Amid rising healthcare costs and long wait times in the United States, a growing number of Americans are traveling to Korea and other countries with advanced medical systems. This trend, known as Korea medical tourism, is being actively promoted by Korean local governments and medical institutions targeting overseas patients.
On July 21, the medical news outlet Medscape reported that more Americans are seeking overseas treatment in countries like Korea and Thailand. The report, citing the TV program Inside Man, described a Thai medical package offering MRI scans and cardiology treatment for $4,300, noting that patients expressed high satisfaction with both the speed and cost of care.
The same trend is visible among Korean Americans, many of whom now combine visits to Korea with a variety of medical services—from routine checkups and dermatology to chronic illness and fertility treatments.
Mira Choi (42), who visited Korea in February and April for infertility care, said, “At a top fertility clinic in Irvine, one round of treatment cost nearly $20,000. But in Korea, it only cost me $4,000. The process was faster, and the specialist consultations were far more thorough.”
The Korean medical information portal KoreaHealthTrip.com, launched by the Korea Daily in April, has also seen a surge in traffic. Users can compare treatment departments—including orthopedics, dentistry, anesthesiology, and dermatology—and book appointments directly with clinics.
A KoreaHealthTrip representative said, “Korean doctors provide rapid diagnoses and treatment, with high effectiveness for the cost. The biggest factors in medical tourism decisions are fast access and professional care.”
Yong Kim, a senior who received dental care in Korea through the portal, added, “I feel confident about maintaining my health well into my 100s. I strongly recommend getting treated in Korea to my peers.”
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of foreign patients visiting Korea has increased more than fourfold over the past decade, reaching 1.17 million in 2024. Of those, 102,000 were American, ranking third after Japan (441,000) and China (261,000).
Separately, on July 21, the business magazine Forbes reported that the U.S. healthcare system is facing serious pressure due to medical staff shortages, rising costs, and an aging population. The outlet warned that “without structural reform, the entire system could collapse.”
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
