Attracting Foreign Patients and Boosting the Local Economy Expected
The designation period for the "Smart Medical Special Zone" in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, has been extended until 2027. As a special zone, the district receives various regulatory exemptions as well as administrative and financial support, enabling it to pursue strategic projects tailored to local characteristics.
On June 25, Yeongdeungpo District announced that, following a recent review by the Regional Specialized Development Special Zone Committee of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the extension of the Smart Medical Special Zone designation is expected to further invigorate the local economy.
The Smart Medical Special Zone is a system designed to attract foreign patients and revitalize the medical tourism industry by linking the region's medical and tourism resources.
During this latest review for extension, Yeongdeungpo District received high marks for its excellent geographic location and robust medical and tourism infrastructure. The district can be reached within one hour from Incheon International Airport and within 30 minutes from Gimpo International Airport, making it advantageous for attracting foreign patients from neighboring countries such as China, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia. It also serves as a key transportation hub connecting the southwestern metropolitan area with downtown Seoul.
The district is home to a high concentration of medical institutions specializing in specific fields such as diseases, burns, joints, and skin. It also boasts the highest number of general hospitals among Seoul’s autonomous districts, providing outstanding medical infrastructure. Facilities catering to foreigners, such as department stores, large shopping malls, and hotels, are readily available, along with diverse tourism resources including the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, and 63 Building.
Since its initial designation as a special zone in 2017, the district has continuously implemented various projects to attract foreign patients and expand hospital facilities. Proactive marketing efforts have included overseas promotion through nine medical tourism social media channels operating in six languages and the distribution of promotional materials at events such as the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. As a result, the number of foreign patients increased from 6,578 in 2018 to 13,469 in 2024, representing an approximate 105% rise and making a significant contribution to revitalizing the local economy.
With this extension, the district plans to supplement existing projects and introduce a "medical tourism lifecycle system" that provides comprehensive support from arrival to diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and departure, as well as a "wellness service" that manages both physical and mental health in an integrated manner to encourage long-term stays and repeat visits. In addition, the district intends to strengthen cooperation with overseas medical institutions and related organizations to enhance global competitiveness.
Choi Hogwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "This extension is a recognition of our ongoing efforts and achievements in revitalizing the Smart Medical Special Zone. We will pursue a variety of strategies to attract international patients and take another step forward in establishing Yeongdeungpo as a global hub for medical tourism."
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