Seoul to Host World Hospital Congress in 2026, Elevating Korea’s Global Healthcare Influence

The International Hospital Federation (IHF) has confirmed that the 49th World Hospital Congress will be held in Seoul, Korea, from Oct. 19-22, 2026, at COEX and Magok Le West. This marks a significant achievement for the Korean healthcare sector, as it will be the second time the prestigious event is hosted in Korea, the first being in 2007. The announcement was made by the Korean Hospital Association (KHA) on Feb 5, highlighting Korea’s growing influence in the global healthcare landscape.

The IHF, established in 1929, is the world’s largest international organization related to hospitals, with full membership from 60 countries and over 2,500 hospitals as associate members. The annual World Hospital Congress serves as a vital platform for discussing hospital management innovations and healthcare trends, making it a coveted event for countries aiming to showcase their healthcare capabilities.

The KHA’s successful bid to host the congress was the result of a concerted effort involving various government departments and organizations. Lee Wang-jun, vice president of the KHA and chairman of the KHC Special Organizing Committee, acknowledged the crucial support from entities such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korean Medical Association, the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, the Korea Tourism Organization, and the Seoul Tourism Foundation. “The support from related organizations played a significant role in securing this bid,” he stated at a press conference. “We will do our utmost to successfully host this event and establish Korea as a global medical hub.”

The KHA actively promoted its bid by operating a promotional booth at the 47th World Hospital Congress in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in October 2022. These efforts paid off when Korea won the hosting opportunity through a final vote by the IHF Executive Committee two months later, surpassing competitors Hong Kong and Singapore.

The congress is expected to attract approximately 2,000 hospital and medical officials from 90 countries, providing a unique opportunity to promote the global competitiveness of Korean hospitals and the medical industry. A “Korean Pavilion” will be set up to showcase Korea’s digital healthcare technology and promote domestic medical institutions and companies. With more than 40 sessions planned, the event will address the latest medical issues and foster collaboration with global hospital leaders.

Park Seung-il, vice president and International Academic Committee Chairman of the KHA, emphasized the significance of the event. “We plan to make this not just an academic exchange platform but a great opportunity to showcase the innovative achievements and advanced medical systems of Korean hospitals to the world,” he said. “Although the medical community is facing difficult times, we will once again unite to contribute to the advancement of global healthcare.”

The congress is anticipated to boost medical tourism and related industries, further promoting the international market entry of Korean medical technology and the digital healthcare industry. As South Korea is known for its advanced healthcare system and digital healthcare innovations, the event is seen as a pivotal moment to enhance Korea’s status as a leader in global healthcare.

In the context of a prolonged healthcare crisis, which includes challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising healthcare costs, the congress is viewed as an opportunity to address and potentially reverse some of these issues. The KHA is committed to making the 49th World Hospital Congress the best yet, leveraging it as a turning point for the domestic medical field and a platform to elevate Korea’s international standing in healthcare.