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Healthcare Staffing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Travel Nurse Staffing, Per Diem Nurse Staffing, Locum Tenens Staffing, Allied Healthcare Staffing), By End-User (Hospitals, Clinics, Ambulatory Facilities, Others) and Forecasts, 2024-2032

Report Code: SRHI56812DR
Last Updated : Jan 24, 2025
Author : Debashree Bora
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South Korea Healthcare Staffing Market

The South Korea healthcare staffing market size was valued at USD 275.2 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 292.4 million in 2024 to USD 533.6 million by 2032, reflecting a robust CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period (2024-2032). This growth is driven by increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, advancements in medical infrastructure, and a rising focus on elderly care due to the aging population.


South Korea Healthcare Staffing Market Growth Factors

Expanding Aging Population and Chronic Disease Burden

South Korea’s aging population is one of the primary drivers of the healthcare staffing market. According to the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS), nearly 20% of the population will be aged 65 or older by 2025, marking the nation’s transition into a “super-aged” society. This demographic shift has heightened the demand for healthcare services, particularly for elderly care, long-term nursing, and chronic disease management.

Additionally, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer has surged. The Korean Society of Cardiology estimates that over 10% of adults suffer from heart-related conditions, which necessitates specialized medical staffing in cardiology and allied services. The government’s push to strengthen national health programs, including the expansion of National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage, further amplifies the need for skilled healthcare professionals, driving market growth.

Market Restraints

Stringent Licensing and Regulatory Requirements

The South Korean healthcare staffing market faces hurdles due to stringent licensing and regulatory frameworks. Healthcare professionals, particularly foreign workers, must undergo rigorous examinations and certifications to practice in the country. The Ministry of Health and Welfare mandates proficiency in the Korean language and compliance with national medical standards, which poses challenges for foreign staffing agencies.

Moreover, South Korea’s workforce landscape suffers from regional disparities. While metropolitan areas like Seoul and Busan attract talent due to better compensation and advanced facilities, rural regions face a shortage of qualified personnel. According to the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA), staffing shortages in rural hospitals have reached critical levels, delaying care delivery and limiting market growth potential.

Market Opportunities

Adoption of Digital Healthcare Solutions

The adoption of digital healthcare technologies offers significant opportunities for the South Korea healthcare staffing market. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and data analytics into healthcare operations is driving demand for tech-savvy medical professionals. For instance, South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT has allocated USD 1.3 billion to develop AI-based healthcare solutions by 2027, creating opportunities for staffing agencies to recruit and train professionals skilled in digital health systems.

Furthermore, platforms such as ‘Goodoc’ and ‘Seoul Medical Alliance’ are streamlining the patient-provider interface, increasing the demand for healthcare IT consultants and digitally adept medical staff. The growing emphasis on remote healthcare services—accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic—also highlights opportunities for expanding telehealth-related staffing services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Study Period 2020-2032 CAGR 7.8%
Historical Period 2020-2022 Forecast Period 2024-2032
Base Year 2023 Base Year Market Size USD 275.2 million
Forecast Year 2032 Forecast Year Market Size USD 533.6 million
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Regional Analysis

The market is characterized by dynamic growth across key metropolitan and regional centers, each exhibiting unique trends and contributions to the industry landscape.

Seoul remains the epicenter of healthcare innovation in South Korea, hosting prominent hospitals and research institutions such as Yonsei University Health System and Seoul National University Hospital. The city’s advanced medical infrastructure attracts top-tier professionals, and staffing agencies are increasingly collaborating with hospitals to meet the rising demand for skilled personnel.

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, has emerged as a vital geriatric and chronic disease care hub. With a significant proportion of its population over 65, the city has seen a heightened demand for long-term care nurses and geriatric specialists. The opening of new facilities, such as the Busan Medical Center’s Geriatrics Department in 2023, underscores the city’s expanding healthcare needs.

Daegu’s healthcare landscape is characterized by its focus on advanced medical technologies and rehabilitation services. The city’s high concentration of medical device manufacturers has fueled demand for professionals skilled in such equipment's operation and quality control. Daegu Health College’s recent partnership with local hospitals to train specialized technicians highlights the region’s commitment to workforce development.

Gwangju has emerged as a leader in community-based healthcare initiatives. The city’s emphasis on primary care and mental health services has led to increased demand for psychiatric nurses and general practitioners. Government funding for community clinics in Gwangju rose in 2024, further boosting staffing requirements in this region.

Incheon’s proximity to Seoul and its role as a significant logistics hub make it a strategic location for healthcare staffing agencies. The city has witnessed a surge in demand for emergency care personnel, driven by the expansion of Incheon’s airport medical facilities and increased medical tourism. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, medical tourist arrivals in Incheon grew by 14% in 2024, contributing to the local staffing market’s growth.

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Segmental Analysis

The South Korea healthcare staffing market is segmented by service and end-user.

Travel Nurse Staffing dominates the service segment and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period due to the increasing need for flexible and on-demand healthcare solutions. Travel nurses provide temporary support to hospitals facing staffing shortages, particularly during peak periods of patient admissions. The Korean Nurses Association (KNA) reports that hospitals in Seoul and Busan frequently rely on travel nurses to bridge workforce gaps. Moreover, the adaptability of this segment in addressing the needs of rural and underserved areas contributes to its strong growth.

Hospitals lead the segment end-user and are expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period, driven by significant investments in healthcare infrastructure. South Korea’s top-tier hospitals, such as Asan Medical Center and Samsung Medical Center, continue to expand their capacity and capabilities, fueling demand for specialized medical staff. The government’s focus on public hospital upgrades and compliance with international accreditation standards further strengthens this segment’s growth trajectory.

Market Size By Service

Market Size By Service
Travel Nurse Staffing Per Diem Nurse Staffing Locum Tenens Staffing Allied Healthcare Staffing

List of key players in South Korea Healthcare Staffing Market

  1. AMN Healthcare Services Inc.
  2. AdeccoGroup
  3. Envision Healthcare
  4. Aya Healthcare, Inc.
  5. Allegis Group
  6. CHG Management, Inc.
  7. Cross Country Healthcare, Inc.
  8. Jackson Healthcare
  9. MedPro Healthcare Staffing
  10. HealthTrust Workforce Solutions
  11. Maxim Healthcare Services
  12. Express Employment Professionals
  13. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
  14. Medical Solutions
  15. Supplemental Health Care
  16. ASGN Inc.
South Korea Healthcare Staffing Market Share of Key Players

Analyst's Perspective

As per our analyst, the South Korea healthcare staffing market is poised for rapid expansion in the coming years. This growth is primarily driven by South Korea’s aging population, advancements in medical technologies, and government initiatives to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. The adoption of digital healthcare solutions and telemedicine is expected to transform the staffing landscape, creating demand for a new breed of healthcare professionals proficient in technology-driven care.

Despite challenges such as regulatory hurdles and workforce disparities, the market will likely benefit from the increasing integration of AI and automation in staffing processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs. Moreover, the continued expansion of metropolitan healthcare facilities and rising medical tourism will fuel the demand for specialized and multilingual staff, presenting opportunities for domestic and international staffing agencies to establish a strong foothold in the South Korean market.


South Korea Healthcare Staffing Market Segmentations

By Service (2020-2032)

  • Travel Nurse Staffing
  • Per Diem Nurse Staffing
  • Locum Tenens Staffing
  • Allied Healthcare Staffing

By End-User (2020-2032)

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Ambulatory Facilities
  • Others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big is the South Korea Healthcare Staffing Market?
The South Korea healthcare staffing market size was valued at USD 275.2 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 292.4 million in 2024 to USD 533.6 million by 2032
The market growth rate growing at a 7.8% from 2024 to 2032.
Expanding Aging Population and Chronic Disease Burden, are the key growth factor driving the market
Currently, Travel Nurse Staffing dominates the service segment


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