Wando County in South Jeolla Province announced on Thursday that it was running a ‘Living Lab’ to evaluate the effectiveness of its marine healing program. (Image courtesy of Wando County)
SEOUL, Sept. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Wando County in South Jeolla Province announced on Thursday that it was running a ‘Living Lab’ to evaluate the effectiveness of its marine healing program, which targeted residents of Seocho-gu in Seoul, as well as local residents.
This year marked the second iteration of the Marine Healing Living Lab, initiated last year as part of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ research initiative to establish an agriculture, forestry and marine-based smart healthcare system. Its aim was to develop marine healing programs and ensure the smooth delivery of marine healing services.
About 60 individuals participated in the Living Lab, with the Wando Marine Healing Center offering a total of 16 programs, including those designed to alleviate musculoskeletal pain, reduce stress and improve skin condition.
In particular, medical professionals from Korea University assessed the effectiveness of the marine healing programs by measuring participants’ health before and after their experiences, utilizing infrared body heat thermometers, skin measurement instruments and stress measurement equipment.
Participants engaged in various underwater exercises aimed at relieving muscle pain and achieving full-body relaxation in a meditation pool and thalasso pool.
Additionally, they took part in diverse programs such as foam therapy, effective for improving skin condition; stone therapy, known for easing waist and knee pain; and seaweed mud wrapping therapy, recognized for its muscle pain-relieving benefits.
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the program’s effectiveness, praising the therapy products made from Wando resources.
The Wando County government plans to refine program content and operational manuals in preparation for the official opening of the Marine Healing Center, building on insights gained through the operation of the Living Lab.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
