Seoul Unveils One Hundred Wellness Destinations with Beauty & Wellness Tourism Initiative, Blending Tradition, Culture, and Modern Beauty for a Unique Travel Experience in South Korea

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched an exciting new initiative, Beauty & Wellness Tourism, a curated list of 100 destinations that represent the best of the city’s wellness experiences. This initiative is designed to position Seoul as a leading global hub for urban wellness tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore a harmonious blend of traditional healing, modern wellness practices, and the city’s vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle. The list, which was introduced to highlight Seoul’s vision of “A Healthy and Beautiful Daily Life,” emphasizes the growing importance of well-being in today’s global travel trends.

A City at the Forefront of Wellness

Reflecting global trends in wellness tourism, the selected 100 sites in Seoul offer a broad spectrum of experiences, each contributing to the concept of Rest, Refreshment, and Rejuvenation. This unique initiative blends Seoul’s rich heritage with modern innovations, showcasing the holistic approach to health and well-being that the city has cultivated. From healing meditation and spa experiences to K-beauty destinations and healthy culinary offerings, the city’s wellness offerings are an exciting fusion of traditional Korean practices and contemporary wellness innovations.

In the context of this initiative, wellness tourism is defined by Seoul as encompassing a broad range of physical, mental, and social health. The aim is to create a balanced travel experience where visitors can not only relax and rejuvenate but also enjoy the enriching cultural and social aspects of the city.

A Diverse Range of Wellness Experiences

The 100 destinations highlighted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government are categorized into three distinct themes: Rested, Refreshed, and Rejuvenated, each designed to promote a specific aspect of wellness.

Rested (40 Locations): Healing and Meditation Experiences

The first category, Rested, features 40 destinations focused on healing and meditation. These locations include spaces for nature therapy, traditional Korean medicine treatments, and wellness stays in serene environments. One notable example is Namsangol Hanok Village, where visitors can experience traditional Korean homes and cultural practices that promote rest and rejuvenation. These sites are designed to help visitors disconnect from the stresses of daily life and immerse themselves in peaceful, restorative environments.

Refreshed (Taste, 18 Locations): Healthy Cuisine

The second category, Refreshed, encompasses 18 culinary spots that interpret Seoul’s food culture through a wellness lens. Furoa Seoul in Myeongdong, for instance, is a destination that combines healthy local ingredients with traditional Korean cooking methods to create nourishing meals that contribute to physical well-being. These establishments encourage guests to indulge in flavors that promote health while immersing themselves in the rich food culture of Seoul. Visitors can explore Seoul’s approach to culinary wellness, where food is not just about taste but also about maintaining balance and harmony.

Rejuvenated (Style, 42 Locations): Beauty and Cultural Spaces

The final category, Rejuvenated, highlights 42 destinations that focus on K-beauty, spa treatments, design, and cultural experiences. A prime example is the L7 Myeongdong by Lotte, a rooftop hub where beauty and street culture come together. Here, visitors can enjoy a full range of beauty services, from facials to skincare treatments, in a modern, stylish setting. Additionally, cultural landmarks throughout the city provide a rejuvenating experience, combining art, design, and wellness to create an immersive environment for visitors to relax and revitalize both physically and mentally.

A Vision for Global Wellness Tourism Leadership

Han I-kyung, the Chair of the Beauty & Wellness Tourism Development Committee and CEO of Polaris Advisor, shared her perspective on the initiative, highlighting Seoul’s diverse wellness landscape. She noted that Seoul’s approach reflects the city’s unique identity and its potential to lead Asia in wellness tourism. The development committee, which includes experts with significant experience in the hospitality industry, is focused on building new global partnerships that will connect traditional wellness practices with innovative modern offerings.

With over 20 years of experience in international hospitality, Han I-kyung has worked with leading hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Starwood, and is also involved with the Global Wellness Institute and the Global Wellness Conference. She emphasized that Seoul is poised to take a leading role in the growing wellness tourism market by capitalizing on its strengths in both heritage and innovation.

Beauty & Wellness Tourism Week in Seoul

The official announcement of the Beauty & Wellness Tourism initiative coincided with the launch of the Beauty & Wellness Tourism Week, which is being held in Jung-gu, Seoul’s historic heart, from October 30 to November 5, 2025. This week-long festival is a celebration of wellness experiences, cultural events, and immersive programs, featuring 34 signature venues across the city. These venues range from serene temples and traditional hanoks to modern hotels and galleries, offering visitors a full taste of Seoul’s wellness lifestyle.

The event showcases the breadth of the city’s wellness offerings, from spa treatments and traditional healing practices to culinary experiences and beauty services, making it an ideal opportunity for visitors to explore the rich, diverse wellness scene that Seoul has to offer.

Supporting the Vision 2030 Wellness Initiative

Aligned with Korea’s Vision 2030, which aims to establish the country as a global hub for wellness tourism, Seoul’s Beauty & Wellness Tourism initiative will play a crucial role in advancing the nation’s goals of promoting holistic health, increasing tourism, and fostering international collaboration. The city’s growing reputation as a center for both innovation and tradition positions it as a leading destination in the global wellness market.

Jong-won Koo, the Director of the Seoul Tourism and Sports Bureau, emphasized the importance of wellness tourism for Seoul’s growth and the role it plays in boosting domestic and international travel. He stated that as wellness tourism becomes a dominant global trend, the city’s focus on this sector will attract more visitors and increase economic value for both local businesses and communities.

A Bright Future for Wellness Tourism in Seoul

With the Beauty & Wellness Tourism Week showcasing the best of what Seoul has to offer, the city is poised to take its place as a global leader in wellness tourism. Through its emphasis on holistic well-being, sustainability, and cultural exchange, Seoul is setting a new standard for wellness tourism, one that blends the old with the new in a way that is truly unique. As the city continues to grow in popularity as a wellness destination, it will undoubtedly continue to attract travelers from around the world, eager to experience the perfect blend of rest, rejuvenation, and refreshment.

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