Plastic Surgery in Korea: A Guide to Procedures, Costs & Top Clinics for Foreigners

South Korea is the undisputed plastic surgery capital, responsible for almost 25% of all aesthetic surgeries performed worldwide. Here, patients from around the globe receive transformations delivered with surgical precision that borders on artistry.

This article will walk you through what makes the Korean plastic surgery world-renowned, break down the most popular procedures foreigners travel for, and share insider tips about costs, top surgeons, and how to plan your medical journey.

Korean Plastic Surgery: Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

1. South Korea: Cosmetic Surgery Capital of the World
2. Why Choose South Korea for Plastic Surgery?
3. Is Plastic Surgery Cheaper in Korea?
4. Best Plastic Surgery in Korea for Foreigners
5. Best Plastic Surgeons in South Korea
6. How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon in Korea
7. South Korean Plastic Surgery Before and After
8. Important Considerations for Traveling to South Korea

South Korea: Cosmetic Surgery Capital of the World

Of all cosmetic surgeries performed globally, approximately 1 in every 4 happens in South Korea. This small nation of 51 million people dominates the global aesthetic surgery landscape, but why?

✦ Cultural standards. In Korean society, cosmetic surgery is a cultural norm. Procedures like double eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty are so prevalent that they’re often given as graduation gifts, much like a car or vacation might be in other countries.

✦ Social context. In Korea’s hyper-competitive society, where job applicants often have to submit headshots, beauty is a form of social capital. Koreans see aesthetic enhancement as a practical investment in their future, whether for career advancement, marriage prospects, or social opportunities.

✦ "K-Face" phenomenon. The rise of K-pop has popularized a distinct beauty ideal known as the "K-face". It’s characterized by wide eyes with double eyelids, a high-bridged nose, a V-shaped jawline, and flawless skin. This aesthetic has become so influential that it now shapes global beauty standards, replacing the previously dominant "Instagram face."

South Korea plastic surgery statistics

• In South Korea, nearly 9 out of every 1,000 people get plastic surgery each year—more than anywhere else in the world.
• About 1 in 5 South Koreans has had some form of cosmetic procedure.
• Approximately 1 in 3 South Korean women between the ages of 19 and 29 have undergone plastic surgery.
• South Korea has the highest density of plastic surgeons in the world, with 2,700+ specialists for a population of 51 million.
• Seoul's Gangnam district alone houses more plastic surgery clinics per square mile than anywhere else on Earth (approximately 500).

Why Choose South Korea for Plastic Surgery?

1) Pioneering surgical innovations

South Korea consistently develops groundbreaking techniques that only reach Western countries years later. Surgeons have mastered minimally invasive approaches like:

• The 3-point subcutaneous tunneling method for eyelid surgery that reduces swelling and ensures longer-lasting results;
• Facial procedures performed through tiny 5mm incisions, allowing patients to resume normal activities within just 3 days;
• Ultraformer 3 HIFU and Ulthera, non-surgical alternatives to facelifts for anti-aging;
• Aegyo Sal, or “eye smiles”, one of the most unique Korean surgeries that involves fat grafting beneath the eyes to create a youthful, bright-eyed appearance.

2) Advanced specialization & technical expertise

Korean surgeons perform hundreds of the same procedures annually, developing precision in specific techniques. Rather than being generalists, many focus exclusively on particular procedures. Some surgeons perform only rhinoplasty, while others specialize in V-line jaw contouring.

3) Latest medical technology

Korean plastic surgery clinics routinely invest in the latest medical technology, often adopting advanced equipment years before Western counterparts. From 3D CT scanning for surgical planning to endoscopic techniques that minimize scarring, these technological advantages translate to better outcomes. Many surgical procedures now standard worldwide were pioneered in Korea, including minimal-incision techniques.

4) Excellent value-to-quality ratio

Procedures in South Korea typically cost 40%–75% less than equivalent treatments in the US or Western Europe. A rhinoplasty that might cost $12,000 in the US averages $5,000 in Korea.

5) Comprehensive medical tourism support

Around 114,000 foreign patients flock to South Korea for aesthetic surgery every year. Such popularity is not coincidental. The Korean government actively supports medical tourism through initiatives like the K-Medical Visa program. Plastic surgery clinics employ multilingual coordinators and manage every aspect of your journey—from airport pickup to sightseeing during recovery.

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Is Plastic Surgery Cheaper in Korea?

Based on Bookimed partners' data, plastic surgery in South Korea costs 40%⁠–75% less than the procedures in the US or UK.

Unlike Western itemized billing, Korean plastic surgery clinics offer all-inclusive packages including:

• Pre-operative consultations and planning
• Medical exams and tests
• The surgical procedure itself
• Post-operative hospital stay
• Medications, dressings, and follow-ups
• Translator services

Premium packages also include transfers and accommodation.

In the US or UK, each service would be billed separately, adding thousands to the base surgical fee.

Sample cost breakdown: rhinoplasty + double eyelid surgery

Here’s an example of what you might pay in Korea:

Expense	Cost
Procedures in Korea	$5,000–$8,000
Round-trip flight	$600–$700
Accommodation (1 week)	$250–$1,000
Food and local transport	$500–$1,000
Total	$6,350–$10,700

The same procedures in the US would cost $12,000⁠–$23,000 for surgery alone, resulting in potential savings of $5,650–$12,300 even after factoring in all travel expenses.

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Best Plastic Surgery in Korea for Foreigners

South Korea primarily focuses on facial aesthetics, which takes up 77.5% of all plastic surgeries. However, body contouring procedures like liposuction and breast augmentation are also in demand among foreign patients.

In this section, let’s take a closer look at the most popular Korean surgical procedures.

Korean Eye Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the most popular plastic surgery in Korea. It makes up 31% of all surgeries. It reshapes the eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle. As a result, eyes appear larger, more youthful, and vibrant.

Eyelid surgery can be done:

• on the upper eyelids (upper blepharoplasty) to eliminate sagging skin;
• on the lower eyelids (lower blepharoplasty), using under-eye fat repositioning to reduce puffiness and bags under the eyes.

Korean plastic surgeons also perform a sub-brow lift just below the eyebrows to subtly tighten loose upper eyelid skin.

Best clinics for eyelid surgery in South Korea

Bookimed has carefully selected the best clinics for eyelid surgery in South Korea based on our Ranking Policy, which evaluates factors such as:

• accreditations;
• patient reviews;
• plastic surgeon's expertise.

Korean Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)

Rhinoplasty is the 2nd most popular plastic surgery in South Korea. 

What makes South Korean rhinoplasty special?

✦ Reduced risk & quicker recovery. South Korean plastic surgeons usually use silicone allografts instead of the cartilage autografts common in the US. Silicone allografts minimize recovery time and the risk of complications.

✦ Savings up to 70%. While a rhinoplasty in the US can cost around $11,000, it typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 in South Korea.

Best plastic surgery clinics for rhinoplasty in South Korea

Korean Face Surgery

Patients travel here from different corners of the planet to get the signature Korean look: a slim, V-shaped jawline, smooth skin, and a youthful, lifted look.

To achieve this coveted beauty ideal, Korean plastic surgeons most often use the following facial contouring techniques:

1) V-line surgery

V-line jaw reshaping shaves down the jaw bone and chin to create the famous slender, V-shaped face.

2) Korean face lift

Often combined with a neck lift, facelift tightens sagging skin and lifts the cheeks, jawline, and neck for an anti-aging effect. Korean facelifting techniques emphasize natural movement and preservation of the patient's unique features rather than the overly tight appearance sometimes associated with Western procedures.

3) Fat grafting

Korean surgeons have refined fat grafting techniques to restore youthful facial volume without the obvious appearance of fillers. Using the patient's fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, they strategically inject microdroplets to enhance facial contours.

There is a 50%-75% price difference between facial contouring procedures in Korea and the US, making plastic surgery there worthwhile for international patients:

Cosmetic surgery	South Korea	United States	Savings
V-line surgery	$5,000–10,000	$10,000–$20,000	50%
Facelift	$9,000–14,000	$15,000–$50,000	40%–70%
Fat grafting (face)	$1,500–4,500	$6,500–$16,000	70%–77%

Best plastic surgery clinics for facial contouring in South Korea

Korean Body Surgery

South Korea is also a top destination for body contouring and enhancement surgeries. Korean surgeons use personalized techniques to create elegant, proportionate silhouettes that fit each person's natural frame.

1) Liposuction in Korea

Liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back. South Korea uses less traumatic methods like VASER liposuction, which results in faster healing and smoother results.

2) Fat grafting 

Instead of discarding removed excess fat, surgeons often purify and re-inject it into areas that could use more volume, like the hips, buttocks, or breasts. This technique creates natural-looking curves without implants.

3) Breast surgery

Includes breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction. Korean plastic surgeons achieve a natural, youthful breast shape that harmonizes with the overall body by using discreet implants and minimal scarring techniques.

International patients can save 50%–75% on body contouring procedures in Korea. Take a look at a few examples:

Cosmetic surgery	South Korea	United States	Savings
Liposuction	$1,500–$5,000	$5,000–$10,000	50%–70%
Breast augmentation	$4,000–$15,000	$8,000–$18,500	50%–75%

Best plastic surgery clinics for body contouring in Korea

Best Plastic Surgeons in South Korea

1. Dr. Park Young Kyu

✦ Experience: 24 years
✦ Rating: 5 stars
✦ Clinic: SAERO Plastic Surgery

• Top Medical Resident award from the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS).
• Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• Steering Committee member for several societies, including KSPRS’s Anti-aging Plastic Surgery Research and Rhinoplasty Research.

2. Dr. Im Young Min

✦ Experience: 19 years
✦ Rating: 4.4 stars
✦ Clinic: VG Plastic Surgery

• Member of the KSPRS and the ASPS.
• Ministry of Health and Welfare Designated Healthcare Provider for International Patients.
• Recognized as one of Korea's 100 Good Doctors by Korea Economic Daily and Health in News for his expertise in facial contouring and rhinoplasty.

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How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon in Korea

✔ Look for a board-certified surgeon recognized by institutions like the KSPRS or the ISAPS.

✔ Ensure the clinic has the appropriate medical certifications and adheres to international standards. Reputable plastic surgery clinics display their accreditations on their web pages.

✔ Look beyond marketing materials! Review genuine before/after photos and verified patient reviews.

✔ Observe how surgeons interact during consultations: do they listen to your goals or just push trending procedures? A good surgeon will take time to understand your needs and explain the procedure in detail.

✔ Always ask who will perform your surgery and make sure you meet the surgeon directly. You can request written confirmation about who will handle each part of your procedure. This helps avoid "ghost surgery," where a different doctor operates than the one who consulted you.

✔ Start your search early — the best surgeons often have waiting lists stretching several months.

With Bookimed, you can eliminate the risk of ghost surgery. We only work with verified clinics that provide complete transparency. You’ll meet directly with the certified surgeon who will carry out your plastic surgery.

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South Korean Plastic Surgery Before and After

A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at these before-and-after photos to see the real results from plastic surgeries in South Korea.

Korean nose job before and after (JK Plastic Surgery Center)

Facial contouring results at SAERO Plastic Surgery

Korean face lift before and after (VG Plastic Surgery)

Breast augmentation at JK Plastic Surgery Center

Korean eye surgery before and after at Onlif Plastic Surgery Korea

Important Considerations for Traveling to South Korea

Aspect	Details
Visa	Most Western tourists receive 90-day visa-free entry. Check the specific requirements for your nationality on the Korean embassy website.
Travel	The flight takes around 14 hours from major US cities to Incheon International Airport (ICN). The average round-trip fare is around $630, but it can cost as low as $440, especially from East Coast cities like Atlanta.
Accommodation	Book accommodation with a private bathroom and elevator access. Budget-friendly options: $50–100/night for guesthouses. Mid-range hotels: $100–200/night. Сlinics often partner with nearby hotels or have recovery houses.
Weather	Recovery is more comfortable in spring (Mar–May) and fall (Sep–Nov). Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold.
Length of stay	Budget extra days beyond the minimum recovery time for your procedure. Most surgeons advise staying in Korea for at least 7–14 days after surgery.
Payment	Most plastic surgery clinics in South Korea accept payments in Korean won (KRW) and by major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. When paying by credit card, you can often choose to be charged in either Korean won or US dollars.
Insurance	Regular travel insurance doesn't usually cover cosmetic surgery. Consider getting a specialized medical tourism insurance to protect yourself against complications.

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