S. Korea seeking advances in medical industry using AI and medical tourism

An annual medical conference took place here in the country with a showcase of how healthcare taps into AI as well as growing international recognition in the industry.

Ahn Sung-jin tells us more.

AI and healthcare.

The combination of these is going beyond implementation, as companies seek to weave them into our daily lives.

South Korea's Health Ministry and the Korea Health Industry Development Institute are hosting the annual Medical Korea conference to connect those in the field, and promote discussions on the implications of this.

With a need for more healthcare workers and an aging population, AI integration into people's daily lives has become inevitable, and an expert says this is not as a replacement, but as a helper.

"There is no doubt that AI is here to stay in the medical industry the people who are concerned or worried about AI are going to struggle in the future as AI becomes more and more intercalated into everything that we do."

Alongside the use of smart technology in our everyday lives, Korea is also promoting medical tourism, welcoming those seeking K-beauty healthcare.

"An increase in the number of patients visiting Korea for medical purposes implies that not only is our medical technology acknowledged worldwide, but also suggests that we are becoming a focal point for medical tourism in Asia."

As Korea receives more international recognition, medical tourists continue to increase with the number soon to exceed 1 million.

"Many Korean companies in the beauty and medical industry are here to showcase the latest trends as well as to network and find partners."

With more tourists spending on healthcare and reinvigorating the economy, companies are aiming to increase their competitiveness in the field.

"Due to Hallyu, Korean healthcare products are garnering more attention, and I hope to share this worldwide."

As the country steps up as a medical powerhouse, efforts from stakeholders are set to become more apparent.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.