Updated Oct.15,2008 11:52 KST

Korea Set to Launch Medical Tourism Initiative

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The Korean wave has put a growing number of beautiful Korean actresses in the global spotlight. Not only has this led to a surge in cinema box-office sales, but also a newfound foreign interest in Korea's booming cosmetic surgery industry.

According to a survey of 50 Chinese travel industry experts by the Seoul Tourism and Marketing Corporation, 65 percent recommended that Korea use plastic surgery or skincare treatments to lure more medical tourists.

Tapping into the rising interest, the Seoul city government plans to market tours offering medical treatments. The packages, called "Seoul Beauty Tours," aim to boost tourism revenues by offering Korea's finest cosmetic medical services.

Critics say this type of marketing capitalizes on vanity, but proponents say it simply caters to growing demand.

With its advanced cosmetic medical skills, Korea is set to attract more foreigners who want to emulate beautiful movie stars. By making the dreams of beauty-conscious foreigners a reality, Korea hopes to become a regional medical tourism hub soon.

Arirang News.