Telemedicine in South Korea Surges, Reaching 11 Million Consultations in 2024 | Be Korea-savvy

Telemedicine in South Korea Surges, Reaching 11 Million Consultations in 2024


Telemedicine (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

Telemedicine (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — Telemedicine consultations in South Korea reached a cumulative 11 million cases in 2024, reflecting a growing reliance on remote healthcare services for non-urgent conditions, according to the Remote Medical Industry Council (RMIC), a consortium of telemedicine platform companies.

The RMIC reported that remote consultations were most commonly used for mild ailments, such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and colds. Dermatological conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, and rashes, accounted for 22% of all telemedicine cases, making them the most frequently treated category.

Other significant uses included colds and rhinitis (16%), hair loss (12%), chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension (10%), gynecological conditions such as menopause management (7%), pediatric ailments (6%), and prescriptions for artificial tears (4%).

The data highlights the popularity of telemedicine for managing chronic and non-urgent conditions, the RMIC noted. It also emphasized the convenience of virtual care, particularly for parents seeking treatment for children, as telemedicine eliminates the need for physical visits that require parental accompaniment.

The surge in telemedicine underscores the increasing role of digital platforms in delivering healthcare, particularly for routine and manageable conditions, as South Korea continues to adapt to technological advancements in medicine.

Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)

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