• K-Medical & Wellness

        • 12/31/2024

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    • Korea, a Global Leader in
      Medical Tourism!
    • Korea’s Wellness,
      Beyond Expectations

    Korea, a Global Leader in Medical Tourism!

    In 2024, patients from 202 countries visited Korea for medical tourism, up from 198 countries in 2023. It is expected that even more will visit Korea for medical tourism in the future. What made them choose Korean medical tourism? Let’s explore Korea’s unique medical tourism highlighted by its excellent health care system and the charms of K-culture.

    Foreign patients from all over the world are choosing Korea!

    Reference: 2024 Foreign Patients Attraction Statistical Analysis Report, KHIDI


    Excluding the years affected by global pandemics such as COVID-19, the number of medical tourists visiting Korea has been steadily increasing. In 2024, a total of 1,170,467 foreign patients visited Korea. This marks approximately a two-fold increase compared to 2023 (605,768 patients), the highest figure since data collection began in 2009. The cumulative number of foreign patients since 2009 has reached 5.05 million, reaffirming Korea’s prominence in providing medical services.

    Patients from countries all over the world continue to visit Korea

    Japan

    37.7%

    441,112

    China

    22.3%

    260,641

    U.S.A

    8.7%

    101,733

    Taiwan

    7.1%

    83,456

    Thailand

    3.3%

    38,152

    Singapore

    2.3%

    26,666

    Mongolia

    2.2%

    25,731

    Vietnam

    1.7%

    20,382

    Russia

    1.4%

    16,622

    Canada

    1.3%

    14,847

    Kazakhstan

    1.2%

    14,475

    Australia

    1.2%

    13,783

    Indonesia

    0.9%

    10,388

    Others

    8.8%

    102,479

    Reference: 2024 Foreign Patients Attraction Statistical Analysis Report, KHIDI

    Additionally, according to the global database platform Numbeo and the U.S. business magazine CEOWORLD, Korea ranked second in the 2024 Health Care Index, which evaluates the overall quality of medical systems, facilities, and services across 110 countries.

    Ranking Country Medical Infrastructure and Professionals Medicine Availablity and Cost Government Readiness Index Health Care Index(Overall)
    1 Taiwan 87.16 83.59 82.3 78.72
    2 Republic of Korea 79.05 78.39 78.99 77.7
    3 Austrailia 90.75 82.59 92.06 74.11
    4 Canada 86.18 78.99 88.23 71.32
    5 Sweden 78.77 74.88 74.18 70.73
    6 Ireland 92.58 96.22 67.51 67.99
    7 Netherlands 77.86 71.82 55.1 65.38
    8 Germany 86.28 75.81 83.82 64.66
    9 Norway 72.48 68.68 64.78 64.63
    10 Istrael 88.63 75.61 90.25 61.73

    Reference: The 2024 edition of the CEOWORLD magazine Health Care Index, NUMBEO

    We provide advanced medical infrastructure and system combined with IT technology.

    Korea’s medical system and infrastructure are ranked among the best in OECD countries.

    Comparison of Korea’s Medical Infrastructure with the OECD Average

    Number of CT scanners1)

    44.5

    Korea

    30.4

    OECD

    Number of MRI equipment1)

    37.5

    Korea

    20.6

    OECD

    Total number of hospital beds2)

    12.7

    Korea

    4.3

    OECD

    Number of acute hospital beds
    (per 1,000 people)2)

    7.2

    Korea

    6.5

    OECD

    Reference 1) : OECD Health Statistics 2024; WHO Global atlas of medical devices 2022
    Reference 2) : OECD Health Statistics 2024; WHO GHO 2024, national sources

    Cutting-edge medical technologies, such as laparoscopic surgery robots, have significantly improved cancer survival rates.

    International Comparison of Five-Year Survival Rates for Major Cancers (2010–2014)

    68.90%

    Korea

    33.10%

    U.S.A

    20.70%

    The U.K

    60.30%

    Japan

    Stomach cancer

    71.80%

    Korea

    64.90%

    U.S.A

    60.00%

    The U.K

    67.80%

    Japan

    Colorectal cancer

    71.10%

    Korea

    64.10%

    U.S.A

    62.50%

    The U.K

    64.80%

    Japan

    Rectal cancer

    77.30%

    Korea

    63.60%

    U.S.A

    63.80%

    The U.K

    71.40%

    Japan

    Cervical cancer

    Reference: KCA Cancer Report 2023, the Korean Cancer Association

    Despite a rising prevalence of cancer, Korea has reduced its mortality rate by 35% over the past 20 years, establishing itself as a leader in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Notably, state-of-the-art medical technologies, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, are widely utilized in various cancer treatments, driving innovation in medical care. Many medical institutions in Korea perform robotic surgeries, which not only enhance precision and safety but also reduce the risk of surgical complications and help patients return to their daily lives more quickly through faster recovery. Cancer treatment outcomes show that Korea’s five-year survival rates for stomach, colorectal, liver, lung, breast, and cervical cancers are generally higher than those in the U.S., the U.K., and Japan.

    Our medical services guarantee the highest level of care at reasonable prices.

    According to the 2013 Comparative Study on Major Medical Fees in OECD Countries released by the Research Institute for Healthcare Policy, the costs for procedures such as cesarean sections, cataract surgeries, and appendectomy in Korea are significantly lower than those in other major countries.

    Comparison of Korea’s Medical Fees with Major OECD Countries: Procedure (Unit: US Dollars)

    Type of procedure Caesarean section Cataract extraction Appendectomy Maximum multiples
    Country Medical fee Ranking Medical fee Ranking Medical fee Ranking
    Korea 1,769 1 1,323 1 2,047 1  
    Spain 3,601 2 1,855 3 2,854 2 2.03
    Germany 3,843 3 3,123 5 3,351 3 2.36
    France 5,374 5 1,693 2 3,741 4 3.03
    Canada
    (Nova Scotia)
    6,577 6 3,046 4 6,007 7 3.71
    Chile 4,637 4 4,563 6 6,972 8 4.44
    Australia 11,425 7 4,743 8 5,622 5 6.45
    Switzerland 12,318 8 5,310 9 5,840 6 6.96
    U.S.A 18,460 9 4,694 7 14,010 9 10.43

    Reference: Comparative Study on Major Medical Fees in OECD Countries, Research Institute for Healthcare Policy

    Korean Medical Tourism

    In Korea with diverse charms, medical services and tourism in one go!

    Foreigners visiting Korea can enjoy major tourist spots or various tourism themes after health checkups. Korea attracts international visitors by offering exceptional medical services and diverse themes tailored for medical tourism. Visitors immerse themselves in Korea’s culture and nature while exploring iconic destinations such as Seoul, Jejudo Island, and Gyeongju. Notably, Korean Wave landmarks and historic sites in Seoul, the stunning natural landscapes of Jejudo Island, and the heritage sites of Gyeongju are emerging as popular destinations for travel combined with medical tourism.

    Themed tourism highlighting Korea’s traditional culture and natural beauty is also gaining popularity. For example, healing experiences at traditional temples, stays in hanoks, and treatments like traditional Korean medicine and massages are especially appealing to international tourists after their health checkups. Additionally, relaxing and rejuvenating at Korea’s premier hot springs or spa resorts has become a key travel element for medical tourists.

    Check out Korea’s outstanding medical departments and start planning your ‘Korean medical tourism!’

    Traditional Korean Medicine

    There is growing global interest in traditional Korean medicine, which enhances overall constitution and treats diseases through medicinal herbs, acupuncture, non-surgical, non-pharmacological therapies. Obesity treatments with acupuncture and medicinal herbs, as well as spinal disorder treatments through Chuna manual therapy, are popular.

    #TraditionalKoreanMedicineClinic #Acupuncture #MedicinalHerbs #TraditionalKoreanMedicineTourism #ChunaManualTherapy #TraditionalKoreanMedicineDiet

    Learn more

    Dental Clinic

    Korean dentistry is categorized into sub-departments such as orthodontics, conservative dentistry, and prosthodontics, enabling highly specialized treatments. The treatment process is well-organized, with all diagnostic data and examination steps fully digitalized, allowing for efficient services from diagnosis to treatment. Notably, top-quality Korean implant products are utilized with advanced medical equipment.

    #RootCanalTreatment #Orthodontics #Implants#DentalBleaching #GumContouring

    Learn more

    Thoracic Surgery

    Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery is directly linked to saving lives. In Korea, complication and mortality rates after surgery are significantly lower than those in other advanced nations, making Korea’s thoracic and cardiovascular surgery among the best in the world.

    #MyocardialInfarction #AnginaPectoris #CongenitalHeartDisease #CoronaryArteryBypassGrafting

    Learn more

    Obstetrics and Gynecology

    The expertise of Korean medical staff ensures comprehensive care for women’s health issues, including subfertility treatment, gynecologic cancer surgery, and vaginoplasty. Korean gynecology is renowned for its high success rates in subfertility treatment and leads in advanced surgical techniques such as laparoscopic, robotic, and single-port surgeries for gynecologic cancer.

    #Subfertility#Infertility #GynecologicCancerSurgery #Vaginoplasty

    Learn more

    Orthopedics

    Korea has actively adopted robotic surgery in orthopedics, enhancing surgical success rates and patient satisfaction. Robotic surgery enables faster recovery and minimal scarring, contributing to high patient satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes.

    #KneeJoint #ArtificialJoint #SpinalSurgery #RoboticSurgery #AdvancedTechnology

    Learn more

    Dermatology

    Curious about the secret behind Koreans’ flawless skin and youthful appearance? Korean dermatology offers highly personalized medical services through precise skin diagnostics. With excellent accessibility and affordable costs, you can experience the latest and most popular treatments in Korea.

    #SkinBoosters #Anti-aging #LaserTreatment #K-Beauty

    Learn more

    Physical Examination

    Korea ranks first in the adoption rate of EMP system by medical institutions, enabling seamless one-stop services from testing to treatment. Patients benefit from efficient screenings through personalized, specialized examination programs and a systematic checkup system.

    #PhysicalExamination#PhysicalExaminationCenters #ExaminationItems #MedicalEquipment

    Learn more

    Plastic Surgery

    Korea is recognized as a global leader in plastic surgery, accounting for 25% of the global cosmetic surgery market. Beyond aesthetic procedures, Korea also excels in reconstructive surgeries for trauma-related tissue damage and congenital deformities.

    #YouthfulAppearancePlasticSurgery #SilverPlasticSurgery #WrinkleReduction #FatGrafting #BreastAugmentation #DoubleEyelid Surgery

    Learn more

    ENT

    Minimally invasive surgeries using an endoscope exemplify the advanced skills of Korean medical professionals. Endoscopic surgery minimizes bleeding and tissue damage, reducing postoperative pain and concerns about scarring, making it increasingly popular overseas.

    #Rhinitis #NasalSeptumDeviation #Snoring #EndoscopicSurgery

    Learn more

    Urology

    Did you know that 10 university hospitals in Korea’s metropolitan area are ranked among the world’s top 100 for urology care? In Korea, leading medical professionals treat various urologic cancers, including prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer. Additionally, surgeries for men and treatments for dysuria are among the most sought-after procedures.

    #UrologicCancer #SurgeryForMen #Dysuria #ProstateEnlargement

    Learn more

    Neurosurgery

    Korean endoscopic spinal surgeries, which address conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated intervertebral disc, and spondylolisthesis, are at the forefront of spinal surgery worldwide. At both university hospitals and specialized spinal centers in the metropolitan area, Korean doctors train medical professionals from various countries in endoscopic spinal techniques, further enhancing Korea’s global reputation.

    #SpinalEndoscopy #Neurosurgery #SpinalSurgery #HerniatedDisc

    Learn more

    Integrated Internal Medicine

    Korean hospitals gained global recognition as leaders in interventional cardiology, excelling in stent treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Cardiovascular hospitals in Korea not only improve survival rates for heart disease patients but also continuously work to enhance their quality of life after treatment.

    #IntegratedInternalMedicine #Stents #Cardiology

    Learn more

    Ophthalmology

    Korean ophthalmology covers a wide range of procedures, from relatively simple surgeries such as cataracts, LASIK, and LASEK to more complex operations like retinal transplants, orbital fractures, and orbital decompression. Notably, cataract surgery was the most frequently performed surgery in Korea in 2023. With extensive clinical experience, Korea delivers high-quality ophthalmic surgeries with exceptional efficiency.

    #CataractSurgery #LASIK #LASEK #RetinalTransplant #OrbitalFracture #OrbitalDecompression

    Learn more

    General Surgery

    Despite rising cancer incidence rates in Korea, cancer mortality has decreased by 35% over the past 20 years. Korea has emerged as a global leader in cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, with its exceptional surgical outcomes gaining worldwide attention. Robotic surgeries, known for their precision and accuracy, are widely used in treating various cancers, including urologic cancers.

    #KoreanCancerSurgery #KoreanSurgery #KoreanCancerTreatment #RoboticSurgery #LaparoscopicSurgery

    Learn more
    Wellness is a holistic concept that brings together
    ‘Well-being + Happiness + Fitness’.

    Wellness tourism is a form of travel that promotes physical, mental, and social well-being
    through experiences like hot springs, meditation, yoga, and nutritious meals.

    Wellness Tourism in Korea

    Discover wellness destinations in Korea where nature, tradition, and modernity coexist in harmony.
    Experience true rest and renewal for both body and mind.

* Content creation & related inquiries: Medical & Wellness Team