Korea expands fast-track visas to spread medical tourism beyond Seoul

Korea is expanding its medical tourism program to include 112 agencies starting October 1, aiming to harness the growing influx of foreign patients and distribute the economic benefits beyond Seoul. The Ministry of Justice announced the addition of 22 new institutions to its Outstanding Facilitator for Foreign Patients program, signaling a strategic move to amplify the regional economic impact of Korea's medical tourism.

The surge in foreign patient visits reached a record 2.01 million in 2025, resulting in an estimated 22.8 trillion won ($17 billion) in total economic output. Each medical tourist typically spends an average of 6.73 million won per visit, significantly higher than the 2.57 million won spent by regular tourists. Currently, 89 medical facilities and 23 private agencies are certified under the expanded program.

While 90 of these entities remain located in Seoul, the government has increased nonmetropolitan participation from 14 to 22, broadening the geographic reach of the initiative.