Introduction to South Korea Medical Tourism

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Korean Plastic Surgery

Clinics Are Plentiful

New to the Korean culture or haven't got a clue on what South Korea medical tourism is all about?

If you've ever been down the streets of Seoul, you’ll notice a cluster of unremarkable gray buildings, but a closer look at the bathhouse aka jijimbang will show you South Korea’s truly unique culture; just put yourself in the hands of an ajumma and you’ll have a taste of the country’s ceaseless sense of self-improvement and at the same time, their quest for absolute relaxation.

Over two decades ago, the affluent Gangnam district was one of the least developed areas in Seoul. Now, in this area alone, there are more than five hundred plastic surgery clinics!

Even so, the South Korean society is very competitive, and only the top 1% in medical schools becomes qualified and certified surgeons. Travelers you have been warned, not every clinic or surgeon out there is legit – looks can be deceiving.

The Beauty Standard is Less Tolerating

Yet, looks may also change one’s destiny – and this belief of empowerment through surgery is greatly shared amongst many in Korea as well as other parts of Asia.

It is not uncommon to find a K-POP fan in or outside of Korea requesting to look like their favorite Korean idol. Some of the hallmark traits of what is conventionally beautiful  (as seen on many Korean celebrities)  are the appearance of large lidded eyes through the popular double eyelid surgery, a nose with a high bridge, fair skin and a V-shaped jawline.

With that said, the beauty standard can be said to be rather narrow and is less tolerating of individual quirks – you’ll definitely want to reconsider bringing an obese friend on your next trip to Korea.

Still Regarded As Top Destination

A look at Korean plastic surgery statistics will tell you that more than 80,000 travelers have entered South Korea in 2010. By 2015, it is estimated by the Korea Tourism Organization that the number will soar to 400,000. Without a doubt, South Korea has been getting a lot of media coverage related to cosmetic surgery: remember what happened earier this year? a  Gangnam plastic surgery clinic builds tower of chin bones is one fine example of the hype surrounding South Korea’s plastic surgery industry.

There are many more where that came from, but as usual, fame does not equate to reliability. It is advisable for anyone who is interested in Korean cosmetic surgery to do their own research before making a well-informed decision!