Vietnamese tourists flock to South Korea for medical beauty services

The figure is expected to surge in the near future.

According to a recent report by the Seoul Tourism Organization, Vietnam ranks among the top six countries sending medical tourists to the South Korean capital, alongside nations such as China, Japan, and Singapore.

Most Vietnamese visitors seek cosmetic surgery, dermatological treatments, dental care, and other aesthetic services.

Ham Kyung-jun, executive director at the Seoul Tourism Organization, noted that medical tourism in Seoul experienced a 93.2-percent year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching nearly one million international patients.

Of these, about 20,000 were from Vietnam, a figure expected to multiply in the coming year as more Vietnamese are willing to spend on medical and wellness trips ranging from five days to two weeks.

This surge was driven by a growing demand for comprehensive medical tourism experiences.

Travelers now seek a blend of health check-ups, cosmetic enhancements, wellness programs, cultural experiences, and leisure activities.

Enhancing access, comfort for Vietnamese tourists

To attract more international travelers, especially Vietnamese, Seoul is launching specialized support programs for medical tourists.

Ham said the city is developing a network of certified healthcare providers, through which international patients can access coordinated services such as interpretation, airport transfers, and streamlined admissions to hospitals and hotels.

Notably, 110 interpreters, including Vietnamese speakers, have been trained and certified over the past year.

"There is growing demand among hospitals for Vietnamese-speaking coordinators to better serve this expanding group of patients," Ham said.

"We are committed to creating a trustworthy medical environment for international patients by strengthening the skills of our coordination teams."

Additionally, the Seoul Medical Tourism Center under the Seoul Tourism Organization functions as a key contact point for patients seeking assistance before or during their treatment in the city.

The South Korean representative also said that simplifying visa processes for Vietnamese medical tourists is essential to sustain growth.

What can Vietnam learn from South Korea’s medical tourism model?

According to Ham, Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular have strong potential to develop medical tourism.

Key factors include professional expertise, competitive pricing, and building trust with tourists by seamlessly integrating healthcare with travel.

Also, medical tourism promotion agencies must understand insurance protocols and healthcare regulations, he said.