The Seoul Metropolitan Government has begun preparing specialized accommodations for foreign patients traveling to the city for medical treatment, as Korea’s medical tourism sector continues to grow rapidly.
Hotels and other lodging facilities will be selected based on their suitability for patients who need a place to stay throughout their treatment and recovery period. The initiative is called the “Seoul Medical-Friendly Accommodation” program.
Registration for accommodations wanting to join the program opened September 14 and runs through September 30, 2026.
Medical Tourism in Seoul Is Booming
According to The Korea Herald, reported Friday, September 18, 2026, the number of foreign patients receiving treatment at South Korean medical facilities reached 2.01 million people in 2025, a 71.9% increase compared to the previous year.
Of that total, approximately 1.76 million patients received treatment in Seoul specifically, marking a 75.6% jump compared to the roughly 1 million patients recorded the year before.
Foreign patient spending on medical services in South Korea has also been substantial. In July 2026 alone, spending reached 213.1 billion won, roughly Rp 2.5 trillion.
What the Program Aims to Do
Through this initiative, the Seoul government wants to make it easier for foreign patients and their families to find accommodations that genuinely support their needs before, during, and after treatment. Not every lodging facility will qualify for this status, though.
Participating facilities must be officially registered accommodations located within Seoul. The Seoul government will then evaluate applicant facilities based on several criteria.
What Qualifies as “Medical-Friendly”
Key evaluation factors include the accommodation’s distance from hospitals or medical facilities, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and a 24-hour emergency response system.
Facilities catering to long-term guests will also be considered, including laundry services, considered especially important for patients and families managing extended treatment periods.
After completing the evaluation process, the Seoul government will determine how many accommodations receive official “Seoul Medical-Friendly Accommodation” designation. This status is valid for one year and does not authorize the accommodation to provide any medical services to guests directly.
What’s in It for Selected Accommodations
Selected accommodations will be promoted through Seoul’s medical tourism platform, available in five languages. They’ll also have the opportunity to participate in various medical tourism activities organized by the Seoul government.
What This Means for Medical Tourists Considering Seoul
If you’re planning medical treatment in Seoul, keep an eye out for accommodations carrying the “Seoul Medical-Friendly Accommodation” designation once the program’s results are announced, these will have been specifically vetted for proximity to medical facilities, accessibility, and support services suited to patients recovering from treatment, taking some of the guesswork out of planning a medical trip abroad.
