kculture.com reveals a 65.3% year-over-year surge in spending, signaling a shift from invasive surgeries to premium dermatological wellness and “souvenir” pharmacy shopping.
Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, 19th Jan 2026 – A data analysis released today by kculture.com reveals that South Korea’s foreign medical tourism market has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing ₩2.08 trillion in total spending in 2025. This represents a staggering 65.3% year-over-year growth from ₩1.25 trillion in 2024, signaling a robust expansion and a structural transformation of the industry.
The study, conducted using Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Data Lab records, underscores a fundamental shift in the “K-Medical” landscape—moving from invasive, high-cost surgeries to high-frequency, premium dermatological procedures.
Strategic Insight: The ‘Won-Low’ Advantage
According to the kculture.com report, the 2025 boom was significantly propelled by the favorable exchange rate. The relative weakness of the Korean Won effectively lowered the entry barrier for high-end medical services, allowing international patients to access world-class treatments at a more competitive price point.
Premiumization: While medical consumption cases grew by 48.9%, total spending outpaced this at 65.3%.
Value Increase: Average spending per visit rose by 11.01%, from ₩450,857 to ₩500,495.
Dominance of Dermatology and Pharmacy Shopping
Dermatology has emerged as the market’s undisputed engine, accounting for 57.35% of total spending in 2025. Simultaneously, pharmacies accounted for 59.11% of all medical visits. This data suggests a new trend where foreigners perceive Korean pharmacies as essential retail destinations for medical skincare, “souvenir-izing” medical care into their travel itineraries.
Seasonal Integration: The Winter ‘Glow-Up’ Trend
Monthly spending in December 2025 hit an all-time high of ₩244.3 billion, nearly doubling the 2024 peak. This reflects a shift where travelers utilize year-end holidays for “lunchtime procedures” that require minimal downtime.
“This ₩2 trillion milestone confirms that South Korea has successfully transitioned into a global daily wellness and beauty powerhouse,” said Gi Oh, Founder and CEO of kculture.com.
About kculture.com
KCulture.com is a global platform providing expert analysis, cultural commentary, and professional travel guides dedicated to the South Korean experience.
Learn more at : https://kculture.com
Media Contact
Organization: KCulture.com
Contact Person: Gi Oh, Founder & CEO
Website: https://kculture.com
Email: Send Email
City: Gyeonggi-do
Country:South Korea
Release id:40271
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