Medical tourism in South Korea: treatments and travel

South Korea is now one of Asia's most visible destinations for medical tourism. Visitors travel to large university hospitals, private clinics and specialized centers for both advanced treatment and elective procedures. In April 2025 the Ministry of Health and Welfare reported that in 2024 about 1.17 million foreign patients from 202 countries received care in South Korea, almost double the number recorded in 2023.

The Medical Korea information platform supported by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute notes that since 2009 more than 5 million foreign patients have chosen South Korea for healthcare, with 2024 marking the first time annual foreign patient numbers passed one million.

For many international patients this combination of high patient volumes, strong technology and a well organized tourism sector makes South Korea a serious option when comparing destinations for care abroad.

Why South Korea for medical care

South Korea has invested heavily in digital imaging, robotic surgery, advanced radiotherapy and smart hospital systems. Government affiliated bodies such as the Korea Health Industry Development Institute support international outreach and programs that promote safe and convenient access for foreign patients.

Medical tourism agencies registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare can coordinate airport pick up, clinic visits, surgery schedules and sightseeing which can be helpful for people who do not speak Korean and are visiting for the first time.

Beyond technology many doctors have trained or carried out fellowships abroad and speak English. International clinics in major centers such as Seoul and Busan often employ coordinators who help with translation, appointment planning and insurance paperwork.

Common treatments and specialties

Foreign patients visit South Korea for a wide range of treatments. Common areas include:

• Plastic and cosmetic surgery. Seoul, especially districts such as Gangnam, is known for high demand in facial contouring, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and jaw reshaping along with body procedures like liposuction and breast surgery.
• Dermatology and skin care. Clinics provide laser treatments, scar management, pigmentation care and non surgical aesthetic procedures that build on South Korea's global skincare industry.
• Dental care. Dental hospitals and clinics offer implants, crowns, veneers and full mouth rehabilitation for people who need functional repair or cosmetic improvement.
• Eye and vision care. Eye hospitals perform laser vision correction, cataract surgery and care for corneal and retinal conditions.
• Oncology and cancer services. Comprehensive cancer centers provide chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and targeted therapies within multidisciplinary teams.
• Cardiology and cardiac surgery. Heart centers offer diagnostic angiography, catheter based procedures and open heart surgery for coronary and structural heart disease.
• Orthopedic and spine surgery. Hospitals perform joint replacement, sports injury repair and spine procedures with rehabilitation support.
• Health check ups and wellness. Many institutions provide structured health screening packages that combine imaging, blood tests and specialist reviews.

Suitability for any procedure always depends on a careful review of your medical history, examination findings and test results by a qualified specialist.

Quality, accreditation and safety

Hospitals in South Korea operate under national licensing and evaluation systems overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Some institutions also seek international recognition. Joint Commission International accreditation is one widely known framework, and several leading South Korean hospitals appear in the JCI directory.

In addition Korean programs such as the Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients and accreditation by the Korean Hospital Association are used to assess facilities that care for international patients.

Accreditation is not a guarantee of individual outcomes but it can be a useful starting point when comparing options.

To improve safety when selecting a provider you can:

• Confirm that the hospital or clinic is properly licensed and, where relevant, accredited by bodies such as JCI or national programs for foreign patient services.
• Check your doctor's specialty registration, training history and years of focused experience in the procedure you are considering.
• Ask about infection prevention measures, anesthesia protocols and availability of emergency support such as intensive care units.
• Request clear written consent forms and discharge instructions in a language you understand.

Travel basics and practicalities

Most medical travelers arrive via Incheon International Airport near Seoul with additional international flights serving Gimpo, Busan and other cities. Travel times from many parts of Asia are relatively short which can make follow up visits easier.

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Some visitors qualify for visa exemption with or without the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization while others apply for a visa in advance. The Korea Visa Portal at visa.go.kr and the Korea Immigration Service website at immigration.go.kr provide official information and visa navigation tools.

For stays focused on medical treatment some patients use medical treatment visa categories described on the Medical Korea site which outlines steps from counseling with a registered institution through to receiving an invitation letter and visiting a consulate.

Because visa and K ETA rules change periodically it is important to check these official sites and your own government's travel advice shortly before you book flights.

For planned surgery many people stay in South Korea for about one to two weeks so that they can complete pre treatment tests, the procedure and an early follow up visit. More complex treatments such as cancer care may require longer or repeated stays.

Korean is the main language but many large hospitals employ English speaking staff and interpreters. Some centers offer support in other languages that match their common patient groups. It is helpful to ask in advance which languages are available and whether interpretation has extra cost.

Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and major hospitals. Smaller clinics, guest houses and local services may prefer local cards or cash. Inform your bank about your trip and consider a backup payment method in case your usual card does not work abroad.

Care pathway for international patients

Processes differ by hospital but many international patients follow a similar pathway:

• Initial inquiry. You or your local doctor send medical reports, imaging and a summary of symptoms and goals to a hospital, clinic or coordination service.
• Preliminary review. A clinical team reviews your information and may request additional tests from your home country.
• Remote consultation. Video or phone calls or detailed written opinions allow you to discuss possible approaches, expected timelines and general risks.
• Provisional plan and estimate. The team suggests a treatment plan and provides an estimated cost range based on the available information with the understanding that details may change after in person examination.
• Travel and admission planning. Once you choose a provider you arrange flights, accommodation and local transport. Some institutions help with airport pickup and hotel booking.
• In person assessment. On arrival doctors confirm the diagnosis, repeat or extend tests if needed and agree the final plan with you.
• Treatment and early recovery. You undergo treatment in a hospital or clinic then move to a hotel or guest house for further rest as advised.
• Discharge and documentation. Before you leave South Korea you receive instructions on medication, wound care and warning signs along with copies of test results and reports.
• Follow up from home. Many teams offer follow up by secure messaging, email or video calls so that you can share questions and photos during recovery.

Keep digital and printed copies of your records so local doctors at home can continue your care safely.

Cost factors without prices

South Korea is often viewed as competitive on cost compared with some other high income health systems but total spending varies between individuals. Understanding the main cost drivers can help you compare offers more clearly.

• Type and complexity of treatment. Simple procedures usually require fewer resources than complex operations or combined treatments.
• Hospital level and location. Large tertiary hospitals in central Seoul may cost more than smaller regional centers yet can be appropriate for higher risk cases.
• Experience of the team. Fees may differ according to the seniority and sub specialisation of surgeons, anesthesiologists and other professionals.
• Devices and medicines. Implants, prostheses, advanced imaging and some medicines add to total cost.
• Length of stay. Extra days in hospital or hotel, physiotherapy, home nursing and interpretation services increase spending.
• Travel and season. Flight prices, hotel rates and local transport costs vary with season, holidays and how early you book.

When comparing proposals it is useful to ask what is included, such as tests, garments, medicines, follow up visits and how unplanned complications would be handled.

Cultural tips and accessibility

South Korea has a strong service culture and many staff are used to working with visitors. Everyday dress in cities is modern but modest clothing is appreciated in hospitals and religious sites. In clinics and wards it is common for patients to wear hospital gowns and for family members to assist with basic tasks.

Showing respect to older people, using soft voices in shared spaces and following local instructions on phone use can help visits run smoothly. If you are unsure about etiquette coordinators and interpreters can explain what is appropriate.

Most newer hospitals are built with ramps, elevators and accessible bathrooms but some streets and older buildings may be less easy to navigate with mobility aids. If you use a wheelchair or have vision or hearing needs discuss this with your provider in advance so they can plan room type, equipment and transport routes.

How Cura can help

If you are considering treatment in South Korea a coordination service such as Cura Medical Tourism can help you shortlist vetted providers, organise translation and transfers and keep medical documents in one place while you discuss decisions with your local doctors.

This guide is for general information only and does not replace personalized advice from qualified health professionals or official visa and travel authorities. Always confirm medical plans, provider credentials, visa rules and travel advisories with trusted sources before you decide to travel.