One of the reasons Korea is becoming an increasingly sought-out destination is because of Korea’s well-known medical services and treatment. Medical tourism is considered an important sector of the tourism market in Seoul which is why they have enacted a number of medical services and programs to ensure safe and high quality experiences.

For general medical services, Seoul is home to 14 advanced-level hospitals which are considered some of the best in the nation. In addition to state-of-the-art facilities and excellent medical staff, many hold coordinators and related staff who can assist patients in a variety of languages. Many of these general hospitals also houses an international clinic to deal specifically with international visitors. They can also refer you to other specialists in a variety of specific fields such as fertility treatments.

Besides treating a wide range of health issues, these hospitals are increasingly sought-after by visitors from all around the world for their excellent medical screenings. Specific medical screenings such as MRI, CI, colonoscopy, gastroscopy which are usually not covered in other countries can be safely done in Seoul using the latest medical tools and equipment and for a fraction of the price it would cost elsewhere.

Dental treatments are also a popular choice for visitors for their excellent service that’s also much more inexpensive compared to other countries. Cavity treatments, root canals, wisdom teeth removal can all be done quickly, safely, and with minimum pain. Dental cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening are also offered. The Seoul city homepage has a list of dental clinics able to adequately deal with international visitors in the city homepage’s Medical Facilities page under its Life Information section.

Seoul also operates the Seoul Medical Tourism Alliance in which the city reviews and designates cooperative and trust-worthy medical institutes possessing high quality service and care. All institutes are carefully and thoroughly reviewed by experts including site visits to the institutes to ensure proper certification by the city. You can view a full list of the hospitals and clinics that are part of the Seoul Medical Tourism Alliance at www.visitmedicalkorea.com.

Another major aspect of medical tourism in Korea is cosmetic procedures. The many cosmetic surgery clinics in Seoul are considered some of the world’s best and most are found in the Gangnam district around Gangnam, Sinsa, Apgujeong, and Cheongdamdong. If you’re unsure of where to begin or just to find out more information, the Gangnam Medical Tour Center, located within the Gangnam Tourist Information Center, provides consultation and general information on the district’s medical field. The medical tour coordinators here can recommend specialized hospitals, provide overviews on medical programs and services, and even refer hotels, spas, hair salons, wedding studios, and other facilities associated with health and beauty in the area. Coordinators are able to speak English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian for smooth communication. Gangnam also holds a number of clinics and wellness centers, though certainly not limited to Gangnam district only, specializing in specific fields such as physical therapy and wellness, skin care, hair treatment, and more.

For those seeking services at oriental medical clinics and/or treatment with traditional Korean medicine, the Visit Medical Korea page mentioned previously also has a list of traditional Korean medicine hospitals and clinics. These accredited hospitals and clinics are able to accommodate international visitors and many specialize in preventive care as well.

Individuals can also apply for private and public medical tourism insurance to protect against any rare injuries, apply for support for unexpected extended stays, and even receive interpretational services. Another service is the Seoul Medical Tour Help Desk which provides comprehensive information services in 10 languages. The center is located in Myeongdong and, again, the Visit Medical Korea homepage is www.visitmedicalkorea.com.