KIMES 2027 is scheduled for 18 to 21 March 2027 at COEX in Seoul, South Korea. KIMES (the Korea International Medical & Hospital Equipment Show) is Korea’s largest medical-device and hospital-equipment exhibition, covering imaging, diagnostics, surgical and rehabilitation equipment, hospital supplies and digital health.
Indian professionals travelling to attend generally need a short-term business visa (C-3-4) for South Korea, obtained through the Korea Visa Application Center or the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India. A confirmed registration and a letter from the organiser or a Korean partner support the application.
The event
About KIMES 2027
KIMES brings together Korean and international medical-device manufacturers with hospital procurement teams, distributors and clinicians from Korea and across Asia. Korea is a significant producer of imaging, aesthetic and dental equipment, which makes the show a focused sourcing trip for those categories.
For Indian medical-device distributors and hospitals, KIMES is a route to Korean manufacturers and OEM partners. For Indian manufacturers, it is a way to study Korean product design and to meet distribution partners for the region.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
COEX
Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Confirm the exact halls and daily opening hours on the official KIMES website before booking travel.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Medical devices & equipment
Instruments, disposables, surgical and therapy equipment.
Diagnostics & imaging
Laboratory diagnostics, point-of-care testing and imaging systems.
Hospital & practice supplies
Furniture, consumables, sterilisation and facility equipment.
Digital health & IT
Health IT, connected devices, AI and telemedicine solutions.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Meet Korean and regional manufacturers, distributors and procurement teams face-to-face, compare equipment and technology, and progress distribution and OEM conversations that are hard to advance remotely.
KIMES also gives Indian healthcare businesses a view of Korean strengths — diagnostic imaging, aesthetic devices, dental equipment and digital health — and of pricing for the Asian market.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official KIMES website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
South Korea Short-Term Business Visa for KIMES 2027
South Korea generally requires Indian passport holders to obtain a visa. Trade-fair visitors typically apply for a short-term business visa (C-3-4) through the Korea Visa Application Center or the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India. The K-ETA travel authorisation applies only to nationals of visa-waiver countries, which does not currently include India — confirm the current position before you travel.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid for the period of stay, with blank pages
- Visa application form and a recent photograph
- Event registration or invitation confirmation
- Itinerary / schedule of stay in Korea
- Invitation letter from a Korean host or the organiser, where available
- Indian employer’s covering letter
- Proof of funds and employment
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the South Korean authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend KIMES from India?+
Indian professionals attending for business generally apply for a short-term business visa (C-3-4) for South Korea through the Korea Visa Application Center or the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India. The K-ETA travel authorisation does not currently apply to Indian passport holders — confirm the current position.
Can the organiser provide a visa invitation letter?+
The organiser commonly provides supporting documentation for registered international visitors and exhibitors. Check the current process on the official KIMES website.
Is KIMES open to the general public?+
No. It is a trade-only exhibition for the medical and hospital equipment industry.
Does expo registration guarantee visa approval?+
No. Registration and supporting letters help the file, but the South Korean authorities make the final decision and processing times are not fixed.
How early should I apply?+
Apply as soon as travel is confirmed. Allow time for document preparation and appointment availability before the show.
