Health Tech Startups Korea: The Current State Of Health Tech
The fast evolution of health technology in South Korea is truly impressive.
There’s no denying that South Korea has become a key player in global health tech, all thanks to the country’s advanced tech infrastructure and strong government support.
Additionally, the integration of AI, big data, and robotics into healthcare took medical services and patient care to the next level, hence setting new global standards.
In this article, we’ll discuss the evolution of health tech in South Korea and review some of the most notable health startups Korea is proud of, so let’s dive right in!
The Evolution of Health Tech in Korea
A decade ago, South Korea’s healthcare system wasn’t as impressive. The country had accessibility problems. Even though the care was good, some people, especially in rural areas, couldn’t access advanced treatments.
Plus, they weren’t using digital tools like video appointments or AI as much as they do now, which could have made healthcare easier and faster for everyone.
South Korea’s healthcare system has evolved since, becoming a global example of excellence. With everyone covered by insurance and excellent hospitals, it offers good care without breaking the bank.
The country is also great at making sure healthcare follows the rules and earning praise from the World Health Organization.
Moreover, recent changes have ensured that people can get new treatments without breaking the bank. The pandemic also sped up the use of digital health tools, with more money going into this area.
Currently, South Korea is providing excellent care with the help of personalized medicine and telemedicine, especially in far-off places. Technology is also helping drug companies monitor patients and administer medicines, while AI helps detect diseases.
All in all, the future of the healthcare system in South Korea is bright, especially in precision and regenerative medicine.
Top 10 Health Tech Startups in Korea
South Korea is great for health tech startups because you can easily secure business funding.
Additionally, the technology is advanced, there’s a skilled workforce, and the demand for healthcare innovations is growing.
However, if you get your marketing in South Korea right and show that you care about your customers, you’ll have taken a strong step towards a solid foundation to spring from.
That said, let’s review some of the health tech startups South Korea is proud of and learn more about their products.
Startup 1: Neurabody (formerly Posture AI)
Neurabody uses AI and machine learning to monitor posture and provide pain relief. Its solutions boost workplace productivity, reduce pain, and reward healthy habits.
In other words, Neurabody helps people improve their posture using smart technology. It uses sensors (and camera function as an option for it’s AI based exercises) to track how you’re sitting, standing, and moving throughout the day.
In return, it provides customized exercises, tips, and reminders to adjust your posture while building healthier habits and patterns.
Founded 2022 in Seoul, South Korea, the company generated its first revenue with LG Science Park in early 2024, and has burst on to the healthtech scene achieving several milestones, and ranks as one of the top healthtech startups to look out for in Asia.
Startup 2: Dr. Diary Co.
Dr. Diary Co. is a developer of a diabetes management app located in Seoul.
Founded in 2017, the company has raised $12.2M in funding from Korea Investment Holdings and Smile Gate Investment, among other investors.
The Dr. Diary app helps patients keep track of their blood glucose levels, daily exercise, and food intake. It also provides food insights and includes tools for communication and personal consultations with healthcare professionals.
Startup 3: H·ROBOTICS
H·ROBOTICS is a developer of robotic rehabilitation systems located in Pohang Si, South Korea. Founded in 2018, the company has secured $10M in funding from investors like Shinhan Venture Investment and DSC Investment.
Their systems feature integrated telemedicine software, assist-as-needed control, and treatment options for joint, muscle, and neurological conditions.
They also offer passive motion and range of motion measurement, enabling remote rehabilitation for patients at home and in clinics.
Startup 4: Picky
This app-based discovery platform for personalized skincare and beauty products is headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 2020, the company has received $1.3M in funding from investors like Northern Light Venture Capital and Klim Ventures.
The app, which is available for both iOS and Android users, helps determine skincare issues and preferences based on specific skin types and suggests beauty products from various brands.
It also features filters for cruelty-free, vegan, and pregnancy-friendly products.
Startup 5: Dr. Now
Dr. Now is a well-established online platform based in Seoul, founded in 2020. The company has received substantial funding totaling $41M from investors, including Goodwater Capital and SBVA.
Dr. Now offers telemedicine and telepharmacy services, providing users access to doctors, remote medical treatments, prescriptions, and medicines anytime, anywhere.
Startup 6: Lemon Healthcare
Lemon Healthcare, based in Geumcheon, South Korea, was founded in 2019 and has secured $13.4M in funding from investors, including Aju IB Investment and BNH INVESTMENT.
The company specializes in hospital management software tailored for patient-centric care. Their software features a dynamic service platform that supports the entire hospital visit process (appointments, pharmacy prescriptions, etc.).
They also provide mobile-based business support services, including medical treatment, nursing, and consultations.
Startup 7: Sky Labs
Sky Labs, headquartered in Seongnam-si, South Korea, was founded in 2015 and has raised $42M in funding from investors such as Korea Investment Holdings and Atinum Investment.
They pioneer internet-first fitness tracking with smart rings, available in various sizes. These rings boast features like ECG monitoring, PPG monitoring, and atrial fibrillation detection. They also offer a companion app for real-time analysis on Android and iOS devices.
Startup 8: MoDooDoc
MoDooDoc, located in Seoul, was established in 2016 and has secured $6.93M in funding from investors like Stonebridge Capital and Devsisters Ventures.
The company operates a listing platform for doctors and hospitals, covering a wide range of specialties, including dentistry, dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, urology, ophthalmology, and psychiatry.
At MoDooDoc, you can learn hospital price information, read doctor reviews, and learn about various diseases.
Startup 9: Life Semantics
LifeSemantics, based in Seoul, South Korea, was founded in 2012 and provides eHealth solutions and services. LifeSemantics has received investments from UTC Investment, Kiwoom Investment, and other investors.
Their products include Life Record, which helps people manage their health information. Then, there’s Fine Chart, which translates medical records into multiple languages, and efil, a platform for storing and managing health data securely. Their AED locator and disease code search tools also deserve a mention.
Startup 10: ROKIT Healthcare
ROKIT Healthcare is a bio-venture company founded in 2012 by CEO Seok-Hwan Yoo, who was CEO of Celltrion Healthcare.
They’re a global pioneer in transforming the healthcare paradigm. ROKIT Healthcare focuses on hyper-personal organ regeneration and anti-aging platforms to upgrade and expand lifespan.
Recognizing that each patient is unique, ROKIT Healthcare offers hyper-personalized medical organ regeneration solutions. They understand that there is no one-size-fits-all therapy for patients.
They plan to use their knowledge in regenerative medicine to make a safer, more effective, and quicker organ regeneration platform available globally.
Health Tech Startup Korea: Conclusion
The health tech startups South Korea has will keep transforming local and international health tech with innovations like AI diagnostics and robotic surgery, among many others. These advancements will improve healthcare efficiency and outcomes.
As these startups grow, South Korea is likely to become a global leader in health technology. So, watch out for future breakthroughs and advancements in Korea’s thriving health tech industry.
If you’re interested in opening a business in this country, first, inform yourself of the risks of doing business in South Korea.
Remember that local experts can help you navigate any challenges that you might encounter, and happy to direct or support you through the process. Please do not hesitate to Contact us here.
