Introduction: Opportunities & Compliance in Korea Medical Tourism
Planning a Medical Tourism Business Korea venture is a high-value opportunity. However, foreign entrepreneurs must be aware that Korea strictly regulates this industry under the “Act on Overseas Medical Expansion”.
Unlike in other countries, operating a Medical Tourism Business Korea entity without a license is a criminal offense. This guide outlines the mandatory requirements.
1. Medical Tourism Business Korea: Why Registration is Mandatory
To legally operate a Medical Tourism Business Korea service, you must register with the MOHW.
Legal Requirement: Any entity attracting foreign patients for profit must register.
Risk: Operating without a license leads to fines up to 30 million KRW.
2. Commission Limits for Medical Tourism Business Korea (Legal Cap)
The core revenue model of a Medical Tourism Business is the commission fee. However, can you negotiate any rate with a hospital? No.
To maintain market order, the Korean government enforces a Legal Cap on commissions. Demanding fees above this limit is considered “excessive” and is punishable by law.
[Table 1] Statutory Commission Caps by Institution Type (MOHW Guidelines)
The allowable rate depends on the size of the medical institution, not just the department.
Medical Institution Type
Maximum Commission Rate
Examples
Clinic
Max 30%
Most Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, Dental, and Ophthalmology Clinics
General Hospital
Max 20%
Specialized Hospitals (Spine/Joint), Mid-sized General Hospitals
Tertiary Hospital
Max 15%
Major University Hospitals (Cancer, Transplants, Severe Diseases)
Note: Contracts exceeding these limits are invalid and can lead to the revocation of your Medical Tourism Business license.
3. Medical Tourism Business Registration: 3 Key Requirements
To obtain a license and safely operate your Medical Tourism Business, your company must meet the following three absolute criteria.
A. Capital Requirement (Zabon-geum)
Standard: Minimum 100 million KRW (approx. $75,000 USD).
Proof: Must be verified via corporate bank statements or equity. This is a barrier to entry designed to ensure business stability.
B. Guarantee Insurance
Coverage: Subscription to a policy with coverage of at least 100 million KRW.
Purpose: Mandatory insurance to compensate foreign patients in case of medical malpractice or accidents during their stay.
C. Physical Office
Standard: A registered physical office address in Korea.
Caution: Authorities conduct on-site inspections. Virtual offices or shared spaces without distinct physical separation are often rejected for Medical Tourism Business registration.
4. FAQ: Questions on Medical Tourism Business
Q1. Can I pay a commission to an influencer for selling “surgery coupons”?
A. No. Selling medical coupons by non-medical personnel is prohibited. Furthermore, paying a commission to an unregistered influencer can be interpreted as aiding and abetting an illegal brokerage act.
Q2. Can the patient pay the surgery fee to my agency, and I transfer it to the hospital?
A. We advise against this. The “Payment Proxy” structure creates risks of tax evasion (omitted revenue) and embezzlement charges. The safest structure for a Medical Tourism Business is: Patient $\rightarrow$ Hospital (Direct Payment), followed by the hospital paying your commission upon receiving a tax invoice.
Q3. Can I start this business immediately with a D-8 (Corporate Investment) visa?
A. No. You must specifically add “Foreign Patient Attraction” to your corporate registration and obtain the separate license. Operating a Medical Tourism Business without this specific registration is a violation of your visa terms.
Conclusion: Compliance is Key to Success
The key to long-term success in the Medical Tourism Business in Korea is strict Regulatory Compliance. The government is intensifying crackdowns on illegal brokers to protect the industry’s reputation.
