Record Number of International Patients Seek Medical Care in South Korea in 2024
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Synopsis
In 2024, South Korea saw a record influx of foreigners seeking medical treatment, with over 1.17 million visitors contributing an estimated economic value of 14 trillion won ($9.55 billion). This surge is attributed to government efforts to attract international patients.
Key Takeaways
- Record number of foreign patients in 2024.
- Economic impact estimated at 14 trillion won.
- Majority of patients from Japan, China, and the U.S.
- Surge in Taiwanese and American patients.
- Dermatology as the most visited specialty.
Seoul, April 2 (NationPress) The number of international patients visiting South Korea for medical treatment reached an unprecedented level in 2024, according to government statistics released on Wednesday. These visits are estimated to have generated an economic impact of approximately 14 trillion won ($9.55 billion).
Over 1.17 million foreigners sought medical services in the country last year, nearly doubling the 605,768 recorded in 2023, as per data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, reported by Yonhap news agency.
The increase is partly due to a government-led initiative aimed at attracting a larger number of foreign patients.
Patients arriving for treatment are projected to have spent around 8 trillion won in hospitals, resulting in a total economic effect of about 14 trillion won, according to the ministry.
In 2023, foreign patients incurred medical expenses of 3.9 trillion won, which created an economic impact valued at 6.9 trillion won.
From 2009 to 2024, a total of 5.05 million foreign nationals have traveled to Korea for medical services.
Last year, 37.7 percent of these patients were from Japan, followed by 22.3 percent from China, 8.7 percent from the United States, 7.1 percent from Taiwan, and 3.3 percent from Thailand.
Notably, the number of Taiwanese patients surged more than fivefold compared to the previous year, reaching 83,456 in 2024, while a record 101,733 American patients visited South Korea.
When categorized by hospital type, 56.6 percent of foreign patients sought treatment from dermatologists last year.
Furthermore, 11.5 percent opted for plastic surgery hospitals, 10 percent visited internal medicine specialists, 4.5 percent went to medical checkup centers, and 2.7 percent chose oriental medicine clinics.
Additionally, the country has experienced a consistent increase in the number of foreign medical doctors, coinciding with ongoing strikes by doctors and trainees concerning a proposed increase in the medical school quota by the government.
The figure has steadily climbed from 472 in 2020 to 546 in 2024, as per the reported data.
