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Critical Success Factors of Medical Tourism: The Case of South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Soojung Kim

    (Department of Tourism and Convention, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea)

  • Charles Arcodia

    (Department of Tourism, Sport and Hotel Management, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia)

  • Insin Kim

    (Department of Tourism and Convention, Pusan National University, Pusan 46241, Korea)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the key success factors of medical tourism using the case of South Korea. Medical tourism refers to the phenomenon of travelling across national borders intentionally to access a variety of medical treatments, especially modern medical treatment. Through conducting semi-structure face-to-face in-depth interviews with the service suppliers of Korean medical tourism, it was discovered that Korean medical tourism has been facilitated by the effect of Hallyu and advanced Korean brand power. More importantly, tourism activities for companions and extra support for patients’ convenience are identified as important success factors of Korean medical tourism, suggesting that the medical tourism industry not only includes medical services but also involves tourism perspectives, supporting the patient and their companions to stay in a comfortable and pleasurable environment. This study generated results which are valuable for both academic and industry perspectives, as this is a field which has not been extensively researched. Medical tourism representatives in other countries can consult these findings to develop the industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Soojung Kim & Charles Arcodia & Insin Kim, 2019. "Critical Success Factors of Medical Tourism: The Case of South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:24:p:4964-:d:295020
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Xiaoting Chi & Bo Meng & Hyerin Lee & Bee‐Lia Chua & Heesup Han, 2023. "Pro‐environmental employees and sustainable hospitality and tourism businesses: Exploring strategic reasons and global motives for green behaviors," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4167-4182, November.
    8. Haeok Liz Kim & Sunghyup Sean Hyun, 2022. "The Future of Medical Tourism for Individuals’ Health and Well-Being: A Case Study of the Relationship Improvement between the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-19, May.
    9. Monika Boguszewicz-Kreft & Sylwia Kuczamer-Kłopotowska & Arkadiusz Kozłowski & Ali Ayci & Mohammd Abuhashesh, 2020. "The Theory of Planned Behaviour in Medical Tourism: International Comparison in the Young Consumer Segment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-17, March.
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    12. Liu, Xiao & Li, Ming-Yang, 2024. "Sustainable service product design method: Focus on customer demands and triple bottom line," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).

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