Combining Healthcare and Tourism, Boosting the Local Economy
Andong Hospital, operated by the Gyeongbuk Andong Medical Foundation, garnered an enthusiastic response from the local Korean community and visitors with its 'K-Health Tour' showcased at the Korean Festival in Chicago, USA.
Andong Hospital's K-Health Tour showcased at the Korean Festival in Chicago, USA, drew enthusiastic responses from the local Korean community and visitors.
During the '2025 Taste of Korea Chicago' festival held in Illinois, USA, on August 9 and 10, approximately 7,000 people visited the Andong Hospital booth and experienced the competitiveness of Korean medical tourism firsthand.
The Andong Hospital Health Tour was designed to reflect the practical needs of overseas Koreans. Its features include airport pickup, dedicated concierge services, direct examination and interpretation by specialists with results provided in a single day, and packages that include accommodation, meals, and sightseeing.
Visitors can also tour UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hahoe Village and Bongjeongsa Temple, allowing them to enjoy both health checkups and local cultural experiences within a short itinerary.
The impact extends beyond simple medical services, significantly benefiting the local economy. As participants stay for a set period and engage in spending activities such as accommodation, dining, and shopping, local businesses are invigorated, leading to a virtuous cycle for the regional economy.
Representatives from the Chicago Korean Nurses Association, Chicago Korean Women’s Association, and the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA) commented, "The program, which combines customized health screenings by age group with relaxation and tourism, offers both uniqueness and competitiveness."
This achievement was supported by Andong Hospital’s top-tier domestic capabilities in critical emergency medicine and its international reputation. The hospital’s experience operating a doctor helicopter, regional emergency medical center, regional cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease center, and regional trauma center, as well as its status as a partner medical institution for the '2025 APEC Summit,' were also highlighted.
Andong Hospital conducted interviews with local Chicago media and further strengthened its cooperation with the Chicago Korean Chamber of Commerce, following the agreement signed in February.
Chairman Kang Sinhong stated, "The Health Tour is a win-win model that provides world-class Korean medical services to overseas Koreans and tourists, while simultaneously revitalizing the local economy. We will continue to lead medical tourism that offers tangible benefits to both overseas communities and the local region."
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