Busan has formed a new public–private partnership aimed at improving access to medical services for foreign residents and visitors through an AI-powered healthcare support platform.

On March 4 at 2:30 p.m., Busan City signed a cooperation agreement with the Busan Metropolitan City Hospital Association, the Busan Ilbo newspaper, and technology company World DaGachi Co., Ltd.

The agreement ceremony took place at City Hall and established a joint framework involving government, the medical sector, media, and private industry.

The initiative seeks to reduce language barriers that foreign patients often face when using local medical facilities. The planned platform will introduce an AI-based reservation system and translation services covering 16 languages, allowing foreign users to more easily make appointments and communicate with hospitals.

Under the agreement, Busan City will provide administrative and institutional support for building a more foreign-friendly medical environment. The Busan Metropolitan City Hospital Association will encourage member hospitals to participate in the platform and help develop improved treatment and reservation processes for international patients.

Busan Ilbo will assist with public outreach and promotion of the service, while World DaGachi will supply the AI-powered multilingual medical reservation system and connect participating hospitals to the platform. The company will also support real-time interpretation services and coordination for patients visiting hospitals.

City officials say the initiative is intended to improve the overall medical experience for foreigners living in or traveling to Busan, from appointment scheduling to treatment and follow-up care.

The agreement will remain in effect for one year as the platform is developed and implemented.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu