From 2013 to 2023, the share of surgery specialists in South Korea showed a modest but overall positive growth, standing at 27.99% of total physicians in 2023. The period saw fluctuations, with some years experiencing slight declines, such as 2017 and 2018. Noteworthy yearly increases were particularly observed in 2020, 2022, and 2023. Over the last five years, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) was 0.39%, indicating steady growth.

Future trends to watch for:

Continued growth in the proportion of surgery specialists, with a forecasted increase to 28.72% by 2028.
Healthcare policy changes and technological advancements influencing the demand for surgery specialists.
Training and education developments contributing to the entry of new specialists into the workforce.