South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is witnessing a surge in medical tourism as international travelers flock to its thousands of skincare clinics. Maria Zu, a consultant from Dubai, exemplifies this trend, having spent her recent visit undergoing advanced treatments like red light therapy and Botox.

With over 2 million foreigners visiting for medical services last year, according to Korea’s health ministry, this sector is outpacing traditional tourism. Hong Seung-wook from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute notes the increasing preference for anti-aging treatments among middle-aged tourists.

The allure lies in the cost-effectiveness and cutting-edge techniques of K-beauty, which are often years ahead of Western practices. Lienjang clinic in Gangnam, for example, represents the competition-driven affordability that attracts around 15,000 clinics across the nation, offering innovative services greatly sought after by global visitors.

(With inputs from agencies.)