South Korea medical tourism reached record heights when foreign patient numbers surpassed two million in 2025, driven by a surge in traditional medicine treatments alongside cosmetic medical treatments, according to data from South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare. While dermatology and plastic surgery remained the top draws, patient demand for traditional Korean medical therapies grew more than tenfold between 2021 and 2025.
Traditional Korean Medicine Surges Among Foreign Patients
Foreign patients seeking traditional Korean medical services climbed from over 2,500 in 2021 to more than 37,000 in 2025, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare statistics. Patients from Japan, China, the United States, Russia, Mongolia, and Singapore represented the top six nationalities utilizing these services. Demographically, the vast majority of these patients are in their 20s and 30s, with women accounting for 90 per cent of the total.
Government officials attribute this sharp upward trajectory in part to the global reach of K-culture, amplified by the June 2025 release of the animated film KPop Demon Hunters. Financial figures from the Korea Tourism Organisation show that foreign spending at traditional Korean medicine clinics rose by 19 per cent in 2025, hitting 26.1 billion won (S$24 million) out of a total medical expenditure of 3.3 trillion won.
Did you know? Modern Korean traditional medicine traces its roots to historical texts like the Dongui Bogam, a comprehensive medical encyclopaedia compiled by royal physician Heo Jun during the Joseon dynasty and published in 1613.
Clinics Adapt With Multilingual Care and Digital Follow-Ups
At the Tong-in Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic in central Seoul, foreign clients now comprise roughly 10 per cent of total visitors. Chief director Lee Seung-hwan noted that the clinic experienced a notable influx of foreign visitors after appearing in a 2019 episode of the YouTube channel Korean Englishman.
Doctors at the clinic communicate in English to assist international patients seeking treatments for musculoskeletal issues. Practitioners utilize acupuncture, cupping, herbal prescriptions, pharmacopuncture—which combines acupuncture with the injection of purified herbal extracts—and chuna therapy, a form of chiropractic adjustment. According to Lee, the clinic utilizes digital tools like WhatsApp and e-mail to track patient recovery progress remotely.
Pro Tip: When researching traditional clinics in Seoul, check whether medical interpretation coordinators are available in English, Chinese, or Japanese to bridge language gaps during consultations.
Case Study: A Visitor’s Experience With Chuna and Cupping
Singaporean freelance writer Morgan Awyong sought out traditional Korean therapies during a December 2025 trip to Seoul to treat persistent neck and shoulder pain caused by long hours working at a laptop. Having previously experienced traditional Chinese medicine equivalents such as tuina and baguan, Awyong opted for Korean chuna and buhang therapies.
After a digital body posture scan and consultation at the Tong-in clinic, Awyong received a 45-minute treatment session costing $150. The regimen included chuna therapy, cupping, moxibustion, acupuncture, and a week’s supply of herbal medicine. Awyong noted that Korean chuna felt more precise and intentional compared to the firmer pressure typically applied during Chinese tuina.
Wellness Hubs Expand Beyond Clinical Settings
Public institutions are also expanding access to traditional wellness treatments. The Seoul K-Medi Centre in the Dongdaemun district recorded 170,000 visitors in 2025, with foreign tourists accounting for 10 per cent of that total. The facility features a traditional medicine clinic, an exhibition space, seasonal herbal foot baths, herbal hand treatments, and acu-massage beds.
To further market these services, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organisation hosted the inaugural World Chuna Festival on Sept 7, running alongside the annual Seoul International Travel Mart for Medical Tourism to connect local providers with overseas agencies.
Despite the broader adoption, some travel industry professionals note that clear distinctions from traditional Chinese medicine remain necessary to attract specific demographics. Stephanie Khoo, of Singapore-based events company 25Asia, pointed out that some corporate clients view Korean traditional practices as too closely aligned with TCM, prompting planners to seek out distinct wellness offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Korean chuna and Chinese tuina?
While both involve physical manipulation therapies, practitioners and patients note that Chinese tuina typically applies more physical strength, whereas Korean chuna focuses on precise and intentional chiropractic adjustments.
What treatments are most commonly sought by foreign patients in traditional Korean clinics?
According to clinic directors in Seoul, international patients primarily seek treatment for musculoskeletal conditions using acupuncture, cupping, pharmacopuncture, and chuna therapy.
How much did foreign spending on traditional Korean medicine increase in 2025?
Spending by foreign patients at traditional Korean medicine clinics rose by 19 per cent in 2025, reaching 26.1 billion won (S$24 million), according to Korea Tourism Organisation data.
Which nationalities form the largest groups seeking traditional Korean medicine?
Patients from Japan, China, the United States, Russia, Mongolia, and Singapore represent the top six nationalities utilizing traditional Korean medical services.
Explore More: Stay informed on the latest medical tourism trends across Asia by subscribing to our newsletter, or browse our archives for in-depth coverage of travel, wellness, and cultural shifts.
Related reading