Seoul Enhances Medical Tourism Infrastructure with Specialized Accommodation Network

Seoul is taking decisive steps to fortify its position as a premier global destination for medical tourism by integrating its hospitality sector with its world-class healthcare services. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Monday, November 2, the designation of 19 specialized hotels and accommodation facilities designed specifically to cater to the unique needs of foreign patients and their accompanying family members.

This strategic move comes at a time of unprecedented growth in the medical tourism sector. According to data provided by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the number of foreign patients visiting medical institutions in Seoul is projected to reach approximately 1.76 million in 2025. This represents a staggering 2.7-fold increase compared to the 470,000 visitors recorded in 2023. On a national scale, South Korea is seeing a similar boom, with total foreign patient visits expected to hit a record-breaking 2.01 million in 2025—a 71.9% year-on-year increase—marking the first time the country has surpassed the two-million mark.

To ensure the quality of these accommodations, the city government implemented a rigorous selection process, choosing only 19 facilities from a pool of 40 applicants. The selection criteria were meticulously designed to prioritize patient recovery and convenience. Specifically, the designated facilities must be located in close proximity to major medical centers and be equipped to handle long-term stays. Key requirements include the provision of cooking and laundry facilities, which are essential for patients undergoing extended treatments, and the implementation of 24-hour emergency response mechanisms to handle medical crises.

These 19 facilities span a wide range of hospitality tiers, from budget-friendly two-star lodgings to ultra-luxury five-star establishments. Notable luxury properties included in the program are the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas, the Andaz Seoul Gangnam, and the Park Hyatt Seoul. Geographically, the initiative is heavily concentrated in the Gangnam District, which serves as the heart of Korea's medical infrastructure, with 11 of the 19 facilities located there. The remaining eight facilities are distributed across six other administrative districts in the city.

Beyond basic lodging, these hotels are tasked with providing a comprehensive suite of specialized services. International patients will have access to dedicated medical tourist floors and private lounges, ensuring a quieter and more comfortable environment for recuperation. Additionally, the program includes free laundry services, transportation assistance to and from clinics, and multi-language emergency guides to bridge the communication gap during urgent situations.

This infrastructure project is designed to remain effective until 2027. To ensure global accessibility, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will publish a detailed directory of these accommodations and their specific services on official medical tourism websites in multiple languages. By creating a seamless transition between the hospital and the hotel, Seoul aims to reduce the stress associated with international medical travel and increase the overall satisfaction of foreign visitors, thereby sustaining the economic momentum of its healthcare export industry.