South Korea Sees Record High Health Tourists

South Korea's medical tourism industry is experiencing a surge, with over 600,000 international patients visiting the country in 2023. This marks a record high since the country began tracking this data in 2009 and represents a significant increase of 144.2% compared to 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic briefly disrupted this long-term growth trend, but the industry is now experiencing a robust rebound.

The country’s popularity among medical tourists has been growing over the past 15 years

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) is actively working to solidify South Korea's position as a major medical tourism hub. Their efforts include streamlining regulations and simplifying procedures for foreign patients seeking medical care in the country.

Dermatology, plastic surgery, and internal medicine are the most sought-after specialties among international patients. South Korea has earned a reputation for excellence in these areas, offering advanced technology, highly skilled medical professionals, and modern facilities.

This trend suggests that South Korea is well on its way to becoming a leading destination for medical tourism, attracting patients seeking high-quality healthcare at competitive prices.


Article Source: GlobalHealth Asia-Pacific Issue 2 | 2024