In Korea, Republic of, FHIR is used for several healthcare data exchange use cases. It is not yet the main standard, but adoption is growing steadily.

The most commonly used version is FHIR R4. Some teams also use R4B and R5. Earlier versions like DSTU2 and STU3 are not in active use.

Respondents expect FHIR adoption to continue increasing in the coming years.

Rules and Support

Korea has regulation that mandates standards in electronic health data exchange. Here's what you need to know:

  • FHIR is advised, but not strictly mandated
  • There is no fixed deadline for compliance
  • No fines apply for missing the deadline
  • Government funds are available to support FHIR adoption

You can learn more here:

National Setup

Korea has a national organization responsible for health data standards:

A national core FHIR implementation guide exists and is used in a limited set of use cases:

A national FHIR terminology server is not yet available, but planning is underway.

Active Use Cases

Korea is developing FHIR specifications for several specific areas:

  • Diagnostic orders and reports
  • Immunizations
  • Allergy intolerance
  • Personal Health Record

There is no known activity yet around the FHIR Community Process (FCP), a global program for sharing FHIR specifications. In the next 2–3 years, some organizations may start exploring participation.

Who's Using FHIR

The main groups adopting FHIR in Korea include:

  • Care providers
  • EHR system vendors (electronic health record software makers)
  • App developers
  • Government agencies
  • Researchers

The main driver for adoption is regulation and grants.

How FHIR is being used:

  • FHIR REST API (a web-based way to exchange data): widely applied
  • FHIR Shorthand (a simple language for writing FHIR profiles): commonly used
  • CDS Hooks (clinical decision support triggers): moderate use
  • FHIR Documents and Questionnaires: some use
  • FHIR Messaging, Subscriptions, FHIRcast, and SMART on FHIR: not yet in use

Most FHIR software in use leans toward open source.

Success Stories and Challenges

A notable success story is MyHealthway, a national platform that has improved patient access to health information.

Main challenges for wider FHIR adoption include:

  • High investment cost
  • Unclear regulations
  • Lack of FHIR knowledge among implementers

AI and machine learning are seen as somewhat helping FHIR efforts. Interest in FHIR is growing because structured data provides a strong foundation for AI applications.

A use case to watch is the Da Vinci project, an initiative focused on payer-provider data exchange.

Future Plans

Last year's progress was less than expected. Respondents feel neutral about the current adoption rate.

Key achievements from the past year include:

  • Development of a national FHIR data model
  • Launch of pilot projects with healthcare stakeholders
  • Expanded adoption across the healthcare ecosystem

Looking ahead, the next steps expected are:

  • New regulation prescribing the use of standards in electronic health data exchange
  • Development of new FHIR standards for more specific use cases

Within the next three years, respondents agree that Korea will benefit from FHIR adoption through cost savings, better care coordination, and a stronger digital health ecosystem.

Contributors

The contributors to this survey chose to remain anonymous.

The above summary is based on the answers to the State of FHIR Survey 2026, organized by Firely and HL7 International.