International visitors choose South Korea for skin treatments because of specialist-trained dermatologists, a large concentration of clinics in Seoul and a wide range of non-surgical treatments. In 2025, Korea treated 2,011,822 foreign patients, and 62.9% of them came for dermatology, the most visited specialty.
1. Korea's Foreign Patient Numbers
The number of foreign patients treated in Korea has grown quickly. Figures from the Ministry of Health and Welfare show the following totals.
| Year | Foreign patients treated in Korea |
|---|---|
| 2023 | About 610,000 |
| 2024 | About 1,170,000 |
| 2025 | 2,011,822 |
In 2025, dermatology was the most visited specialty with about 1,312,700 patients (62.9%), followed by plastic surgery with 11.2%. The largest groups came from China (30.8%), Japan (29.8%), Taiwan (9.2%) and the United States (8.6%, 173,363 patients).
2. Specialist-Trained Dermatologists
In Korea, a board-certified dermatologist (피부과 전문의) completes a one-year internship and a four-year dermatology residency after medical school, then passes a national specialist examination.
Korean law also controls how clinics use the word dermatology. Only a clinic opened by a dermatology specialist can use “피부과” in its official name. A clinic run by a doctor without this specialty must use a general clinic name and list dermatology only as a treatment area.
See why patients choose us to learn how specialist training shapes treatment planning.
3. A Wide Range of Treatments and Devices
Seoul dermatology clinics offer medical and cosmetic skin care in one place. Korea also has its own aesthetic device industry, and Korean-made ultrasound and radiofrequency devices are exported to clinics in other countries.
| Treatment area | Examples offered in Seoul clinics |
|---|---|
| Lifting and tightening | High-intensity focused ultrasound, monopolar radiofrequency |
| Pigmentation | Laser toning, picosecond lasers |
| Acne and scars | Prescription medication, acne lasers, fractional lasers, subcision |
| Skin quality | Skin boosters, polynucleotide injections |
| Volume and contour | Hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen stimulators |
4. Easy Access in Seoul
Most foreign patients are treated in Seoul (87.2% in 2025), and most visit outpatient clinics (87.7%) rather than hospitals. Dermatology clinics are concentrated in Gangnam districts such as Apgujeong, Sinsa and Cheongdam, so visitors can reach them easily from central hotels.
- No referral needed: you can book directly with a dermatology clinic.
- Short visits: for many non-surgical treatments, consultation and treatment take place on the same day.
- English support: many Gangnam clinics offer English consultations or interpreters. Confirm this when you book.
Read more about our Apgujeong skin clinic location and services.
5. Clear Rules on Prices and Taxes
- Price disclosure: under the Medical Service Act, clinics must inform patients of prices for services not covered by national health insurance, such as cosmetic treatments.
- VAT: many cosmetic skin procedures in Korea are subject to 10% VAT. Ask whether the quoted price includes VAT.
- Tax refunds: the VAT refund for foreign patients on cosmetic procedures ended on December 31, 2025, so cosmetic skin treatments currently do not qualify for a tourist tax refund. If you have any questions about payment or taxes, ask the clinic before you pay.
- Insurance: short-term visitors are not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance and pay the full price.
6. What to Check Before You Book
- Confirm the doctor is a dermatology specialist.
- Ask who will perform your treatment.
- Request a written quote that shows VAT.
- Check that your treatment and recovery time fit your travel dates.
- Ask how the clinic handles follow-up questions after you return home.
FAQ
Is dermatology the most common reason foreign patients visit Korea?
Yes. In 2025, dermatology accounted for 62.9% of foreign patients in Korea (about 1,312,700 people), according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Plastic surgery was second at 11.2%.
Where do most foreign patients receive treatment in Korea?
Most receive treatment in Seoul. In 2025, 87.2% of foreign patients were treated in Seoul, and 87.7% visited clinic-level facilities rather than hospitals.
Are skin treatments in Korea covered by Korean national health insurance for tourists?
No. Short-term visitors are not enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance, so tourists pay the full price. Most cosmetic skin treatments are also non-covered services for Korean residents.
Can foreign visitors still get a VAT refund on cosmetic skin treatments?
No. The VAT refund for foreign patients on cosmetic procedures ended on December 31, 2025. If you have any questions about payment or taxes, ask the clinic before you pay.
How can I tell if a Korean clinic is led by a dermatologist?
Under Korean medical law, only a clinic opened by a dermatology specialist can use “피부과” (dermatology) in its official name. You can also ask to see the doctor's specialist certification.
APGUJEONG · GANGNAM · SEOUL
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- Ministry of Health and Welfare (보건복지부) — 2025 foreign patient statistics.
- Korea Health Industry Development Institute (한국보건산업진흥원) — foreign patient attraction data.
- Medical Service Act of Korea (의료법) — clinic naming and price disclosure rules.
- Value-Added Tax Act of Korea (부가가치세법) — VAT on cosmetic medical services.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results and suitability vary by individual.
