South Korea Expands Fast-Track Visas to Boost Medical Tourism

South Korea is making it easier for international patients to access its healthcare services by expanding its fast-track visa program. This initiative aims to attract more medical tourists and spread the benefits of this growing industry beyond the capital city of Seoul. The Ministry of Justice has increased the number of certified medical tourism institutions, allowing more regional hospitals and private agencies to participate in the program. This move is expected to boost foreign patient numbers and contribute to the economy.

Expanding Certified Medical Tourism Institutions

Starting October 1, 2026, South Korea’s certified medical tourism network will grow to include 112 institutions. This expansion adds more regional providers to the program, aiming to distribute medical tourism traffic more evenly across the country. The goal is to encourage foreign patients to seek treatment in areas outside of Seoul, bringing economic advantages to these regions. While Seoul still holds the majority of certified entities, the number of nonmetropolitan institutions has seen an increase.

Revisions to Support Regional Growth

Changes made in June 2026 have helped to open the door wider for provincial institutions. Officials lowered performance requirements for these regional facilities and introduced bonus points for their participation. These revisions have increased the representation of nonmetropolitan institutions from 14 to 22. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to promote medical travel in areas beyond the main metropolitan hubs.

Benefits of the Fast-Track Visa Program

Certified institutions in South Korea offer several advantages to foreign patients through the fast-track visa system. These benefits include a three-day electronic visa processing time, which significantly speeds up the entry process. Additionally, patients using the certified channels are often exempt from providing extensive financial documentation. The program also allows for broader visa eligibility for accompanying caregivers, making it more convenient for patients traveling with family or support.

These advantages make the certified route a more appealing and efficient option compared to the standard visa application process. The demand for these medical visas is evident, as the number of C-3-3 visas issued through certified channels saw a 40 percent increase year on year, reaching 9,804 between October 2025 and August 2026.

Network Composition and Regional Representation

The expanded pool of 112 certified entities is made up of 89 medical facilities and 23 private agencies. Within this network, 90 entities are located in the greater Seoul area, while 22 are situated in nonmetropolitan regions. Although the capital still dominates the network, the increase in regional institutions signifies a gradual shift towards wider geographic participation. The new designations for these institutions are valid for one year, from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027.

Measure	Count
Medical facilities in the program	89
Private agencies in the program	23
Certified entities in the greater Seoul area	90
Certified entities in nonmetropolitan regions	22
Nonmetropolitan representation before June revision	14
Nonmetropolitan representation after June revision	22

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