Seoul certifies hotels for recovering international patients
Long drawn by Seoul’s reputation for world-class specialized medical care, cutting-edge cosmetic procedures and advanced health screenings, hundreds of thousands of international patients fly into the city each year. But for many, the true challenge begins after stepping out of the clinic as they search for a comfortable, accessible sanctuary while they recover. Recognizing that modern health…
Seoul has established an official list of hotels designed for recuperating international patients, following a surge in medical tourism to the city. The initiative, a collaboration between the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization, aims to provide comfortable and accessible accommodations for patients recovering from specialized medical procedures and health screenings.
In July 2026 alone, medical expenditures by non-residents in Seoul reached 213.1 billion won ($158.4 million), a 66.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. In 2025, the number of international patients visiting Korean healthcare facilities surpassed two million for the first time, marking a 71.9 percent year-on-year growth. Seoul continues to be at the forefront of this medical tourism boom.
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- Seoul certifies hotels for recovering international patients koreatimes.co.kr
