GO-BIZ × GLOBALRIKA
2027 California Healthcare Trade Mission to South Korea
Seoul · March 15–21, 2027 · Anchored by KIMES 2027
California GO-Biz invites up to six California healthcare companies and four California economic development organizations to join a week of market briefings, pre-vetted business meetings, site visits and KIMES 2027, one of Asia's largest medical trade shows. GlobalRika is GO-Biz's in-market partner in Korea.
Applications close October 30, 2026, and are reviewed first-come, first-served. The mission may fill before the deadline.
Watch: why Korea, why now
Hear from Henan Li (GO-Biz) and the speakers of the 2026 South Korea Export Training Program.
Mission at a glance
When: March 15–21, 2027 · Seoul, South Korea
KIMES: March 18–21, 2027 · COEX, Seoul
Who: Up to 6 California healthcare companies and 4 California EDOs
Cost: $4,000 per organization, covering up to two representatives
Deadline: October 30, 2026
What the mission package includes
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Eight pre-vetted B2B meetings for each participating company
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A shared California pavilion booth at KIMES 2027 (March 18–21)
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Five business site visits or group meetings with Korean healthcare stakeholders
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Sample-based product meetings and in-person buyer discussions
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A California healthcare networking reception
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A listing in the English/Korean delegation brochure
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Interpretation, group transportation for official activities, on-site coordination and post-mission follow-up
Not included: international travel and insurance, hotel in Seoul (a hotel recommendation will be provided), and meals outside the group site visits and the reception. Activities are subject to change.
Why Korea, and why in person
A market on the rise
Korea's biohealth sector is projected to nearly double by 2029, and Korea's healthcare imports from the U.S. grew by about 12% in 2025.
KIMES 2027 at scale
1,490+ exhibitors from 41 countries, 75,000+ visitors and more than $1.5 billion in market consultations.
No cold start
Your meetings are set around your products and goals before you land, so the week is spent with buyers who already fit.
Trust is built face to face
In Korea, deals move with sample-in-hand meetings and follow-up from people you have met. The mission is built around that.
For California EDOs
and our role in Seoul
EDO delegates join the same week with a program built for relationships: the California networking reception with senior government speakers, access to the California pavilion at KIMES, up to eight pre-vetted meetings with Korean companies that match your target criteria, including sectors beyond healthcare, and follow-up support from GlobalRika after the mission.
EDO inquiries: Henan Li, GO-Biz · Henan.li@gobiz.ca.gov
Your team on the ground in Seoul
GlobalRika is a Seoul-based business development and investment consulting firm, and GO-Biz's in-market partner for this mission. We vet and schedule your meetings, handle bilingual coordination and interpretation during the week, and stay on the follow-up after you fly home.
The mission builds on the 2026 South Korea Export Training Program, a four-module virtual series GlobalRika delivered with GO-Biz in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply?
California-based small businesses in healthcare, medical devices, diagnostics, digital health and the life sciences (up to six), and California economic development organizations (up to four).
How do I apply?
Companies apply on the GO-Biz STEP portal (step.business.ca.gov): start a new "STEP Event" application and select "2027 South Korea Healthcare Trade Mission" from the list of activities. EDOs apply through the EDO delegate form.
When should I arrive in Seoul?
The official program starts on March 15, 2027. We recommend arriving on March 13 or 14.
How are the B2B meetings chosen?
GlobalRika screens Korean buyers, distributors and partners against each company's products and target criteria, then schedules the meetings before the mission. Meetings are in person and sample-based where possible.
Is the deadline firm?
Applications close on October 30, 2026, but they are reviewed first-come, first-served and the mission may close earlier if all spaces are filled.
Who do I contact?
Program and eligibility: Henan Li, GO-Biz (Henan.li@gobiz.ca.gov). Questions about the Korean market or the mission week: GlobalRika (info@globalrika.com).
Six company spaces. Applications close October 30.
Organized by the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) in partnership with GlobalRika.