Medical tourism in South Korea for U.S. patients

South Korea, and Seoul's Gangnam district in particular, is known for facial plastic surgery. xcuro's partner plastic surgery clinics in Korea are in Seoul, Incheon and on Jeju island.

What Americans travel to Korea for

Rhinoplasty, including augmentation and revision
Double eyelid surgery and other eyelid procedures
Facial contouring (jaw and cheekbone reduction)
Facelift and fat grafting
Breast augmentation and liposuction

Protections for patients in Korea

Since September 25, 2023, Korean clinics that operate on unconscious patients must have cameras in the operating room, and you can ask for your own surgery to be recorded. A clinic may refuse only for narrow reasons and in writing, and footage is kept for at least 30 days. Check that your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons; in Korea, cosmetic procedures are also offered by doctors from other specialties.

Getting there and how long to stay

U.S. passport holders can visit Korea without a visa for up to 90 days and do not need a K-ETA through December 31, 2026; an electronic arrival card is required. Nonstop flights take about 13 hours from Los Angeles and over 15 from New York. Plan on 7 to 10 days for facial surgery and 10 to 14 days for body or breast surgery. The State Department rates South Korea Level 1, “Exercise Normal Precautions”.

Whatever the destination, the CDC recommends seeing a travel-medicine provider before you go, bringing copies of your medical records, arranging follow-up care at home before surgery, and waiting 10 to 14 days before flying after major surgery. Complications treated after you return may not be covered by U.S. insurance.

Best clinics in Incheon

Top clinics in Incheon