A comprehensive analysis of metaverse counseling research trends in Korean literature

The integration of Metaverse technology into psychological counseling offers enhanced accessibility and innovative therapeutic approaches. Addressing South Korea’s mental health crisis and advanced ICT infrastructure, this study systematically reviews domestic research trends using Kim’s [ 19 ] content analysis framework. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a total of 43 studies were finally selected from the RISS database. The selection process involved rigorous screening based on inclusion criteria (e.g., KCI-accredited journals, focus on therapeutic interventions) and exclusion criteria (e.g., non-empirical studies, papers under 5 pages) to ensure transparency and reproducibility. The findings indicate a marked emergence in literature since 2022, signaling a shift from exploration to practical application. Key mechanisms for therapeutic utility include protected anonymity and emotional presence facilitated by immersive avatar interactions. This review suggests essential strategies, including ethical guidelines and specialized counselor training, to support the expansion of Metaverse counseling. Ultimately, this study provides a strategic foundation for constructing integrated global digital counseling systems by leveraging South Korea’s empirical experiences, which may offer transferable insights as a technologically advanced testbed.