보건복지부 영문홈페이지

 

MOHW Steps Up Support for
Expanding Traditional Korean Medicine Overseas

 

- Seven new institutions selected for overseas expansion and Chinese patient attraction -

- Target markets expanded to North America, including the U.S. and Canada -

 

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister Cho KyooHong) and the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development (NIKOM, Acting Director Lee HwaDong) announced on Monday, May 12, that they have selected seven new medical institutions for the Traditional Korean Medicine Overseas Expansion Support Program—three for overseas expansion* and four for attracting Chinese patients**.

 

* Kyunghee Bubu Korean Medicine Clinic (Phase 2, U.S.), Banpo NEWBORN Korean Medicine Clinic (Phase 1, U.S.), Jetong Korean Medicine Clinic (Phase 2, Canada)

** Duna Korean Medicine Clinic (Seoul), Myeongdong Siwon Korean Medicine Clinic (Seoul), Bone Line Korean Medicine Clinic (Seoul), Slim Fit Korean Medicine Clinic (Busan)

 

Since last year, the MOHW and NIKOM have supported the establishment and growth of traditional Korean medicine clinics overseas, including in the Philippines and Vietnam. This year, they plan to expand the program to North America, targeting the United States and Canada.

 

The three newly selected medical institutions expanding to the U.S. (two institutions) and Canada (one institution) have completed preliminary preparations, including securing permanent residency, obtaining acupuncture licenses, assessing market status, and conducting market research. They are now set to begin phased expansion. Each institution will receive a total of KRW 90 million in support, as well as legal consulting on clinic establishment and regulatory consulting for the export of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

 

In 2024, the number of foreign patients visiting traditional Korean medicine clinics in Korea reached approximately 33,000―an 85% increase from the previous year and the highest since international patient attraction efforts began in 2009. In response, the government plans to strengthen support for leading institutions with strong capabilities in attracting patients from Southeast Asia and the Middle East and to expand outreach through certified medical tourism agencies.

 

Building on existing supports to attract foreign patients from Japan, China, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, the MOHW has selected four additional clinics in popular tourist areas with proven experience in international patient services. These clinics will focus on attracting Chinese patients.

 

The selected clinics will offer a range of programs through specialized medical tourism agencies, including Traditional Korean Medicine + Tourism packages, promotional activities in China, familiarization tours for Chinese-speaking buyers, and one-stop services* for medical tourists.

 

* One-stop services include: ① Patient consultation and appointment scheduling ② Provision of medical information ③ Medical tourism visa issuance ④ Patient support during treatment ⑤ Post-treatment follow-up and inquiry handling

 

Jeong Young-hoon, Director-General of the Bureau of Traditional Korean Medicine at the MOHW, stated, “We are strengthening the international competitiveness of traditional Korean medicine through the newly launched Traditional Korean Medicine Globalization Working Group, which brings together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, industry, and research to develop strategies for patient attraction and overseas expansion.” He added, “With the recent rise in foreign tourists, we will continue working with medical tourism agencies and local governments to revitalize traditional Korean medicine tourism.” ///