South Korea has introduced the ROAM (Remote Online Assistance for Medical) program to make healthcare more accessible for foreign tourists and residents. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, provides online consultations and translation services to help non-Korean speakers navigate the medical system.
According to official announcements, ROAM connects users with medical professionals via a dedicated app, offering real-time interpretation in multiple languages. The service covers common ailments and aims to reduce barriers to care, particularly for short-term visitors who may avoid hospitals due to language difficulties.
As of July 2026, the program is available in major tourist hubs, including Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. The government plans to expand ROAM to all medical institutions nationwide by the end of the year, according to the Ministry's press release.
Healthcare experts note that ROAM complements existing services like the 1339 medical hotline, but adds a digital layer for convenience. The program is part of broader efforts to boost medical tourism, which saw over 600,000 foreign patients in 2025, per Korea Tourism Organization data.
