CHEONGJU, June 15, 2025
Seoul’s Medical Draw: A Pricey Proposition for Locals
New research reveals the staggering costs incurred by patients traveling to Seoul for medical care, highlighting the economic strain on local residents.
- Local patients spend billions annually on transportation and accommodation for Seoul medical visits.
- Medical expenses in Seoul hospitals cost significantly more then in local facilities.
- The medical gap between Seoul and the regions results in substantial economic losses for local patients.
Why are local patients flocking to Seoul for medical care, and at what cost? A new study sheds light on the financial burden, revealing that patients from outside Seoul are paying a hefty price for seeking treatment in the capital. The total annual cost exceeds 4.6 trillion won.
A wheelchair is placed on one side of Chungbuk National University Hospital in Cheongju, Chungbuk on April 5 last year. Chungbuk National university hospital is the only senior general hospital in Chungbuk. Yonhap News
The Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs conducted the study, which aimed to quantify the expenses associated with local patients seeking care at advanced general hospitals in Seoul. The research highlights the urgent need to bolster the medical capabilities of national university hospitals, which serve as crucial local medical centers.
One of the biggest financial drains is transportation and accommodation, which costs local patients 412.1 billion won annually. Medical expenses, encompassing health insurance benefits and patient copayments, are also significantly higher in Seoul, costing 1.3 trillion won more than at local national hospitals. This is due to differences in tests and treatments for the same illnesses.
Non-paid medical expenses aren’t included, which could increase the total medical expenses. Such as, in 2021, the proportion of unpaid medical care in four private general hospitals was up to 2.2 times higher than in Seoul National University Hospital.
outpatient visits to large Seoul hospitals can also lead to lost income,as patients are often unable to return to work on the same day.The prospect cost of lost income is estimated at 2.2 trillion won, with an additional 663.1 billion won in opportunity costs for patients’ families.
What measures, beyond financial support, could make local hospitals more attractive to patients seeking specialized care? Share your thoughts on how to improve local healthcare accessibility and quality.
The economic damage to local patients due to the medical gap between Seoul and the regions is substantial. The total estimated cost is up to 4.6 trillion won annually.
Annual net costs caused by local leaks from local patients. Graphic = Reporter Lee Ji -won
The lack of sufficient local medical capacity is a key driver of this trend. A survey of 1,050 non-capital residents revealed that 59.6% believe local medical care is inadequate,and 38.1% said local medical institutions lack sufficient medical capacity.
When asked about their willingness to use national university hospitals, 54.1% of respondents favored them for mild diseases, compared to 43.5% for severe illnesses and 45.1% if the cause of the disease was unknown. A vast majority of respondents (80.3%) emphasized the need to strengthen national hospitals, and 80.9% called for active government support.
Did you know that telemedicine, while not a complete solution, could perhaps reduce the need for some patients to travel to Seoul for follow-up appointments and consultations, easing the financial burden?
To enhance the competitiveness of national university hospitals, systemic improvements are essential.Despite being designated as senior general hospitals, many face restrictions as “other public institutions” under the Ministry of Education. Moreover, government support tends to prioritize education and research over medical treatment.
The study also noted that the number of specialists per 10 beds is lower in national university hospitals (2.3-3.3) compared to Seoul’s top hospitals (4.1-4.8). Deficits have increased, from 284.7 billion won in 2023 to 56.2 billion won last year. Lower salaries for medical staff, due to labor costs, also pose a problem.
Calls to transfer the National University Hospital to the Ministry of Health and Welfare have been ongoing as 2005,but no changes have been made in the last two decades. The National Assembly has amended the National university Hospital Establishment Act,but it has not yet been assigned to the standing committee.
Researchers say, “the strengthening of the national hospital capacity is to reduce the loss of society as a whole due to inefficiencies beyond the guarantee of individual medical choice.”
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Beyond Dollars and Cents: Unpacking the Healthcare Disparity in South Korea
The financial burden of seeking medical care in Seoul is just the tip of the iceberg. Disparities in access to quality healthcare extend beyond economics, impacting the health and well-being of South Koreans living outside the capital.the issue demands a deeper understanding of the factors at play, as well as potential solutions to bridge the medical gap.
The problem isn’t simply about cost; itS about the availability and quality of care where people live. Access to specialized medical services, including advanced diagnostic tools and experienced specialists, is crucial for diagnosing and treating complex illnesses. Unluckily, the concentration of these resources in seoul leaves local populations underserved, according to recent research [[1]].
What are the key drivers of this healthcare disparity? several interconnected factors exacerbate the situation. One significant issue is the disparity in health literacy. According to research, health literacy directly impacts health outcomes, varying considerably across different groups
