Seoul names 19 'medical-friendly' hotels for foreign patients

Seoul has identified 19 hotels and accommodations as "medical-friendly" lodgings specifically designed for international patients and their families, according to the city government. This initiative aims to tap into the expanding global market of individuals traveling to Korea for healthcare, with the city government announcing the selection on Monday.

In 2025, Seoul treated a record high of 1.76 million foreign patients, a three-and-a-half times increase from the 470,000 treated in 2023. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization chose the 19 facilities from among 40 applicants in the program's inaugural year. The selection process involved document reviews, on-site inspections, and expert evaluations.

Unlike typical tourists, foreign patients frequently require extended stays that align with their treatment schedules, rooms for family members or caregivers, and spaces for recovery post-surgery or other procedures. Some patients may also struggle with mobility following their treatment. The facilities were assessed based on their accessibility and willingness to accommodate these specific needs.