CIST Business Study Mission Fosters China-South Korea Fitness Industry Collaboration
CIST Business Study Mission Fosters China-South Korea Fitness Industry Collaboration
On March 26, 2025, representatives from the IWF organizing committee of Shanghai Donnor Exhibition—Jason Peng, General Manager, and Vicky Chen, Deputy General Manager jointly with Wei Han (Founder/CEO, HILEFIT) and Yaohua Xu (General Manager, Scenario Business Department, HILEFIT) visited Seoul, Korea to conduct business exchange activities in Seoul, South Korea, aiming at strengthening collaboration in the sports and fitness sector. Through deepening various industry exchanges between China and Korea, the tour seeks to promote resource sharing between enterprises of both countries and jointly drive the development of the Asia-Pacific and global fitness markets.
Five Key Activities of the Business Study Mission:
Establishing Connections with leading South Korean Fitness Industry Associations
KOREA HEALTH CLUB ASSOCIATION/ SEOUL SPORTS ASSOCIATION
KOREA SPORTS FACILITIES INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION/ KOREA FITNESS MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
The Business Study Mission actively established connections with key Korean sports and fitness associations. Mr. Jang Bo-young, President of the Korea Health Club Association; Mr. Kim Hang-jin, Director of the Seoul Sports Association; representatives from the Korea Sports Facilities Industry Association; and the Korea Fitness Management Association held in-depth discussions with the tour members on key topics such as industry development trends, technological innovation, and market expansion. The goal is to promote resource sharing and mutual learning of experiences between the Chinese and Korean fitness industries, strengthen cooperation in the sports and fitness field, jointly explore the global fitness market, and propel the industry to new heights.
Observing and Learning from SPOEX 2025-South Korean Fitness Industry Exhibition
During the trip, the Business Study Mission closely observed SPOEX 2025, Korea's premier sports and fitness exhibition (Seoul Convention Center, March 27-30). The tour engaged on-site with organizers, Korean industry professionals, and Ms. Yukiko Hiraoka, SPORTEC's Overseas Sales Manager. These exchanges provided the CIST Organizing Committee deep insights into Japanese and Korean exhibition models, cutting-edge product displays, and innovative event planning. They absorbed valuable peer experiences to invigorate China's domestic fitness industry development. This also advances trilateral (China-Japan-Korea) exchange and cooperation via exhibitions, aiming for breakthroughs in the Asia-Pacific and global markets.
Visiting Overseas Fitness Equipment Manufacturers
DRAX/ VILITI FITNESS/ NEWTECH/ GAESEON/ FORWARD/ MOTIONCARE PILATES/ 1% UP/ THE FARLEY GROUP/ PROCIRCLE
The Business Study Mission visited leading Korean sports equipment brands, including NEWTECH (exclusive title sponsor of the Olympia 60th Anniversary), DRAX, VILITI FITNESS, GAESEON, FORWARD, and MOTIONCARE PILATES. They held in-depth discussions with executives on product R&D, market expansion, and global brand strategies, gaining insights into Korean expertise in design, manufacturing, and global markets.
Previously at CIST, brands like NEWTECH, DOS&YOUNIQUE, INBODY, and MENFURS showcased high-quality, innovative products in China. Amid new US tariff-influenced trade dynamics, Korean representatives expressed strong interest in entering the Chinese market and collaborating with manufacturers, traders, and agents.
Conducting On-site Inspections of Korean Fitness Club Chains
BODY CHANNEL FITNESS
The Business Study Mission conducted on-site inspections of representative Korean chain fitness clubs, such as Body Channel Fitness, gaining a deep understanding of their operational models, facility configurations, and course systems. During this time, Mr. Wei Han, Founder/CEO of HILEFIT, held discussions with Mr. Kim Hyo-nam, CEO of Body Channel Fitness. Both parties shared experiences and exchanged insights on brand building, member services, marketing, and digital operations for fitness clubs.
Moving forward, the CIST organizing committee will plan more exchange and collaboration activities across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on sports club management and sports health product manufacturing. We aim to collaborate with industry peers worldwide to advance the development of the sports and fitness industry.
Engaging with Potential Korean Buyers and Trading Companies
KAIROS/IRUNNER
Leveraging its industry resources and networking capabilities, the Business Study Mission forged connections with professional Korean purchasers—including fitness brand agents and multinational trading companies. Both sides explored sports product import/export trade, brand agency partnerships, and cross-border supply chain optimization. Consensus was reached on broadening business channels, sharing market intelligence, and deepening industrial collaboration. The parties will harness complementary strengths to jointly develop more competitive offerings for Asian and global markets.