Rising Global Demand for Korean Medical Tourism
According to a recent 2026 survey, Korean medical tourism continues to surge as 6 in 10 individuals across 16 global countries express a strong willingness to visit South Korea for medical services. The Korea Health Industry Development Institute released the ‘2025 Overseas Perception Survey on Korean Medical Services’ on September 17, highlighting a substantial rise in the overall perception and preference for K-medical services. The comprehensive study surveyed 7,100 adult consumers aged 18 and older across 25 major cities in 16 nations, including the United States, China, and Japan.
South Korea Ranks Top Choice Among Global Consumers
General favorability toward South Korea reached 66.4 points, jumping 4.6 points from the previous year and placing South Korea 4th out of 19 evaluated countries. Indonesia (81.6 points), Mongolia (77.3 points), and Vietnam (75.4 points) recorded the highest favorability scores. When asked to choose their preferred destination among respondents open to overseas medical care, South Korea ranked highest at 37.3%, outperforming the United States (33.4%) and Japan (30.7%). Key drivers for choosing South Korea included the perception of advanced medical technology and higher service standards compared to their home countries.
Dermatology and Traditional Medicine Lead K-Medical Preference
Overall, 61.2% of respondents stated an intention to visit South Korea for medical tourism and services in the future. Saudi Arabia (90.8%), Indonesia (89.5%), and the UAE (82.5%) showed the highest visit intentions by nation. Among specific medical departments, dermatology (59.6%) and traditional Korean medicine (57.3%) recorded the highest demand. Han Dong-woo, Head of the International Medical Division at the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, emphasized that these results reflect positive international evaluations of South Korea’s medical standards and reliability, with plans to further promote clinical achievements and specialized medical fields globally.
