South Korea Medical Tourism Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Outbound, Inbound, and Intrabound), By Treatment Type (Cosmetic Treatment, Dental Treatment, Cardiovascular Treatment, Orthopaedic Treatment, Bariatric Surgery, Fertility Treatment, Ophthalmic Treatment, and Others), and South Korea Medical Tourism Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035.

South Korea Medical Tourism Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The South Korea Medical Tourism Market Size was estimated at USD 2.1 Billion in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.28% from 2025 to 2035
• The South Korea Medical Tourism Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 3.7 Billion By 2035

According to a research report published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the South Korea Medical Tourism Market is anticipated to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 5.28% from 2025 to 2035. Driven by its highly developed healthcare system, internationally renowned proficiency in specialized and cosmetic procedures, and affordable prices in comparison to Western nations. The accessibility and international patient experience are being further improved by government-backed programs like integrated tourism hubs, multilingual assistance, and simplified e-visas.

Market Overview

The South Korea medical tourism market refers to the industry focused on foreign patients coming to South Korea for medical care is known as the "South Korea medical tourism market." Advanced surgeries and wellness therapies are among these treatments, which also include dermatology, dentistry, cardiology, oncology, and cosmetic procedures. Additionally, significant changes have recently occurred in the South Korean medical tourism market, especially after the post-pandemic travel restrictions were loosened. Institutions like Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center have improved their international marketing strategies in response to the increase in inbound medical tourists, drawing patients from nations like China and Vietnam who are looking for cutting-edge medical care. In an effort to increase access for overseas patients in need of specialized cancer treatments, the National Cancer Center notably extended its services for international patients in June 2023. Moreover, the number of medical tourists is greatly increased by government programs that support medical tourism by enacting advantageous visa regulations, such as visa exemptions for particular nations. The number of foreign patients seeking medical care in South Korea has been steadily increasing recently, with a notable emphasis on the need for recovery and post-treatment care. The emergence of telemedicine as an adjunctive service allows medical professionals to stay in touch with patients after they have left for their home countries.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the South Korea medical tourism market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the South Korea medical tourism market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the South Korea medical tourism market.

Driving Factors

The market for medical tourism in South Korea is mostly driven by the rise in inbound medical travel due to the availability of cutting-edge medical facilities, highly qualified professionals, and reasonably priced treatments. In addition to this, another important factor driving growth is the growing use of elective medical procedures that are not covered by health insurance, such as gender reassignment surgeries, reproductive therapy, dental reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, fertility treatments, etc. Additionally, the market expansion is being accelerated by a number of measures implemented by the South Korean government to raise awareness and encourage medical travel.

Restraining Factors

Many international patients who travel to South Korea for medical care frequently have to pay hefty out-of-pocket costs because their home insurance does not cover procedures performed abroad. In the absence of reimbursement options, specialized care or cosmetic surgery may become prohibitively expensive, restricting accessibility and lowering demand globally.

Market Segmentation

The South Korea medical tourism market share is classified into type and treatment type.

• The inbound segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea medical tourism market is segmented by type into outbound, inbound, and intrabound. Among these, the inbound segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This group consists of foreign patients who are drawn to South Korea by its sophisticated healthcare system, affordable costs, and stellar reputation for high-quality care. They are seeking treatments in fields like dermatology, cardiology, oncology, and cosmetic surgery.

• The cosmetic treatment segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The South Korea medical tourism market is segmented by treatment type into cosmetic treatment, dental treatment, cardiovascular treatment, orthopaedic treatment, bariatric surgery, fertility treatment, ophthalmic treatment, and others. Among these, the cosmetic treatment segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. This covers operations like dermatology, plastic surgery, and aesthetic enhancements all of which are fueled by K-beauty's widespread appeal, cutting-edge surgical methods, and affordable prices. South Korea is a popular destination for foreign patients seeking body sculpting, skin rejuvenation, and facial contouring procedures from China, Japan, the United States, and Southeast Asia.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea medical tourism market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Seoul National University Hospital
• Samsung Medical Center
• Asan Medical Center
• Yonsei University Health System
• Gangnam Severance Hospital
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at South Korea, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the South Korea Medical Tourism Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

• South Korea Medical Tourism Market, By Type
  • Outbound
  • Inbound
  • Intrabound

• South Korea Medical Tourism Market, By Treatment Type
  • Cosmetic Treatment
  • Dental Treatment
  • Cardiovascular Treatment
  • Orthopaedic Treatment
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Fertility Treatment
  • Ophthalmic Treatment
  • Others