Why Choose Korea for Your Medical Journey?

Choosing medical care abroad is a major decision. Patients need more than advanced treatment: they need reliable information, transparent processes, qualified providers and practical support before, during and after care.

Korea brings these elements together in one patient-centered medical destination.

Proven medical capability

Korea combines skilled medical professionals with advanced diagnostic and treatment infrastructure. The Medical Korea source material reports five-year relative cancer survival rates of 100.1% for thyroid cancer, 93.8% for breast cancer, 74.3% for colorectal cancer and 77.9% for stomach cancer. A relative survival rate above 100% indicates survival compared with a similar group in the general population; it does not mean every patient survives.

Korea also has a high level of medical infrastructure. Figures cited from OECD data show 42 CT scanners, 35 MRI units, 3 PET scanners and 12.8 hospital beds per million people, all above the corresponding OECD averages presented in the source material.

A destination experienced in caring for international patients

In 2024, Korea welcomed 1,170,467 international patients. Cumulative international patient visits since 2009 exceeded 5.04 million. Patients came from a wide range of countries, with leading markets including Japan, China, the United States, Taiwan and Vietnam.

This experience matters. It has helped hospitals and facilitators develop services for international patients across specialties including cancer care, cardiology, transplantation, spine care, infertility treatment, rehabilitation, dentistry and reconstructive surgery.

A registered system designed to build trust

Korea operates a registration system for medical institutions and facilitators serving international patients. The system is intended to protect patient rights and improve the reliability of services.

Registered medical providers must meet specified requirements, while registered facilitators are required to maintain liability coverage, minimum capital and a domestic office. Registered providers are also expected to make key information available to patients, including:

- the diagnosis and proposed treatment;

- possible side effects and risks;

- estimated medical fees;

- procedures for resolving disputes.

Before making a decision, patients should look for the official Medical Korea registration mark and verify the provider through the official website.

Support throughout the journey

Medical Korea’s support infrastructure helps international patients navigate the practical side of care. Services described in the source material include:

- year-round medical information and consultation in English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and etc.

- information about medical institutions and medical visas

- assistance with medical service concerns and complaints

- support centers at Seoul Station and Incheon International Airport

- official online information on treatments, registered providers and useful travel resources.

Start with verified information

Every patient and every treatment plan is different. Begin by consulting a qualified medical professional, comparing appropriate providers and confirming that the institution or facilitator is officially registered.

Continue your medical journey with KIMA.

*Medical information on this page is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Outcomes vary by patient, condition and treatment plan.*