The Korean
Subgroups
The Korean
Year established
1966
World Physiotherapy member since
1974
Year members reported
2020
Number of physiotherapist members
19,508
Contact details
[email protected]
(82) 2 598 6587
Key contacts
Wootaek Lim
Primary contact
[email protected]Genhee Lee
President
[email protected]
Korea (Republic of): a profile of the profession in 2020
Download profile
Data disclaimerData correct as at 30 June 2020Professional titles protected by law
물리치료사
About Korean Physical Therapy Association and the physiotherapy profession in Korea (Republic of)
Practising physiotherapists in the country/territory
35,036
6.79
Per 10,000 population
% female
64%
In this country/territory
54%
In this region
63%
Globally
Physiotherapist members in this member organisation (MO)
19,508
% female
64%
In this MO
51%
In MOs in this region
61%
In MOs globally
Physiotherapy professional entry level education
Minimum qualification required to practice
Diploma
Equivalent fulltime years
3
Number of programmes
85
Entry level physiotherapy education programmes
http://kpta.co.kr/center/kpta/school
Regulation
* = Continuing Professional Development
Registration required to practice
CPD* required for re-registration
CPD* required for membership
What is required to practice in the country/territory?
A license is required to practice as a physical therapist in the Republic of Korea. It can be acquired after taking the national physical therapy examination. For information about the national physical therapy examination, please refer: http://www.kuksiwon.or.kr/EngHome/index.do
Practice
Which authority defines scope of practice
Ministry of Health or another government department
Standards of practice
Education for autonomous practice
Legislation to prevent private practice
Physiotherapists are permitted to
Act as first contact/autonomous practitioners
Assess patients/clients
Make a diagnosis
Offer preventative advice/services
Refer to other specialists/services
Treat (interventions, advice and evaluation of outcome)
Provide telehealth services
Direct access
*Direct access means a person can refer themselves to a physiotherapist without referral from another health professional
Direct access* permitted?
Can people self refer to physiotherapists in private practice?
Will this be reimbursed?
n/a
Can people self refer to physiotherapists in the public system?
Limitations
Special interest groups recognised by the member organisation
Aquatics
Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
Electrophysical agents
Mental health
Orthopaedics/manual therapy
Older people
Oncology/palliative care and HIV
Paediatrics
Sports physiotherapy
Womens health
Neurology
Occupational health and ergonomics
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events
Profile of the profession in this region
A global profile of the profession is also available.
Accessible version of data
- Expand all
- Collapse all
Afghanistan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
235 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.27 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
48% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
38% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.35 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Not defined
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Australia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
19,031 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
14.25 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
65% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
65% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
9 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities (Independent)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, More than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Bahrain
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
54 (<100)
Bangladesh
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
903 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.11 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
48% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
47% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.59 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy member organisation specific standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Bhutan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
34 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.48 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
41% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
36% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Public only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Cambodia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
146 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.23 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
40% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
32% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.62 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Fiji
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
59 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.02 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
80% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
67% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
5.66 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Hong Kong
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,026 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
4.75 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
58% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
57% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.36 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities (Independent)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
India
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
48,397 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.59 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
65% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
63% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.21 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Member organisation
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The World Physiotherapy member organisation specific standard
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Indonesia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
4,998 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.62 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
68% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
63% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.86 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, Some programmes (Some)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Iran
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
2,045 (1000-10000)
Japan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
104,610 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
10.27 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
36% (20-40%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
36% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
10.55 (10-15)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Korea (Republic of)
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
19,508 (>10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
6.79 (5-10)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
65% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
65% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
8.23 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Kuwait
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
575 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.87 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
62% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
78% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.21 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, More than one
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Macau
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
144 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.37 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
56% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
56% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Malaysia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,469 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.79 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
70% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
70% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
5.23 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Mongolia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
198 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.62 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
84% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
84% (>80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.58 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
A partnership between a regulation/licensing/registration body and your organisation (Partnership)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Myanmar
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
863 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.15 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
93% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
77% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.74 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Nepal
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
455 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.73 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
42% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
31% (20-40%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.36 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
New Zealand
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
3,769 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
11.67 (10-15)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
82% (>80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
75% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
5.12 (5-10)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities (Independent)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Pakistan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,395 (1000-10000)
Papua New Guinea
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
85 (<100)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.1 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
60% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.58 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
Yes
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Philippines
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
5,464 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.29 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
65% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
65% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
4.59 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
One or more independent regulation/licensing/registration authorities (Independent)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Saudi Arabia
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
300 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.19 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
60% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
63% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
2.97 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Singapore
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
347 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.58 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
73% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
72% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.77 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Sri Lanka
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
360 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
0.17 (<1)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
58% (40-60%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
58% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
0.92 (<1)
Is registration required to practice?
No
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Not defined
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
No
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Taiwan
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,110 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
3.07 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
62% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
59% (40-60%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Diploma
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
3.15 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
No
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
No
Thailand
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
1,850 (1000-10000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
1.44 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
68% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
70% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.15 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Physical Therapy Council (Other)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
Yes, The standards of the regulatory/licensing/registration authority
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
Yes, All programmes (Yes)
Is direct access permitted?
Yes
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
United Arab Emirates
How many physiotherapist members does our member organisation have?
314 (100-1000)
How many practising physiotherapists per 10,000 population?
2.98 (1-5)
What proportion of physiotherapist members are female?
68% (60-80%)
What proportion of practising physiotherapists are female?
63% (60-80%)
What is the minimum qualification required to practice?
Bachelors degree
How many entry level education programmes per 5,000,000 population?
1.56 (1-5)
Is registration required to practice?
Yes
Which authority defines scope of practice?
Ministry of Health or another government department (Government)
Is practice guided by specified standards of practice?
No
Are physiotherapists educated for autonomous practice?
No
Is direct access permitted?
Private only
Do support personnel work with physiotherapists?
Yes
Do physiotherapists need to be a member of our member organisation to practice?
No
Are physiotherapists permitted to provide telehealth services?
Yes
Related content
COVID-19 information hub
World Physiotherapy is a global hub for information and resources about COVID-19 relevant to the physiotherapy profession.
Asia Western Pacific region
Asia Western Pacific region has physiotherapy associations from 30 countries/territories
