2.05 Million Foreign Patients Mark New Record for Korean Medical Tourism

Last year, the number of foreign patients visiting Korea exceeded 2.05 million, marking the highest figure in the history of Korean medical tourism. The medical tourism sector generated approximately $5 billion (about 6.8 trillion KRW) in revenue last year, a figure that represents a roughly 150% surge compared to 2024 (820,000 patients) and surpasses pre-COVID-19 levels.

By country, China (25%) and Japan (18%) accounted for the largest shares, but the market has diversified with an increase in patients from the United States (12%), the Middle East (8%), and Southeast Asia. In particular, the influx of patients from the Middle East, who have a high average treatment cost per person, contributed to improved profitability.

Beyond cosmetic and dermatological procedures, the number of severely ill patients seeking complex treatments such as cancer therapy and organ transplants increased by over 40% year-on-year, underscoring the technical reliability of Korean medicine.

The government plans to accelerate foreign patient attraction by expanding eligibility for electronic visas and considering the introduction of a dedicated medical visa to facilitate their entry. The government also intends to speed up foreign patient recruitment by supporting 'K-Medical Wellness Packages' that combine regional specialized medical technologies with tourism resources. Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyoo-hong stated that the ministry will focus on regulatory innovation and infrastructure expansion to achieve its goal of attracting 3 million foreign patients by 2027.