{
  "id": 7240647,
  "title": "Seoul certifies hotels for recovering international patients",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/seoul-certifies-hotels-for-recovering-international-patients",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-14T04:12:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/health/20260914/seoul-certifies-hotels-for-recovering-international-patients"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "Seoul lists hotels for international patients' recovery.",
    "Medical tourism in Seoul surged 66.5% in July 2026.",
    "International patients visiting Korea hit 2 million in 2025."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This certification of hotels for recovering international patients solidifies Seoul's position as a premier destination for medical tourism, providing a more streamlined experience for patients and boosting the city's hospitality industry.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul certifies hotels for recovering international patients",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/seoul-certifies-hotels-for-recovering-international-patients-7245749",
        "published": "2026-09-14T04:57:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}