South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that the country welcomed over 2 million foreign medical tourists in 2025, breaking previous records since statistics began in 2009. The policy aims to position South Korea as a central hub for medical tourism in Asia, leveraging its advanced healthcare infrastructure and growing global reputation. Key drivers include increased demand for dermatology and cosmetic procedures, as well as strategic visa policies and expanded flight routes. The cumulative number of foreign patients since 2009 has reached 7.06 million, reflecting sustained sector growth.
The policy impacts foreign patients from 201 countries, with China, Japan, and Taiwan accounting for the majority. Notably, China and Taiwan saw year-on-year increases of 137.5% and 122.5%, respectively, largely due to visa reforms and rising demand for non-surgical treatments. The United States and Canada also experienced significant growth, with American patients utilizing a diverse range of medical services. Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia reported high growth rates, particularly in dermatology and plastic surgery.
After a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign patient numbers rebounded: 610,000 in 2023, 1.17 million in 2024, and 2.01 million in 2025. Policy measures such as temporary visa waivers for group tourists and VAT refunds for cosmetic procedures contributed to this recovery. Seoul remains the primary destination, hosting 87.2% of foreign patients, supported by concentrated medical facilities and robust infrastructure. Economic analysis estimates that medical tourism generated 12.5 trillion won in spending and 22.8 trillion won in domestic production impact in 2025.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the main medical specialties attracting foreign patients? Dermatology (62.9%), plastic surgery (11.2%), and internal medicine (9.2%) are the most popular. How are policy changes affecting growth? Visa waivers, expanded flight routes, and tax incentives have significantly boosted patient numbers. Will domestic patients be affected? The Ministry plans ongoing monitoring to ensure local healthcare access is not compromised as foreign patient numbers rise.
Metaqsol opinion: South Korea’s medical tourism sector has shown remarkable recovery and growth, reaching over 2 million foreign patients in 2025. Policy measures such as visa waivers, VAT refunds, and expanded flight routes have been instrumental. The sector’s economic impact is substantial, with significant benefits for healthcare providers and related industries. Continued monitoring and infrastructure development will be crucial to maintain quality and accessibility for both foreign and domestic patients.