Gangnam Tourist Center - Your Guide to Medical Tourism in Korea

In our August 7 posting we looked at how Korea has become a leading destination for medical tourists, who combine trips to Korea for receive low cost, high quality medical treatment with a variety leisure and cultural activities (http://www.advancedtechnologykorea.com/16858/). In this related article we will introduce Seoul's Gangnam Tourist Information Center, which opened in June 2013 to offer overseas visitors guidance on medical treatment and tourist activities as Korea develops as medical tourism hub. Since PSY grabbed the world's attention with Gangnam Style, the district of Gangnam has become of increasing interest to people from all around the world. The area is best known as trendy part of the city where tourists who dream of looking like Korean celebrities go to undergo cosmetic surgery and other medical procedures at the many hospitals and clinics there, as well as to sightsee. The Gangnam Tourist Information Center provides visitors such as these with customized tourist information, medical consultations by specialist medical treatment coordinators, and on-the-spot appointments for treatment.

A One-Stop Tourist Information Service

 Located on Apgujeong's main avenue, the new Gangnam Tourist Information Center occupies two floors. The first floor of building houses the Tourist Information Center and the Medical Tour Center. The Tourist Information Center provides up-to-date information on transportation, accommodation and restaurants in the area as well as other parts of Seoul. Services are available in English, Chinese and Japanese language. Maps and guidebooks on Korean culture, arts, shopping and tourist attractions are available at the information desk, while a large wall map shows the locations of seven major attractions in Gangnam including K-Star Road, Apgujeong's up-market Rodeo Drive, the trendy Garosu-gil road, Dosan Park, and the COEX exhibition center and mall.

A Gangnam City Tour bus stop is located across the street from the center, making it convenient for tourists to hop on the bus after visiting. A Gangnam City Tour rep at the Tourist Centre can help with bookings for the tour. Visitors can also find information about a variety of other tour programs at the Tourist Center, as well as a currency exchange desk, a coffee shop, and an Internet zone where they can relax with a cup of tea.

Professional Consulting by Specialist Medical Coordinators

 With Gangnam renowned for is many cosmetic surgeries and dermatology clinics, the Tourist Centre also offers medical tourists full support at it Medical Tour Center. The Center has four specialist sections for inquiries about cosmetic surgery, dermatology, traditional Korean medicine, and medical checkups. In-house medical coordinators provide consultations, introduce medical programs, and make reservations for treatment. The consultants use the latest systems such as virtual cosmetic surgery simulations that have proved hugely popular with visitors. Simple dermatology treatments can be booked immediately after a consultation.  

Korean Wave Culture at the Korean Wave Hall
On second floor of the building, visitors will find the Korean Wave Hall, which is devoted to all things Hallyu, from dramas and movies to K-pop stars and more. The stairway leading up to the Hall welcomes visitors with posters of popular Korean dramas and films, while in the centre of the Hall itself a giant multi-screen display shows the latest K-Pop countdown shows. Next to the display a "Digital Experience Zone" allows visitors to take and email to themselves composite photos with virtual Korean Wave stars. On another stand, record labels take turns to showcase some of their artists' personal effects.

Offering the chance to see the attractions of Gangnam, receive consultations about medical treatment, and experience the Korean Wave, the Gangnam Tourist Information Center is a truly a one-stop shop for overseas visitors. If you have ever thought about cosmetic surgery or just want to know more about Seoul's attractions, the Centre has all you need to know.

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