How to Book a Korean Dermatology Clinic: Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners 2025

Planning to visit a Korean dermatology clinic but unsure how to book an appointment as a foreigner? Korea's world-renowned skincare industry welcomes international visitors, and booking is easier than you might think. This comprehensive guide covers everything from mobile apps and online platforms to phone reservations and walk-in visits, ensuring you can confidently secure your appointment at top Seoul clinics.

Why Booking Ahead Matters

Korean dermatology clinics, especially in popular areas like Gangnam and Apgujeong, can get extremely busy. Popular clinics often book up weeks in advance, particularly during peak medical tourism seasons (spring and fall). Pre-booking ensures you:

• Secure your preferred time slot during your limited travel dates
• Access English-speaking staff who can prepare for international patients
• Get better consultation time rather than rushed walk-in service
• Confirm pricing and payment methods in advance
• Arrange necessary documentation for medical tourism visa if needed

Method 1: Online Booking Platforms (Easiest for Foreigners)

Gangnam Unni (UNNI) - Top Choice for International Visitors

Gangnam Unni's international platform "UNNI" is specifically designed for foreign patients seeking Korean dermatology and aesthetic treatments. With over 1.3 million accumulated bookings and support for 6 languages, it's the most foreigner-friendly option.

Key Features:

• Languages supported: English, Japanese, Thai, Chinese (simplified & traditional), Korean
• Real-time chat: Communicate directly with clinics using automatic translation in 13 languages (powered by Papago)
• Price transparency: All prices displayed in USD for easy comparison
• Verified reviews: Access to 1.3 million+ authentic customer reviews
• One-stop service: Browse treatments, consult with clinics, and book appointments all in one app

How to Book:

1. Download the UNNI app (available on iOS and Android)
2. Browse by treatment type or clinic location
3. Read reviews and compare prices in USD
4. Chat with your chosen clinic directly through the app
5. Confirm your appointment and receive booking details

Contact: unni.channel.io for customer support

Yeoshin Ticket (YeoTi) - Alternative Platform

YeoTi serves 2.3 million users and offers English language support for booking dermatology and aesthetic treatments.

Key Features:

• English interface available
• Extensive clinic database
• Price comparison tools
• Treatment-specific searches

Website: www.yeoshin.co.kr/en

Naver Booking - Korean Platform with Some English Support

While primarily in Korean, some clinics on Naver Booking offer English-language services. This 24/7 platform is integrated with Naver Pay for seamless payment.

Best for:

• Those comfortable with Korean language or using translation tools
• Accessing Korea's largest clinic database
• Same-day appointments at less busy clinics

Method 2: Phone Reservations

Calling directly gives you immediate confirmation and allows for detailed questions, though it requires some English proficiency or Korean language skills.

Essential English Phrases for Booking

When calling a Korean dermatology clinic, use these phrases:

Making an Appointment:

• "I'd like to make an appointment to see a dermatologist."
• "Are there any available time slots this week?"
• "I'm visiting from [country]. Do you have English-speaking staff?"

Providing Information:

• "My passport number is..."
• "I'll be staying at [hotel/address]."
• "I'd like to discuss [specific treatment]."

Asking Important Questions:

• "Do you accept international insurance?"
• "What payment methods do you accept?"
• "Do I need any documents for the consultation?"
• "Is an interpreter available?"

Korean Phrases (Romanized)

If you need to use Korean:

• 예약하고 싶습니다 (ye-yak-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da) - "I'd like to make a reservation"
• 외국인이에요 (weh-guk-in-i-e-yo) - "I'm a foreigner"
• 영어 가능하세요? (yeong-eo ga-neung-ha-se-yo?) - "Can you speak English?"
• 통역사가 있나요? (tong-yeok-sa-ga in-na-yo?) - "Is there an interpreter?"

Tips for Phone Booking

1. Call during business hours: Typically 10 AM - 6 PM, Monday-Friday
2. Have information ready: Passport number, Korean address/hotel, preferred dates
3. Request confirmation: Ask for a confirmation number or text message
4. Clarify location: Confirm the exact clinic address and nearest subway station

Method 3: International Healthcare Centers at Major Hospitals

Large university hospitals in Seoul operate dedicated international healthcare centers that provide comprehensive services for foreign patients.

Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)

Languages: English, Chinese, Mongolian, Russian, Arabic Services: Registration, interpretation, payment, document issuance all in one center Website: www.snuh.org

Other Major Hospitals with International Centers

• Severance Hospital (Yonsei): English consultation and foreign patient coordination by appointment
• Samsung Medical Center: Foreign patient reception, English documentation, payment support
• Asan Medical Center: Dedicated international coordinators

Advantages

• Comprehensive support: All administrative tasks handled in English
• Medical interpretation: Professional medical translators available
• Documentation help: English medical reports and receipts
• Insurance coordination: Assistance with international insurance claims

Booking Process:

1. Contact the International Healthcare Center directly
2. Provide passport information and residence details
3. Request interpreter service if needed
4. Confirm appointment date and required documents

Method 4: Medical Tourism Agencies

For comprehensive support from arrival to departure, medical tourism agencies provide concierge-level service.

Top Medical Tourism Agencies (2025)

WIA Medical Tourism Korea

• Services: Consultation interpretation, airport pickup, surgery interpretation, pre/post-care
• Languages: 12 languages including Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Russian
• Specialties: Dermatology, plastic surgery, dental treatments
• Website: wiatrip.com/medical/

NAMO (KOKORO Service)

• Services: Pre-surgery LINE consultation, surgery interpretation, full care until departure
• Languages: Multiple Asian languages
• Additional: Partnership with clinics for exclusive pricing and priority booking

Gangnam Medical Tourism Center

• Services: Official Gangnam district medical tourism support
• Focus: Connecting foreigners with verified Gangnam clinics
• Website: medicaltour.gangnam.go.kr

What Agencies Provide

1. Pre-arrival consultation: Discuss your needs and budget
2. Clinic matching: Connect you with appropriate clinics based on treatment goals
3. Language support: Professional medical interpreters throughout your visit
4. Transportation: Airport pickup and clinic transfers
5. Accommodation: Hotel booking assistance
6. Tourism integration: Combine medical treatments with sightseeing
7. Follow-up care: Post-treatment support and communication with doctors

When to Use an Agency

Medical tourism agencies are ideal if you:

• Don't speak Korean or English at basic level
• Want comprehensive support and worry-free experience
• Are planning multiple treatments at different clinics
• Need complex procedures requiring significant medical communication
• Prefer all-inclusive packages with tourism activities

Cost: Agencies typically charge 10-20% service fees, or work on commission from partner clinics.

Method 5: Walk-In Appointments

While not recommended for major treatments, walk-ins are possible at many Korean dermatology clinics, especially for minor consultations.

Best for Walk-Ins

• Basic skin consultations
• Quick treatments (extractions, simple facials)
• Less popular clinics in non-peak hours
• Emergency skin issues

How to Walk In Successfully

1. Visit during off-peak hours: Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) or mid-afternoons (2-4 PM)
2. Avoid weekends and evenings: These times are busiest
3. Bring your passport: Required for registration
4. Have cash ready: Not all clinics accept foreign cards for walk-ins
5. Use translation apps: Have Papago or Google Translate ready

Walk-In Limitations

• ❌ Long wait times (1-3 hours possible)
• ❌ Limited availability of English-speaking staff
• ❌ May not get your preferred doctor
• ❌ Higher chance of being turned away if fully booked
• ❌ Rushed consultations during busy periods

What to Prepare Before Booking

Regardless of your booking method, have these ready:

Required Information

1. Passport details: Full name (as on passport), passport number, nationality
2. Contact information: Korean phone number (get a SIM card or use hotel number)
3. Accommodation address: Hotel name and address in Korea
4. Treatment interests: Specific procedures you're considering
5. Medical history: Any relevant allergies, previous treatments, medications
6. Arrival/departure dates: Your window of availability in Korea

Optional but Helpful

• Reference photos of desired results
• Previous treatment records (if applicable)
• Insurance information (if you have international coverage)
• Budget range for treatments

Payment Methods and Pricing

Most Korean dermatology clinics accept:

• Cash (KRW): Always accepted
• Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard widely accepted; Amex less common
• Naver Pay / Kakao Pay: Requires Korean bank account
• International insurance: Some clinics accept, confirm in advance

Price Transparency: Reputable clinics provide clear pricing upfront. Be cautious of clinics that won't discuss costs until after consultation.

Deposit Policies: Some clinics require deposits for bookings, especially through agencies. Clarify cancellation policies before paying.

FAQ

Q: How far in advance should I book? A: For popular Gangnam clinics, book 2-4 weeks in advance. Less busy clinics may accommodate same-week appointments. Peak seasons (spring cherry blossom, fall foliage) require earlier booking.

Q: Do I need to speak Korean to book? A: Not if you use UNNI app, YeoTi, or medical tourism agencies. These platforms offer English support. For direct clinic contact, basic English is available at most foreigner-friendly clinics in Gangnam and Apgujeong.

Q: Can I book multiple clinics for price comparison? A: Yes, this is common practice. Many international visitors book consultations at 2-3 clinics to compare recommendations and pricing before deciding on treatment.

Q: What if I need to cancel or reschedule? A: Contact the clinic as soon as possible. Most clinics allow free cancellation 24-48 hours before appointment. Last-minute cancellations may forfeit deposits. Check specific policies when booking.

Q: Do I need a medical tourism visa? A: Most visitors can use tourist visas (K-ETA or visa-free entry for eligible countries). Medical tourism visas (C-3-M) are only necessary for long-term treatments requiring extended stays.

Q: Are walk-in appointments possible at popular clinics? A: Walk-ins are generally discouraged at popular Gangnam clinics during peak hours. You may wait several hours or be turned away. Always book ahead for best experience.

Q: How do I verify a clinic is legitimate? A: Use official platforms (UNNI, YeoTi), check MEDICALKOREA's official registry (www.medicalkorea.or.kr), or contact Gangnam Medical Tourism Center. Avoid clinics only found through unmarked advertisements.

Q: What payment is required when booking? A: Booking policies vary. Some clinics require no upfront payment (pay after consultation), others ask for 10-30% deposit. Medical tourism agencies may require partial prepayment. Always clarify before confirming.

Conclusion

Booking a Korean dermatology clinic as a foreigner is straightforward with the right approach. The UNNI app and medical tourism agencies offer the easiest experience with comprehensive English support, while direct booking through phones or hospital international centers provides more control over your appointment.

Choose your method based on your comfort level with technology, Korean language skills, and desired level of support. Regardless of approach, booking in advance ensures you'll receive quality care from Korea's world-class dermatology professionals during your visit.

Ready to start your Korean skincare journey? Download the UNNI app or contact a medical tourism agency today to secure your appointment at Seoul's top dermatology clinics.

Last Updated: December 29, 2025 Reading Time: 8 minutes