'The difference is significant': Why tourists are flocking to South Korea for medical care

Travellers are increasingly adding comprehensive health check-ups to their South Korea itineraries, drawn by affordable prices, fast results and English-language support.

Liping Chao has just arrived in Seoul and beyond his cab window, the city's famous skyscrapers beckon. But instead of hiking up Namsan Tower or browsing Myeongdong's famous shops, he heads to the city's Mapo district, where he enters Medione Medical Center. In the clean, spacious waiting room, he notes more foreign faces than Korean ones. He changes in the locker room and stores his belongings. A nurse brings over his chart and takes him to the first station.

This was no medical emergency; just a part of his travel plan. Chao is one of a growing number of overseas travellers who are adding medical services to their South Korea trips. In between noraebang sessions and street food crawls now come blood tests and ultrasounds. Even colonoscopies.

It's a trend that shows no signs of slowing. According to South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2.01 million foreign patients visited in 2025, up 71.7% on the previous year. Patients mostly come from China and Japan, followed by Taiwan and the US. Donkyo Seo, CEO of Himedi, a Seoul-based medical concierge, explains "for Korea, medical tourism is an export industry", actively supported through legislation designed to promote overseas medical expansion.

But why fly all the way to South Korea for medical care? Haemin Lee, CEO of Seoul-based travel planner Creatrip, says it ultimately comes down to cost and efficiency. While patients in many countries face referrals, insurance approvals and long wait times, many Korean screening centres offer complete comprehensive health checks in a single visit. Even better: healthcare in South Korea, ranked second best in the world by the 2025 CEOWorld Healthcare Index, is highly affordable thanks to its government regulation of medical prices. "The difference is significant," says Lee. "In many cases, the price of a single MRI in the US can cover a comprehensive full-body screening in Korea... Even after factoring in airfare, it can still be more affordable." Apart from the appeal of its high-rated healthcare and lower costs, Hyeonah Hong, Head of Division at Korea Medical Institute (KMI), says "Korea has a well-established prevention-focused healthcare system, providing an environment where diseases can be detected early."

Medical concierge services like Creatrip and Himedi help international visitors book packages. Book ahead, and schedule services for earlier in your trip as fasting, sedation or follow ups may be required.

Full body checkups are offered by both hospitals and specialised screening clinics. Clinics are cheaper, but patients with abnormal results may be referred to a hospital.

English-language support varies, so confirm interpreter availability before booking. Results are typically emailed within seven to 14 days, and available in multiple languages. KMI (Korea Medical Institute) and Seoul National University Hospital........

© BBC