasing, pet owners are focusing on health management from adulthood. To this end, health checks using smart devices are gaining popularity, and a variety of products are available to measure pet food and waste, track their location, and check their heart rate.
As elderly pets are often unable to leave the house due to health issues, there is a need for non-face-to-face care. To this end, AI-powered telemedicine services have emerged, allowing pets to easily check on their health and get advice from home.
There's also a growing trend to prepare for the end of a pet's life. Pet funeral service providers are providing luxurious funeral procedures and helping pets feel more at peace.
In the end, personalized wellness care that is tailored to the lifecycle of your pet is becoming increasingly important to pet owners, and will deepen your relationship with your pet.
**Yuseong Onsen, a global healing experience with wellness**.
The 'New Life Wellness Yuseong Oncheon' event, organized by Yuseong-gu Office and Wing Wing, was recently held in Oncheon-dong, Yuseong-gu. The event was invited by the global PR media Walk in to Korea, and foreigners of various nationalities participated in a healing walk on the ochre path and a foot bath health experience.
The event aimed to revitalize tourism in Yuseong Hot Spring District, focusing on attracting foreign tourists and revitalizing the youthful lifestyle. Participants experienced barefoot walking on the loess trails near the footbaths and enjoyed hot spring footbaths to feel health and wellness.
The foreigners who participated expressed their admiration for Yuseong Onsen and vowed to share it with their communities. Mr. Osama from Egypt expressed his surprise that there was an open-air footbath in the city center, while Ms. Hiba Fatima from Pakistan said she felt healthier after her first experience.
Daehoon Kang hopes that the event will help Yuseong Onsen become known worldwide through foreign influencers. Yuseong Onsen, where wellness and healing meet, will continue to provide healthy travel experiences through various programs.
**Wellness and Senior Housing: A New Alternative for an Aging Society***.
Korea has entered an ultra-aging society, with more than 10 million people over the age of 65. As a result, the need for 'senior housing' - housing for the elderly - is surging, but the current supply is only 0.4% of all housing units, meaning that there is an urgent need for safe and healthy living environments for the elderly.
To respond to the aging population, the government has announced its intention to secure high-quality senior welfare facilities by introducing publicly supported housing specialized for the elderly, such as “Silver Stay,” and promoting senior REITs. The government plans to supply 12,000 units out of 100,000 public rental housing units annually as public rental housing for the elderly, and to create a good living environment for the elderly through the supply of customized housing.
The construction industry is also accelerating the supply of senior housing. Major construction companies such as Hyundai E&C, Daewoo E&C, and HDC Hyundai Development Company are developing senior housing and wellness residences, expanding the options for senior welfare housing. POSCO E&C has come up with a new housing paradigm that considers various family types, such as unmarried and active seniors, and has created a dedicated living space for senior couples.
However, the industry is emphasizing the need for deregulation to supply more senior housing. The demand for senior housing is rising as the aging population grows, and more builders are expected to join the business if regulations are relaxed.
The expansion of senior housing with wellness will be an important foundation for seniors to live a healthy and happy old age.
**Osiria Lauer, the future of wellness and senior housing in Busan
Laure, a senior complex located in the center of Busan's Osiria Tourist Complex, is attracting great attention. The complex, the largest of its kind in Korea, combines premium residential spaces, medical facilities, and community spaces to provide wellness and convenience for seniors.
'Laure' ranges from 4 floors below ground to 18 floors above ground, with more than 1,000 residential units. The complex is close to Osiria Station on the Donghae Line, providing excellent transportation access, and more infrastructure is planned for the future with the early construction of the Bantong Tunnel and Busan Subway Line 2.
'Laure' is composed of four buildings, offering a variety of options ranging from 47 square meters to 180 square meters of private space. It will focus on health care by providing concierge services from LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS and wellness quiz services, including one-on-one customized clinics by specialized medical staff.
In addition, the 250-bed Lauer Yangyang Oriental Hospital and Lauer LeMedi Center, a comprehensive medical center, are located within the complex for systematic medical services. In addition, various community facilities such as a library, movie theater, and GX room are designed to provide residents with a comfortable life.
“Through the collaboration of Hanwha, Zai, and Lotte Hotels, we will provide seniors with the best premium residences in Korea,” said Yoon Mi-young. ‘Laure will continue to support seniors’ healthy and prosperous lives with wellness-centered living spaces.
**Various events at the Jeonnam World Tourism and Culture Organizing Committee with Wellness
Jeollanam-do will present a variety of contents and events for the '2024~2026 Jeonnam World Tourism and Culture Games'. The Games will focus on the local tourism resources of Jeollanam-do, such as gourmet food, wellness, Southern K-culture, and agricultural areas, and will focus on discovering and operating travel products in the fields of rest and recreation, history and culture, and experience and gourmet food.
Jeollanam-do's unique travel products include programs that allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of Namdo's gardens and old houses, temple stays at traditional temples and mountain hermitages, and tastings of Namdo cuisine. There are also opportunities to visit traditional breweries and learn about the history of traditionalism. These trips can be booked through specialized travel agency websites.
There is also a “Namdo Accommodation Discount Big Event” that offers value-for-money accommodation deals when visiting Jeonnam. This event provides discount coupons of up to 40,000 won, depending on the amount paid, to tourists with addresses outside of Jeonnam when they stay at accommodations in the province. Additional discounts are available for those who are certified as 'Jeonnam Love Ae Ae Supporters'.
“We will expand tourism infrastructure and luxury accommodations through the Southern Regional Tourism Development Project,” said Joo Sun-sun, director of the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports. These efforts are expected to position Jeonnam as a global tourism destination. Jeonnam's attractive travel products with wellness need more attention.
**Wellness and New Experiences, TiaWellness Resort's Innovation Program***.
TIA Wellness Resort is attracting the attention of visitors with its new wellness program. True to its wellness concept, the resort boasts a high rate of repeat visitors, especially from Europe and the Americas. Tia Wellness Resort is increasing the number of guests through quality wellness programs rather than promotions.
The resort offers 87 private pool villas, designed to allow visitors to enjoy personal relaxation. Meeting spaces are also available, making it ideal for MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions) events, and as a resort specializing in spa, it is also ideal for prenatal travel.
New wellness programs include Vietnamese Cupping Therapy, a traditional Vietnamese healing practice, where guests can experience cupping treatments. Also new is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program for efficient calorie burning and endurance building. HIIT consists of about 30 minutes of high-intensity exercise followed by short rest periods. Morning and evening yoga classes are also included, with evening yoga recommended for those looking to unwind.
The resort's treatment rooms have been renovated in line with the wellness concept, and the dining menu has been upgraded with new dishes. Tia Wellness Resort offers a new experience of wellness and relaxation and is committed to providing the best service to all visitors.
Wellness and Luxury, SIGNIEL BUSAN Named Asia's Best Beach Hotel** **SIGNIEL BUSAN is the Best Beach Hotel in Asia
SIGNIEL Busan has been named Asia's Leading Beach Hotel at the 2024 World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards has been honoring outstanding achievements in the tourism industry every year since its inception in 1993, with winners determined by votes from travel professionals and customers in more than 160 countries around the world.
In this year's award, SIGNIEL Busan was recognized for its excellent location right on the white sandy beach of Haeundae and its top-notch facilities. The infinity pool is especially popular with guests as it offers a panoramic view of Haeundae's changing colors against the blue sea.
In addition, SIGNIEL Busan has attracted attention through its differentiated services centered on wellness. It provides a cultural experience by exhibiting artworks inside the hotel, and recently opened a new luxury wellness spa, 'Retreat SIGNIEL', to create a high-quality healing space.
In addition to this, SIGNIEL Busan was selected in the categories of 'Best Hotel in Korea' and 'Best Luxury Hotel' at the '2024 Travelers' Choice Awards' organized by TripAdvisor in June. This achievement further solidifies the wellness and luxury experience that SIGNIEL Busan offers to its guests.
**A unique wellness spot in the heart of the city
As we move into the second half of 2024, September is a great time to reorganize your mind and body. Here are two unique wellness spots in the heart of the city that you can enjoy.
The first is Positive Hotel Yoga Seolleung, which offers a wellness program that combines yoga and a balanced diet, where you can practice healthy eating, yoga, and meditation. Seolleung is a cultural space that combines a grocery store and yoga studio, and offers a variety of programs to detoxify and rebalance the body and mind. It is located on the first floor of 407, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The second is Wonnam Church of Won Buddhism. Opened in 1964, the church was recently renovated by renowned architect Minseok Cho. Wonnam offers meditation, yoga, and a variety of cultural programs, and just walking through the building is a time of contemplation and focus. The design is appropriately isolated from the outside world, yet connected to the neighborhood.
These two spaces are perfect for wellness and health-conscious individuals, offering a unique escape in the heart of the city.
**Wellness and K-beauty: APR at the Hong Kong Beauty & Wellness Expo**.
Beauty tech company APR recently participated in beauty fairs in Hangzhou and Hong Kong, China, with great results. The company participated in the 2024 Yimeixiang in Hangzhou from August 15 to 17 and the 2024 Hong Kong Beauty & Wellness Expo from August 15 to 19 to introduce its K-beauty products to local consumers and beauty professionals.
The Yimeixiang Fair in Hangzhou is a large event held annually and attracts around 50,000 beauty professionals. APR had a booth to promote its products, and won the “Annual Innovative Brand Award” and “Collectible Brand Award,” raising brand awareness.
At the Beauty & Wellness Expo in Hong Kong, several brands including MediCube, April Skin, and Glamdibio were introduced, and the number of visitors to APR's booth exceeded 10,000. In particular, MediCube AgeR 'Booster Pro' sold about 2,000 units, with cumulative sales of about KRW 1.4 billion during the expo.
The beauty and personal care market in mainland China is valued at approximately $67.1 billion, and if Hong Kong and Taiwan are included, the Greater China market exceeds 100 trillion won. Based on the differentiated technology and awareness of K-beauty, APR will continue its efforts to expand its influence in the Greater China market.
**Wellness and electronic medicine innovation: Risol raises KRW 4 billion in Series A funding**.
Risol recently raised KRW 4 billion in Series A funding to accelerate its growth in the wellness and electronic medicine space. The company secured KRW 1.5 billion from anchor investor Vine Ventures and will close the round with an additional KRW 2.5 billion this month. Founded in 2017, Risol is a healthcare company led by co-founders Seungwoo Lee and Guk Kwon.
Risol utilizes transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) technology to stimulate the brain using tiny alternating currents. This technology enables customized treatment for conditions such as sleep disorders, depression, and cognitive decline. The company has launched wellness equipment under the Sleepysol brand that improves sleep quality, with 22,000 units sold and KRW 2 billion in sales.
Risol is also developing electronic medical devices for the treatment of Alzheimer's and depression, and is planning clinical trials in collaboration with Korea's Ezai. Shin Nari, Managing Director of Vine Ventures, emphasized Risol's potential for rapid growth and said that the brand will solidify its position in the wellness market.
**Transforming the Han River with Wellness: Interview with Yongtae Joo, Head of Mirae Hankang**.
Yongtae Joo, head of Seoul's Mirae Han River, shared his vision of turning the Han River into a lifestyle platform for Seoulites. He emphasized that he wants to make the Han River a true space for citizens to enjoy and relax, not just a place to admire.
Mr. Joo said that the value of the Han River should be expanded from a mere object of viewing into the daily lives of citizens. In conjunction with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's Great Han River Project, he plans to introduce various new means of transportation using the Han River, especially the Han River Bus. This focuses on making the Han River more accessible to citizens and providing opportunities for tourism and everyday enjoyment.
Eight Han River Buses will operate daily, and docks will be built near subway stations to improve accessibility in key areas such as Yeouido and Ttukseom. Joo emphasized that water transportation on the Han River will allow people to rediscover the river's value as a landmark of Seoul and allow citizens to become its true owners.
He also aims to develop the Han River as a wellness space through cultural programs and aims for “healthy pleasure” where citizens can exercise and relax at the same time. “I am confident that the Han River will become a wellness treasure island and have a positive impact on the lives of citizens,” Zhu said, adding that he believes they will love it.
**World Wellness Weekend at Cassia Sokcho with Wellness
Banyan Group's Cassia Sokcho will participate in World Wellness Weekend, an international wellness event now in its eighth year. The event is held annually on the third weekend of September and aims to promote the physical and mental health of modern people. This year, the industry is represented in more than 160 countries.
Cassia Sokcho will offer a variety of wellness programs on the 21st and 22nd. On the first day of the event, yoga and meditation will be held at the hotel's outdoor rooftop SkyPark on the 26th floor, where participants can awaken and energize their minds and bodies as they watch the sunrise over the East Sea and feel the autumn breeze.
At sunset, Sunset Pilates will be held in the GX room of the Activa Fitness Center on the fifth floor. The Pilates workout with a beautiful view is an effective way to relieve stress and strengthen muscles. The program is organized in collaboration with lifestyle wellness consulting firm Wellmi.
There is also a “Banana Pudding Cooking Class” where guests can make a healthy snack with the hotel's chef. Bananas are known for their ability to improve digestion and aid in muscle recovery.
Cassia Sokcho is also recognized as an eco-friendly hotel, having earned the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification. Through this Wellness Week, we hope to inspire more people to live a healthy lifestyle.
**Wellness and Holistic Image Coaching: Lecture Trends 2025 by Prof. Eunyoung Song***.
“Lecture Trends 2025” by Prof. Eunyoung Song will be published on October 9th. This book analyzes the trends of lectures in the modern world, with the keywords of generative AI and hyper-personalization. In particular, the book focuses on the trend of image-making lectures, which emphasizes the importance of holistic image coaching, which integrates internal and external image management.
In his field, Dr. Song is calling for image therapy that goes beyond outward image management to help people restore their inner self-esteem and bring image therapy into the age of wellness. “Holistic image management is now the way to go,” he says, emphasizing that it is essential to harmonize an individual's inner and outer worlds.
In this book, Song collaborates with a variety of experts to expand his knowledge and perspective, suggesting that the convergence of wellness and image coaching will become a new trend. He believes that lectures will play an important role in improving people's quality of life beyond mere education.
With the importance of image making growing alongside wellness, Prof. Song's insights in “Lecture Trends 2025” will help us look forward to the changes and developments in the field of lectures in the future.
**K-Showerhead and Wellness: Targeting the UAE Market
K-Showerheads are gaining a lot of attention in the UAE market. In 2023, the UAE's bath and shower products market was valued at $198.3 million, up 5.1% year-on-year. This market consists of products for personal hygiene, such as body wash and soap, with consumers preferring luxurious packaging and a variety of scents. In particular, there is a growing demand for showerheads with shower filters.
The UAE's tap water is high in salts and minerals, which can have a negative impact on skin and hair, making filtered showerheads popular. K-Showerheads are positively received by consumers for their light weight and wide range of scents, as well as their environmentally friendly packaging and feminine health-conscious femtech features.
In the UAE market, there are various brands such as Blue and Pure Blue, and the adoption potential of K-showerheads is increasing. In particular, products with eco-friendly packaging and health functional fragrances are more welcomed by consumers, and K-Showerheads are expected to enter the market successfully. We recommend networking with local consumers and conducting market research through relevant exhibitions in the future.
**Recruitment of trainees to train wellness tourism professionals in Incheon
Incheon Metropolitan City and the Incheon Tourism Organization are organizing the '2024 Incheon Wellness Tourism Destination Worker Training' to foster specialized human resources for wellness tourism in Incheon. The training will be held four times every Monday from October 21 to November 11 and will cover a variety of topics including wellness tourism trends, content development, and lifestyle coaching to meet the growing demand for healing travel after COVID-19.
The program will also include hands-on training to help develop local wellness and medical tourism convergence talent. Prospective workers will be able to develop customized wellness experience programs for healing trips and strengthen their practical skills in tourist healthcare services.
The training is open to Incheon residents aged 20 and above, and 80 participants will be recruited from October 16 to 19. For more information, visit the Incheon Tourism Organization's official website. Baek Hyun, President of Incheon Tourism Organization, said that through this training, the organization will foster human resources for wellness medical tourism in Incheon and provide differentiated services by linking healthcare and tourism contents.
**NewziumLab proposes customized healthcare solutions for the era of wellness**.
Newzium Lab will showcase its personalized food selection and health management solution at the 'International Hospital and Healthtech Fair' (KHF 2024), which will be held from October 2 to 4 at COEX in Seoul. The solution utilizes a database built on the latest scientific knowledge and rule-based algorithms to analyze users' health needs and provide personalized and optimized nutrition plans.
Newzium Labs' database contains data on more than 81,000 foods, incorporating research from authoritative institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Harvard Health Publishing, and the Mayo Clinic. The solution is designed to help hospitals, enterprises, healthcare providers, and other organizations deliver personalized healthcare to patients and employees.
Newzium Labs is also looking for proof-of-concept partners for KHF 2024 and plans to further expand its personalized healthcare solutions through collaboration with various organizations. These personalized nutrition solutions are expected to play an important role in improving the health of modern people and preventing diseases.
**Chungcheongnam-do plans to complete wellness tourism and defense capital in Nonsan City
Chungcheongnam-do is promoting wellness tourism by creating industrial parks and attracting institutions to develop Nonsan City into the country's defense capital. Chungcheongnam-do Governor Kim Tae-heum visited Nonsan on the 19th to seek sustainable development through communication with residents.
During the visit, Kim presented concrete plans to create a national defense industrial complex, attract defense-related public institutions, develop Topjeongho tourism, and create a K-Heritage Valley. He also announced a budget of 12.9 billion won to expand wellness tourism infrastructure, highlighting tourism developments such as the Chulung Bridge and multimedia music fountain.
Kim hopes to boost the local economy by connecting the defense industry cluster in Nonsan with agriculture, especially strawberries. He also plans to promote Korea's Confucian culture and Chungcheongbuk-do's symbolism to the world through the creation of a K-Heritage Valley.
Governor Kim Tae-heum emphasized that “the creation of a defense industrial complex and attraction of public institutions will lead the defense industry in Nonsan,” and promised continued support and development.
**Japan's Online Pharmacy Market Expands in the Era of Wellness and Digital Healthcare
The online pharmacy market is growing rapidly in Japan and is expected to transition to the digital healthcare industry. By 2023, Japan's online pharmacy market is expected to be worth approximately $4.4 billion, making it the third largest in the world. This market is driven by an aging population and rapid adoption of digital technology, which has increased the demand for pharmaceutical purchases.
In September 2020, the Japanese government revised its laws to promote digital healthcare by allowing online medication guidance services. In response, several large companies, including Rakuten and Amazon, are expanding their online pharmacy services, a move that is expected to increase access to healthcare and ease the burden on the system.
In particular, online medication guidance services can help patients track and manage their medication status on an ongoing basis, helping to provide personalized services. Major Japanese telecommunications and e-commerce companies are forming strategic alliances to quickly enter online pharmacy services and are looking for synergies with digital healthcare.
Japan's digital healthcare transformation is likely to create new business opportunities based on personalized and customized healthcare services. It is important to keep a close eye on future legislative changes and market trends.
**Gyeongsangnam-do to become a center for wellness tourism by 2035**.
Gyeongsangnam-do has unveiled a comprehensive tourism plan that aims to become one of the top four tourist destinations in Korea by 2035, joining Seoul, Jeju, and Busan, with the vision of becoming a “Northeast Asia's Complex Wellness Tourism Mecca. The plan involves investing 45.8 trillion won ($45.8 billion) to create three wide-area belts and one tourism zone.
Gyeongnam will develop various wellness tourism contents through the South Coast Marine Complex Belt, Jirisan Forest Culture Belt, and Nakdong River Ecological History Belt. On the southern coast, marine leisure and experience spaces will be created, while tourism facilities that include forest culture experiences and oriental medicine wellness programs will be promoted in Jirisan. In the Nakdong River basin, eco-friendly water leisure activities will be activated.
In addition, Gyeongnam will strengthen various historical elements, such as the restoration of the Gaya Wangdo Road and the creation of a memorial park for Queen Heo, through the History and Culture Tourism Zone. This comprehensive approach is expected to turn Gyeongnam into a wellness tourism destination that offers both health and healing, increasing the number of tourists from the current 36 million to 80 million. The development of tourism in Gyeongnam is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
**Opening the Era of Wellness with K-Sunsung Sang***.
The 2024 International Zen Meditation Congress, which will be held from September 27 to October 1, is attracting attention as an event that promotes the mental health of the Korean people through Zen meditation in the spirit of traditional Korean Buddhism and promotes K-Sun Meditation around the world. Hosted by the Korean Buddhist Jogye sect, the event will feature a variety of programs aimed at promoting meditation across the country.
During the event, starting with the official opening ceremony at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, meditation experience booths will be held at major temples across the country, and lectures by international celebrities will be held. In particular, international celebrities such as Rosie Joan Halifax and Chad Meng Tan will participate and discuss the value of K-Sun Meditation and the global wellness industry.
The convention will conclude with the theme “Serenity, Meditation Embracing the Challenges of the Times,” which is expected to be an event that aspires to both peace of mind and world peace. The Jogye Order emphasized that meditation is effective in relieving stress and anxiety, and said the tournament will serve as a cornerstone for the popularization of K-Clear Meditation.
**Jeongseon-gun to operate an entrepreneurship center combining wellness and local food**.
Jeongseon-gun has opened a local food startup center in Bukpyeong-myeon and is recruiting entrepreneurs to start businesses using local specialties. The center aims to revitalize entrepreneurship among local youth and seniors, and is equipped with various facilities such as workspaces and shared kitchens. The selected entrepreneur is Didru, a French dessert company that makes galettes, a French-style dessert, and aims to target the home cafe market through online sales by utilizing clean ingredients.
For the pet market, Didru will also introduce a doggie dessert called Kanglette. Jeongseon-gun will provide founders with a budget of up to 20 million won to help them develop products, secure sales, and market them. Through this, Bukpyeong-myeon plans to develop into a wellness tourism destination and revitalize the local economy by linking the trekking destination Hangol Valley, local food festivals, and various tourism contents.
Kim Young-hwan, head of the tourism department, said the center will attract tourists through taste tours based on Jeongseon's mountain village culture and local food, and create a tourist destination that everyone wants to visit and stay. The operation of the local food startup center is expected to play an important role in strengthening Jeongseon's tourism platform that combines wellness and local specialties.
**Draper Associates invests $5 million in wellness innovator Cudis***.
CUDIS, a Web3 AI wellness company, has raised $5 million in funding led by Draper Associates. CUDIS has developed a wearable ring that allows users to monitor their health data, managing their health information on the Solana blockchain and rewarding them for participation. The ring is equipped with an AI coach that provides personalized wellness advice based on an individual's biometric data.
The investment was led by several venture capital firms and individual investors, including Skybridge, Penrose, SNZ, and Mozaik. Cudis will use the funding to enhance its AI coach capabilities, advance its gamification elements, and bolster its decentralized infrastructure.
“Cudis is setting a new standard in the wellness space by prioritizing consumer needs,” said Draper Associates in a statement, noting that this innovative approach could redefine how health and wellness engagement is done. Cudis' future developments are expected to have a significant impact on the wellness market.
**Fall Wellness Getaway to Nami Island
After a long, hot summer, the crisp autumn has arrived, and travelers are getting excited again. Nami Island, located near Seoul, is one of the must-see destinations in autumn and is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of activities amidst the gorgeous autumn colors.
There are several ways to get to Nami Island, but we recommend taking a zipwire ride to feel like you're flying. The thrill of descending from an 80-meter tower across the Bukhan River at speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour is a unique experience against the autumn sky. The “Tricoaster” allows you to use gravity to glide through the forest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Even when the summer fun is over, Nami Island's water activities continue. The Water Garden, a heated outdoor pool, is the perfect place to soak in the warmth of the water while enjoying the fall colors. These wellness spaces help travelers relax and relieve stress.
Nami Island is a place where you can enjoy the fall season with its natural beauty and a variety of activities, providing travelers with an unforgettable experience. Take a trip to Nami Island today and recharge your batteries with health and fun.
**How Hanwha's wellness insurance for women is driving strong results
Na Chae-beom, CEO of Hanwha Insurance, has been driving the company's growth by focusing on women's wellness. Since taking over in 2023, he has focused on positioning Hanwha as a leader in women's wellness with the launch of Women's Health Insurance. During his tenure, Mr. Na has contributed to increasing profitability by diversifying the portfolio and strengthening sales channels.
One of his strategies is the establishment of the LifePlus PharmTech Lab. The institute focuses on research and product development tailored to women's life cycles, and its first product, the Hanwha Signature Women's Health Insurance, has been a huge success. In the second half of last year alone, the policy generated KRW 6.5 billion in new contract sales, accounting for 20 percent of the company's total health insurance sales.
This performance helped boost Hanwha's consolidated net profit to KRW 212.8 billion last year and is on track to grow 22.2% this year. The company is strengthening its competitiveness in the female-oriented insurance market through differentiated branding and will continue to develop related products.
However, with other insurers launching women-related insurance products one after another, Hanwha needs to continue to differentiate itself. Mr. Na is working to solve this challenge and plans to launch 'Signature Women's Health Insurance 3.0' in the second half of the year.
**World Wellness Tourism Fair 2024 in Seoul, South Korea
World Business & Sports World will host the World Wellness Tourism Fair in Seoul 2024 from September 26 to 28, 2024 at SpaceOz in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The event is themed around the expansion of wellness tourism, providing an opportunity to unite the domestic and international wellness industry and introduce a variety of wellness content.
During the event, attendees can enjoy a variety of wellness-related activities, including performances, lectures, and experience programs. The experiential programs include hand fan experience, vinyasa yoga and meditation, therapeutic yoga, sound bath, and modern dance using communication movements, providing participants with a healing and wellness experience for the mind and body.
The fair reflects the global growth of the wellness industry and will offer visitors a variety of ways to pursue health and happiness. We look forward to seeing you there.
- **Date**: September 26 (Thu) ~ September 28 (Sat), 2024
- Location: SpaceOz, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Organizer: World Business & Sports World
- Contact: World Wellness Tourism Fair Secretariat (02-2000-1843)
**Wellness Items to Restore Body Balance in Fall
Now that the long Chuseok holiday is over, many people are looking for various wellness products to restore their body balance. Health functional foods and inner beauty care products are attracting attention from consumers.
Target Welllife recently launched its sports nutrition brand 'New Care Sports Six' and introduced five new products focused on enhancing athletic performance. The products contain six ingredients, including carbohydrates and proteins, to provide performance and nutrition management solutions.
Global life care company Newon introduced blood sugar and blood circulation management products for inner beauty. Its flagship product, 'Blood Sugar Cut Banana Leaf Balance Care' helps to control blood sugar, and also contains low molecular weight collagen and rTG omega-3, which are highly absorbable and contribute to blood circulation health.
Amorepacific's Vital Beauty proposes the Metagreen Series for a healthy diet. The series consists of Metagreen Slim Up, which is consumed after meals, and Metagreen Calorie Cut Jelly, which helps manage carbohydrates.
Newkin Korea launched 'Agilac Wellspa iO' for post-workout body care. The device uses microcurrents to help restore tired skin after exercise. It also works with a smart app for systematic care.
These various wellness items are helping modern people manage their health and beauty easily even in their busy lives.
'Blue Work Vacation' in 8 cities and counties in Jeollanam-do
On September 23, Jeollanam-do announced that it will operate the Jeollanam-do Blue Work Vacation program in eight cities and counties, including Suncheon, Naju, Goheung, Sinan, Hampyeong, Jindo, and Haenam. The program provides an opportunity to combine work and vacation and experience wellness.
In Suncheon, guests can work in Suncheon Bay Garden and enjoy streamside Earthing Sunset Yoga, while in Naju, guests can combine work and relaxation at Jalsan Gajok. Goheung Marian Margaret Training Center offers surfing and circumambulation courses to get out in nature, while Haenam offers a campervan workcation at Oshiano Campground where you can work overlooking the ocean.
Hampyeong offers the opportunity to work overlooking the sea at Dolmu Beach, and you can relieve your fatigue with a seawater steaming experience using sulfur stone and natural seawater. In Jindo, you can experience a traditional hanok experience at Unlim Sanbang, and enjoy a hand-drip coffee at a hanok cafe at the foot of Cheomchal Mountain.
The Blue Workcation program will run for three days and four nights during the week and is open to small and medium-sized enterprises, large enterprises, and solo entrepreneurs based outside of Jeonnam. Kim Young-shin, CEO of Jeonnam Tourism Foundation, said the program will be an attractive option for those who want to combine work and vacation.