South Korea’s Booming Medical Tourism Industry: How Seoul, Busan, and Gyeonggi Province Drive More Than Two Billion USD in Economic Growth – Here’s What You Need to Know About Travel and Spending

Published on December 22, 2025

South Korea’s medical tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, providing a significant economic boost with foreign patients contributing $2.47 billion to the national economy. This rise in visitors seeking dermatology and plastic surgery treatments has become an important driver for broader consumer spending, benefitting sectors far beyond healthcare. In 2024, South Korea saw a record 1.17 million foreign patients, marking the highest number of medical tourists since the country began promoting the industry in 2009.

Foreign visitors are not only seeking medical care; they are also contributing to South Korea’s economy through expenditures in a variety of sectors. According to recent findings, these visitors spent a combined 3.66 trillion won ($2.47 billion) last year, with the majority of their spending concentrated in Seoul. The report also emphasizes that medical services account for a substantial portion of this spending, alongside shopping, dining, and luxury accommodations.

Key Drivers Behind the Surge in Medical Tourism

The rise in medical tourism to South Korea is largely attributed to its internationally recognized healthcare services, particularly in cosmetic surgery. With a growing global reputation for high-quality plastic surgery and dermatological treatments, the country has become a top destination for those looking to enhance their appearance.

Many foreign patients are drawn to South Korea by the reputation of its medical institutions, offering advanced treatments at a fraction of the cost they might incur in their home countries. For instance, dermatology services alone accounted for a whopping 585.5 billion won, while plastic surgery services totaled 359.4 billion won in spending. This represents a significant portion of the total medical expenditure by foreign visitors.

South Korea’s position as a leader in medical tourism is further solidified by the country’s robust healthcare infrastructure, world-class hospitals, and highly skilled medical professionals. The Seoul metropolitan area, in particular, attracts the most visitors, generating 87.6% of total medical spending in the country, especially in areas like Myeong-dong, a famous shopping district that also hosts several cosmetic surgery clinics.

Broader Economic Impact Beyond Medical Services

The growth of South Korea’s medical tourism industry is not limited to hospitals. The influx of medical tourists has also spurred substantial spending in non-medical sectors, further boosting the country’s economy. Foreign patients are spending money not just on healthcare, but also on shopping, dining, and entertainment.

In fact, spending on non-medical items like luxury goods and dining at high-end restaurants has become nearly as significant as the amount spent on medical procedures. South Korea’s duty-free shops, department stores, and luxury hotels reported 799.5 billion won in spending, highlighting how medical tourists are stimulating broader economic activity.

While medical services have clearly played a central role in this trend, it is the cross-sector spending that underlines the true economic impact of the medical tourism boom. For example, patients often extend their visits for sightseeing or shopping, bringing increased foot traffic to major tourist destinations like Seoul and Busan.

Regional Spending and Emerging Markets

The medical tourism boom in South Korea is also affecting regions outside the capital. Gyeonggi Province and Busan have seen notable increases in foreign patients’ spending. However, Seoul continues to lead, with about 1.2 trillion won of the total medical spending.

A significant aspect of the study is the shift in spending patterns among different nationalities. For example, patients from Kazakhstan and Indonesia exhibited particularly high spending on medical services, accounting for 60% and 56.3% of their total expenditures, respectively. In contrast, patients from Japan and Taiwan spent a smaller proportion on medical services, with these figures remaining below 50%.

Experts also noted that the variety of services demanded by different nationalities indicates a growing opportunity for tailored medical packages, including broader screening, post-surgery care, and more specialized treatments.

Tips for Medical Tourists in South Korea

For those planning to visit South Korea for medical treatments, several factors should be considered:

1. Research Clinics: South Korea offers a wide array of medical clinics, but choosing a hospital with a strong reputation for quality and safety is essential. Many international patients prefer clinics in Seoul due to their advanced technologies and experienced doctors.
2. Plan for Recovery: Consider staying in South Korea for a few extra days after the procedure to allow for recovery and post-treatment care.
3. Explore Beyond Healthcare: South Korea is not just about medical procedures. Take time to explore its rich culture, vibrant shopping districts like Myeong-dong, and historical sites.
4. Understand Costs: While medical treatments are cost-effective, it’s essential to be aware of the full cost, including the medical services, accommodation, and any additional personal expenses.
5. Language Assistance: Many hospitals offer English-speaking staff, but it’s still advisable to arrange for a translator if needed, to ensure clear communication during the treatment process.

Ensuring Long-Term Growth for Medical Tourism

Despite the current boom in medical tourism, experts emphasize that sustainable growth will require continued investment from both the medical community and government authorities. The key to long-term success lies in ensuring patient satisfaction, maintaining high standards of care, and expanding service offerings to meet the evolving needs of international patients.

With the right strategies in place, South Korea’s medical tourism industry has the potential to become a lasting pillar of the country’s economy, drawing more visitors and bolstering the broader tourism industry.