KIMES 2024

While numerous exhibitions are held annually at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) in Seoul, the annual Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show (KIMES) stands out as one of the medical industry’s major events. This year, KIMES took place from March 14 to March 17, 2024. Highlighting the growth of medical devices and biotechnology, KIMES 2024, under the slogan ‘Better Life, Better Future,’ attracted a total of 77,760 visitors, including 4,274 overseas buyers. KIMES organizers announced that around 1,350 manufacturers participated, showcasing about 35,000 items, such as integrated medical devices, hospital facilities, medical information systems, healthcare and rehabilitation equipment, and other medical supplies. While companies presented a wide array of equipment and supplies for medical uses, this year’s exhibition prominently featured medical equipment with integrated technology such as enhanced rehabilitation equipment, and medical devices implementing robotic systems to aid in physical therapy.

Source: AVING News

In conjunction with KIMES, The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) held its own Global Medical Equipment Plaza (GMEP) 2024 event to provide a wide range of new overseas business opportunities for Korean medical equipment companies – over 140 overseas buyers from 40 countries and 320 Korean sellers participated and held one-on-one meetings during the event.

Over the most recent five years, as emphasized by the Korean government, Korea's pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech industries have been growing rapidly. In particular, the medical device and biotech industries' annual double-digit growth is evidenced by the large numbers of companies and attendees participating in KIMES 2024.

The KIMES 2024 exhibition and product demonstration spaces featured participating companies organized according to the themes below. While many are consistent year to year, organizers highlight a specific theme for each annual show.

• Cure & Medical Information Systems Hall
  • Surgical instruments and products; Rehabilitation equipment; Medical information systems; Robotic surgery system; Smart Healthcare equipment; Cure equipment; Pharmaceutical equipment; Cosmetic Dermatology equipment
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation Equipment Hall
  • Rehabilitation equipment; Physiotherapy equipment; Cosmetic Dermatology & Healthcare equipment, Nursing for aged items & services; Herbal medical equipment; Robotic rehabilitation system, Consumable goods
• Healthcare & Comprehensive Medical Equipment Hall
  • Rehabilitation equipment; Physiotherapy equipment; Diagnosis & Radiology Imaging equipment; Hospital facilities; Healthcare equipment
• Clinical, Diagnosis & Medical Information Systems Hall
  • Diagnosis equipment; Laboratory equipment; Clinical examination equipment; Radiology equipment; Medical information systems; A.I Systems; Ophthalmic equipment; Emergency care equipment; Animal medical devices
• Imaging, Hospital Facilities, MedicomteK (Medical Component Technology Exhibition)
  • Diagnosis & Radiology Imaging equipment; 3D Printer; Central supply equipment; Dental apparatus; Diagnostic tests; Disinfectant devices; Hospital facilities; Emergency care equipment; Medical components; Quarantine related equipment

The overall trends highlighted a significant shift towards technology integration in healthcare, with a strong emphasis on improving patient care, enhancing diagnostic and surgical precision, and addressing the needs of an aging population.

At KIMES 2024, the sections dedicated to beauty/cosmetic-related devices and medical information software management systems were very active, as is usual each year. However, this year’s exhibition placed emphasis on companies with business models to target the needs of the senior demographic through health enhancement products, as well as those attempting to enter the existing market with newer medical devices and innovations based on robotics and advanced technology.

Source: AVING News

Since its establishment in 1980, KIMES has consistently expanded as a dedicated showcase for medical equipment and hospital facilities, evolving in parallel with the growth of Korea's medical industry. Over the decades, Korea's medical sector has advanced, becoming a more sophisticated, technology-driven field that encompasses medical information systems, ultrasound diagnostic tools, medical imaging devices, medical robotics, artificial intelligence, and rehabilitative medicine. Each of these components was well-represented this year at KIMES 2024.

Next year, organizers have announced that KIMES 2025 will take place from 20-23 March at COEX, however booth registrations are not yet open. As a Korea-focused business development consultancy in Seoul since 1982, IRC Consulting has over 40 years of experience assisting foreign organizations to identify and pursue commercial opportunities in this distinctive market. Employing first-hand knowledge and expertise, IRC provides market entry related services including trade show representation, market opportunity assessment, partner searches, and entry strategy implementation. When considering Korea for your business expansion goals, let IRC guide the way.