[Analysis] Korea Emerges as a Global Hub for Medical Tourism: Foreign Patients Surpass 2 Million in 2025

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The Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea has officially announced that the number of international patients who visited Korea in 2025 reached 2.01 million (specifically 2,011,822 based on actual patients). This marks the first time since statistics began in 2009 that the annual figure has surpassed the 2 million milestone, signaling a new era for "K-Medical" services.

1. Explosive Growth and Market Recovery

After a sharp decline to 120,000 patients in 2020 due to COVID-19, the market has seen a rapid V-shaped recovery: 610,000 in 2023, 1.17 million in 2024, and finally 2.01 million in 2025. This consistent doubling of numbers highlights the unwavering global trust in Korea’s medical infrastructure.

2. Patient Demographics by Country

In 2025, patients from 201 different countries visited Korea.

• China (1st): Recorded approximately 619,000 visitors, a 137.5% increase year-on-year, driven by visa-free entry policies and expanded flight routes.

• Japan (2nd) & Taiwan (3rd): Japan saw around 600,000 visitors, and Taiwan reached 186,000 (a 122.5% increase), showing strong demand from East Asia.

• USA (4th): Recorded 173,000 patients, leading the expansion of the Western market.

3. Leading Medical Specialties

• Dermatology: Remained the most popular specialty with 1.31 million patients (62.9% of total), growing by 86.2% year-on-year.

• Plastic Surgery & Internal Medicine: Followed with 233,000 and 192,000 patients respectively, showcasing a balance between aesthetic and essential treatments.

• Dentistry: Noted as the fastest-growing sector among clinics, with a 128.9% increase compared to the previous year.

4. Economic Impact: 22.8 Trillion KRW in Production Inducement

According to the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade, the total expenditure by international patients and their companions reached 12.5 trillion KRW. This generated an estimated 22.8 trillion KRW in production inducement and 10.5 trillion KRW in value-added inducement, proving that medical tourism is a vital engine for the national economy.

5. Future Outlook and KIMA's Commitment

While 87.2% of patients are currently concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area, regions like Busan (+151.5%) and Jeju (+114.7%) are showing remarkable growth. The Korea International Medical Association (KIMA) will continue to enhance non-metropolitan medical infrastructure and strengthen safety management systems to ensure Korea remains the world's most trusted medical destination.

Which country sent the most patients to Korea in 2025?

China ranked first among all visiting countries in 2025. According to the official report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, approximately 619,000 Chinese patients visited South Korea, accounting for 30.8% of the total foreign patient market. This represents a significant year-on-year growth of 137.5%, largely driven by expanded flight routes and visa-free entry policies.

[Statistics] 2025 Korea Medical Tourism Performance Summary

Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare Press Release (April 24, 2026) 

Written by: KIMA Secretariat