The number of Korean medical institutions operating outside the country has grown rapidly over the past five years on the back of the government-led drive to further nurture the rising demand for Korean medical services overseas, government data said Wednesday.

According to the data compiled by the health ministry, 141 hospitals, oriental clinics and dental services are operating in 18 countries as of end-2015, up from 125 the previous year.

The number has seen steep growth since 2010 when it marked 58, with an annual 20-percent growth rate over the five-year period.

China has 52 Korea-established hospitals, followed by the United States with 33 and Kazakhstan with nine.

Out of the total 141 institutions, 24 percent are franchised hospitals, while 21 percent are fully owned by Korean firms, the data showed.

It also said that 54 clinics are engaged in plastic surgery and dermatology, with most operating in China and Southeast Asian countries, where Korean celebrities win huge popularity. (Yonhap)