Unlike its neighbor to the north, South Korea is perceived around the world as a gentle and fun-loving country. Many tourists from around the world travel to this country to experience its beautiful tourist spots, delicious cuisine, and very rich culture. Recently, South Korea medical tourism has also grown to be one of the most popular in Asia, because of their excellent-quality healthcare services and state-of-the-art facilities.
Advanced treatments for various spinal problems, other orthopedic problems, dental issues, organ transplantation, cancer treatments, cyberknife surgery in Korea, etc. have made this East Asian Country a hit among medical tourists from many western countries.
South Korea’s healthcare systems are among the best in Asia. The country’s general health office is called the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This office works with the government and other health agencies in the country in making and enforcing policies regarding public health and safety. Public and private employees are covered by healthcare insurance, as mandated by the government, and many hospitals continually update their systems and facilities – a big draw for medical tourists who go to South Korea.
The office of Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea is responsible for finding ways to enhance their quality of life, fostering health among children and adults, giving long-term care insurance for the elderly, and enforcing preventive healthcare and treatment programs.
Environmental health is also one of this country’s continuing focuses, addressing issues like climate change, water pollution, and deforestation. In 2008, South Korean President Lee Myung Myung-bak announced the country’s vision for development “Low Carbon, Green Growth” – a drive that aims to use “green” technologies and industries that enhance efficiency in the use of its natural resources, while continually minimizing the hazards they pose to the environment.
South Korea has invested a lot of money in this aggressive drive, ensuring that the country does its part to conserve natural resources. They have taken huge steps to significantly cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, invested in renewable energy sources, and started to encourage the building of energy-efficient homes.
Even before the advent of South Korea’s bustling medical tourism business, it had already been a constant choice for tourists from neighboring Asian countries, North America, and Europe. Below are some of the most popular tourist spots in South Korea, frequented by tourists:
Famous Tourist Spots and Festivals in South Korea
South Korea boasts of its natural beauty and man-made wonders:
Additionally, thousands of medical tourists flock to South Korea for their famous festivals:
Korean cuisine largely comprises of rice, noodles, various vegetables, tofu and many types of meats. Steam-cooked short-grain rice are usually served along with a vast variety of side dishes to please you palate. Kimchi, the popular Korean salad, is usually served at every meal.
Average flight duration from main cities around the world to Incheon International Airport, South Korea:
Medical tourists to South Korea have to be invited to receive medical services by registered health providers or medical tourism agencies. An international patient can stay in the country for up to 180 days, depending on the nature of the medical procedure to be done. The patient has to submit the following documents to his local South Korean embassy or consulate:
People from some countries like the US do not have to have a visa. A US passport is enough to enter Korea for up to 90 days of stay in the country. US citizens are only required to get a visa if they have to be there for more than that period. For more information about requirements to enter Korea, international patients to South Korea should inquire at their local South Korean embassy or consulate to be certain.
South Korean Currency
South Korea’s official currency is the South Korean Won. Depending on the fluctuating exchange rates, a US dollar can be approximately worth 1,100 SK Won.
South Korea’s Medical Facilities and Equipment
In 2004, the South Korean government started to implement the Hospital Evaluation Program as described by the Korean Medical Service Act. This includes the assessment of hospitals with more than 300 beds every 3 years. This is done by collecting information through questionnaires, telephone surveys that focus on patient satisfaction and hospital management, and onsite inspection.
Patients going to South Korea for medical tourism are treated by doctors who have international accreditation. To facilitate lifelong education and training, all Korean Medical Association (KMA) members employed at medical facilities are required to complete at least 12 credits of training yearly, ranging from workshops, online training, lectures, publications, symposiums, and conferences.
Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates low cost treatments for various health problems, in South Korea. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote & more information.