How to check if a Korean clinic is registered to treat foreign patients
When picking a dermatology clinic in Korea, it's easy to go by social media reviews or an agency's say-so. There's one official check you can add: whether the clinic is registered to attract foreign patients.
What is it? In Korea, medical institutions and facilitators that want to take foreign patients must register in advance. According to the Seoul city government, attracting foreign patients without registration can lead to up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.
Where to check
- The Medical Korea information system (medicalkorea.or.kr/korp), run by the Korea Health Industry Development Institute
- Search by clinic name or business registration number
Worth checking at the same time
- Whether the person consulting you is a doctor, and who performs the procedure
- What the quote includes and whether VAT is included
- Whether the interpreter works for the clinic or an outside agency
Registration doesn't guarantee quality. It is a basic official check. For your skin and whether a procedure suits you, always talk to a doctor.
What do you check first when choosing a clinic?
Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government — Registration system for foreign-patient institutions
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