Black American women travel to South Korea for inclusive healthcare
7 reported
A growing number of Black American women are traveling to South Korea for medical care, citing more affordable, comprehensive, and inclusive healthcare experiences than they find in the United States, according to a report by The Guardian. The trend includes preventive health check-ups, diagnostic testing, and dermatology treatments, with patients reporting thorough same-day exams and attentive care. The article notes that Black women in the US face disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and gynecological disorders, along with delays in diagnosis and treatment. Several women interviewed described feeling rushed or dismissed by US doctors, while in South Korea they felt heard and respected. The report highlights that medical tourism remains a privilege for those with financial means and does not address systemic inequities in US healthcare.
What’s reported
Black American women are increasingly traveling to Seoul, South Korea for healthcare, including comprehensive diagnostic screening and preventive medicine.
William Ban, co-founder and COO of Himedi, reported a significant rise in requests from Black American women for health check-ups.
Adzua Agyapon, a 36-year-old non-profit worker, discovered a 10cm fibroid during a comprehensive exam in Seoul in April; her check-up cost under $600.
Elizabeth Oputa, a 42-year-old brand strategist, traveled to South Korea twice for health checkups, alopecia and skin treatments, and spa treatments.
Fumi Ekhator, a 35-year-old attorney, visited a skin clinic in September 2025 and noted staff proactively discussed precautions for her dark skin.
Dr Terika L Haynes, a 44-year-old travel adviser, booked a trip in May after losing health insurance; she completed blood work, vision and hearing tests, a mammogram, pap smear, and vein test in under three hours.
The article states that medical tourism is not a cure-all and does not address systemic inequities in Black women’s health.
Key figures
William Ban, co-founder and COO of Himedi
Adzua Agyapon, 36-year-old non-profit worker and founder of Verdant Earth, based in Washington DC
Elizabeth Oputa, 42-year-old brand strategist in Jersey City, New Jersey
Fumi Ekhator, 35-year-old attorney based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr Terika L Haynes, 44-year-old travel adviser in Orlando, Florida
Sources: The Guardian
