International wellness resort developer the Therme Group has advised that its first Asia Pacific project is to feature as part of the Golden Harbour development in Incheon City, South Korea.
Having identified the Golden Harbor site following an initial letter of cooperation in November 2022, a memorandum of agreement was signed before Christmas by Therme Group’s Senior Vice President Stelian Iacob and Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) Commissioner Kim Jinyong.
The agreement will see project plans progressing during the course of this year and an expected lease signing in 2025. Subject to finalised plans and permissions, construction on the project - expected to cost more than US$200 million - is expected to take two to three years.
A gateway city to neighbouring Seoul, the Golden Harbor development is adjacent to an international ferry terminal, 15 minutes from Incheon International Airport and one hour from Seoul city centre by public transport. With this location, the Therme site will be easily accessible to millions of domestic and international guests while providing spectacular views across the bay.
First Asia Pacific location for Therme
Therme’s expansive well-being resorts combine cutting-edge sustainable technology with age-old therapeutic customs. Large thermal pools are paired with aquatic pursuits, wellness therapies, exercise classes, attractions, art and culture, botanics, and food. Therme seeks to improve mental and physical health and to make a beneficial economic and social impact, in addition to being an enjoyable and restful experience.
Commenting on the project, Iacob advised “Golden Harbor is truly spectacular, and it is fitting to bring our first Asia Pacific Therme to this iconic global gateway location. South Korea has rich and varied wellbeing traditions, and we look forward to working with local partners to reflect this history and culture.”
IFEZ’s Jinyong added “Therme’s spectacular resort will appeal to all residents and tourists, not only boosting our economy but also positioning Incheon as a world-leading wellbeing city of the future.”
The Germany-based company currently operates resorts in Germany and Romania, and it has plans to grow in the USA, Canada, the UK, and continental Europe in the future. In September 2023, plans for Therme Manchester, a new £250 million waterpark and wellbeing resort in the UK, were approved by Trafford Council.
Images: Concepts for Therme's development in the UK city of Manchester (top and middle, credit: Therme Group) and the the Golden Harbor development site (credit: Incheon Port Authority).
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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