Your First Korean Dermatology Visit: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

South Korea welcomed over 1.17 million foreign patients in 2024 — nearly double the previous year. Dermatology was the top specialty, accounting for 56.6% of all international visits. The numbers tell a clear story: Korea is the world's leading destination for skin treatments, and clinics here are well-practiced at serving foreign visitors.

Still, walking into a Korean clinic for the first time can feel daunting if you do not know what to expect. This guide covers every stage of the process so you can focus on what matters — getting great skin.

Why Korea for Dermatology?

One key difference sets Korean clinics apart: the doctor typically performs the treatment personally. In the US, med spas and even many dermatology offices rely on registered nurses or physician assistants to carry out procedures. In Korea, the physician is hands-on. Combined with lower costs (often 40-70% less than comparable Western prices), advanced technology, and intense market competition in areas like Gangnam, the value proposition is hard to beat.

A word of caution: not every aesthetic clinic in Korea is run by a board-certified dermatologist. Many are operated by general practitioners. If credentials are important to you, confirm that the doctor holds a dermatology specialty certification (피부과 전문의) before booking.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Clinic

Clinic Types to Know

• Private dermatology clinics (피부과 의원): The most common choice for cosmetic and medical skin treatments. Walk-ins are usually accepted. These range from small single-doctor practices to large multi-floor operations.
• University and general hospitals (대학병원/종합병원): Institutions like Severance (Yonsei), Samsung Seoul Hospital, and Asan Medical Center have dedicated international patient departments with multilingual staff. Best for complex or serious conditions. Appointments are usually required.
• Medical tourism platforms: Services like Mediround and Korea Health Trip connect foreign patients with vetted clinics and provide multilingual booking, translation, and coordination from start to finish.

What to Look For

• JCI accreditation for internationally recognized quality and safety standards
• Foreign patient services — English-speaking coordinators, multilingual forms, and international payment processing
• Board-certified dermatologist (피부과 전문의) on staff
• Reviews on Google Maps, Naver, and medical tourism platforms

Step 2: Booking Your Appointment

Most private dermatology clinics in Korea accept walk-in patients, so you can show up, register, and be seen the same day. That said, booking ahead has clear advantages — especially if you need English-language support or want a specific doctor.

Booking Methods

• Phone: Call the clinic directly. Clinics in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong often have English-speaking staff.
• KakaoTalk: Korea's dominant messaging app. Many clinics have official accounts and accept appointment requests, photos of your skin concerns, and questions through chat.
• Medical tourism agencies: These handle everything from booking to airport pickup and in-clinic translation.
• Hospital international centers: Major hospitals offer online reservation systems with multilingual support.

When booking, mention that you are a foreign visitor and ask about interpreter availability. Clinics are accustomed to this and will coordinate accordingly.

Step 3: What to Bring

Essential Documents

• Passport (original) — Your primary ID for patient registration. Do not bring just a copy.
• Travel insurance documents — Your policy number and insurance certificate. A PDF on your phone is fine.
• Medication list in English — Include dosages, supplements, and any topical products you use regularly.
• Medical records — Relevant diagnoses, allergy information, or previous treatment summaries in English.
• Emergency contact — A local or international phone number.

Helpful Extras

• Korean Won (cash) — Most clinics accept Visa and Mastercard, but smaller clinics may have trouble processing foreign cards. Cash is universally accepted.
• Translation app — Download Papago (by Naver) with the Korean language pack for offline use. It handles medical terminology better than most alternatives.
• Reference photos — Images showing your skin concern or your desired outcome help the doctor understand your goals quickly.

Step 4: The Clinic Visit Flow

Here is what happens from the moment you walk through the door.

1. Registration (접수)

Present your passport at the front desk. Staff will create your patient file and ask you to fill out a short medical questionnaire covering your skin concerns, allergies, and health history. At private clinics, this takes about five minutes. At hospitals with international patient centers, a coordinator will walk you through the entire process.

Tip: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete paperwork without feeling rushed.

2. Skin Analysis

Many Korean clinics use advanced analysis devices before the consultation. Digital analyzers like VISIA measure hydration, pore size, pigmentation, and UV damage. This objective data helps the doctor build a treatment plan tailored to your skin's actual condition — not just what is visible to the naked eye.

3. Consultation (상담/진료)

Some clinics have a two-step process: first a skincare counselor (상담사) discusses treatment options and pricing, followed by an examination with the doctor. Be direct about your concerns and goals. Korean doctors appreciate specificity. If you need translation, the clinic coordinator or interpreter will be present throughout.

4. Treatment (시술)

If you decide to proceed, same-day treatment is standard at most private clinics. The doctor will explain the procedure, expected results, downtime, and aftercare before starting. Common treatments include laser toning, chemical peels, Botox, fillers, and hydrafacial-type procedures.

5. Aftercare and Payment

After treatment, you will receive aftercare instructions — ask for a written copy in English. Payment is handled at the front desk. You pay the full amount upfront; insurance reimbursement happens later through your own insurer.

Costs and Payment

Typical Price Ranges

Many clinics offer package deals (e.g., five laser sessions at a bundled rate) and first-visit discounts.

Payment Methods

• Credit/debit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Some clinics also take UnionPay and JCB. American Express acceptance varies.
• Cash (Korean Won): Always accepted, sometimes preferred at smaller clinics. A few may offer small cash discounts.
• Split payments: You can divide the bill across multiple cards or combine card and cash. Just ask the front desk.

Insurance Reimbursement

Most cosmetic treatments are classified as non-covered (비급여), meaning you pay out of pocket regardless. For medical dermatology (eczema, acne, infections), Korean National Health Insurance may apply if you are enrolled.

For travelers with international insurance, the reimbursement process is:

1. Pay the full amount at the clinic
2. Request an English itemized bill, English diagnosis certificate, and receipt
3. Submit a claim through your insurance provider
4. Reimbursement typically arrives within 2-6 weeks

Tax Refund for Tourists

Some clinics participate in Korea's VAT refund program. Bring your passport, and the clinic will provide tax refund documentation. Process the refund at the airport before departure or through the linked refund website after your departure is confirmed.

Cultural Etiquette Tips

• Arrive early: 10-15 minutes before your appointment is standard courtesy and gives you time for paperwork.
• Be direct: Korean dermatologists prefer patients who are specific about their goals. Do not be vague — point to exactly what you want addressed.
• Consultations are efficient: Doctors may seem brief or matter-of-fact. This is normal and not a sign of rudeness.
• No tipping: Tipping is not practiced in Korean medical settings. It may cause confusion.
• Shoes: Some clinics ask you to change into slippers at the entrance. Follow the lead of other patients.
• Privacy norms: Treatment areas may use curtain dividers rather than solid walls. This is standard.
• A slight bow: When greeting the doctor and staff, a small bow is polite, though no one will expect it from a foreign visitor.

Getting Help

• 1345 Foreign Resident Help Center: Call from any Korean phone for assistance in 20 languages, weekdays 9:00 AM–10:00 PM.
• Papago translation app: Handles Korean medical vocabulary better than most alternatives. Download the offline language pack before your visit.
• Clinic coordinators: Ask the front desk if an English-speaking coordinator is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get treatment on the same day as my consultation?

Yes. Most private Korean dermatology clinics perform treatments immediately after the consultation. This is one of the major advantages compared to Western systems where consultations and procedures are often separate visits.

Do Korean clinics accept international credit cards?

Most clinics in Seoul accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller clinics outside major areas may prefer cash. Always carry some Korean Won as backup.

Will someone speak English at the clinic?

Clinics in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong frequently have English-speaking staff. If you book through a medical tourism platform, translation is included. For other clinics, call ahead to confirm.

Is Korean dermatology safe for darker skin tones?

Korean dermatologists have extensive experience with skin prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. If you have a darker skin tone, raise this during your consultation. Experienced doctors will adjust laser parameters and product choices to suit your skin type.

How do I verify a doctor is board-certified?

Ask the clinic directly or look for the designation 피부과 전문의 on their website or signage. The Korean Medical Association maintains a directory you can search for verification.

How far in advance should I book?

For popular clinics, one to two weeks ahead is wise, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). Walk-ins are possible at most private clinics, but booking ensures interpreter availability and your preferred doctor.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical treatments. Prices and procedures may vary by clinic and are subject to change.