Thermal wellbeing organisation and developer Therme Group has partnered with the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) to create a year-round wellbeing destination in the South Korean city of Incheon.

Therme has announced that it’s working with the mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City Yoo Jeong-bok and IFEZ commissioner Kim Jin-yong to build a wellbeing resort that can welcome upwards of one million people per year.

Therme creates natural urban oases for communities and family members of all ages to have fun, relax and unwind – to help boost their physical and mental health. It says that Korean traditions of saunas, hot pools, wellness experiences and health-giving food align closely with this concept.

Expected to cost over US$200m (£166.9m, €193.6m) to create, Therme claims the resort will reflect the country’s distinct history and culture.

“Therme Group’s wellbeing resort will not only attract tourists to Incheon and help drive the region’s economy, but it will also boost health and wellbeing in the population as Incheon continues to grow as a leading global city,” said Kim Jin-yong, IFEZ commissioner.

Therme Group senior vice-president and COO, Stelian Iacob, added: “Our close partnership with Incheon and IFEZ will enable us to continue our global development programme, bringing the world's most advanced wellbeing concept to iconic locations in cities worldwide.”

A letter of cooperation between Therme and IFEZ was signed in Frankfurt last week. Subject to a finalised agreement and a construction-ready site, the resort will take two to three years to complete.

The Incheon resort will offer a natural environment delivered through sustainable engineering.

Therme resorts are LEED accredited to the highest ‘Platinum’ level. The group was recently rewarded for its sustainability efforts and honoured with a double gold for ‘Conserving Water and Improving Water Security and Supply for Neighbours’ at the World Travel Market (WTM) Global Responsible Tourism Awards.

Major growth plans

Therme has three existing resorts in Germany – in Schwarzwald, Sinsheim and Euskirchen respectively – and a fourth resort in Bucharest, Romania.

In recent years, the company has outlined major growth ambitions and now has a sizable development pipeline.

Therme has announced plans to open another property in Germany as well as flagship wellbeing resorts in England, Canada and Scotland, alongside introducing urban wellbeing centres to five US cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC.

The announcement of its South Korean destination marks Therme's 10th pipeline property.