Jangheung County in South Jeolla Province has concluded the '2026 Korea Integrative Medicine Expo,' which combined integrative medicine, advanced health management technologies, and natural healing resources, and is now focusing on developing the local wellness tourism industry.
According to Jangheung County on October 18, the 15th Korea Integrative Medicine Expo was held from October 15 at the International Integrative Medicine Expo Center in Anyang-myeon and wrapped up its four-day schedule on this day.
This year's expo, themed 'Healing: The Answer is Integrative Medicine,' featured 73 institutions, including university hospitals, universities, medical organizations, and related groups, showcasing a variety of programs that encompassed modern medicine, traditional Korean medicine, rehabilitation medicine, and advanced health management technologies.
Notably, the expo expanded beyond traditional health experiences to include programs utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, psychological and emotional healing, and wellness programs leveraging the natural environment, highlighting the potential applications of integrative medicine.
The venue was organized into six exhibition and experience halls: the Theme Hall, Integrative Medicine Hall, Wellness Healing Hall, Health Promotion Hall, Healthy Food Hall, and Health Industry Tech Hall.
In the Theme Hall, AI health check mirrors and media facades were used to introduce the development of integrative medicine and future medical technologies. The Integrative Medicine Hall offered consultations tailored to individual health needs, including experiences in traditional and alternative medicine, rehabilitation medicine, exercise prescriptions, and body shape correction.
The Wellness Healing Hall focused on the importance of physical health as well as psychological stability and relaxation through healing index measurements, meditation, and health ball therapy.
The Health Industry Tech Hall showcased health management services incorporating advanced technologies such as AI electrocardiogram tests and stress measurements. Interactive programs allowing visitors to engage with medical information and health management technologies also attracted significant interest.
In addition to exhibitions in the medical and health fields, cultural performances and health lectures suitable for all ages were held.
Singer Sean conveyed the importance of healthy lifestyle habits with the theme 'Today's Health, Happy Life!' while Professor Hong Jeong-ki introduced practical health management methods for everyday life in his lecture 'Preparing for a Healthy Old Age in the 100-Year Era.'
A 'Bread Barber Shop Sing-Along Show' and celebratory performances were also organized for young visitors, allowing families to enjoy both health information and cultural performances.
Outside the expo venue, programs utilizing Jangheung's natural healing resources were conducted.
Walking programs linked to the cypress forest woodland, tea meditation at the forest therapy park, healing yoga, and healing tourism tours accompanied by cultural interpreters were among the activities offered.
These initiatives have been evaluated as presenting the potential for Jangheung-style healing tourism that combines health management centered on medical institutions with relaxation in nature and local tourism.
Following the expo, Jangheung County plans to expand wellness tourism content that connects integrative medicine facilities, the cypress forest woodland, and mental health healing centers.
The county aims to create a tourism route that integrates forest experiences, health management programs, local food, traditional markets, and accommodation facilities, thereby increasing visitor stay duration and stimulating the local economy.
The key challenge for future initiatives will be how concretely to establish a sustainable tourism foundation that links healthcare, tourism, and local businesses.
Jangheung County Mayor Sa Soon-moon stated, “This expo was a meaningful opportunity to directly experience various fields of integrative medicine and reflect on the value of a healthy life,” adding, “We will continue to create an environment where both residents and visitors can enjoy health and relaxation by linking Jangheung's medical and healing resources with its beautiful natural environment.”
Meanwhile, the Korea Integrative Medicine Expo is an event held by Jangheung County to provide information on various health management fields, including modern and traditional medicine, and to enhance understanding of integrative medicine. Jangheung County plans to leverage the collaborative foundation established through the expo to enhance the competitiveness of the local healing industry and develop into a year-round wellness tourism destination.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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