The IHF has opened Early Bird registration for the 49th World Hospital Congress. With the Korean Hospital Association serving as co-host, this global event will take place from 20 to 22 October 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Registration is now open for the 49th IHF World Hospital Congress, taking place on 20–22 October at the Coex Magok Lewest Convention Center in Seoul. Pre-Congress activities and the Welcome Reception will be held on 19 October. Discounted rates for Early Bird registration are now on offer and will be available for bookings until 24 July.

The IHF World Hospital Congress connects healthcare leaders and executives from around the world to share best practices and innovations in service delivery to improve health outcomes worldwide. The Congress is the flagship event of the IHF, whose mission is to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and enhancement of leadership competencies to strengthen hospital administration and quality of care, as well as to reduce the impact on the environment.

In collaboration with the Korean Hospital Association, the IHF World Hospital Congress is being organized in Seoul for the second time, following a successful 35^th edition of this global event in 2007. Participation at this year’s event is expected to attract around 1700 attendees from over 80 countries and territories.

Dr Henry Gallardo, President of the International Hospital Federation and Director General of Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia welcomed the opening of registration for this year’s event and shared what the Congress means to him:

“The World Hospital Congress provides a forum for hospital and healthcare executives to engage and exchange in meaningful dialogue. Framed by an exceptional scientific programme, it is our moment to come together to share ideas that will improve our leadership, which can positively impact the lives of our patients, our teams, and our communities. I warmly encourage you to register and take up this unmissable opportunity to invest in your leadership skills and to contribute to the conversations tackling today’s biggest challenges with peers from across the globe.”

Dr Sung-Kyu Lee, President of the Korean Hospital Association, expressed enthusiasm for delivering a landmark event at the cutting-edge of technological advancement in the healthcare sector:

“We are delighted to open registration for the Seoul Congress, where together we will advance our journey of leadership and innovation in global health. New technologies and artificial intelligence capabilities offer a wide array of possibilities to rapidly transform healthcare delivery, operations, and clinical decision-making, This Congress provides an important opportunity for executives worldwide to share our achievements, our concerns, and our strategies for digital care, so that we can confidently shape the future of our sector. We look forward to welcoming all delegates to the conversation, and to our vibrant city.”

Complementing a rigorous scientific programme, this year’s Congress will include activities showcasing innovations that are reshaping traditional hospital care models using artificial intelligence at the i-to-i Innovation Hub, as well as masterclasses and workshops with the Geneva Sustainability Centre to support healthcare leaders to build resilience through advancing sustainability. A special IHF Awards Gala Dinner on 21 October will recognize excellence in hospital and healthcare leadership. Extending the learning in the main scientific sessions, visits to leading hospitals across Seoul on 19 and 22 October are also available for participants of the Congress to book. The event will also feature a Korean Pavilion, giving delegates the chance to experience Korea’s hospital system and industry firsthand.

Early bird rates are offered until 24 July 2026. Visit www.worldhospitalcongress to register. Discounts are available for registrants coming from International Hospital Federation members, Korean Hospital Association members and partners, low and lower-middle-income countries, students, and groups of 5 or more.