South Korea Medical Tourism Market Overview (2024–2033)
The South Korea medical tourism market is poised for consistent growth, with its size estimated at USD 2.0 billion in 2024 and projected to reach USD 3.1 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93% from 2025 to 2033. This upward trend is driven by a combination of advanced healthcare infrastructure, affordability, and strategic government initiatives aimed at making South Korea a leading destination for medical travelers.
Market Definition and Economic Significance
Medical tourism refers to the international movement of patients seeking medical treatment outside their home country. South Korea has emerged as a popular destination for a wide range of procedures, including cosmetic surgeries, cardiovascular and orthopedic treatments, dental and ophthalmic care, bariatric surgery, and advanced procedures such as stem cell therapies and gender reassignment surgeries. The country’s appeal lies not only in the quality of care but also in its cost competitiveness and integrated medical tourism services.
Beyond healthcare outcomes, medical tourism significantly contributes to South Korea’s economy. It drives job creation in the healthcare and hospitality sectors, promotes foreign currency inflows, encourages global standards adoption, and facilitates knowledge sharing across borders.
Key Growth Drivers
A primary catalyst for the market is the availability of cutting-edge medical technology and highly trained specialists at competitive costs. Patients from neighboring countries and beyond are attracted to South Korea’s superior clinical standards and favorable pricing models compared to Western countries. Additionally, the growing demand for non-insurance-covered elective procedures, such as cosmetic enhancements, fertility treatments, and gender affirmation surgeries, has further boosted international patient inflow.
The government’s proactive role in promoting medical tourism has been instrumental. Notably, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has implemented regulatory measures to enhance international patient safety. These include the mandatory registration of institutions treating foreign patients and compulsory malpractice liability insurance, which collectively strengthen patient trust and institutional accountability.
Furthermore, several hospitals and clinics now offer bundled medical tourism packages that include medical services along with travel, accommodation, translation, and concierge support, streamlining the overall patient journey and adding significant value to the service.
Emerging Trends and Opportunities
An important trend in the market is the fusion of wellness tourism with traditional Korean medicine (TKM). International patients are increasingly seeking holistic treatments that incorporate herbal remedies, acupuncture, and other TKM techniques, thus opening new growth avenues for integrative healthcare services. The popularity of Korean culture (Hallyu or the Korean Wave) also indirectly promotes medical tourism, especially for cosmetic and dermatological treatments.
Additionally, the digitalization of healthcare—through teleconsultations, AI-based diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring—has enhanced patient pre- and post-care services, particularly for overseas visitors. This technological adoption aligns with South Korea’s reputation as a tech-forward nation.
Market Segmentation
The IMARC Group categorizes the South Korea medical tourism market by type and treatment type:
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By Type:
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Inbound: The dominant segment, comprising international patients visiting Korea for treatment.
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Outbound: Korean residents traveling abroad for medical services.
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Intrabound: Domestic medical tourism within Korea.
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By Treatment Type:
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Cosmetic Treatment (e.g., plastic surgery, dermatology)
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Dental Treatment
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Cardiovascular Treatment
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Orthopaedic Treatment
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Bariatric Surgery
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Fertility Treatment
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Ophthalmic Treatment
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Others (including oncology, stem-cell therapy, etc.)
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Among these, cosmetic and dermatological procedures continue to account for a significant portion of inbound medical tourism, largely due to South Korea’s global leadership in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine.
Competitive Landscape
The South Korean medical tourism market is moderately competitive, with both large hospitals and specialized clinics vying for international clientele. Key players include:
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Ajou University Medical Center
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Banobagi Plastic Surgery
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CHA Fertility Center
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Inje University Haeundae Hospital
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JK Plastic Surgery Center
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Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital
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Korea Medical Hub
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Nasaret International Hospital
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Sun Medical Center
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Wonkwang University Hospital
These institutions are recognized for their international departments, multilingual support services, global patient outreach, and commitment to high medical standards.
Regulatory Environment and Safety Standards
South Korea’s regulatory landscape for medical tourism is increasingly robust. Foreign patient protection, institutional accountability, and international marketing strategies are supported by government agencies and industry bodies. The Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) and other affiliated organizations actively promote global visibility and ensure compliance with international healthcare standards.
Future Outlook
As South Korea continues to position itself as a regional medical tourism hub, the market outlook remains positive. The combination of state-backed support, private sector innovation, growing global demand for affordable care, and patient-centric service design will likely sustain the market’s growth momentum through 2033.
Opportunities for expansion include leveraging digital health technologies, forming international partnerships, and diversifying services to cater to patients from emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
South Korea’s medical tourism sector is evolving into a sophisticated, multi-dimensional ecosystem that blends clinical excellence, hospitality, and cultural appeal. By continuing to invest in quality care, safety, and global outreach, the country is well-positioned to increase its share in the global medical tourism industry over the coming decade.
[Table of Content]
1 Preface
2 Scope and Methodology
2.1 Objectives of the Study
2.2 Stakeholders
2.3 Data Sources
2.3.1 Primary Sources
2.3.2 Secondary Sources
2.4 Market Estimation
2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach
2.4.2 Top-Down Approach
2.5 Forecasting Methodology
3 Executive Summary
4 Introduction
4.1 Overview
4.2 Key Industry Trends
5 South Korea Medical Tourism Market
5.1 Market Overview
5.2 Market Performance
5.3 Impact of COVID-19
5.4 Market Forecast
6 Market Breakup by Type
6.1 Outbound
6.1.1 Market Trends
6.1.2 Market Forecast
6.2 Inbound
6.2.1 Market Trends
6.2.2 Market Forecast
6.3 Intrabound
6.3.1 Market Trends
6.3.2 Market Forecast
7 Market Breakup by Treatment Type
7.1 Cosmetic Treatment
7.1.1 Market Trends
7.1.2 Market Forecast
7.2 Dental Treatment
7.2.1 Market Trends
7.2.2 Market Forecast
7.3 Cardiovascular Treatment
7.3.1 Market Trends
7.3.2 Market Forecast
7.4 Orthopaedic Treatment
7.4.1 Market Trends
7.4.2 Market Forecast
7.5 Bariatric Surgery
7.5.1 Market Trends
7.5.2 Market Forecast
7.6 Fertility Treatment
7.6.1 Market Trends
7.6.2 Market Forecast
7.7 Ophthalmic Treatment
7.7.1 Market Trends
7.7.2 Market Forecast
7.8 Others
7.8.1 Market Trends
7.8.2 Market Forecast
8 SWOT Analysis
8.1 Overview
8.2 Strengths
8.3 Weaknesses
8.4 Opportunities
8.5 Threats
9 Value Chain Analysis
10 Porters Five Forces Analysis
10.1 Overview
10.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
10.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
10.4 Degree of Competition
10.5 Threat of New Entrants
10.6 Threat of Substitutes
11 Price Analysis
12 Competitive Landscape
12.1 Market Structure
12.2 Key Players
12.3 Profiles of Key Players
12.3.1 Ajou University Medical Center
12.3.1.1 Company Overview
12.3.1.2 Services Offered
12.3.2 Banobagi Plastic Surgery
12.3.2.1 Company Overview
12.3.2.2 Services Offered
12.3.3 CHA Fertility Center
12.3.3.1 Company Overview
12.3.3.2 Services Offered
12.3.4 Injeuniversity Haeundae Hospital
12.3.4.1 Company Overview
12.3.4.2 Services Offered
12.3.5 JK Plastic Surgery Center
12.3.5.1 Company Overview
12.3.5.2 Services Offered
12.3.6 Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital
12.3.6.1 Company Overview
12.3.6.2 Services Offered
12.3.7 Korea Medical Hub
12.3.7.1 Company Overview
12.3.7.2 Services Offered
12.3.8 Nasaret International Hospital
12.3.8.1 Company Overview
12.3.8.2 Services Offered
12.3.9 Sun Medical Center
12.3.9.1 Company Overview
12.3.9.2 Services Offered
12.3.10 Wonkwang University Hospital
12.3.10.1 Company Overview
12.3.10.2 Services Offered
List of Figures
Figure 1: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Major Drivers and Challenges
Figure 2: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2019-2024
Figure 3: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Billion USD), 2025-2033
Figure 4: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Breakup by Type (in %), 2024
Figure 5: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Breakup by Treatment Type (in %), 2024
Figure 6: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Outbound) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 7: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Outbound) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 8: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Inbound) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 9: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Inbound) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 10: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Intrabound) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 11: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Intrabound) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 12: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Cosmetic Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 13: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Cosmetic Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 14: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Dental Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 15: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Dental Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 16: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Cardiovascular Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 17: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Cardiovascular Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 18: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Orthopaedic Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 19: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Orthopaedic Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 20: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Bariatric Surgery) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 21: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Bariatric Surgery) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 22: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Fertility Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 23: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Fertility Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 24: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Ophthalmic Treatment) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 25: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Ophthalmic Treatment) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 26: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Other Treatment Types) Market: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2019 & 2024
Figure 27: South Korea: Medical Tourism (Other Treatment Types) Market Forecast: Sales Value (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Figure 28: South Korea: Medical Tourism Industry: SWOT Analysis
Figure 29: South Korea: Medical Tourism Industry: Value Chain Analysis
Figure 30: South Korea: Medical Tourism Industry: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
List of Tables
Table 1: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2024 and 2033
Table 2: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market Forecast: Breakup by Type (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Table 3: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market Forecast: Breakup by Treatment Type (in Million USD), 2025-2033
Table 4: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Key Price Indicators
Table 5: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Competitive Structure
Table 6: South Korea: Medical Tourism Market: Key Players
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