South Korea Telemedicine
South Korea’s newly enacted telemedicine legislation creates a permanent, statutory framework for doctor–patient telemedicine after 15 years of legislative impasse. For U.S. telehealth and digital health technology companies, 2026 will function as a transition year in which U.S. firms can help shape technical standards, reimbursement models, and pilot programs before the amendment will enter into force. To align with the formal procedures and transparency standards of Korean agencies, U.S. firms should prioritize engagement through the 2026 restructured pilot programs and explore official channels for expert contribution.
On December 23, 2025, South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung promulgated the amendment to the Medical Service Act, which had been passed by the Korean National Assembly on December 2, 2025. This legislation is built upon four core principles:
- Maintaining in-person care as the primary norm.
- Focusing on clinic-level institutions.
- Prioritizing follow-up care for existing patients.
- Prohibiting institutions dedicated entirely to telemedicine.
Industry experts emphasize that it is significant because it establishes a statutory basis for services that previously operated in “gray zones” and provides a legal foundation for conducting pilot programs to evaluate and integrate these services into the formal healthcare system. This represents a pivotal shift in Korea’s healthcare landscape.
For U.S. telehealth-tech companies, 2026 serves as a “transition year” to engage with the Korean market. The government is currently prioritizing the development of a public telemedicine support system and defining subordinate regulations, including technical standards and reimbursement structures. U.S. firms can collaborate with Korean medical institutions on real-world clinical studies to contribute expert input to emerging technical and reimbursement standards. Furthermore, it is important for U.S. firms to submit evidence-based data demonstrating how their telemonitoring solutions reduce physician workload while enhancing patient management efficiency to justify a favorable reimbursement structure. Ultimately, successful market entry will require a sustained commitment to compliance with the evolving legal framework and a collaborative mindset that prioritizes the stability of the national healthcare system.
If you need more detailed insights, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Korea: Jinjoo Lee, Senior Healthcare commercial Specialist, Jinjoo.Lee@trade.gov. If you’re looking to make your first export sale or expand to additional markets, connect with your local U.S. Commercial Service office in the United States to schedule an appointment for a consultation.