Job Creation and Workforce Development Strategies for Migrants in Medical Tourism: A Case Study of North Chungcheong Province

Purpose: This study investigates strategies for regional workforce development in the medical tourism industry, focusing on job creation for migrants in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Medical tourism is a growing sector with the potential to boost local economies, yet effective workforce strategies remain underdeveloped in many regions. This study addresses the need for skilled human resources that integrate local tourism assets with advanced medical services, a topic insufficiently explored in existing research. Methods: The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and focus group interviews, to assess the demand for medical tourism professionals among marriage migrants, immigrants, and university students in North Chungcheong. Surveys measured interest and perceived barriers to employment, while focus groups provided qualitative insights into institutional challenges and workforce integration. Results: While the number of foreign patients in North Chungcheong Province is increasing, it remains low relative to other regions. More than half of the respondents, including university students and migrants, expressed interest in medical tourism roles. However, focus group interviews revealed significant deficiencies in institutional support, specialized training, and workforce demand, indicating barriers to effective workforce integration. Conclusion: This study recommends establishing a regional medical tourism support center to recruit, train, and support skilled migrants, leveraging local resources and technology to enhance industry specialization. This approach is anticipated to alleviate the burden on local governments, foster sustainable job creation, and contribute to a robust infrastructure tailored to regional needs.