The medical tourism industry in Korea is estimated to be 350.9 billion won ($319 million), according to a survey conducted by the Korea Tourism Organization. The KTO asked 1,319 foreign patients who received medical services in Korea in the six months since last July about their total spending during the period, which includes not only medical bills, but also accommodation, shopping and other travel-related expenses.

According to the survey, the ratio of medical spending to travel-related spending was 57:43.

“The Korean government is conducting research on medical tourism as part of its efforts to improve medical tourism services and to develop more options. Medical tourism will play a key role in driving tourism development in Korea,” said Kim Sae-man of the medical tourism team of the KTO.

(wylee@heraldcorp.com)