Aju Business Daily

SEOUL -- In an effort to heal the body and mind of those who suffer from COVID Blue, a feeling of depression and isolation caused by changes in lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Korea Tourism Organization have selected "Wellness Trip 44," a collection of tourist hot spots that are ideal for healing.

According to government data, COVID Blue inflicts feelings of depression, isolation, and sleep disorders. There were 18,931 people who called the national mental health care center about their anxiety disorder in the first half of 2020, up 44.8 percent compared to a total of 13,067 people in 2019.

Godowon Healing Center in Chungju some 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Seoul launched a Wellness program including various meditation courses using sounds generated by singing bowls, metallic bowls that create clear and soothing sounds, and Hinoki cypress tree trunks to massage the body and stimulate muscles. Yoga classes are offered for those who wish to stretch their body and mind.
  The healing center operates a unique walking mediation course. It involves easy strolls. Participants can enjoy the sounds of nature while spending time listening to their inner voices. It is a calm and peaceful meditation method.

Godowon also launched a smartphone virtual healing trip service for the mind in February to help people connect and heal. The online Wellness program provides services such as natural ambient noises and landscapes, online virtual trips of Chungju's popular tourist spots, and meditation services.

"Anyone with a smartphone can connect and use the Wellness program regardless of their whereabouts," Godowon said. The online Wellness program is demonstrated through an online community service provided by South Korea's web service giant Naver. The service will be officially launched via a smartphone app later this year.