Seoul International Sports and Leisure Industry Show 2025: New era for S. Korea's sports technology industry

Back on the local front.

Seoul is hosting an exhibition aimed at giving you a glimpse of the latest in the leisure and sports industry.

Our Choi Soo-hyung was there.

People exercise without getting bored by playing games.

A smartwatch-style wearable device with an optical sensor helps maximize the effectiveness of workouts.

Under a new era of smart fitness, the Seoul International Sports and Leisure Industry Show 2025 opened on Thursday at COEX in Seoul.

Marking its 25th year, this year's event features around 320 Korean and international companies, showcasing various products and technologies in fitness, sportswear, extreme sports, and the future of the sports industry.

This year, the focus is "Sport-tech," combining sports with smart devices.

"In the sports industry, Korea's advanced technology is emerging in the "sport-tech" sector. Overseas buyers are increasingly seeking tech-integrated products. The ability to analyze body types and suggest personalized exercise plans using AI is gaining attention."

By using robots, people can strengthen specific parts of their body, such as their core muscles.

In addition to muscle-strengthening exercises, advanced devices are also available to help improve body balance and maintain a well-proportioned shape.

Artificial Intelligence screens and equipment also provide personalized workout services.

"Some people suffer from pain, while others aim to lose weight—each person has different goals and motivations. Unlike traditional approaches applied to a single concept, we use AI models to analyze individual needs and provide personalized solutions."

One of the hosts of the event, the Korea International Trade Association, set up an export booth to help Korean companies expand overseas.

"The South Korean sports technology industry has grown over the past few decades and is now gaining significant attention worldwide."

Especially in Southeast Asia, foreign companies say Korean culture is familiar, and its sports and leisure products are trendy and creative.

"Korean brands have been, you know, very, very prominent in the past years You know, we have a lot of them around in Manila. So that's why we're looking to the Korean brands, right? Because they are very trendy, right they are innovative."

SPOEX 2025 will run until Sunday, March 30th.

Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.