small guide for foreigners going to korea for plastic surgery

I thought I’d make this small guide because planning surgery in Korea as a foreigner can get confusing fast. There’s a lot of info online but half of it is scattered, outdated, or just people arguing in comments.

Disclaimer: These are all from personal experiences, I am not an expert.

Also, I’m not sharing anything about my surgery, procedure, results, or recovery photos. I did mine at Note Plastic Surgery and that’s all I’ll say about that.

If you are feeling lost and confused about everything here were a few questions that I kept asking and researching about before my actual surgery:

1. Best time to go to Korea?

Spring and fall are probably the easiest weather-wise. Summer can be humid and uncomfortable if you’re swollen. Winter is okay too, but the dry air can be annoying.

2. Are there discounts if I speak Korean or have a Korean friend?

Sometimes, yes. Not always, but having a Korean-speaking friend can help with questions, comparing prices, and making sure you understand what’s included. Some clinics do provide discounts if you let them use your face for marketing reasons, but that’s only if you’re okay with your face being out there. I for one did not like that idea.

3. Can I still get a VAT refund?

Ask the clinic before paying. Some clinics guide you through it, some don’t. Keep your passport and receipts ready, and don’t assume every procedure or clinic qualifies.

4. How do I contact clinics before flying out?

Most clinics use WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Line, email, or their website form. Online consults are useful for getting a rough idea, but don’t expect the final plan or price to be 100% fixed until you go there in person.

5. How do I check if the doctor is certified?

Get the doctor’s full name and search through official Korean plastic surgery society/member pages. Also ask directly who will perform the surgery, not just who is doing the consultation.

You can find information about a clinic and surgeon through here: https://www.medicalkorea.or.kr/en/index

Or if you’re looking for just the surgeon then here:

https://www.plasticsurgery.or.kr/eng/search/

If you still want to go outside

If you want to sightsee a bit but don’t want your whole face showing, there are post-surgery face masks people wear around clinic areas. I don’t know the exact name, but they cover more than normal masks and are made for people recovering from facial procedures. You can usually find them near pharmacies or clinic-heavy areas.

Things to pack

These are the things I’d actually bring again:

• Melatonin, if you already use it and can legally bring it
• Button-up tops or zip hoodies
• Neck pillow
• Extra masks
• Sunglasses or a cap
• Gentle face wipes
• Lip balm
• Small notebook or notes app for meds and instructions

For first-timers, write down your post-op instructions and med schedule. You think you’ll remember, but once you’re tired, swollen, or half-asleep, you probably won’t.

Small extra tips

Don’t overpack medicine unless you know what you’re allowed to bring. Basic pain meds and pharmacy stuff are easy to buy in Korea.

Also, don’t schedule too much sightseeing. You might feel okay one day and completely drained the next. Give yourself boring rest days. They help.