South Korea

Like many Asian nations, South Korea has developed economically and culturally far more quickly than the average American may realize. After many years of postwar governmental strife, Korea launched one of the planet’s fastest growing economies—now the third largest economy in Asia (behind Japan and China) and the eleventh largest in the world.

Korea is also one of the world's most technologically and scientifically advanced countries—and the only one with nationwide 100 megabits broadband Internet access and full HDTV broadcasting. Ninety percent of all Korean homes are connected to high-speed broadband Internet. A bullet-train network zips travelers around the country at speeds approaching 140 miles (about 220 kilometers) an hour. Hyundai, Samsung, and LG are located here, a reminder of Korea's formidable ability to compete in major industry sectors.

Healthcare is no exception, and Korea's star as a health travel destination is rapidly rising. While language and cultural barriers persist, Korea boasts a network of 20 modern international hospitals. The Korean penchant for technology is revealed in its hospitals, where most are fully digitized and electronic health records are the rule. Visitors can even watch their granny's colonoscopy on a television monitor in the hospital lobby (optional!).

Korea's foray into medical tourism began with service to Japanese patients, and despite a sometimes uneasy political relationship between the two countries, patients flock from Japan to take advantage of the huge cost savings and excellent care Korea has to offer. The Korean government has initiated a set of measures to promote medical tourism by aiding hospitals in their marketing and by easing regulations. The government is also pushing to simplify the process of issuing visas for patients from other Asian nations, North America, and Europe.

In addition to the usual range of general surgeries, Korea's hospitals and clinics are known for cosmetic surgeries and treatments for spinal disorders and cancer. In the center of the country, Daegu hosts Korea's most famous herbal medicine market, dating from 1658. On the southern coast, Busan is one of Asia's seashore hotspots. Medical travelers who react adversely to the heat and humidity of Southeast Asia will find Korea's northern mountainous climate more to their liking. And Korea Airlines offers nonstops from at least a dozen US and Canadian cities, with flights a long, but manageable, 11-14 hours.

At a Glance

•   Language   Korean (English spoken by many health professionals)
•   Time Zone   GMT +9
•   Country Dialing Code   82
•   Electricity   110V and 220V, plug types A and B
•   Currency   Won
•   Recommended Immunizations   Hepatitis A, Typhoid Booster
•   Treatment Specialties   Cardiology, Cosmetic, Dental, Health Screening, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics
•   JCI-Accredited Hospitals   Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital; Korea University Anam Hospital; Severance Hospital–Yonsei University Health System; Yonsei University Gangnam Severance Hospital
•   Standards and Accreditation   Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, JCI

 

Patients Beyond Borders: Everybody's Guide to Affordable, World-Class Medical Travel The world's bestselling guide to the most popular international hospitals and clinics, specialty treatments and procedures, accommodations, and more. Hundreds of listings, and helpful advice to ensure your successful medical journey. Learn more... "A must-read for those considering medical tourism." —ABC News

 

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