Samsung Electronics on May 14 said it is expanding its AI-powered digital health ecosystem as South Korea’s recreational running culture accelerates, with participation rising roughly 60% over the past year amid what is being described as a “10 million runner” era.
The company is positioning its Samsung Health platform, built on more than 14 years of development, as a personalized coaching system that goes beyond fitness tracking to analyze running form, tailor training intensity and manage post-exercise recovery.
Samsung outlined the strategy at a media briefing in Seoul, where it showcased an integrated health solution combining Galaxy Watch sensor data with Samsung Health analytics. The presentation was led by Junil Choi, vice president of Samsung Electronics’ MX Division digital health team.
The platform traces its origins to 2012, when Samsung launched S Health as a step-counting service. It expanded into running features in 2018 with real-time pace guidance through Galaxy Watch integration and later added its BioActive Sensor in 2021, enabling advanced metrics such as heart-rate zones and estimated VO2 max.
More recently, Samsung has moved into performance-level analytics used by competitive athletes, including a running form analysis tool that tracks six biomechanical indicators such as left-right balance, ground contact time and flight time using motion sensors. The company said the feature is designed to reduce injury risk and improve running efficiency for everyday users.
At the center of the system is a “running coach” service that assigns users a fitness level from 1 to 10 after a 12-minute run test and recommends from roughly 160 training programs based on endurance and pace. Beginners are guided through structured run-walk routines intended to build stamina safely.
Former national marathon runner Kun-ju Kwon said the real-time voice coaching helps prevent overexertion and provides personalized pacing guidance, adding that she contributed to the design of beginner-focused programs.
Samsung also emphasized post-run recovery as part of a broader health strategy. Its Energy Score feature analyzes sleep stages, heart rate and other biometric data to recommend daily recovery levels, as the company seeks to integrate sleep, exercise, nutrition and mental health into a unified wellness platform.
Choi said Samsung Health is designed to help users better understand their bodies rather than simply track activity, positioning it as a long-term partner in achieving balanced health.
