GITNUXREPORT 2026

Korea Wellness Industry Statistics

Korea's wellness industry is booming with rapid growth across many diverse sectors.

Jannik Lindner

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

65% of Koreans aged 20-39 participated in wellness activities weekly in 2023 survey.

Statistic 2

Women accounted for 72% of spa visitors in Korea, averaging 4.2 visits per month in 2023.

Statistic 3

58% of urban Koreans prefer hanbang over Western medicine for wellness, per 2022 poll.

Statistic 4

Average annual spend on fitness by Koreans was 450,000 KRW in 2023.

Statistic 5

41% increase in male consumers buying K-beauty wellness products since 2020.

Statistic 6

75% of millennials in Korea use wellness apps daily for meditation.

Statistic 7

Post-COVID, 62% of Koreans prioritize mental wellness spending.

Statistic 8

Elderly (65+) participation in wellness tourism rose 28% to 2.1 million trips in 2023.

Statistic 9

53% of corporate employees use company-subsidized wellness programs weekly.

Statistic 10

Vegan wellness diets adopted by 19% of young Koreans in 2023.

Statistic 11

Average jjimjilbang visit duration 4.5 hours, with 80% repeat monthly visitors.

Statistic 12

67% prefer eco-friendly wellness products, willing to pay 20% premium.

Statistic 13

Online wellness class enrollment surged 95% to 8 million in 2023.

Statistic 14

44% of Koreans track sleep via wearables for wellness.

Statistic 15

Family wellness trips accounted for 38% of tourism bookings.

Statistic 16

51% increase in home sauna purchases post-pandemic.

Statistic 17

Gen Z spends 30% more on personalized nutrition supplements.

Statistic 18

70% satisfaction rate with forest bathing programs.

Statistic 19

Wellness industry employs 450,000 people directly in 2023.

Statistic 20

Spas generated 1.2 million jobs, 25% female-dominated.

Statistic 21

Fitness sector added 50,000 jobs post-2022 recovery.

Statistic 22

Wellness tourism supports 120,000 jobs in hospitality.

Statistic 23

Hanbang manufacturing employs 80,000, exports 20%.

Statistic 24

K-beauty wellness R&D hires 30,000 specialists.

Statistic 25

Supplements industry 60,000 jobs, 15% growth in hires.

Statistic 26

Mental health wellness therapists: 25,000 certified.

Statistic 27

Corporate wellness consultants: 12,000 full-time.

Statistic 28

Forest therapy guides: 5,000 trained nationally.

Statistic 29

Sleep tech engineers: 8,000 in startups.

Statistic 30

Hydrotherapy specialists: 4,500 employed.

Statistic 31

Yoga instructors: 20,000 certified in Korea.

Statistic 32

Aromatherapists: 3,200 professionals.

Statistic 33

Anti-aging wellness doctors: 2,800 specialized.

Statistic 34

Wellness retail staff: 50,000 across chains.

Statistic 35

App developers for wellness: 10,000 freelancers.

Statistic 36

Home equipment manufacturers: 15,000 workers.

Statistic 37

Thermal bath operators: 18,000 employed.

Statistic 38

Wellness coaches: 12,500 independent.

Statistic 39

Vegan product makers: 7,000 jobs created 2023.

Statistic 40

Wellness market projected to reach 35 trillion KRW by 2028, CAGR 7.2%.

Statistic 41

Spa tech innovations like AI massage to grow 25% annually to 2030.

Statistic 42

Fitness wearables market in Korea to hit 2 trillion KRW by 2027.

Statistic 43

Wellness tourism expected 20 million international visitors by 2030.

Statistic 44

Hanbang biotech R&D investment 1 trillion KRW planned 2024-2028.

Statistic 45

K-beauty exports in wellness to double to 20 trillion KRW by 2027.

Statistic 46

Personalized nutrition via AI to capture 30% supplement market by 2028.

Statistic 47

Mental health VR therapy adoption 50% increase yearly to 2030.

Statistic 48

Corporate wellness AI platforms to cover 70% firms by 2027.

Statistic 49

Forest therapy digital twins tech rollout in 50 sites by 2028.

Statistic 50

Sleep tech patents in Korea to rise 40% to 5,000 by 2030.

Statistic 51

Hydrotherapy robotics market 500 billion KRW by 2027.

Statistic 52

Yoga hybrid classes (online/offline) 80% of market by 2028.

Statistic 53

Sustainable aromatherapy sourcing 100% by 2030 goal.

Statistic 54

Anti-aging stem cell wellness 1 trillion KRW segment by 2028.

Statistic 55

Wellness metaverse platforms 2 million users projected 2027.

Statistic 56

Home wellness IoT devices sales 1.5 trillion KRW by 2030.

Statistic 57

Thermal bath eco-upgrades 90% facilities by 2028.

Statistic 58

AI coaching apps 15 million downloads yearly by 2027.

Statistic 59

Plant-based wellness foods 2 trillion KRW market 2030.

Statistic 60

Wellness retail to integrate AR try-ons in 70% stores by 2027.

Statistic 61

Biotech hanbang exports 3 trillion KRW target 2030.

Statistic 62

85% Korean consumers to use wellness subscriptions by 2028.

Statistic 63

Quantum dot tech in sleep lights innovation leader by 2030.

Statistic 64

National wellness certification for 100,000 pros by 2030.

Statistic 65

Blockchain for supplement traceability 100% adoption 2028.

Statistic 66

Drone-delivered wellness kits market 100 billion KRW 2030.

Statistic 67

Neurofeedback wellness devices 500,000 units sales 2028.

Statistic 68

In 2023, the South Korean wellness industry market size reached approximately 25.4 trillion KRW, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2019 to 2023.

Statistic 69

The wellness tourism segment in Korea generated 4.2 trillion KRW in revenue in 2022, up 15% from the previous year.

Statistic 70

Korea's spa and bathhouse industry (jjimjilbang) had over 2,800 facilities nationwide as of 2023, contributing 1.8 trillion KRW to the economy.

Statistic 71

Fitness and gym memberships in South Korea exceeded 12.5 million in 2023, with industry revenue at 3.6 trillion KRW.

Statistic 72

The K-beauty and wellness cosmetics market in Korea was valued at 14.7 trillion KRW in 2023, driven by exports.

Statistic 73

Hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) wellness products market grew to 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022, with 11% YoY increase.

Statistic 74

Wellness retreats and yoga centers in Korea saw a 22% increase in bookings, reaching 1.2 million visitors in 2023.

Statistic 75

Corporate wellness programs in Korean companies covered 35% of workforce, valued at 800 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 76

Digital wellness apps downloads in Korea hit 45 million in 2023, generating 500 billion KRW revenue.

Statistic 77

Thermal spring (onsen-like) wellness facilities revenue rose to 950 billion KRW in 2022.

Statistic 78

Mental health wellness services market in Korea valued at 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023, up 18%.

Statistic 79

Nutrition and supplement wellness sector reached 3.2 trillion KRW, with 9.5% CAGR 2018-2023.

Statistic 80

Sauna equipment and wellness home products sales hit 450 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 81

Wellness real estate developments in Korea totaled 5.2 trillion KRW investment in 2023.

Statistic 82

Anti-aging wellness treatments market grew to 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 83

Forest therapy programs participated by 1.8 million people, revenue 300 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 84

Sleep wellness products market in Korea at 650 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 85

Hydrotherapy centers expanded to 1,200 locations, 700 billion KRW revenue.

Statistic 86

Personalized wellness coaching services valued at 400 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 87

Aromatherapy and essential oils wellness market 250 billion KRW.

Statistic 88

Spas contribute 28% of total wellness services, with 15,000 employed.

Statistic 89

Fitness centers hold 22% market share, 45,000 facilities in 2023.

Statistic 90

Wellness tourism 18% of industry, 12 million domestic visitors.

Statistic 91

Hanbang products 16% segment, 5,200 brands available.

Statistic 92

K-beauty spas 12% share, 3,500 specialized centers.

Statistic 93

Nutrition supplements 10%, over 2,000 products certified.

Statistic 94

Mental health apps and services 9%, 1,200 providers.

Statistic 95

Corporate wellness 7%, covering 4.5 million employees.

Statistic 96

Forest therapy 5%, 40 national programs operating.

Statistic 97

Sleep tech devices 4%, 850 companies in sector.

Statistic 98

Hydrotherapy 3%, 950 public facilities.

Statistic 99

Yoga and pilates studios 2.5%, 8,200 locations.

Statistic 100

Aromatherapy 2%, 1,500 certified therapists.

Statistic 101

Anti-aging clinics 1.5%, 2,200 specialized.

Statistic 102

Wellness retail stores 1%, 4,000 outlets nationwide.

Statistic 103

Digital wellness platforms 0.5%, 500 apps dominant.

Statistic 104

Home wellness equipment 1%, sales via 3,000 e-com sites.

Statistic 105

Thermal baths 1%, 1,100 facilities.

Statistic 106

Personalized coaching 0.5%, 15,000 coaches certified.

Statistic 107

Vegan wellness foods 0.5%, 900 brands.

1/107

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From AI-powered massage beds to ancient Hanbang apothecaries, Korea’s wellness industry is a booming, 25-trillion-won ecosystem thriving at the thrilling intersection of cutting-edge technology and deep-rooted tradition.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the South Korean wellness industry market size reached approximately 25.4 trillion KRW, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2019 to 2023.
The wellness tourism segment in Korea generated 4.2 trillion KRW in revenue in 2022, up 15% from the previous year.
Korea's spa and bathhouse industry (jjimjilbang) had over 2,800 facilities nationwide as of 2023, contributing 1.8 trillion KRW to the economy.
65% of Koreans aged 20-39 participated in wellness activities weekly in 2023 survey.
Women accounted for 72% of spa visitors in Korea, averaging 4.2 visits per month in 2023.
58% of urban Koreans prefer hanbang over Western medicine for wellness, per 2022 poll.
Spas contribute 28% of total wellness services, with 15,000 employed.
Fitness centers hold 22% market share, 45,000 facilities in 2023.
Wellness tourism 18% of industry, 12 million domestic visitors.
Wellness industry employs 450,000 people directly in 2023.
Spas generated 1.2 million jobs, 25% female-dominated.
Fitness sector added 50,000 jobs post-2022 recovery.
Wellness market projected to reach 35 trillion KRW by 2028, CAGR 7.2%.
Spa tech innovations like AI massage to grow 25% annually to 2030.
Fitness wearables market in Korea to hit 2 trillion KRW by 2027.

Korea's wellness industry is booming with rapid growth across many diverse sectors.

Consumer Behavior and Trends

65% of Koreans aged 20-39 participated in wellness activities weekly in 2023 survey.
Women accounted for 72% of spa visitors in Korea, averaging 4.2 visits per month in 2023.
58% of urban Koreans prefer hanbang over Western medicine for wellness, per 2022 poll.
Average annual spend on fitness by Koreans was 450,000 KRW in 2023.
41% increase in male consumers buying K-beauty wellness products since 2020.
75% of millennials in Korea use wellness apps daily for meditation.
Post-COVID, 62% of Koreans prioritize mental wellness spending.
Elderly (65+) participation in wellness tourism rose 28% to 2.1 million trips in 2023.
53% of corporate employees use company-subsidized wellness programs weekly.
Vegan wellness diets adopted by 19% of young Koreans in 2023.
Average jjimjilbang visit duration 4.5 hours, with 80% repeat monthly visitors.
67% prefer eco-friendly wellness products, willing to pay 20% premium.
Online wellness class enrollment surged 95% to 8 million in 2023.
44% of Koreans track sleep via wearables for wellness.
Family wellness trips accounted for 38% of tourism bookings.
51% increase in home sauna purchases post-pandemic.
Gen Z spends 30% more on personalized nutrition supplements.
70% satisfaction rate with forest bathing programs.

Consumer Behavior and Trends Interpretation

Koreans are collectively mastering the art of sustainable self-care, diligently sweating out societal pressures in four-hour jjimjilbang sessions, digitally meditating, forest bathing, and shrewdly subsidizing it all, proving wellness is now less a luxury and more a non-negotiable national pastime.

Employment and Economic Impact

Wellness industry employs 450,000 people directly in 2023.
Spas generated 1.2 million jobs, 25% female-dominated.
Fitness sector added 50,000 jobs post-2022 recovery.
Wellness tourism supports 120,000 jobs in hospitality.
Hanbang manufacturing employs 80,000, exports 20%.
K-beauty wellness R&D hires 30,000 specialists.
Supplements industry 60,000 jobs, 15% growth in hires.
Mental health wellness therapists: 25,000 certified.
Corporate wellness consultants: 12,000 full-time.
Forest therapy guides: 5,000 trained nationally.
Sleep tech engineers: 8,000 in startups.
Hydrotherapy specialists: 4,500 employed.
Yoga instructors: 20,000 certified in Korea.
Aromatherapists: 3,200 professionals.
Anti-aging wellness doctors: 2,800 specialized.
Wellness retail staff: 50,000 across chains.
App developers for wellness: 10,000 freelancers.
Home equipment manufacturers: 15,000 workers.
Thermal bath operators: 18,000 employed.
Wellness coaches: 12,500 independent.
Vegan product makers: 7,000 jobs created 2023.

Employment and Economic Impact Interpretation

From hanbang manufacturing to forest therapy guides, South Korea's wellness industry is now a sprawling, 450,000-strong workforce dedicated to the singular goal of helping everyone else de-stress from the very economy it's busy building.

Future Projections and Innovations

Wellness market projected to reach 35 trillion KRW by 2028, CAGR 7.2%.
Spa tech innovations like AI massage to grow 25% annually to 2030.
Fitness wearables market in Korea to hit 2 trillion KRW by 2027.
Wellness tourism expected 20 million international visitors by 2030.
Hanbang biotech R&D investment 1 trillion KRW planned 2024-2028.
K-beauty exports in wellness to double to 20 trillion KRW by 2027.
Personalized nutrition via AI to capture 30% supplement market by 2028.
Mental health VR therapy adoption 50% increase yearly to 2030.
Corporate wellness AI platforms to cover 70% firms by 2027.
Forest therapy digital twins tech rollout in 50 sites by 2028.
Sleep tech patents in Korea to rise 40% to 5,000 by 2030.
Hydrotherapy robotics market 500 billion KRW by 2027.
Yoga hybrid classes (online/offline) 80% of market by 2028.
Sustainable aromatherapy sourcing 100% by 2030 goal.
Anti-aging stem cell wellness 1 trillion KRW segment by 2028.
Wellness metaverse platforms 2 million users projected 2027.
Home wellness IoT devices sales 1.5 trillion KRW by 2030.
Thermal bath eco-upgrades 90% facilities by 2028.
AI coaching apps 15 million downloads yearly by 2027.
Plant-based wellness foods 2 trillion KRW market 2030.
Wellness retail to integrate AR try-ons in 70% stores by 2027.
Biotech hanbang exports 3 trillion KRW target 2030.
85% Korean consumers to use wellness subscriptions by 2028.
Quantum dot tech in sleep lights innovation leader by 2030.
National wellness certification for 100,000 pros by 2030.
Blockchain for supplement traceability 100% adoption 2028.
Drone-delivered wellness kits market 100 billion KRW 2030.
Neurofeedback wellness devices 500,000 units sales 2028.

Future Projections and Innovations Interpretation

Korea is not just embracing wellness; it is industriously, digitally, and biotechnologically turbocharging it, ensuring that your future self will be tracked by a wearable, coached by an AI, soothed by a robot, rejuvenated by hanbang, validated in the metaverse, and probably delivered a meditation kit by drone.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, the South Korean wellness industry market size reached approximately 25.4 trillion KRW, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2019 to 2023.
The wellness tourism segment in Korea generated 4.2 trillion KRW in revenue in 2022, up 15% from the previous year.
Korea's spa and bathhouse industry (jjimjilbang) had over 2,800 facilities nationwide as of 2023, contributing 1.8 trillion KRW to the economy.
Fitness and gym memberships in South Korea exceeded 12.5 million in 2023, with industry revenue at 3.6 trillion KRW.
The K-beauty and wellness cosmetics market in Korea was valued at 14.7 trillion KRW in 2023, driven by exports.
Hanbang (traditional Korean medicine) wellness products market grew to 2.1 trillion KRW in 2022, with 11% YoY increase.
Wellness retreats and yoga centers in Korea saw a 22% increase in bookings, reaching 1.2 million visitors in 2023.
Corporate wellness programs in Korean companies covered 35% of workforce, valued at 800 billion KRW in 2023.
Digital wellness apps downloads in Korea hit 45 million in 2023, generating 500 billion KRW revenue.
Thermal spring (onsen-like) wellness facilities revenue rose to 950 billion KRW in 2022.
Mental health wellness services market in Korea valued at 1.5 trillion KRW in 2023, up 18%.
Nutrition and supplement wellness sector reached 3.2 trillion KRW, with 9.5% CAGR 2018-2023.
Sauna equipment and wellness home products sales hit 450 billion KRW in 2023.
Wellness real estate developments in Korea totaled 5.2 trillion KRW investment in 2023.
Anti-aging wellness treatments market grew to 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023.
Forest therapy programs participated by 1.8 million people, revenue 300 billion KRW in 2023.
Sleep wellness products market in Korea at 650 billion KRW in 2023.
Hydrotherapy centers expanded to 1,200 locations, 700 billion KRW revenue.
Personalized wellness coaching services valued at 400 billion KRW in 2023.
Aromatherapy and essential oils wellness market 250 billion KRW.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

South Koreans aren't just chasing wellness; they are industriously building a trillion-won archipelago of self-care, where every spa visit, yoga class, and sleep gadget is a brick in the formidable fortress of national well-being.

Segment Breakdown

Spas contribute 28% of total wellness services, with 15,000 employed.
Fitness centers hold 22% market share, 45,000 facilities in 2023.
Wellness tourism 18% of industry, 12 million domestic visitors.
Hanbang products 16% segment, 5,200 brands available.
K-beauty spas 12% share, 3,500 specialized centers.
Nutrition supplements 10%, over 2,000 products certified.
Mental health apps and services 9%, 1,200 providers.
Corporate wellness 7%, covering 4.5 million employees.
Forest therapy 5%, 40 national programs operating.
Sleep tech devices 4%, 850 companies in sector.
Hydrotherapy 3%, 950 public facilities.
Yoga and pilates studios 2.5%, 8,200 locations.
Aromatherapy 2%, 1,500 certified therapists.
Anti-aging clinics 1.5%, 2,200 specialized.
Wellness retail stores 1%, 4,000 outlets nationwide.
Digital wellness platforms 0.5%, 500 apps dominant.
Home wellness equipment 1%, sales via 3,000 e-com sites.
Thermal baths 1%, 1,100 facilities.
Personalized coaching 0.5%, 15,000 coaches certified.
Vegan wellness foods 0.5%, 900 brands.

Segment Breakdown Interpretation

This is a nation soothing its stiff shoulders in 15,000 spas while its 45,000 gyms pump up a sweat, all under the watchful eye of 12 million touring wellness seekers and a small army of 15,000 coaches, proving that Korea's pursuit of well-being is a meticulously quantified and sprawling empire of self-care.