Health Traveler
Definite Guide to Medical Tourism

Medical Tourism Destinations - South Korea

In 2009, the South Korean government formally announced a concerted effort toward becoming a legitimate medical tourism destination. The country not only achieved its goal, but it is also now surpassing it. Already established as a medical destination for Asians, the country focused new marketing efforts to draw visitors from China, Japan and the United States. Visitors can find affordable services for orthopedic treatments, including advanced spinal treatments, organ transplants and cancer treatments. The country also offers various dental treatments as well as plastic surgery.

South Korea's natural assets set the stage for it to become a medical tourism destination. Known as the friendly and welcoming country of the two Koreas, tourism was already a booming industry. One example is Jeju Island, a natural beauty located off the south coast between China and Japan. Easily accessible, it is but one hour by air from Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea. The concept of medical tourism on Jeju Island is health combined with relaxation. State-of-the-art medical facilities are situated among the beautiful, natural landscapes and amid the exceptionally clean environment. Medical tourists are accompanied by family and friends who can enjoy sight-seeing and relaxation while the patients undergoes treatment and recuperation. The area also boasts wellness centers designed for preventive care and overall health benefits.

Busan has long been popular with Japanese tourists seeking aesthetic surgical procedures, including plastic surgery. With an on-site call center handling translation services for foreign patients, this area now also competes as a prime destination for international visitors seeking medical services. Located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula, the city offers a combination of beautiful beaches and scenic mountain cliffs. An array of hot springs is an added attraction for therapeutic healing.

There are several factors that play into the success of South Korea as a viable medical tourism destination. Though the country's dedication to this goal sets the stage, it is the strategic steps it has taken that seal the credibility. In 2004, the Korean government began implementation of the Hospital Evaluation Program under the Korean Medical Service Act. The program includes an assessment of any 300-bed or larger hospital every three years. The information is compiled through surveys and questionnaires that focus on patient satisfaction. Additionally, on-site inspections are performed and hospital management is reviewed. Any medical facility wishing to attract medical tourists must register and comply with strict guidelines of the country's Medical Service Act. Most hospitals involved in the country's medical tourism program maintain a department specifically dedicated to its international patients. They also employ English-speaking staff to assist international visitors with their needs.

The quality of doctors is equally impressive. Each holds international accreditation. Those who are members of the Korean Medical Association are required to complete 12 credits of training each year in the form of lectures, symposiums, conferences, publications or training. Doctors in South Korea's medical tourism hospitals are using cutting edge technology and advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. The country ranks third in the world for number of CT scanners and MRI machines.

Those considering South Korea as a medical tourist may want to choose a time of year based on climate conditions as well as annual attractions. The country is known for its elaborate festivals, including the Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival in February and March, the Jindo Sea-Parting Festival in March, the Lotus Lantern Festival in May and the Incheon Ceramic Festival in October. The Boryeung Mud Festival, held in July, is the perfect complement to a medical treatment stay. Held on the beaches of Daecheon, it attracts large numbers of tourists each year. The mud in Boryeoung has long been famous for its therapeutic qualities. Mud sliding, along with swimming in large mega mud tubs, is capped at night with pyrotechnic displays.

The climate of South Korea is divided into four very distinct seasons. Autumn and spring are considered the most comfortable seasons, bordered by hot summers and winters that see temperatures below the freezing mark. Temperatures do fluctuate dependent on the region with the southern beaches more temperate than the mountainous regions. Visitors will find both Korean and English spoken as English is taught as a second language in Korean schools. The medical tourism industry offers translation centers to make the process comfortable for foreign visitors.

Equivalent to the size of the United Kingdom, South Korea's geography offers natural wonders in mountain ranges, including the peaks of Seorak-san and Jiri-san, as well as the famous caves of Danyang and Hwanseongul. In addition to the beaches of Daecheon, there are those at Haeundae and Mallipo.

Arrangements for travel to South Korea are surprisingly uncomplicated. Over 1,500 flights travel into and out of South Korea each week via 37 international airlines. There are nine airports within the country including Incheon International, Gimpo in Seoul, Gimhae in Busan and Jeju. Bus service between the airports and points throughout Seoul is convenient and timely. Airline travel from New York is approximately 13 hours and from Los Angeles, it is 12 hours. Travel from London is 11 hours, and Tokyo is a convenient two-hour flight. The official currency of the country is the South Korean Won which comes in paper denominations of 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 and in coins of 10, 50, 100 and 500. Most hotels, stores and restaurants in the country accept international credit cards.

Preparations for a medical tourism visit to the country of South Korea can be simplified by working directly with a medical tourism agency that can design a package to accommodate your needs. Arrangements for hotel stays and transportation services can be bundled, often at discounted rates. By working directly with the hospital of choice, visitors will find assistance in planning all aspects of their visit, including medical procedures and tourist stops before and after surgery. Consultations with the medical facility will include information on travel limitation before and after procedures so you can plan accordingly.

Prospective patients and visitors should consult with their nearest South Korean Embassy for specifics on traveling into the country. Medical tourists must be invited by a registered healthcare facility or medical tourism agency in order to receive services. Depending on the procedure to be performed, international visitors can remain in the country for up to 180 days. Several documents will need to be submitted to the South Korean embassy or consulate including passport, visa application, photographs, proof of medical treatment provided by the healthcare provider, financial documents providing proof of payment ability and a copy of the registration certificate provided by the tourism agency or healthcare provider. Visitors from the United States are not required to obtain a visa unless their stay will be extended longer than 90 days.

Medical services are considered extremely affordable, but it is always wise to comparison shop. Prospective patients can contact hospitals and healthcare providers directly for information, or they can utilize the services of a medical tourism agency.