A growing number of patients from Mongolia and Russia are traveling to South Korea for life-saving medical care. This sharp rise highlights the country’s growing status as a hub for medical tourism.
One notable case involves a 63-year-old Mongolian man who had a liver transplant at Seoul Asan Medical Center. Diagnosed with hepatitis D in 2022, his condition worsened. His son donated part of his liver, and the surgery saved his life.
In another case, a five-year-old Russian boy received proton therapy at Samsung Medical Center. He had a malignant brain tumor. Previous radiation therapy in Russia had failed. His family then chose to travel to South Korea for better treatment options.
Last year, South Korea welcomed 1.17 million foreign patients. This was nearly double the 610,000 seen in 2023. It also marked a 140% rise from the 490,000 recorded in 2019 before COVID-19. Experts expect the number of foreign patients to reach 1.5 million this year.
Many patients from Japan and China seek cosmetic and skin treatments. But visits for serious medical care—like cancer treatment and organ transplants—are rising too. This is especially true for patients from Mongolia and Russia.
Between January and May this year, foreign patients spent 714.5 billion won on medical care. That’s a 74.9% increase from the same time last year, when spending reached 408.4 billion won. The number of payment transactions also rose by 50.5%, from around 991,000 to more than 1.49 million. The average payment per transaction increased by 16%, from 412,000 won to 478,000 won.
This growth is partly linked to the global popularity of Korean culture, known as the Korean Wave. K-pop, dramas, and beauty trends have helped shine a light on Korean medical services, building global trust.
Patients from Mongolia and Russia stand out in this trend. In 2019, 17,918 Mongolian patients came to Korea. That number dipped during the pandemic but surged to 25,731 in 2023—a record high. Russian patient numbers also dropped during 2020 and 2021, down to the 6,000 range. But by 2023, 16,622 Russians had returned for care, even amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Unlike Japanese and Chinese patients, who often seek beauty-related care, most Mongolian and Russian patients visit for essential treatments. These include internal medicine, cancer therapy, and organ surgery. Many suffer from severe diseases that local hospitals struggle to treat.
Korean hospitals offer top-tier medical tools, skilled staff, and clean facilities. This makes them a trusted choice for patients with complex conditions. Before COVID-19, many foreign patients came for health check-ups or plastic surgery. But since 2023, more are coming for serious medical reasons. Some even sell property or collect donations to afford treatment.
South Korean hospitals have earned praise worldwide. In Newsweek’s 2025 Asia-Pacific Best Specialized Hospitals list, nine Korean hospitals ranked first in six out of nine categories. These include top areas like cancer, heart care, and hormone disorders.
Patients and families often compare treatment results before choosing a hospital abroad. Some Russian patients initially consider Turkey or Israel, but change plans after reviewing the success rates in Korea.
With this rise in demand, hospitals are hiring more international coordinators. These workers help with booking, interpretation, airport pick-up, and overall care. All five of Korea’s top hospitals now have special coordinators for Mongolian and Russian patients. Many other hospitals are following suit.
The increase in Mongolian and Russian patients shows that South Korea is more than just a destination for cosmetic procedures. It is now seen as a reliable place for complex medical care. Patients are not only drawn by Korean culture, but also by high treatment success rates, modern facilities, and dedicated support systems.
