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[YARI Data Snapshot] Korea’s Medical Tourism Market Is Taking Off

Foreign medical spending in South Korea is rising at an unprecedented pace.




In H1 2026, medical expenditure by foreign visitors reached KRW 1.19 trillion—6.6 times the level recorded in H1 2019 and up 59.1% year-over-year.

With longer stays and higher spending per visitor, medical tourism is emerging as a key driver of high-value tourism in Korea and contributing to higher per capita tourism spending.

Want to know more about Korea’s inbound and outbound tourism trends in H1 2026?
Read Yanolja Research BRIEF Vol.14 for the full analysis.
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Location: Seoul, South Korea

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