1. What "Medical Tourism in Korea" Actually Means
Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) operate an official registration system for hospitals and clinics that are legally permitted to attract and treat international patients. A registered "foreign-patient-attracting institution" (μΈκ΅μΈνμ μ μΉμλ£κΈ°κ΄) has met government reporting requirements β it is not a marketing label, and registration does not by itself guarantee outcomes for any specific procedure.
2. Before You Book
- Verify the institution yourself. Search the hospital's name on the official registry portal, MedicalKorea (medicalkorea.or.kr), before making any payment or travel commitment.
- Get a written quote. Ask the International Health Care Center for an itemized cost estimate β prices vary by department, doctor, and season, and are not published centrally.
- Check your insurance. Most home-country insurance does not cover elective treatment abroad; ask about medical tourism insurance riders before you travel.
- Confirm interpretation support. Larger university hospitals (Severance, Samsung Medical Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, and regional flagship hospitals in Busan, Daegu, Incheon, and Jeju) typically run dedicated International Health Care Centers with English-speaking coordinators; smaller clinics may not.
3. Visa & Entry
- Short-term medical treatment is usually covered under a general tourist visa (or visa-free entry, depending on nationality) for consultations and minor outpatient procedures.
- For longer treatment courses, Korea offers a dedicated Medical Visa (G-1), which generally requires an invitation or confirmation document from a KHIDI-registered institution. Requirements change, so confirm current rules with the Korean embassy/consulate in your country before booking travel.
4. While You're Here
- Keep copies of all consultation records, prescriptions, and receipts β you will need these for post-treatment care at home and for any insurance claims.
- For a medical emergency, dial 119 (fire department / ambulance dispatch, free, some English support available).
- Ask your International Health Care Center about follow-up protocols before you leave Korea, especially for procedures with a recovery period.
5. What This Guide Does Not Do
This is a logistics and verification guide, not medical advice. It does not recommend specific treatments, does not estimate outcomes, and does not list prices. Always confirm current details directly with the institution and with official government sources.