South Korea
Medical Tourism Guide
The world's plastic surgery capital. Seoul's Gangnam district has 500+ clinics - the highest concentration globally. Korea performed 1.17 million foreign medical tourist procedures in 2024.
Cost Comparison: US vs. South Korea
| Procedure | US Price | South Korea Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty | $8,000-15,000 | $3,000-8,000 |
| Double Eyelid Surgery | $4,000-6,000 | $1,500-3,000 |
| Facial Contouring (V-line) | $15,000-25,000 | $8,000-15,000 |
| Full Face Lift | $15,000-30,000 | $8,000-15,000 |
* Prices are estimates based on 2024 data. Actual costs vary by clinic, complexity, and package inclusions.
Why South Korea?
- ✓Global leader in plastic surgery innovation and technique
- ✓Highest per-capita plastic surgery rate in the world - normalized and refined
- ✓2,700+ plastic surgeons for 51M population (highest density globally)
- ✓Advanced technology and meticulous attention to natural-looking results
- ✓K-beauty culture means dermatology/skincare is world-class
- ✓Foreign patients spent $770M on plastic surgery in Korea (2024)
Things to Consider
- !Longest flight from US (13-15 hours)
- !Savings less dramatic than other destinations (30-60% vs 70-80%)
- !Language barrier can be significant outside tourist areas
- !Beauty standards may differ from Western preferences - be specific about goals
- !Gangnam clinics 10-30% pricier than other areas due to premium positioning
- !Some clinics charge extra for international patients (translation services)
Where to Go in South Korea
Seoul (Gangnam)
The global epicenter of plastic surgery. 814 plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam alone. More cosmetic procedures per square mile than anywhere on Earth.
Tip: Stay in Gangnam or Sinsa for walking distance to clinics. Most offer English coordinators.
Seoul (Myeongdong)
Shopping district with many dermatology and skincare clinics. Popular for non-surgical treatments.
Tip: Combine treatment with K-beauty shopping. Many clinics cater to tourists.
Practical Information
Visa
Not required for US citizens (up to 90 days)
Currency
Korean Won (KRW). Cards widely accepted. 10% VAT refundable at airport.
Language
Korean. English limited outside tourist areas. Clinics provide coordinators.
Timezone
GMT+9 (13-14 hours ahead of US)
Insurance
Travel medical insurance recommended. Recovery typically 1-2 weeks.
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