Regional hospitals lose out as Seoul claims 87.2% of SK medical tourists

Taiwan emerged as a breakout market with a staggering 122.5% growth rate.

South Korea recorded a historic 2.01 million foreign patient arrivals, according to its Ministry of Health and Welfare.

The influx of medical travellers resulted in total expenditure by foreign patients and their companions of approximately $8.4b. 

Of this total, direct spending on medical services accounted for $2.2b, whilst the broader industry generated an estimated $15.4b in domestic production and $7.1b in added value.

The "K-Beauty" phenomenon remains the primary engine of growth, with dermatology alone accounting for 62.9% of all international patients, totalling 1.313 million people. 

Whilst China and Japan remain the largest source markets—collectively making up 60.6% of the total—Taiwan emerged as a breakout market with a staggering 122.5% growth rate. 

Geographically, Seoul remains the epicentre of the industry, hosting 87.2% of all foreign patients due to its dense concentration of specialised clinics.

However, regional hubs are beginning to gain traction, with Busan seeing a 151.5% increase in international arrivals.