The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) of South Korea has announced the selection of six regions—Daegu, Busan, Incheon, Gangwon, Jeonbuk, and Chungbuk—for the ‘Wellness Tourism Cluster’ program. This policy aims to consolidate and enhance local wellness resources, such as healing, spa, and medical services, to create high-value tourism destinations. The wellness industry has seen rapid growth post-COVID-19, as global interest in health and quality of life increases. The global wellness market is projected to reach approximately $6.8 trillion in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6% expected through 2029.
The selected regions are divided into two models: Daegu and Busan will focus on ‘medical tourism-centered’ clusters, leveraging their strong medical infrastructure, while Incheon, Gangwon, Jeonbuk, and Chungbuk will develop ‘wellness tourism-centered’ clusters based on unique local assets. Each region will receive a budget of 450 million KRW to support their initiatives. For example, Daegu plans to develop over 60 new tourism products in three years, and Incheon aims to attract 1.46 million domestic and international wellness tourists by 2028. These efforts are expected to accelerate the growth of Korea’s wellness tourism sector, especially as the country welcomes increasing numbers of medical tourists.
The selection process involved a public call for proposals from December 29, 2023, to January 23, 2024, with evaluations based on project feasibility, integration of wellness and medical resources, and regional tourism strategies. Implementation will begin in 2024, with each region developing specialized tourism products and promotional strategies tailored to their strengths. The MCST will also support the creation of industry ecosystems by encouraging collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors, and by fostering wellness tourism startups.
Frequently asked questions include: What is the goal of the Wellness Tourism Cluster program? The program aims to create attractive, high-value wellness tourism destinations by integrating local wellness and medical resources. Who will benefit from this initiative? Local governments, tourism businesses, and both domestic and international tourists seeking wellness experiences will benefit. How will the program be implemented? Each selected region will receive funding and support to develop and promote specialized wellness tourism products, with oversight from the MCST.
The Wellness Tourism Cluster program is a timely and strategic initiative by the South Korean government, responding to the global rise in demand for health and wellness travel. By selecting six regions with distinct strengths and providing targeted funding, the policy is well-positioned to stimulate regional economies and diversify Korea’s tourism offerings. The integration of medical and wellness resources, along with support for industry collaboration and startups, should enhance the country’s competitiveness in the international wellness tourism market. The program’s clear structure and focus on high-value tourism align with global trends and are likely to yield significant long-term benefits.