The era of relying solely on cosmetic procedures to maintain youth is fading. Taking its place is "internal anti-aging"—a growing medical trend focused on enhancing health from the inside out.
Against this backdrop, the 9th Asia-Pacific Anti-Aging Conference (APAAC 2026)—Daegu’s flagship international medical academic conference and business platform—is significantly revamping its program in response to South Korea's transition into a super-aged society. The three-day event will take place from Friday, Nov. 13, to Sunday, Nov. 15, at EXCO in Daegu.
Co-organized by the City of Daegu alongside the AI Bio & MediCity Daegu Council, EXCO, and the Korean Society of Clinical Geriatrics, the event is expected to draw approximately 550 medical professionals and wellness industry leaders. Among them will be roughly 190 international participants from 10 countries gathered to exchange insights on the latest anti-aging advancements.
The defining transformation of APAAC 2026 is its expanded focus on internal anti-aging, which prioritizes the prevention of biological aging and the restoration of physical function. This marks a strategic pivot from the conference's traditional emphasis on "external anti-aging" rooted in dermatology and plastic surgery.
Organizers note that the change reflects the nation's demographic shift, where "optimizing healthy life expectancy"—extending the duration of life spent free from disease—has become the top priority in the anti-aging sector.
To maximize operational efficiency and academic specialization, the conference will be reorganized into two distinct tracks: “Wellness Anti-Aging” and “Cosmetic Anti-Aging.”
The newly launched Wellness Anti-Aging track will be co-organized with the Korean Society of Clinical Geriatrics, reinforcing the event's clinical credibility. Designed for specialists in internal medicine, family medicine, rehabilitation medicine, and geriatrics, the track will present a holistic model for aging prevention. Agenda items include clinical sessions on hormone replacement therapy, cutting-edge longevity treatments, and anti-aging strategies grounded in nutrition and functional medicine.
Simultaneously, the Cosmetic Anti-Aging track will elevate the aesthetic domain—a core strength of MediCity Daegu. Program offerings will feature a new "Nose Modeling Workshop," hands-on training using donated cadavers, and video workshops demonstrating advanced technical procedures.
Organizers emphasize that the conference will offer practical, hands-on training to allow international practitioners to gain direct clinical insights rather than relying solely on lecture-based learning.
Accompanying the conference, a two-day exhibition running Nov. 14–15 will showcase 35 companies across 50 booths, operating as a dedicated business platform to support the overseas expansion of the local medical industry.
Exhibitors will feature traditional dermatological and aesthetic devices—such as lasers, lifting equipment, and dermal fillers—alongside digital health solutions including AI diagnostics and digital therapeutics. These offerings align with Daegu’s strategic "AI MediCity" vision for future industrial growth. Attendees will also find functional cosmetics and home-care devices, opening direct networking and trade opportunities with global buyers.
Exhibition booth applications are open through Friday, Oct. 16. Advance registration for attendees and comprehensive details on the academic program are available on the official website.
"This year's APAAC will mark a crucial turning point, introducing a new medical-wellness anti-aging paradigm tailored for a super-aged society, moving beyond an approach limited to specific clinical departments," said Kim Tae-woon, director general of Daegu’s Office of Future Innovation Growth. "By linking top-tier medical organizations at home and abroad with our AI and bio MediCity infrastructure, we will further solidify APAAC's international brand value and credibility."
