Cheongdam · Gangnam · Seoul
English-Speaking Clinics in Cheongdam, Seoul: A Guide for International Patients
An independent guide for international patients and expats. We explain treatments in plain English, show you what to check before you book, and point you to official Korean patient-safety resources.
Find care
Medical & aesthetic care in Cheongdam, by specialty
Each guide explains what the treatment is, who it suits, typical downtime, risks, and what to ask the doctor before you agree to anything. Looking for a specific clinic? Browse the Cheongdam clinic directory.
Dermatology & Advanced Skin Care
Acne and scars, pigmentation, rosacea, medical lasers and skin rejuvenation.
Read the guide →
Lifting & Anti-Aging
Ultherapy, Thermage, RF and ultrasound lifting: how they work and realistic results.
Read the guide →
Botox, Fillers & Contouring
Injectables compared: products, how long results last and possible side effects.
Read the guide →
Skin Boosters & Regenerative
Rejuran, exosomes and collagen-supporting skin boosters.
Read the guide →
Plastic Surgery
Eyelids, rhinoplasty, facelift and fat grafting, with recovery and flying advice.
Read the guide →
Eye Clinic
Eye examinations, vision correction and specialist eye care in English.
Read the guide →
Gynecology & Women's Health
Check-ups, HPV screening and vaccination, contraception and menopause care.
Read the guide →
Urology
Confidential men's health, urinary and sexual-health consultations.
Read the guide →
Orthopedic Care
Joint, spine and sports-injury diagnosis and non-surgical treatment.
Read the guide →
Dental Care
Check-ups, implants, veneers, whitening and Invisalign.
Read the guide →
Internal Medicine
Consultations, blood tests, vaccinations and health screening.
Read the guide →
Liposuction & Body Contouring
Surgical and non-surgical body shaping, and what recovery involves.
Read the guide →Patient checklist
How to check a clinic before you book
Use this checklist for any clinic in Korea. A good clinic will answer every point clearly before you agree to treatment.
If a clinic avoids any of these questions, treat it as a warning sign and consider another provider.
- Compare the same shot count and product brand — "Ultherapy" at 100 shots is not the same as 300.
- Ask whether the doctor or a nurse performs the treatment.
- Check that the quote includes VAT, numbing cream and aftercare.
- Very low prices can mean diluted product or fewer shots.
- 1
Registered for foreign patients
Ask whether the clinic is registered with Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare as a foreign patient attraction medical institution — registration also requires medical malpractice insurance.
- 2
Licensed specialists perform the treatment
Ask who will perform your treatment, and about that doctor's license and specialty board certification.
- 3
Real English support
Confirm a medical coordinator or interpreter will be with you for the consultation, consent forms and aftercare.
- 4
Clear prices and written consent
Get prices in writing before treatment, including VAT and consultation fees. You should never feel pressured to decide on the day.
- 5
Genuine devices and products
Ask whether devices are approved by Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and ask to see product packaging.
- 6
Aftercare for patients who fly home
Get a named contact for questions after you leave Korea, and copies of records to take to your doctor at home.
Price guide · 2026
Typical prices in Gangnam
| Treatment | Typical range | Downtime |
|---|---|---|
| Botox 1 area (forehead, jaw…) | ₩50,000 – 150,000 | None |
| Dermal filler per 1cc syringe | ₩200,000 – 500,000 | 1–3 days swelling |
| Laser toning per full-face session | ₩50,000 – 150,000 | None |
| Rejuran Healer full face | ₩250,000 – 900,000 | 1–3 days bumps |
| Ultherapy 300 shots | ₩650,000 – 1,500,000 | None – mild swelling |
| Thermage FLX 600 shots, full face | ₩1,000,000 – 2,000,000 | None |
Ranges based on published Gangnam clinic price lists, September 2026. Prices vary by clinic, doctor, product brand and shot count, and may not include 10% VAT. Always ask for a written quote.
Patient safety
What every international patient in Korea should know
Official support exists for foreign patients. Save these before your trip.
Medical Korea Support Center
Government helpline run by KHIDI for foreign patients: clinic information, interpretation and complaints. medicalkorea.or.kr
Emergency
For ambulance and emergencies anywhere in Korea. For tourist help in English, call the Korea Travel Hotline 1330 .
If something goes wrong
The Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency handles medical disputes, including for foreign patients. k-medi.or.kr
Avoid illegal brokers
Only registered agencies may refer foreign patients for a fee. Report illegal brokers through Medical Korea's K‑MediWatch.
Tax refund has changed
The VAT refund for foreign visitors on cosmetic and dermatology procedures ended on 1 January 2026. Ask whether quotes include 10% VAT.
Allow time to recover
Plan surgery early in your trip. Ask your surgeon when it is safe to fly, and book follow-up visits before you leave.
About the area
Why international patients choose Cheongdam
Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam-gu has one of the densest concentrations of specialist dermatology, plastic surgery and aesthetic clinics in Seoul.
- Many specialties within walking distance of each other
- Clinics experienced with overseas and expat patients
- Near Cheongdam Station (Line 7) and Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin-Bundang Line)
- Close to hotels, so short-stay visitors can recover nearby
FAQ
Common questions from international patients
Do clinics in Cheongdam speak English?
Many do, but the level varies. Ask whether an English-speaking coordinator or interpreter will be present for your consultation and consent, and confirm it when you book.
How do I know a clinic is legitimate?
Check that it is registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to treat foreign patients, that the treating doctor is a licensed specialist, and that prices are given in writing. You can also call the Medical Korea Support Center on 1577-7129.
Can I get a VAT refund on cosmetic treatments?
No. The refund for foreign visitors on cosmetic and dermatology procedures ended on 1 January 2026. Ask whether the quoted price includes VAT.
How long should I stay in Seoul after a procedure?
It depends on the treatment. Many laser and injectable treatments need little downtime, while surgery can require a week or more before flying and a follow-up visit. Your doctor should give you a specific timeline.
Does CHEONGDAM.CLINIC give medical advice or book treatments?
No. We are an information guide. We do not diagnose or treat. Decisions about your care should be made with a licensed doctor.
Sources
Contact & publisher
CHEONGDAM.CLINIC is published by Expat Korea (엑스팻코리아).
Visit our treatment pages or the clinic directory for clinic-specific contact details.
