"K-Medicine Promotion Linked to K-Culture Needed"... Korean Medicine Doctors Publish Study on Clinical Experiences with Foreign Patients

Published 05 Sep.2025 12:48(KST)

Improving Communication Systems
and Developing Standardized Clinical Manuals

A recently published thesis focusing on the real clinical experiences of Korean medicine doctors treating foreign patients is drawing attention.

The National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, in collaboration with Tongin Korean Medicine Clinic (headed by Shin Jeongwon and Lee Seunghwan), which supports attracting foreign patients, planned the study. The thesis, titled "Analysis of Korean Medicine Clinical Experiences and Challenges for Foreign Patients: A Qualitative Study," was authored by students from the College of Korean Medicine at Woosuk University (Kim Joungho, Park Yoonjae, Han Jino) and was recently published in the Journal of Korean Medicine.

The thesis was supervised by Jeon Chunhu, Professor at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, and researcher Jeong Hyein.

This study originated from the recognition that, although the demand for Korean medicine treatment has steadily increased since the revision of the Medical Service Act in 2009 and the subsequent expansion of efforts to attract foreign patients, there is a lack of research addressing the actual clinical experiences of Korean medicine doctors.

The research involved conducting focus group interviews (FGI) with seven Korean medicine doctors who have experience treating foreign patients. Data were collected and analyzed, and key themes were identified.

The analysis revealed that foreign patients typically visit Korean medicine clinics through referrals from acquaintances, online platforms, or by visiting clinics near tourist attractions. Korean medicine doctors are expanding their treatment of foreign patients, recognizing both the limitations of the domestic medical market and the international competitiveness of Korean medicine.

The thesis also addresses the difficulties encountered when treating foreign patients. These include increased work burdens such as insufficient prior explanation of medical fees, complaints due to price confusion, and the need for longer explanations compared to domestic patients. To address these challenges, clinics are hiring staff proficient in foreign languages, utilizing AI translation tools, and clearly displaying prices in foreign languages.

The research team suggested that, in order to globalize Korean medicine, improvements are needed in communication systems that consider cultural differences, the development of standardized clinical manuals, and reforms in systems related to the export of herbal medicines. They also analyzed that promotional strategies linking Korean medicine with K-culture would be effective.

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Jeon Chunhu, Professor at Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, stated, "I hope this research will serve as indirect experience and a guide for Korean medicine doctors planning to treat foreign patients."

Jeon Chunhoo, Professor at Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine.

Lee Youngmin, Director of the Globalization Center at the National Institute for Korean Medicine Development, said, "This thesis will be helpful in formulating strategies for the globalization of Korean medicine," adding, "We will further strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean medicine through continued support for medical institutions, system improvements, and enhanced promotional efforts."