Story thread · 3 reports / 2 sources

test Long drawn

koreatimes.co.kr · 1dShare

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 care tourism extends far beyond hospital walls, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Tourism Organization jointly announced a novel municipal initiative to create the city’s first officially designated list of "medical-friendly lodging." According to national tourism data,medical expenditures by non-residents reached 213.1 billion won ($158.4 million) in July 2026 alone, marking a massive 66.5 percent year-on-year jump. In 2025, the number of international patients visiting Korean health care facilities surged past two million for the first time, hitting 2.01 million — a 71.9 percent increa

First report: Seoul to designate patient-friendly hotels as medical tourism surges — koreaherald.com, 2d