Samsung’s Galaxy Watch health features have made history in South Korea. Specifically, they are the first digital health tools from a wearable device to receive official registration from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). This milestone confirms that consumer wearables can meet rigorous standards for health reliability.

Moreover, Samsung actively supported the MFDS initiative to formalize digital medical and health support devices. As a result, it became the first company in Korea to complete registration under the new reporting system. The approved features include heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO₂) tracking, and step counting—all enhanced by advanced AI algorithms.

According to Choi Jong-min, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Digital Health Team, “Wearable devices have become essential for health management.” He added that Samsung will continue driving innovation in preventive healthcare through these tools.

At the heart of this ecosystem is Samsung Health, a mobile-first health management service. In particular, the app transforms data from Galaxy Watches and Rings into an intuitive dashboard on smartphones. It tracks sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and mental well-being. Furthermore, it uses AI to deliver personalized insights based on user behavior.

One of its most vital functions is continuous heart rate monitoring. The Galaxy Watch automatically measures heart rate throughout the day. If it detects irregularities—such as unusually high or low readings—it immediately alerts the user. Consequently, users can seek medical advice sooner, potentially preventing serious issues.

In addition, the watch supports respiratory health monitoring. Users can check blood oxygen levels during daily activities. More importantly, it tracks SpO₂ trends overnight, helping identify conditions like sleep apnea or poor nighttime oxygenation.

This regulatory approval does more than boost Samsung’s reputation. Indeed, it sets a new benchmark for digital health in Korea. By validating the accuracy of Samsung Galaxy Watch health features, the MFDS affirms that wearables can play a legitimate role in everyday preventive care.

For consumers, this means greater trust in their devices. For the broader health tech industry, it paves the way for deeper integration of wearables into national wellness strategies. And for Samsung, it reinforces its leadership in merging cutting-edge hardware with clinically credible, AI-driven health innovation.

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