Survey Reveals 40% of Foreign Patients Impacted by K-Culture

Synopsis

A recent survey indicates that <b>40%</b> of foreign patients traveling to South Korea for medical services were influenced by the country's rich cultural offerings. The trend highlights the increasing role of cultural experiences in healthcare decisions, particularly post-pandemic.

Key Takeaways

40% of foreign patients cite culture as a deciding factor
Survey involved 1,500 respondents
Significant increase from 24.3% in 2021
Nearly 70% of Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern patients influenced
Annual winter shopping festival boosts tourism

Seoul, Feb 2 (NationPress) 40% of international patients seeking medical care in South Korea indicated that the nation's culture played a significant role in their choice to travel here, as revealed by a survey conducted on Sunday.

According to the survey by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, over 41% of respondents affirmed that their cultural experiences in South Korea affected their decision to seek medical services in the country.

This survey sampled 1,500 foreign patients who received treatment at local hospitals in 2023, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

In comparison, 24.3% of participants reported a similar influence in 2021, which dramatically increased to 49.7% the following year as the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and the influx of foreign patients began to rise again.

Regionally, nearly 70% of patients from Southeast Asia and the Middle East attributed their decision to South Korea's culture, while only around 20% of Russian patients felt the same.

Additionally, last month, South Korea launched its annual winter shopping festival, a 45-day nationwide initiative designed to attract foreign tourists and enhance spending during the off-peak tourist season.

The Korea Grand Sale, which runs until February 28, includes discounts on flights, accommodations, and retail, as per the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Visit Korea Committee. This year, a record 1,680 South Korean retailers and service providers are taking part in the festival.

Ten South Korean airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, are providing discounts of up to 94% on 214 flight routes to various South Korean cities during the event. Furthermore, foreign airlines are collaborating with Trip.com and Konest to offer discounts of up to 31% on flights to South Korea from China, Hong Kong, and Japan.