Sharing expertise in workplace wellness, wellness tourism, and HR with a global audience

Professor Kessler Appointed Guest Editor for SSCI Journal Sustainability Special Issue titled ‘Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Strategies: Aligning Stakeholder Behavior Towards Wellness in Protected Natural Sites’ Professor Kessler is appointed as a Guest Editor to…

Wellness Tourism Insights from Professor Kessler at the Busan International Medical Tourism Convention 2025 At the 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, Director of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab, Professor Kessler presented his research on…

Professor Kessler publishes The Effect of Wellness Awareness on Wellness Tourism Activities and Continuous Participation Intention: Focusing on Yeongdeok International H Wellness Festa Last October, Professor Kessler carried out research at the Yeongdeok International H…

Professor Kessler’s book chapter on the 찜질방 finally published Other Press & Research Professor Kessler’s book chapter on the 찜질방 finally published byDanny Kessler September 3, 2025 Uncategorized Director of the Wellness Research Lab Professor…

DSU Graduate Business Student Showcases Neuroscience-Inspired Wellness Innovation for the Shark Tank of Wellness Competition From Brainwaves to Brushstrokes, Dongseo University Graduate MBA student Ma Roselle Naorbe created ArtHzen. ArtHzen transforms mental wellness by pairing…

Shark Tank of Wellness Spotlight: Fighting Toxic Seed Oils, One Song at a Time I was halfway through my meal at a restaurant the other day, the food was tasting not so good… On my…

Professor Kessler and Dongseo University students meet the Former Prime Minister from MongoliaVietnamese NEU/DSU student introduces Yén to the Shark Tank of Wellness Competition Vietnamese NEU/DSU student Đặng Nam Khánh enters Yén in the Shark…

BioCherryfresh: Shark Tank of Wellness Entry Pioneering Environmental Wellness with Nature-Inspired Design In a world facing urgent environmental challenges, it is inspiring to see young innovators present practical, eco-friendly solutions. BioCherryfresh is one such idea,…

Newly Published: How Korean Templestays Bridge Cultures and Promote Sustainable Wellness Tourism Prof. Danny Kessler has published new research on the intersection of mindfulness, intercultural empathy, and sustainable tourism. Co-authored with Bradley Scott Brennan, the…

Meeting with Hylton Lipkin General Manager of Bhaya Cruises Professor Kessler reconnected with Hylton Lipkin, now General Manager of Bhaya Cruises, during a recent meeting in Ha Long Bay. Their conversation centered on wellness tourism,…

Expanding Wellness and Sustainability: Dialogue on Circular Tourism in Vietnam Professor Kessler recently met with Bobby Nguyen at a restaurant and bar in Hanoi’s scenic West Lake district. Their conversation spanned a range of topics,…

Editor-in-Chief of SSCI Journal Provides Insight on Professor Kessler’s Wellness Tourism Research During a capacity-building workshop held at Youngsan University, Professor Kessler received valuable feedback on his wellness tourism research from Dr. Timothy Lee, Professor…

Professor Kessler’s Long-Awaited Chapter on Korean Jjimjilbang Set to Publish in Wellness Tourism in Asia: Emerging Destinations to Rejuvenate, Relax, and Retreat Professor Kesslers long awaited book chapter on the Korean Jjimjilbang is set to…

Ma Roselle Naorbe creates ArtHzen Record-Breaking Year for the Shark Tank of Wellness Competition: Celebrating Student Innovation 🎥 A Record Year for the Workplace Wellness Research Lab! We’re thrilled to announce 7 student teams have…

Workplace Wellness Research Lab Sponsors LinkedIn Career Workshop for International Students Personal message from Professor Kessler: 🌍 I am happy to lead a LinkedIn career seminar last month with students from Vietnam, Mexico, and Malaysia—bright…

Professor Kessler Engages with Global Leaders at the Asian Leadership Conference Professor Kessler recently attended the Asian Leadership Conference (ALC), hosted by The Chosun Ilbo, one of Korea’s leading newspapers. During the event, he had…

Wellness Innovation in Action: Professor Kessler Kicks Off 5th ‘Shark Tank of Wellness’ with Multicultural Student Teams at Dongseo University Entrepreneurship, innovation, and agile thinking are not just buzzwords—they are essential mindsets for the future.…

Professor Kessler Collaborates with Busan Institute of Science and Technology on Smart Farm and Agro-Healing K-Wellness Research Other Press & Research Professor Kessler Collaborates with Busan Institute of Science and Technology on Smart Farm and…

Professor Kessler and Professor Tran Explore the Fashion Wellness Industry Through Sensemaking Research in Vietnam’s Bespoke Tailoring Capital From February 20th to 24th, Professor Kessler and Vietnamese Professor Nhung Tran Hillary conducted a research visit.…

2025.2.12. Miami, Florida — Professor Kessler visited Professor Howook 'Sean' Chang's class at Florida International University. The two met to discuss future collaborative research on wellness, specifically focusing on Indoor Air Quality in upscale hotels…

Professor Kessler presents ‘ Cultivating a Wellness Life for International Students in South Korea’ at the National Association of Foreign Scholars in Korea 2024 Conference Presentation Abstract: The South Korean government has launched the Study…

In an increasingly interconnected world, the classroom is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. However, it comes with challenges, especially with Gen-Z. As educators, it’s essential to recognize that wellness—encompassing physical, mental, emotional,…

Professor Kessler meets the Ambassador to Brazil and Chile at the Latin American Film Festival Maria Alejandra Conde Renza, Vice President of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab, worked closely with Jeon Hyejin, the director of…

Professor Kessler and Wellness Tourism Institute Students Join Yeongdeok International Wellness Festival With Professor Kessler at a special event, the students met the former Prime Minister from Mongolia Dendev Terbishdagva who is the current advisor…

Professor and students celebrate World Wellness Weekend at the Park Hyatt Hotel Professor Kessler and Dongseo University student Hao Zhe Ooi participated in World Wellness Weekend, held on September 21st and 22nd in Busan at…

Professor Kessler interviewed by MBC news on Haeundae Beach This summer muscle beach Haeundae https://youtu.be/A7kWlxZY3BA Other Press & Research Professor Kessler interviewed by MBC news on Haeundae Beach byDanny Kessler December 16, 2024 Uncategorized Professor…

Professor Kessler Meets Dr. László Puczkó and Tours Budapest’s Iconic Széchenyi, St. Gellért, and Rudas Thermal Baths Dr. László Puczkó is a world renowned wellness researcher from Hungary. With 25 years of experience in the…

Professor Kessler Explores the Unique Miskolctapolca Cave Baths in Hungary Miskolctapolca Cave Baths became a real pleasure resort at the turn-around of 1920-1930 years and it was qualified as a recreation area in 1934. The…

Professor Kessler visits Ensana Wellness Resorts in Lake Hévíz, Hungary Thanks to world renowned wellness researcher, Dr. László Puczkó, Professor Kessler visited several Ensana Wellness Resorts in Lake Hévíz, Hungary, including Thermal Aqua Thermal Hévíz. …

Dongseo University Students submit idea to the Shark Tank of Wellness – Herbal Rest Created by Ngô Quân and Tuyết Ngô Society and Studies have shown us that one in three people don’t get enough…

Dongseo University Students submit idea to the Shark Tank of Wellness – Glufit Created by Ánh Dương and Mai Đức Hải   According to statistics from the World Diabetes Federation, in 2021 there are an…

Dongseo University Students submit idea to the Shark Tank of Wellness – Seed Poison Detector Created by students Damia Batrisyia and Maria Alejandra Conde Dr. Cate Shanahan, in her book Dark Calories, highlights the dangers…

Dongseo University E-zine Features Interview with Professor Kessler With Professor Kessler at a special event, the students met the former Prime Minister from Mongolia Dendev Terbishdagva who is the current advisor to the Prime Minister…

Professor Kessler Presents Special Lecture on Using LinkedIn to Network with Industry Leaders Professor Kessler gave a special lecture to 23 students about how to use Linkedin to network with high level professionals, grow their…

Dongseo University Students Celebrate Global Wellness Day at Club D Oasis Cultivating a Global-Friendly Campus starts with students well-being. On Saturday, June 8, thanks to WellMi Wellness 웰미 웰니스Laura McLuckie, seven students from the Wellness…

DSU Vietnamese Student Bui Công Minh Shares Experience as First International Hire at Park Hyatt Hotel on Podcast About the podcast: “Minh Công’s narrative extends far beyond the polished confines of luxury hospitality. As an…

Dongseo University Professor Kessler Explores Cassia Sokcho Spa Wellness and Fitness Center On Monday, May 27th, 2024, Professor Kessler visited Cassia Sokcho Spa Wellness and Fitness Center. The luxurious five star hotel is scheduled to…

Vice President of Wellness Research Lab, Maria Alejandra Conde Renza, and Professor Kessler Meet with Colombian Ambassador at Global Gathering At the 2024 Global Gathering in Busan, Vice President of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab…

Professor Kessler and Dongseo University Students Attend the African Film Festival and meet several important guests After meeting several Ambassadors from Africa at the 2024 Africa Film Festival, we watched award-winning, Sudanese drama film ‘Goodbye…

Dongseo University students Convene to Brainstorm Winning Strategies for Shark Tank of Wellness Contest Entrepreneurship, startup, and idea competitions offer an excellent opportunity for students to accelerate learning, foster creativity, and drive innovation. It enables…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler Discusses Men’s Wellness in HTWWLife Special Report Are Men Well?  What can hospitality, leisure, wellness, spa, travel and medical businesses do to make them feel and be better? In Part 2…

Professor Kessler and Dr. Kim’s article wins ‘Best Paper Award’ at the 2023 Academy of Korea Hospitality and Tourism 46th Annual Academic Conference The article titled ‘Segmenting tourists by wellness hotel attributes and demographics: a…

Professor Kessler speaks at Hotel Nongshim for the Y’Su Wellness RISE Project Y’Su Wellness RISE Project Y’Su Wellness RISE Project Other Press & Research Professor Kessler speaks at Hotel Nongshim for the Y’Su Wellness RISE…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler Delivers Special Lecture at Florida International University Thanks to Professor Sean Chang, Professor Kessler spoke at Florida International University in Miami to Tourism students in the Chaplin School of Hospitality and…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler Featured in ‘This Korean Life’ Podcast Interview I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on the podcast ‘This Korean Life’ with Nate Mandigo and Brian Girolametto. We dove into…

DSU Vietnamese student Bui Công Minh is the First International Student to Join the Prestigious Park Hyatt Hotel in Busan The Park Hyatt, a distinguished 5-star luxury establishment located in Marine City, Busan, hosted a…

Professor Kessler Presents at the Dongseo University DX Tourism ICC New Industry Creation Council Seminar Dongseo University’s Department of Tourism Management and Convention established a new industry creation council to seek new changes in the…

Professor Danny Kessler, publishes the article ‘Segmenting tourists by wellness hotel attributes and demographics: a study of North American wellness tourists’ Professor Danny Kessler, Director of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab published the article ‘Segmenting…

Team Peer Power from Dongseo University’s Workplace Wellness Research Lab Submits Project to 2023 SDG Design International Awards, Earns Honorable Mention The student President of the Dongseo University Workplace Wellness Research Lab Damia Batrisyia Ahmad…

Professor Kessler coaches the Dongseo University soccer team to victory The Dongseo University International College Soccer Club was started during COVID-19 to give the students something fun to do during difficult times. I always had…

Professor Kessler and Dongseo University students invited to the grand opening of the Soul Mind Body Wellness Center in Gijang On Sunday November 5th students and two retired Professors visited the Soul Mind Body Wellness…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler Presents on Sustainable Wellness Food at Bexco Conference Professor Kessler of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab spoke at the Food Refurb Conference.  His speech titled ‘Food Upcycling and Wellness Superfoods: An…

Dongseo University Students in the Wellness Research Lab tour the Park Hyatt Hotel Wellness Facilities Two groups of students got a chance to have a wellness tour of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Marine City. …

Professor Kessler and Dongseo University students meet the Former Prime Minister from Mongolia With Professor Kessler at a special event, the students met the former Prime Minister from Mongolia Dendev Terbishdagva who is the current…

The student President and Vice President of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab join the Global Youth Challenge The theme of this Global Youth Challenge is the climate change crisis, which is rapidly emerging as the…

Two teams from the Workplace Wellness research Lab make the semifinals of the Shark Tank of Wellness Competition This competition had a record high submission of almost 300 applications. https://youtu.be/KsVEabhGgWc?si=f_P1x7Sy8oIlQKVkhttps://youtu.be/xyz5qqSCykY?si=ZX4OlwUHrvM7F3WP Other Press & Research Two…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler Delivers Special Lecture at Busan City Hall for the Busan Wellness Medical Tourism City Cluster During this lecture, he explored the ways in which Busan could enhance its potential as a…

Several members of the Wellness Research Lab volunteered at the Global Gathering for the Global Alliance of Professional and Business Women Students had the opportunity to engage in volunteer work with Professor Mary O’Neil and…

Professor Kessler Attends MOU Signing with Youngsan University Wellness Tourism Institute and Yeongdeok Cultural Tourism Foundation Professor Kessler Attends MOU Signing with Youngsan University Wellness Tourism Institute and Yeongdeok Cultural Tourism Foundation Other Press &…

Professor Kessler from the Wellness Research Lab Leads a Breathwork Class at Wellmi Wellness Studio Breathwork Class at Wellmi Wellness Studio Breathwork Class at Wellmi Wellness Studio Breathwork Class at Wellmi Wellness Studio Other Press…

Professor Kessler Conducts Research at Alba Wellness Valley in Vietnam Thanks to the General Manager Hylton Lipkin, Professor Kessler had a chance to visit Alba Wellness Valley.  Nestled at the origin of the Alba hot…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler of the Workplace Wellness Research Lab Announces Release of 2022 Research with the Wellness Tourism Association 2022 Research with the Wellness Tourism Association 2022 Research with the Wellness Tourism Association Other…

Professor Danny Kessler, is the co-author of a White Paper: Wellness Travel Consumer Survey This white paper provides an in-depth analysis of the Wellness Tourism Association’s 2021 Wellness Travel Consumer Survey. The report was prepared…

Professor Danny Kessler, Director of the Wellness Research Lab presented his research at the International Tourism Forum in Seoul, Korea International Tourism Forum in Seoul Other Press & Research Professor Danny Kessler, Director of the…

Six students graduated with the Workplace Wellness Microdegree developed by Professor Kessler The Workplace Wellness Micro degree is the first degree of its kind in East Asia and it was designed to cultivate the next…

Wellness Research Lab Students attended a special lecture from a gait analysis expert Wellness Research Lab Students attended a special lecture from a gait analysis expert.  In the photo student and mixed martial artist Nguyễn…

Dongseo University’s Professor Kessler Presents Research at the National Assembly Hall in Seoul, Korea Research at the National Assembly Hall in Seoul Research at the National Assembly Hall in Seoul Other Press & Research Dongseo…

Professor Kessler discusses the use of wellness in the medical setting with experts at a Conference in Seoul, Korea Medical-Wellness Conference Medical-Wellness Conference Other Press & Research Professor Kessler discusses the use of wellness in…

Special Guest Lecture, Wellness Expert Professor Janice Yang Professor Yang spoke about Essential Oil usage to increase wellbeing and heal from various issues.  Professor Danny Kessler is collaborating with Professor Janice on research involving essential…

Special Guest Lecture, Wellness Expert Professor Conor Doran Professor Doran, a former student of Kessler is currently writing a research paper with the Director of the Workplace Lab. Wellness Expert Professor Conor Doran Other Press…

Director of the Wellness Research Lab Professor Danny Kessler and student Doan Anh Duong featured in the Dynamic Busan newspaper Featured in the Dynamic Busan newspaper Other Press & Research Director of the Wellness Research…

Director of the Wellness Research Lab Professor Danny Kessler’s research is featured in Spa Business 2022 winter edition Spa Business 2022 winter edition Spa Business 2022 winter edition Other Press & Research Director of the…

Professor Danny Kessler, publishes Motivations for wellness tourism in a post-COVID world in the Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Abstract: The purpose of this research is to explore new perspectives and factors that motivate wellness…

Wellness Students attended a special lecture with Fitness Expert Jin Kahn Special Lecture with Fitness Expert Jin Kahn Special Lecture with Fitness Expert Jin Kahn Other Press & Research Wellness Students attended a special lecture…

Wellness students attended a special Wellmi Wellness seminar with wellness expert Laura McLuckie Seminar with Wellness expert Laura McLuckie Other Press & Research Wellness students attended a special Wellmi Wellness seminar with wellness expert Laura…

Wellness Students attended a special yoga seminar at Kaizen Yoga with Mindy Sisco Kaizen Yoga with Mindy Sisco Other Press & Research Wellness Students attended a special yoga seminar at Kaizen Yoga with Mindy Sisco…

Director of the Wellness Research Lab Professor Danny Kessler is a moderator at a medical tourism conference in Seoul, Korea Medical Tourism Conference in Seoul Medical Tourism Conference in Seoul Other Press & Research Director…

Professor Danny Kessler, published the article ‘The Effect of Wellness on Job Engagement and Organizational Commitment of Employees of Tourism Companies: Focusing on physical wellness and spiritual wellness’ Abstract – This study was conducted to…

Professor Danny Kessler is a moderator at a medical-wellness conference in Seoul, Korea Professor Kessler moderated discussions about the use of wellness in the medical setting with experts from Thailand and Malaysia as well as…

Professor Danny Kessler is a panelist at a Medical-Wellness tourism event At the event, Professor Kessler listened to a keynote address by Susie Ellis, CEO of the Global Wellness Institute. During the event, Seoul Mayor…

    You know, Koreans are very judgmental about pronunciation, do Americans care about perfect English pronunciation?한국인들은 영어발음에 굉장히 예민한데요. 미국인들도 영어발음을 중요시 하나요? Well, they might tease you a bit, but that feedback is…

    In America, you have to be a little paranoid in big cities. 미국 대도시에는 특히나 주변상황에 더 신경 써야 해요.Why is this? I remember when I was traveling into San Francisco with my…

    How did this hookup culture come to be? Hook-up 문화는 어떻게 생겨났나요? Hook-up 문화 = 한국말로 썸 관계+성관계 Well girls used to look for Mr. Right, the guy with the promising career, the…

    I remember I was having coffee with a former student and she was telling me about her experience dating a guy when she was living in New York City and how that compared…

  What is some things Koreans should know before they go to America? 미국에 가기 전 알아야 할 것들이 있다면요? Make sure when you buy your airplane ticket.. and you are filling out the information,…

  A few years ago my friend was drunk and peeing in public near a school, a police officer came and arrested him. He had to hire a lawyer because the police charged him as…

    What are some other cultural differences about beauty standards between Korea and America? 한국과 미국의 ‘미美’ 에는 어떤 차이점들이 있을까요? Oh this is always a hot topic with my students! ‘미美’ 에 관한…

        You have a chapter called street smarts, what is that? 책에 ‘Street Smart’ 라는 챕터가 있던데, 어떤거죠? Street smarts is the ability to READ people so that you avoid danger and…

        In your book, you talk about the Korean bubble? What is that 책 내용 중에 ‘코리안 버블’ 이라고 있던데 그게 뭔가요? The Korean bubble is when Koreans travel to another country…

        How can Koreans fit in, in America?? 어떻게 하면 한국인이 미국인과 잘 어울릴 수 있을까요? Americans are easy to get along with, you just have to understand some cultural differences. Americans…

        What chapter was the hardest to write?어떤 챕터가 글쓰기에 가장 힘들었나요? The chapter that was the hardest and most interesting to write was the dating differences chapter. The dating differences chapters…

      What happens if you don’t tip the waiter or waitress at a restaurant? 만약 미국 레스토랑에서 웨이터/웨이터리스한테 팁을 주지 않으면 어떻게 되나요? In America, not tipping the waiter at a restaurant is…

    What is a major safety issue for Koreans in the US?미국에서 한국인들이 알아야 할 중요한 안전 문제는 무엇인가요? A major safety issue for Koreans in the US are bus stations and train stations.…

        Do Americans have different beauty standards than Koreans? 미국과 한국의 미의 기준은 다른가요? It is funny you ask that, I was just reading an article the other day about this app…

      What is the chapter Reverse Culture Shock about? ‘Reverse Culture Shock (역 문화충격)’ 챕터는 어떤 내용인가요? Many of my Korean friends spent time other countries so I wrote this chapter for them.…

      My friend just came back from America and she gained a lot of weight. Why do Koreans gain so much weight in America? 제 친구가 얼마 전에 미국에서 귀국했는데 살이 엄청 쪘더라고요.…

      In your book you talk about Germaphobia, what is that? 책에 ‘Germaphobia(세균공포증)’ 에 대한 내용이 있는데 어떤거죠? It is fear of germs or bodily fluids. 세균이나 체액(눈물, 콧물, 기침 등)에 대한 공포증이라…

      What is a big mistake that Koreans make when they meet Americans? 한국인이 미국인을 만났을 때 하는 큰 실수가 뭘까요? Koreans often want to relate to Americans so they ask, how old…

      My friend went to America and some of his friends thought he was gay? Why did they think that? 제 남자사람친구가 미국에 갔었는데 미국 친구들이 자신을 게이로 오해했다고 하더군요. 왜 그렇게 생각했을까요?…