Asan City (Mayor Park Gyeong-gwi), renowned as a royal hot spring destination with a 1,300-year history, hosted an international gathering of leading hot spring experts on the 27th to discuss the future and growth strategies of the global hot spring and wellness industry.

The 2023 Hot Spring Industry International Conference, organized by Asan City in collaboration with the Healthcare &  Spa Industry Promotion Agency (Director Kim Chang-yong), was held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Onyang Tourist Hotel.

Under the theme “Challenges for the Development of the Global Hot Spring Industry”, the conference was divided into two sections, each focusing on key aspects of the industry's evolution and potential.

Session 1: Strategy Tasks for the Development of Hot Spring Healing and Wellness

Moderated by Professor Emeritus Kim Soon-yang of Yeungnam University, this session featured the following presentations:

• Marion Schneider, CEO of Toskanaworld Therme in Germany, delivered insights on “Hot Springs in Germany: Past, Present, and Future.”
• Windy Yang, advisor to the Taiwan Hot Springs Tourism Association, explored “Taiwan’s Hot Springs Industry and Growth Through Wellness Programs.”
• Paul Ha-young Song, President of the Korea Spa Wellness Society, presented “Global Wellness Trends and Implications for the Korean Hot Spring Industry.”

Session 2: Strategies and Tasks for Balneotherapy and Reimbursement
Chaired by President Paul Hayoung Song of the Korean Spa Wellness Society, this session featured the following presentations:

This session included presentations by:

• Tomas Vylita, chief researcher at the Czech Spa Institute, who shared “Natural History and Balneotechnics in the Czech Republic and Europe.”
• Zseraldina Richvalszki, Hungary’s Global Wellness Day Ambassador, highlighted “Hungary’s Rich Heritage of Thermal Baths.”
• Professor Jeon Chang-bae of Woosong University discussed “Hot Springs and the Path Toward Health Insurance Coverage in Korea.”

Panel Discussions

Following the presentations, panelists engaged in in-depth discussions, forecasting the future trajectory of the global hot spring industry, with a special focus on Korea’s role in this evolution.

Keynote Address by Mayor Park Gyeong-gwi

In a notable moment, Mayor Park welcomed international scholars with a speech delivered in English, emphasizing the growing significance of hot springs in the wellness and healthcare sectors.

Mayor Park stated:
"The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of health care and increased public interest in nature-friendly lifestyles. Healing and wellness have emerged as key societal priorities. Today, hot springs are entering a new era, transitioning from the first generation of bathing-centered use and the second generation of leisure-centered activities to the third generation, focusing on healing and therapeutic potential."

He highlighted examples from leading hot spring destinations such as Japan, Taiwan, and Europe, including Germany, France, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Drawing attention to Asan’s royal heritage, he said:
"Asan has historically been a sanctuary for kings and nobles of the Joseon Dynasty, including King Sejong and Crown Prince Sado, where they sought healing, conducted political affairs, and cultivated talent."

Looking ahead, Mayor Park emphasized:
"The hot spring industry will play a pivotal role in addressing national challenges, such as aging populations, low birth rates, and healthcare needs in underserved regions. Asan City is committed to revitalizing hot spring culture to meet the demands of a changing era."

Remarks from the Healthcare Spa Industry Promotion Agency

Director Kim Chang-yong affirmed the agency’s dedication to advancing the hot spring industry:
"Together with Asan City, we will strive to position the hot spring industry as a driver of economic growth and job creation. I hope today’s discussions will provide the foundation for a comprehensive strategy that ensures a bright future for this vital industry."