South Korea Telehealth

The demand for telehealth in South Korea continues to grow, fueled by an aging population and the need for accessible care. The South Korean government is gradually moving toward broader telehealth reforms.  

Although South Korea’s telehealth development has been hindered by a lack of a permanent legal framework, Korea has experimented with temporary implementations of teleconsultations between medical doctors and patients during COVID-19 and the current ongoing doctors’ strike. In response to hospitals facing disruptions, including surgery cancellations and emergency room closures, the Korean government temporarily allowed teleconsultations directly with patients to ease the burden on the healthcare system. Even though these temporary programs have demonstrated the benefits of teleconsultations with patients, current law only permits remote medical consultations between medical professionals for obtaining second opinions.

Ongoing policy debates regarding the scope of legal telehealth services, including insurance reimbursement, reflect a growing recognition of telehealth’s potential and the potential for further legalization. U.S. telehealth technology companies have new business opportunities in this evolving environment but must be prepared to navigate the changing regulatory environment. U.S. companies should align their offerings with Korean regulations, engage with local stakeholders, and participate in pilot projects by collaborating with the Korean government.

For more detailed insights, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Korea: Jinjoo Lee, Senior Healthcare Trade Specialist, Jinjoo.Lee@trade.gov. If you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, connect with your local U.S. Commercial Service office in the United States to schedule an appointment for a consultation.