Medical Tourism in Korea is rising. Korea has emerged as a premier destination for medical tourism, attracting a record-breaking 606,000 international patients in 2023.

This surge underscores the nation’s reputation for advanced medical technologies and high-quality healthcare services. ​

Top Medical Tourism Treatments In Korea

A significant portion of medical tourism in Korea are for the dermatological treatments and plastic surgery, as the country is renowned for its expertise in these fields.

In 2023, Japanese patients made up approximately 31% of all inbound medical tourists, marking a 762.8% increase from the previous year. This surge highlights Korea’s growing appeal for medical tourism.

Among all foreign patients, 56.6% sought dermatological treatments, while 11.5% underwent plastic surgery procedures. These figures underscore the country’s reputation for advanced skincare solutions, non-invasive cosmetic procedures, and world-class plastic surgery, making it a top choice for those seeking aesthetic enhancements.

Your Guide For Medical Tourism In Seoul

Looking for an English-Speaking clinics to do you treatment in Seoul? We got you.

It is really important to be able to communicate your needs and wishes as clearly as possible, and language can be a big barrier in Korea.

Luckily, we are here to make your life a little easier:

If you want to treat your skin and have that “Korean Glass Skin”, you can check out any of those English-Speaking Dermatologists clinics

We have also collected for you the 12 best English-Speaking Plastic Surgery clinics.

Government Initiatives to Promote Medical Tourism

Recognizing the economic potential, the South Korean government has implemented measures to bolster medical tourism:​

• Regulatory Framework: The Medical Services Act was amended to permit hospitals to attract foreign patients through registered agencies. ​
• Visa Facilitation: Introduction of medical visas, such as the C-3-3 Short-Term Medical Tourism Visa, allows patients to stay in Korea for up to 90 days for medical purposes.
• Infrastructure Development: Plans are underway to establish medical tourism hubs integrating healthcare services with local attractions in cities like Incheon and Daegu. ​

Regulations for Medical Tourism

To ensure patient safety and service quality, agencies facilitating medical tourism must adhere to strict regulations:​

• Registration Requirements: Agencies must register with the government, possess a physical office in Korea, and maintain a minimum capital of 100 million KRW. ​
• Insurance Obligations: They are required to obtain liability insurance to cover potential damages arising from negligence or mismanagement. ​

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the industry’s growth, challenges persist, including concerns over inflated fees by unregistered agencies and potential strain on domestic healthcare resources. The government aims to attract 700,000 foreign patients annually by 2027 through enhanced support and regulatory improvements.

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In summary, South Korea’s medical tourism sector continues to thrive, driven by advanced medical services, supportive government policies, and a commitment to patient safety.

While amendments to legislation as well as the availability of well-informed tourism agencies is invaluable, it is the accessibility to quality medical services at a low cost that makes Korea a prime location for medical tourism.