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Why Medical Tourism Korea?
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What is Medical Korea!
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12/31/2024
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Korea, a Leader in Global Medical Tourism!
In 2023, patients from 198 countries visited Korea for medical tourism. With foreign patients’ overall satisfaction with Korean medical services exceptionally high1) at 89.2 points, more are expected to visit Korea for medical tourism. What made them choose Korean medical tourism? Let’s explore Korea’s unique medical tourism highlighted by excellent health care system and the charms of K-culture.
1) Reference: Report on Survey Results on Foreign Patients’ Experience and Satisfaction with Korean Medical Services in 2022, KHIDI
Foreign patients from all over the world are choosing Korea!
Reference: 2023 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 2023, approximately 606,000 foreign patients visited Korea. This marks a 1.2-fold increase compared to 2019 (497,000 patients), the year with the highest international patient count before the pandemic, and the highest figure since data collection began in 2009. The cumulative number of foreign patients since 2009 has reached 3.88 million, reaffirming Korea’s prominence in providing medical services.
Patients from countries all over the world continue to visit Korea
Japan
31%187,711
China
18.5%112,135
U.S.A
12.7%76,925
Thailand
5.1%30,844
Mongolia
3.6%22,080
Vietnam
3.4%20,371
Russia
2.4%14,720
Singapore
2.2%13,499
Taiwan
2.1%12,828
Kazakhstan
1.9%11,810
Canada
1.5%9,377
Australia
1.1%6,660
Indonesia
1.1%6,449
Others
13.3%80,359
Reference: 2023 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)
Number of MRI equipment1)
Total number of hospital beds2)
Number of acute hospital beds
(per 1,000 people)2)Reference 1) : OECD Health Statistics 2024; WHO Global atlas of medical devices 2022
Reference 2) : OECD Health Statistics 2024; WHO GHO 2024, national sourcesCutting-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.
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
Factors Influencing the Decision to Visit Korea
15.4%
Affordable travel expenses and stable pricing
14%
Rich cultural and historical sites
12.7%
Excellent natural attractions
10.3%
Delicious local cuisine
9.0%
Experience of local culturalcontent
Foreign visitors can receive high-quality medical services at reasonable prices in Korea while enjoying tourism without financial burden. Many foreigners who wish to visit Korea cite “affordable travel expenses and stable pricing” as key reasons. This is closely linked to Korea’s growing popularity as a medical tourism destination. The unique combination of cost-effective medical care and tourism is a major draw of Korea.
* Based on the top priority of those who selected “Korea” as their first-choice Asian destination (2023 Potential Visitors Survey_Comprehensive Analysis, Korea Tourism Data Lab)
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 the diverse charms of Korean tourism!
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.
Learn more#TraditionalKoreanMedicineClinic #Acupuncture #MedicinalHerbs #TraditionalKoreanMedicineTourism #ChunaManualTherapy #TraditionalKoreanMedicineDiet
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
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
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.
Learn more#Subfertility#Infertility #GynecologicCancerSurgery #Vaginoplasty
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.
Learn more#KneeJoint #ArtificialJoint #SpinalSurgery #RoboticSurgery #AdvancedTechnology
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.
Learn more#SkinBoosters #Anti-aging #LaserTreatment #K-Beauty
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.
Learn more#PhysicalExamination#PhysicalExaminationCenters #ExaminationItems #MedicalEquipment
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.
Learn more#YouthfulAppearancePlasticSurgery #SilverPlasticSurgery #WrinkleReduction #FatGrafting #BreastAugmentation #DoubleEyelid Surgery
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
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.
Learn more#UrologicCancer #SurgeryForMen #Dysuria #ProstateEnlargement
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
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.
Learn more#IntegratedInternalMedicine #Stents #Cardiology
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
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
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