What “board-certified” means in Korea
A Korean medical licence allows a doctor to practise medicine, including cosmetic procedures. A specialist title is separate: it is earned after years of residency and a national specialist exam. For surgery on the face or body, the relevant title is plastic surgery specialist (성형외과 전문의).
Clinics run by specialists often show the phrase “성형외과 전문의” on their signage and website. A clinic name that only says “의원” (clinic) without the specialty may be run by a general practitioner or a doctor from another field.
Other specialists, such as ophthalmologists for some eyelid procedures, ENT doctors for some nasal surgery, or oral and maxillofacial surgeons for jaw surgery, may also be appropriately trained. Ask which specialty the doctor holds and how it relates to your procedure.
How to check a clinic and its doctors
Ask the clinic to put the operating surgeon’s name and specialist title in writing, and check that the same details appear on the clinic’s official website and at reception. A clinic with nothing to hide will name its doctor without hesitation.
On foreign-patient registration: clinics that actively attract international patients must register with the government. Registration shows the clinic is allowed to do this, but it is not a measure of surgical skill.
Confirm who is actually operating
So-called “ghost surgery”, where a different doctor operates than the one who consulted, is a known concern worldwide. Ask directly who will perform each part of the operation and whether that surgeon will see you before and after.
Ask for a written treatment plan that names the surgeon for each stage of the operation, and keep it with your quote and consent forms. If anyone other than the doctor you consulted will operate, that should be explained to you in advance and in writing.
Safety questions about anaesthesia and emergencies
Ask whether an anaesthesiology specialist will be present for general anaesthesia or deep sedation, how you will be monitored during and after surgery, and how long you will stay in the recovery room.
It is reasonable to ask what emergency equipment is on site and which hospital the clinic transfers patients to if complications arise. A good clinic will answer calmly and specifically.
Questions to ask at your consultation
| Topic | Question |
|---|---|
| Specialty | What specialist title do you hold, and how long have you performed this procedure? |
| Operating surgeon | Will you personally perform the whole operation? |
| Anaesthesia | Who manages anaesthesia, and how am I monitored? |
| Written plan | Will I receive a treatment plan naming the operating surgeon? |
| Emergencies | Which hospital do you transfer patients to if needed? |
| Follow-up | Who sees me at check-ups, and how do I contact you after I fly home? |
Korean words you may see
Common questions
Does government registration mean a clinic is the best?
No. Registration means a clinic is permitted to attract foreign patients. It does not rank skill or results, so you still need to check the surgeon.
Can your team tell me which surgeon is best?
We do not make medical judgements. We help you gather information, ask the right questions and understand the answers, and the decision stays with you and your doctor.
Can you check a clinic’s credentials for me?
Your coordinator can help you gather the clinic’s answers in writing and understand what they mean. We do not judge surgical skill or promise results — the decision stays with you and your doctor.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Please speak with a qualified doctor about your own situation.
