The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism have opened a medical tourism support center at Incheon International Airport.

Affiliated organizations of the ministries such as the Korea Health Industry Development Institute and Korea Tourism Organization will jointly run the support center. The ministries aim to provide integrated service for foreign visitors, ensuring easy access to medical services and medical tourism through professional counseling services.

Patients visiting the center can receive medical counseling provided by residing nurses and attendants in multi-languages -- English, Japanese, Chinese and Russia. Other services include transportation guide to medical institutions, medical appointment scheduling, and recommendation of nearby accommodation and restaurants.

The patients can access the waiting lounge, which they can use as a meeting point for their agents or relevant persons from medical institutions. They can also learn about various tourist attractions and experience a glimpse of Korean culture through programs such as traditional tea sampling.

“Through the support center, we hope to enhance the visitor experience in Korea by ensuring them a good start from the moment of arrival at the airport,” said Kim Hye-seon, director-general of Global Healthcare Bureau at the health ministry.

Yu Byung-chae, director-general of Tourism Industry Bureau at the culture ministry, also said, “The opening of the support center is a desirable outcome of collaboration between the ministries that sought to link the healthcare and tourism sectors.”

The center is open all year round and is located next to Gate 7 in the arrival hall of Incheon International Airport Terminal 1.