A marine healing experience combining a walk along Jeju’s sea ranch trail, the sound of the waves and meditation with the scent of *sunbigi* and the sound of singing bowls will take place alongside an international forum. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province will hold the 2026 1st Jeju International Marine Healing Industry Forum on 6 and 7 November in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City, and Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City.
The first-ever forum’s theme is “Jeju, the sea of healing, connecting Asia and the future”. It aims to lay the foundations for international cooperation in the marine healing industry. The event is hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and organised by Jeju National University and the Jeju Marine Healing Industry Association.
Forum opens at Seongsanpo, with discussions at Spirited Garden; first day to share Asian case studies
On the morning of 6 November, the opening ceremony, keynote address and a demonstration of a marine healing programme will be held at Seongsanpo Fisheries Cooperative in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo City. In the afternoon, proceedings will move to Spirited Garden in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City, for presentations and a panel discussion.
The forum will showcase examples of the marine healing industry in Asia, including Japan, and discuss the global state of the industry and ways to build collaborative networks. A panel of experts will consider the future development of the marine healing industry in Asia, as well as strategies to develop the sector in Jeju by drawing on the island’s distinctive characteristics, with the Jeju Marine Healing Centre at its heart.
A meeting of the Marine Healing Promotion Council, which brings together local governments and organisations involved in marine healing, will also be held as part of the event. Experience and information booths showcasing products made using marine healing resources will be open to local residents and visitors.
Sea breeze, waves, *sunbigi* scent and singing bowls: meditation on the second day
On 7 November, the second day, marine healing experience programmes will take place at Jeju Sea Ranch and around Singeumul Park in Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City. Participants will walk the sea ranch trail, experiencing the sea breeze, the sound of the waves and the coastal scenery, and take part in meditation using the scent of *sunbigi* and the sound of singing bowls.
The *sunbigi* plant grows in sandy coastal areas of Jeju. The scent and sounds of the sea will thus be used directly as materials for meditation.
Jeju Marine Healing Centre, due to open in 2029, and the forum that marks its starting point
Jeju Province plans to use the forum to expand exchanges among domestic and international experts, research institutions and industry. It will also pursue programme development, policy initiatives and cooperation on industrial development in connection with the Jeju Marine Healing Centre, which is scheduled to open in 2029.
Kim Jong-su, director of Jeju Province’s Marine and Fisheries Bureau, said: "This forum is a starting point for sharing the value of Jeju’s marine healing resources with the international community and broadening the foundations for cooperation. We will systematically develop the marine healing industry by drawing on Jeju’s distinctive characteristics."
Event details
Event: 2026 1st Jeju International Marine Healing Industry Forum (“Jeju, the sea of healing, connecting Asia and the future”)
Dates: Friday 6 to Saturday 7 November 2026
Venues: 6 November — Seongsanpo Fisheries Cooperative, Seogwipo City (morning); Spirited Garden, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City (afternoon) / 7 November — Jeju Sea Ranch and around Singeumul Park, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City
Host: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province / Organisers: Jeju National University, Jeju Marine Healing Industry Association
Enquiries about the article: fare3041@naver.com