Kim Jo-un, CEO of The Medical Korea
Correspondent Jang Ik-kyung’s famous luxury product series
The number of compatriots visiting their home country for medical services is continuously increasing. As of 2023, more than 600,000 foreign patients visited Korea. The main factors that help Korea maintain competitiveness in medical tourism are its globally recognized medical technology, rapid and accurate diagnosis system, and relatively reasonable cost structure.
Compared to the global medical tourism market, Korea has an advantage in the level of treatment using cutting-edge medical equipment and the latest technology. Additionally, the overall quality of medical infrastructure is also excellent. The high level of skill of the medical staff and the patient-centered customized medical services provide high satisfaction to patients from around the world. A multilingual support system and convenient infrastructure for enjoying medical tourism are further improving the patient experience. The combination of these factors is strengthening Korea’s position as a global medical tourism hub.
Accordingly, we met with Kim Jo-un, CEO of The Medical Korea, to answer questions about medical tourism in Korea.
question
I heard that the number of compatriots visiting their home country to receive medical services in Korea is increasing. What do you think are the strengths of Korea’s medical services?
answer
Korea’s strengths are truly diverse. First, Korea boasts world-class medical technology. Thanks to the development of cutting-edge medical technology and innovative treatment methods, patients can receive safe and effective treatment.
Second, reasonable cost is also a big advantage. Medical services in Korea are relatively inexpensive compared to other developed countries such as the United States, which is an important reason to choose Korea.
Third, we have excellent medical infrastructure. The latest medical equipment and convenient hospital environment play a big role in instilling trust in patients and increasing satisfaction with the treatment process.
Additionally, the high level of medical staff is one of Korea’s strengths. Korean medical staff provide the best treatment based on their high level of education and abundant experience.
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What hospitals and medical treatments do overseas Koreans mainly want to use?
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There are many different areas that compatriots seek out when receiving medical services in Korea. One of the most popular areas is health screening. In particular, Korea has the latest equipment and a quick and systematic examination system, so it is a great advantage to be able to receive a precise diagnosis. Many of our compatriots want to check their health status periodically, and health checkup centers in Korea are very attractive to them.
Additionally, many people seek dental treatment. Korean dental technology is recognized globally, and specialized treatments such as implants and orthodontics in particular can provide high-quality results in a relatively short period of time. One of the reasons is that our prices are competitive compared to overseas.
Plastic surgery is also receiving great attention. Korea has established itself as a world leader in the field of plastic surgery, and is trusted by its compatriots for its natural results and meticulous follow-up care.
There are many people who want to receive vision correction surgery at an ophthalmology clinic. Vision restoration treatments such as the latest laser procedures and cataract surgery are favored by many people thanks to Korea’s advanced technology.
Dermatology and orthopedics are also popular fields. Many people visit dermatology clinics seeking laser treatment or anti-aging procedures, and many people visit orthopedics clinics for joint treatment or disc-related surgery. In particular, Korea offers many non-surgical treatment options, so we can offer a variety of options to our compatriots.
question
What are the causes of anxiety or worry felt by compatriots seeking medical services in Korea?
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Differences in medical systems can be confusing to fellow countrymen. Compared to the United States or other countries, Korea’s medical system may differ in procedures and treatment methods, and compatriots who try to use medical institutions without knowing this may feel worried. The process of choosing a hospital, making an appointment, and receiving treatment can feel different, and you often find yourself wondering what to do, especially in an emergency situation.
There are also concerns about aftercare. Since most of our compatriots have to return overseas after treatment, they worry a lot about whether they will be able to properly receive follow-up care and follow-up counseling after treatment. You may be satisfied while receiving treatment in Korea, but you will inevitably feel anxious if communication with Korean medical staff or follow-up treatment does not proceed smoothly after returning to Korea.
Additionally, uncertainty about costs is a cause for concern. Although our compatriots know that Korean medical services are relatively inexpensive compared to overseas, they may have concerns about the exact cost structure of all treatments or how additional costs will arise. In particular, if you are not familiar with Korea’s hospital system, you may be concerned about exceeding your budget.
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What prompted you to start a medical tourism business?
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I have always been interested in overseas markets. While working at the hospital, I often saw foreign patients visiting Korea being deeply satisfied and impressed with Korean medical services. I also felt proud when I saw them regaining their health and being amazed and happy about Korea’s medical standards. This experience made me realize how excellent Korea’s medical technology and patient care are.
However, at the same time, my heart became heavy as I saw some foreign patients end up in a worse situation after treatment due to lack of information or inadequate follow-up care. Their problem was not simply a lack of quality of treatment, but a lack of proper guidance and follow-up care. What I felt while watching this was that if correct information and careful guidance were provided, they could achieve better results.
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When planning medical tourism, what are some things that patients must check before coming?
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When preparing for medical tourism, it is essential to carefully consider several important factors in advance. First of all, it is most important to carefully select a medical tourism company. You must check whether the company is a licensed and trustworthy company, and whether it can properly connect you with a hospital and medical staff that suits the patient’s needs. If the company selection is not done properly, the patient may choose a hospital they do not want or may experience difficulties because they do not receive proper guidance.
Additionally, you must thoroughly check hospital information. It is also helpful to research the hospital’s reputation, professionalism of the medical staff, and level of facilities in advance, and, if necessary, refer to testimonials or reviews. If you cannot visit the hospital in person, you should get a thorough explanation from the company and be careful when choosing a hospital.
Your itinerary and accommodation are also important. Patients must plan their stay in accordance with their treatment schedule and prepare a stay schedule that takes the recovery period into consideration. It is also important to choose a place where you can stay during your stay that is comfortable and has good access to medical facilities.
Also, checking costs is essential. In addition to treatment costs, you must carefully consider lodging costs, transportation costs, and costs for additional treatment or management. It is necessary to receive a clear quote in advance to avoid unexpected additional costs.
Lastly, you can’t forget to prepare your visa and airline tickets. Checking the visa requirements for medical tourism and reserving airline tickets that fit your treatment schedule are also essential preparations. Only when all these preparations are thoroughly made can medical tourism in Korea proceed smoothly.
In conclusion, before coming for medical tourism, you must carefully prepare everything, including selecting a trustworthy company, providing sufficient consultation, checking hospital information, planning your stay and accommodation, checking costs, and preparing visas and airline tickets to ensure successful treatment and a satisfactory experience. there is.
question
Lastly, can you tell us about your company’s vision and operating principles?
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As a licensed medical tourism company, our company prioritizes trust and transparency with our customers above all else. As medical tourism is an important choice directly related to the health of our customers, we always strive to keep our conscience and provide services that our customers can trust and rely on. Our team of experts provides carefully tailored support to understand each customer’s situation and needs and connect them to the optimal medical institution.
Our mission is not limited to simply introducing medical institutions, but we prioritize thorough management and prevention so that our customers can receive safe and effective treatment. To this end, we cooperate with trustworthy medical institutions through strict standards and carefully manage the pre- and post-treatment process to help customers focus on treatment without worry.