The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced it will increase its pool of medical tourism interpreter-coordinators to about 1,000 this year, nearly ten times the current number. This move aims to better serve the growing influx of foreign patients. The initiative follows a memorandum of understanding signed last week with the K-Medical Tourism Association.
The announcement came on Monday, March 9, 2026, as part of efforts to support the booming medical tourism sector in the city. Under the agreement with the K-Medical Tourism Association, interpreter-coordinators will be deployed to major medical institutions backed by the city government. The two parties also intend to run training programs to improve interpretation skills among professionals.
These coordinators will offer translation during surgeries and treatments, as well as guidance on treatment options and medical tourism services for foreign patients. The expansion is expected to provide fuller assistance, covering everything from pre-treatment consultations to post-treatment follow-up.
Statistics from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute indicate that South Korea welcomed over 1,170,000 foreign medical tourists in 2024, with 998,642—or about 85 percent—heading to Seoul, the highest number recorded. This surge aligns with the "Karecation" trend, blending medical care with vacation experiences in Korea, as tourists seek combined leisure and health services.
A report from the Hana Institute of Finance last month showed medical tourism spending jumped 438 percent in 2024 compared to 2019. Dermatology services made up 57.4 percent of consumption last year, rising from 21.1 percent in 2019, while plastic surgery's share fell from 33.4 percent to 23.1 percent. This points to a preference for quicker, less invasive procedures that fit into travel itineraries.
To bolster its appeal, Seoul plans an integrated platform for hospital information, visas, accommodations, and tourism. The city will also create "medical-friendly accommodations" near hospitals for longer stays. Kim Myung-ju, head of the city's tourism department, stated: "By expanding the pool of interpreter-coordinators and providing timely information, we will help ensure that foreign medical tourists visiting Seoul receive accurate medical services and enjoy a more satisfying stay."
