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Title: KCulture.com Analysis Report - South Korea Sees Surge in Medical Tourism Activity and Western Visitor Growth in 2025
Seoul, Korea South, 5th Jan 2026 - KCulture.com, a premier digital hub for Korean culture and travel insights, has released an in-depth analysis of South Korea’s inbound tourism landscape for 2025. The report highlights a strategic shift in international visitor behavior, characterized by a significant rise in medical tourism and increased engagement from the North American market.Rise in High-Value Medical Tourism According to the analysis by KCulture.com, the share of expenditure in the Medical & Wellness sector rose to 14.9% in 2025 (Jan-Nov), up from 11.8% in 2024. Within this sector, 78.2% of spending was specifically directed toward medical tourism, reflecting a growing global demand for South Korea’s specialized healthcare and aesthetic services.Diversification of Global Markets While China (25.0%) and Japan (11.5%) remain major contributors, the United States saw a notable increase in its share of visitor activity, rising from 8.0% in 2024 to 9.3% in 2025. "The expansion of the Western market signals that the 'K-Experience' is evolving into a lifestyle brand that resonates beyond Asia," said the research team at KCulture.com.Concentrated Economic Impact in Seoul The capital city remains the primary destination, accounting for 69.8% of total nationwide foreign expenditure. Within Seoul, spending is highly concentrated in two districts: Jung-gu (28.7%), known for its retail and luxury hospitality, and Gangnam-gu (27.6%), the epicenter of the nation's medical and beauty industries.Data Methodology and Key InsightsData Source: Korea Tourism Data Lab (Big Data from mobile roaming and credit card transactions).Analysis Period: Jan–Nov 2025 vs. Full Year 2024.Visitor Count Definition: The figures represent cumulativ...
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