Table of contents

• Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Korean Medicine?
• Cost of Korean Medicine in Korea
• What Is Usually Included in Cost of Korean Medicine in Korea
• Factors Influencing the Cost of Korean Medicine in Korea
• Comparing the Cost of Korean Medicine: Korea vs the Rest of the World
• Cost of Coming To Korea for Korean Medicine

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

Are you considering traveling to Korea for medical procedures but unsure about the costs involved? Known for its advanced medical technology and competitive pricing, Korea offers a wide range of cosmetic and traditional treatments that attract international patients. From liposuction to acupuncture, the costs can vary widely depending on the complexity and specifics of the procedure. This guide breaks down the typical expenses involved, providing both Korean Won and USD estimates to help you plan your medical journey. Whether it's travel costs, accommodation, or local transportation, knowing what to expect can help ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience in Korea's thriving medical tourism industry.

Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Korean Medicine?

Listed below are some of the best clinics in Korea for korean medicine.

1. Sooprime Oriental Clinic

You may consider Sooprime Oriental Clinic if you want Korean medicine-based weight management that is tailored to your constitution, age-related metabolic needs, and relevant health concerns, alongside care focused on chronic pain and immune-related conditions.

• URL: Sooprime Oriental Clinic Website
• Location: Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Weight-management options:
  • The Gabioum Weight Loss Program tailors treatment to your body constitution and is intended to help reduce rebound weight gain.
  • Options include customized herbal prescriptions in a detox program, diet acupuncture to support metabolism and reduce hunger, and age-specific diet planning that considers metabolic and hormonal changes.
  • The clinic also provides monitoring intended to manage side effects of diet medications and care for obesity-related metabolic concerns, including diabetes and hypertension.
• Chronic pain and immune-focused care:
  • The clinic reports 15 years of experience treating and researching immune diseases and chronic pain.
  • For fibromyalgia, care may include customized herbal medicine and detox circulation acupuncture.
  • Its rheumatoid arthritis approach combines herbal medicine and acupuncture, including immune acupuncture intended to modulate immune responses.

2. OneCare Korean Medicine Clinic

You can expect a broad range of traditional Korean medicine services at OneCare Korean Medicine Clinic, including acupuncture, individualized herbal prescriptions, manual therapy, moxibustion, rehabilitation-focused care, and dietary guidance tailored to your health needs.

• URL: OneCare Korean Medicine Clinic Website
• Location: Yangcheon-gu, Seoul
• Core Korean medicine treatments:
  • You can expect traditional acupuncture or electroacupuncture, which adds a mild electrical current to acupuncture treatment.
  • Customized herbal prescriptions are prepared around your individual health needs, and herbal steam therapy is offered to support circulation and relieve pain.
  • Moxibustion is available in direct and indirect forms to provide targeted warmth and stimulation.
• Manual and rehabilitative care:
  • Chuna therapy uses stretching, mobilization, and musculoskeletal manipulation to support alignment and ease discomfort.
  • Cupping therapy is offered to increase local blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
  • Rehabilitation options include Hwangjeong Therapy, which combines acupressure, stretching, and herbal treatments, as well as meridian therapy.
• Additional support:
  • Infrared therapy is used to promote relaxation and pain relief.
  • You can receive dietary guidance based on traditional Korean medicine principles.

3. Bondi Korean Medicine Clinic

You can expect Korean medicine-based care at Bondi Korean Medicine Clinic that combines acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, manual therapy, herbal medicine, and electrotherapy for concerns ranging from musculoskeletal pain and post-accident recovery to digestive, sleep, women’s health, and weight-management needs.

• URL: Bondi Korean Medicine Clinic Website
• Location: 3rd floor, 509 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Pain and recovery care:
  • For neck, shoulder, back, or limb and joint concerns, care may combine acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, manual therapy, herbal medicine, and low-current electrotherapy.
  • The neck-pain program addresses posture-related strain, stiffness, and associated headaches, while other pain programs focus on function and comfortable movement.
  • Post-traffic accident care follows a step-based program that can include acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, physical therapy, herbal medicine preparation, and manual therapy.
• Herbal and targeted treatment options:
  • Customized herbal medicine is used across programs based on your condition and constitution.
  • Pharmacopuncture uses herbal extracts at targeted points and is used in pain-related and systemic care programs.
  • The clinic also offers constitution-based herbal weight management, including a pill-format herbal option and localized fat-reduction pharmacopuncture.
• Additional care areas:
  • Programs address digestive discomfort and constipation, with individualized herbal care referenced for longer-standing constipation concerns.
  • Women’s health, sleep, and autoimmune-support programs use combinations of Korean medicine modalities; autoimmune care also includes lifestyle guidance.
  • The non-surgical facial-balance workflow includes craniosacral therapy and facial acupuncture.

Cost of Korean Medicine in Korea

Korea has become a renowned destination for a variety of medical procedures, offering advanced techniques and competitive pricing. Here's an overview of the costs for common procedures available in Korea, rendered in both Korean Won (KRW) and US Dollar (USD) for your convenience. Please note that securing your procedure typically requires a 10% upfront deposit.

Cosmetic Procedures

• Arm Liposuction

  • Cost: ₩1,889,000 - ₩3,632,000 (USD 1,300 - USD 2,500)

• Thigh Liposuction

  • Cost: ₩4,941,000 - ₩10,304,000 (USD 3,400 - USD 7,600)

• Face Liposuction

  • Cost: ₩3,198,000 - ₩4,360,000 (USD 2,200 - USD 3,000)

• Face Fat Grafting

  • Cost: ₩516,000 - ₩2,577,000 (USD 750 - USD 3,750)

• Abdominal Liposuction

  • Cost: ₩8,722,000 - ₩20,875,000 (USD 6,000 - USD 15,000)

• Buttocks Implants

  • Cost: ₩10,906,000 - ₩14,244,000 (USD 7,500 - USD 9,800)

• Full Body Liposuction

  • Cost: ₩13,760,000 - ₩15,920,000 (USD 20,000 - USD 23,000)

• Rhinoplasty

  • Cost: ₩3,470,000 - ₩6,192,000 (USD 2,500 - USD 9,000)

• Double Eyelid Surgery

  • Cost: ₩2,752,000 - ₩4,128,000 (USD 4,000 - USD 6,000)

• Hair Transplant

  • Cost: ₩1,032,000 - ₩6,024,000 (USD 1,500 - USD 9,000)

• Breast Augmentation

  • Cost: ₩4,128,000 - ₩6,880,000 (USD 6,000 - USD 10,000)

• Dental Implants

  • Cost: ₩1,376,000 - ₩2,064,000 (USD 2,000 - USD 3,000)

Weight and Other Procedures

• Diet Pills

  • Cost: ₩30,000 - ₩100,000 (USD 21 - USD 69)

• Diet Pills Prescription (1 Month)

  • Cost: ₩220,000 - ₩240,000 (USD 151 - USD 165)

• Diet Acupoint Injection

  • Fixed Cost: ₩40,000 (USD 28)

• Constipation Pills Prescription (10 Days)

  • Fixed Cost: ₩20,000 (USD 14)

• Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass)

  • Cost: ₩13,760,000 - ₩24,840,000 (USD 10,000 - USD 18,000)

• IVF

  • Cost: ₩4,816,000 - ₩8,256,000 (USD 7,000 - USD 12,000)

• Hip/Joint Replacement

  • Cost: ₩12,384,000 - ₩17,652,000 (USD 18,000 - USD 25,000)

Traditional Korean Medicine

• Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

  • Cost: ₩15,832 - ₩34,920 (USD 23 - USD 50)

• Herbal Medicine

  • Cost: ₩52,976 - ₩166,960 (USD 77 - USD 230)

• Acupuncture Sessions

  • Cost: ₩5,504 - ₩40,736 (USD 8 - USD 61)

• Cupping and Moxibustion

  • Cost: ₩10,320 - ₩26,456 (USD 15 - USD 38)

• Specialized Treatments

  • Cost: ₩264,680 - ₩528,380 (USD 385 - USD 770)

These prices reflect a broad range due to varying complexity, duration, and patient needs for each procedure. Always confirm with the medical provider for detailed and specific costing.

What Is Usually Included in Cost of Korean Medicine in Korea

When considering Korean medicine and medical procedures in Korea, understanding the typical costs involved is crucial. Here is an overview of the common cost considerations associated with various procedures:

Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures like Arm Liposuction, Thigh Liposuction, Face Liposuction, Face Fat Grafting, Abdominal Liposuction, Buttocks Implants, and Full Body Liposuction generally include:

• Travel Costs to Korea: This covers the expenses of traveling to the country, including flights which can vary greatly depending on the point of departure and season.
• Accommodation Expenses: Staying in Korea for the required duration often necessitates booking a hotel or other lodging, potentially increasing total costs based on the length of stay and level of accommodation desired.
• Local Transportation: Whether it's taxis, rental cars, or public transit, getting around locally entails additional costs.
• Dining Expenses: Meals and other dining requirements are part of the stay and should be factored into the overall budget.

For procedures like Rhinoplasty, Breast Augmentation, Hair Transplant, and Dental Implants, travel and accommodation are consistently listed as primary cost considerations.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatments such as Diet Pills Prescriptions, Constipation Pills Prescriptions, and Diet Acupoint Injections emphasize:

• Prescription Costs and Sessions: For diet-related prescriptions, this includes the cost of the pills and related healthcare provider consultations. Acupoint injections are priced per session.
• Customized Plans: Diet plans specifically tailored to the patient's constitution are often included in the pricing for diet pill prescriptions.

Procedures such as Initial Consultations and Diagnosis and treatment plans like Herbal Medicine provide:

• Personalized Treatment Plan Development: Initial consultations aim to tailor subsequent treatment approaches, which may be complex and require professional expertise.
• Month's Supply of Herbs: For herbal medicine treatments, the cost often includes a month's supply of prescribed herbs, contributing to the comprehensive health approach.

Traditional Treatments

Traditional treatments such as Acupuncture Sessions, Cupping and Moxibustion, and Specialized Treatments typically incorporate:

• Session Duration and Number of Sessions: Costs depend on how many sessions are recommended, which can be determined based on an individual’s medical condition and treatment goals.
• Combination Treatments: Cupping and moxibustion may be combined with acupuncture, potentially influencing pricing depending on the complexity and integration of treatments.

Surgical and Specialized Procedures

Surgical interventions like IVF, Hip/Joint Replacement, and Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass) entail:

• Travel and Accommodation Costs: Similar to cosmetic procedures, these are notable costs for international patients.
• Additional Medical Expenses: Specific procedures may require medications (as in IVF) or rehabilitation (as in hip/joint replacements and weight loss surgery) which are critical to post-operative success.

These cost elements illustrate the range of expenses associated with Korean medical services, from preliminary consultations to post-operative care, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of medical tourism in Korea.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Korean Medicine in Korea

The cost of medical procedures and treatments in Korea is influenced by several critical factors. For surgical procedures like liposuction, rhinoplasty, and breast augmentation, the cost is primarily affected by the surgeon's experience, the location of the clinic, and the techniques used during surgery. Non-surgical procedures, like diet pill prescriptions and diet acupoint injections, depend on factors such as patient's specific needs, the type of treatment prescribed, and the number of sessions required. Herbal medicine and acupuncture also see cost variation based on the clinic's location and the practitioner's expertise and reputation. For more specialized treatments, such as IVF or weight loss surgery, additional factors like the clinic's success rates and hospital facilities play a significant role. These diverse factors contribute to the varied costs associated with traditional and modern medical practices in Korea.

Comparing the Cost of Korean Medicine: Korea vs the Rest of the World

Korea has become a hub for medical tourism, offering a wide range of procedures at competitive prices. But how do these costs compare with those in other countries around the world? We will explore the cost differences of several popular procedures.

Cost of Arm Liposuction

Though we aren't comparing Korean prices here, arm liposuction in nearby regions like Turkey can range from $1,000 to $3,500 USD.

Cost of Thigh Liposuction

Thigh liposuction can cost effectively, but one should consider Turkey's prices ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 USD.

Cost of Face Liposuction

Face liposuction is comparable in other medical tourism spots, with Turkey offering similar procedures ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 USD.

Cost of Diet Pills

In Korea, 1 month’s supply carries additional costs for customized diet plans. In USD, this ranges from about $150 to $165, reasonable for a personalized approach.

Cost of Buttocks Implants

This procedure in countries like Mexico ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 USD. Factors such as surgical expertise and follow-up care also play a significant role in cost.

Cost of Gastric Bypass

The cost of gastric bypass surgery in Mexico ranges from $3,000 to $7,000 USD. Patients should be aware of potential risks like infection and complications associated with surgery abroad.

Cost of Rhinoplasty

• Turkey: The cost ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 USD. Considerations include necessary travel and the possibility of needing follow-up surgery.
• Mexico: Rhinoplasty costs vary from $3,000 to $6,000 USD, with similar travel and accommodation costs as Turkey. It's important to verify the credentials of the medical professionals.
• Thailand: Here, you could expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,500 USD.

Cost of Breast Augmentation

• Turkey: Costs range from $3,500 to $6,000 USD. As with other surgeries, risks include inadequate post-operative care.
• Mexico: The price varies from $3,000 to $7,000 USD. Consultation about potential post-surgery risks is crucial.
• Thailand: Similar costs are from $3,500 to $5,000 USD.

Cost of Hair Transplant

• Turkey: Known for hair transplant procedures, costs range from $1,000 to $4,000 USD. Consider the clinic's experience and post-operative care.
• Mexico: Hair transplants could cost between $2,000 and $6,000 USD but require attention to the clinic's standards.

Cost of Dental Implants

• Turkey: Costs can vary from $700 to $1,200 USD. Check for ISO-certified clinics to minimize risks.
• Mexico: Typically, prices range from $800 to $1,500 USD.

Cost of IVF

• Turkey: Due to medical advancements, costs range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD. Ensure the clinic's accreditation.
• Mexico: Offers IVF procedures between $3,500 and $7,000 USD.

Cost of Hip/Joint Replacement

• Turkey: This procedure ranges between $8,000 and $12,000 USD. Verify the surgeon's experience.
• Mexico: Costs range from $9,000 to $15,000 USD.

Cost of Weight Loss Surgery (Gastric Bypass)

• Turkey: Costs vary from $4,000 to $8,000 USD. Investigate the post-operative support offered.
• Mexico: You might expect costs between $5,000 and $8,500 USD, with similar safety concerns as other locations.

Cost of Coming To Korea for Korean Medicine

Traveling to Korea for Korean Medicine involves various expenses beyond just the treatment itself. Here, we provide a breakdown of the potential costs related to travel, accommodation, and other considerations for individuals seeking medical care in Korea.

Airfare

The cost of airfare is one of the primary expenses for international travelers. Prices can vary significantly depending on the country of departure, the season, and how far in advance tickets are booked. On average, a round-trip ticket can range from $600 to $1,500. It's advisable to book flights several months in advance to secure better deals and consider flying during off-peak seasons to reduce costs.

Accommodation

Once in Korea, patients will need a place to stay. The options range from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury accommodations. For a comfortable stay near medical facilities, a 3-star or 4-star hotel could cost about $70 to $150 per night. Long-term stays might benefit from serviced apartments or Airbnb rentals, which may offer discounts for extended bookings.

Transportation

Transportation within Korea is relatively affordable and efficient. The country boasts an extensive public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis. A public transportation card, T-money, can be used for convenience, with rides costing roughly $1 to $2. Taxis start at around $3, providing an economical option for short distances.

Meals

The cost of meals varies greatly depending on preferences. Street food and local eateries provide budget-friendly options, with meals costing around $5 to $10. Dining at mid-range restaurants might increase the cost to approximately $15 to $30 per meal. Additionally, many accommodations come with the option for in-house dining or breakfast, which can further manage expenses.

Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended for international medical travelers. It ensures coverage for unexpected events such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, or emergency medical situations. The cost for travel insurance typically ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the coverage level and duration of stay.

Miscellaneous Costs

Miscellaneous costs can include things such as currency exchange fees, SIM cards for local communication, and personal expenses like shopping or sightseeing. Estimating an additional $100 to $300 for these expenses is reasonable, especially if planning to partake in local attractions during the visit.

While these costs can add up, the overall expense of traveling to Korea for Korean Medicine can still be more economical compared to similar treatments in other countries. Careful planning and budgeting can help maximize the experience without unexpected financial burdens.