이가온 기자 ㅣ 여행레저신문

Seoul City, in collaboration with the Seoul Tourism Organization, has announced the launch of the “2024-2026 Seoul Medical Tourism Interpreting Coordinator” program, aimed at enhancing the quality of care for foreign patients and bolstering Seoul’s position in the global medical tourism market.

The role of a “Seoul Medical Tourism Interpreting Coordinator” encompasses vital responsibilities such as medical interpretation, medical tourism consultation, and marketing support for foreign patients seeking medical services in Seoul. These highly skilled professionals play a critical role in attracting and managing international patients within medical facilities.

The recruitment period for the “Seoul Medical Tourism Interpreting Professional Training Course” garnered significant interest from individuals aspiring to join the medical tourism industry. Over a span of three weeks, from May 16th to June 4th, a total of 326 applicants competed for the opportunity to be part of this prestigious program, showcasing the industry’s enthusiasm for revitalizing the medical tourism ecosystem.

After a rigorous selection process, 99 trainees were chosen to participate in the program. Notably, approximately 40% of the selected candidates possess language proficiency not only in English, Chinese, and Japanese but also in languages such as Mongolian, Russian, and Vietnamese. This diverse linguistic capability positions Seoul to cater to the specific needs of foreign patients from various countries.

The trainees will undergo an intensive training program organized by the Seoul Tourism Organization, starting in September. Successful completion of the course will grant them official recognition as Interpreting Coordinators designated by Seoul City. Over the course of three years, they will be responsible for coordinating medical interpretation services and actively engaging in medical tourism-related activities.

To obtain certification, trainees must fulfill the required training hours and pass the final examination. Upon meeting these criteria, they will be given priority in being assigned to medical institutions and organizations participating in Seoul’s medical tourism initiatives from 2024 to 2026. This arrangement aims to facilitate effective communication and enhance the overall patient experience.

Furthermore, in addition to their core responsibilities in interpreting coordination, the trainees will actively contribute to various projects aimed at promoting medical and wellness tourism in Seoul. They will participate in events such as the “Seoul Medical Tourism International Travel Mart” and engage in other initiatives led by Seoul City and the Seoul Tourism Organization. These activities will enable the trainees to gain practical experience and broaden their expertise in the field.

During an orientation session, distinguished experts from the medical tourism industry, including the Korean Hospital Association and Kyung Hee Medical Center, provided valuable insights into the current landscape of attracting domestic and international patients. The trainees also received a lecture from Baek Hyeon-jeong, an esteemed International Medical Tourism Coordinator, who emphasized the vital role and exemplary conduct expected of medical tourism interpreting coordinators. This session further motivated the trainees, ensuring their preparedness to deliver exceptional care and support to foreign patients.

Hwang Mi-jeong, Head of the Global 2 Team at the Seoul Tourism Organization, expressed confidence in the growing demand for high-quality medical tourism services in Seoul, as the global market continues its recovery. She emphasized the significance of well-trained Interpreting Coordinators in building trust and fostering positive experiences for foreign medical tourists.

Through the collaborative efforts of Seoul City and the Seoul Tourism Organization, the cultivation of skilled Interpreting Coordinators will reinforce Seoul’s reputation as a premier destination for medical tourism. This initiative will contribute to the city’s continued growth and success in the thriving medical tourism industry.

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