In Korea, most dermatology care for visitors takes place in private outpatient clinics (의원). You book directly without a referral, see a doctor the same day, pay the full price for non-covered treatments and receive any medication from a pharmacy. Only clinics opened by a dermatology specialist can use “피부과” (dermatology) in their official name.
1. Types of Medical Institutions
The Medical Service Act defines medical institutions by their role and number of beds.
| Type | Definition | Role in skin care |
|---|---|---|
| Clinic (의원) | Mainly outpatient care, fewer than 30 beds | Most cosmetic and general dermatology |
| Hospital (병원) | 30 or more beds | Some larger skin and aesthetic centers |
| General hospital (종합병원) | 100 or more beds, multiple departments | Hospital dermatology departments |
| Tertiary hospital (상급종합병원) | General hospital designated for complex care | Severe or rare skin disease |
In 2025, 87.7% of foreign patients in Korea visited clinic-level facilities, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
2. Who Provides Skin Treatment
Any licensed physician in Korea can provide cosmetic skin treatments. A board-certified dermatologist (피부과 전문의) completes a one-year internship and a four-year dermatology residency, then passes a specialist examination.
- Specialist clinic: a clinic opened by a dermatology specialist can be named “OO피부과의원”.
- Non-specialist clinic: a clinic opened by a doctor without the specialty uses a general name such as “OO의원” and can list dermatology only as a treatment area.
Our board-certified dermatologist page explains what specialist training means in practice.
3. Covered and Non-Covered Care
| Category | Examples | Payment for tourists |
|---|---|---|
| Medical dermatology | Eczema, infections, acne medication | Full price (tourists are not insured) |
| Cosmetic dermatology | Lasers, lifting, fillers, skin boosters | Full price; non-covered for everyone |
Korea's National Health Insurance covers residents, including foreign nationals who meet residence requirements. Short-term visitors are not enrolled. Many cosmetic skin procedures are also subject to 10% VAT.
4. How a Clinic Visit Works
- Reception: you register with your passport and complete a health questionnaire.
- Consultation: the doctor examines your skin and explains the treatment options.
- Quote and consent: you receive the price and sign a consent form for procedures.
- Treatment: non-surgical treatments usually take place on the same day.
- Payment: you pay at reception and receive a receipt.
- Pharmacy: if the doctor prescribes medication, you take the prescription to a pharmacy.
5. Rules That Protect Patients
- Price disclosure: clinics must inform patients of prices for non-covered services.
- Medical records: patients can request copies of their own medical records.
- Dispute mediation: the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency handles disputes, including cases from foreign patients.
6. Clinics Registered for Foreign Patients
Under the Act on Support for Overseas Expansion of Medical Services and Attraction of Foreign Patients, a medical institution that actively attracts foreign patients must register with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Registration requires at least one specialist in the relevant specialty and medical malpractice insurance.
Meet our dermatologists to see the specialists behind each treatment plan.
FAQ
What is the difference between a clinic and a hospital in Korea?
Under the Medical Service Act, a clinic (의원) mainly provides outpatient care and has fewer than 30 beds. A hospital (병원) has 30 or more beds, and a general hospital (종합병원) has 100 or more beds.
Do I need a referral to visit a Korean dermatology clinic?
No. You can book directly with a dermatology clinic. A referral is only relevant for Korean national health insurance patients who want insurance coverage at a tertiary hospital.
Can any doctor in Korea perform cosmetic skin treatments?
Yes. Any licensed physician can legally provide cosmetic skin treatments. A dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의) has completed a four-year dermatology residency and passed a specialist examination.
Why do Korean clinics give a prescription instead of medication?
Korea separates prescribing and dispensing. Doctors issue prescriptions, and pharmacists dispense medication at pharmacies.
Who checks clinics that attract foreign patients?
Medical institutions that actively attract foreign patients must register with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Registration requires at least one specialist in the relevant specialty and medical malpractice insurance.
APGUJEONG · GANGNAM · SEOUL
Book Your Skin Consultation
A personal skin assessment and treatment plan for your stay in Seoul.
Book via WhatsApp English support availableReferences
- Medical Service Act of Korea (의료법) — types of medical institutions, naming rules, price disclosure and medical records.
- Enforcement Rule of the Medical Service Act (의료법 시행규칙) — display of clinic names and treatment areas.
- Act on Support for Overseas Expansion of Medical Services and Attraction of Foreign Patients (의료 해외진출 및 외국인환자 유치 지원에 관한 법률) — registration of foreign patient institutions.
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (보건복지부) — 2025 foreign patient statistics.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results and suitability vary by individual.
