Foreign Patients Flock to South Korean Dermatology Clinics, Rising 117-Fold in 15 Years

South Korea’s dermatology clinics have emerged as the country’s leading draw for foreign medical tourists, with patient numbers skyrocketing more than 100-fold over the past decade and a half.

According to a report released Thursday by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, 705,044 foreign patients received dermatological treatment in South Korea last year — nearly triple the 239,060 recorded in 2023.

The figure represents a 117-fold increase from 2009, when just over 6,000 foreigners visited dermatology clinics as the government’s medical tourism initiative was getting underway.

Dermatology’s growth has far outpaced the overall rise in foreign patients across all specialties, which expanded nineteenfold over the same period. Once accounting for less than 10 percent of foreign medical visits, dermatology now makes up 56.6 percent of the total, the report showed.

Only five years ago, internal medicine led the way with nearly 20 percent of visits, followed by plastic surgery and dermatology. But since 2023, dermatology has claimed the top spot, underscoring South Korea’s global reputation for skin-care treatments and aesthetic procedures.

Last year, it was followed by plastic surgery at 11.4 percent, internal medicine at 10 percent, and health screening centers at 4.5 percent. At smaller clinics, dermatology accounted for nearly three-quarters of all foreign patients.

Japanese nationals made up the largest share of dermatology patients at 43.7 percent, trailed by visitors from China (24.4 percent), Taiwan (9.6 percent), the United States (5.7 percent), and Thailand (3.5 percent).

The industry has also benefited from celebrity exposure. American influencer Kim Kardashian posted on Instagram about undergoing skin treatments at clinics in Seoul’s Yongsan and Gangnam districts during a recent visit with her sister Khloé, drawing international attention.

South Korean officials say the surge reflects both the global boom in K-beauty and growing confidence in the country’s medical services. What began as a niche within medical tourism has now become its defining feature.

Source : http://koreabizwire.com/foreign-patients-flock-to-south-korean-dermatology-clinics-rising-117-fold-in-15-years

Comprehension

What kind of medical treatment in Korea has become most popular among foreign tourists?
How many foreign patients received dermatological treatment in 2024?
By how many times did dermatology tourism grow compared to 2009?
What percentage of foreign medical visits does dermatology now make up?
Which specialty used to lead before dermatology became number one?
Which nationality makes up the largest group of dermatology patients?
Which celebrity’s Instagram post gave more attention to Korean dermatology clinics?
What do officials say is the reason for the growth of dermatology tourism?

Discussion

Why do you think dermatology has become more popular than plastic surgery in Korea?
Would you travel abroad for skin care or medical treatment? Why or why not?
Do you think social media influencers (like Kim Kardashian) affect people’s medical choices?
Why is Korean skin care so famous worldwide?
Do you believe skin care is more about health or beauty?
In your country, what kind of medical tourism do foreigners usually look for?
Is it good or bad that many foreigners come to Korea mainly for beauty treatments?
How do you feel about celebrities promoting medical services?
Do you think appearance is too important in society today? Why or why not?
If you could try one Korean beauty or skin-care treatment, what would it be?

Vocabulary

Dermatology – The branch of medicine that deals with skin care and skin diseases.
Skyrocketing – Increasing very quickly.
Initiative – A plan or program to achieve something.
Outpace – To grow or move faster than something else.
Aesthetic – Related to beauty or appearance.
Underscoring – Showing or emphasizing the importance of something.
Niche – A small, specialized area of business or interest.
Defining feature – The most important or recognizable characteristic.