Medical tourism facilitation · Multilingual patient support · Consultations available in English and Chinese during KST hours team@alllifeone.net|
All treatmentsSPECIALIST CARE · SOUTH KOREA

Gender-affirming care in Korea.

Respectful coordination for individualized gender-affirming consultations.

Typical stay in Korea1–6 weeks (by surgery)
Downtime1–6 weeks
ConsultationSurgeon consultation + document check
Return visitsSeveral post-op checks
Safe to flyUsually 2–4 weeks after major surgery

Common procedures explained

ProcedureDowntimeStay in Korea
Facial feminization (FFS)Brow, hairline, nose, jaw and chin softened.2–3 weeks2–3 weeks
Tracheal shave / voice surgeryAdam's apple reduced or vocal pitch raised.1–2 weeks (voice rest)7–14 days
Top surgery (FTM chest)Breast tissue removed; flatter chest contoured.2–4 weeks10–14 days
Breast augmentation (MTF)Implants or fat to create breast shape.1–2 weeks10–14 days
Vaginoplasty (MTF bottom surgery)Vagina and vulva created; daily dilation follows.6+ weeks3–4 weeks
Metoidioplasty (FTM bottom surgery)Small phallus formed from enlarged clitoris.4–6 weeks3–4 weeks
Phalloplasty (FTM bottom surgery)Phallus built from a skin flap, in stages.6+ weeks4–6 weeks (main stage)
Hysterectomy / orchiectomyUterus/ovaries or testes removed.1–2 weeks5–10 days

What your trip looks like

  1. Before you fly

    Send your F64 gender dysphoria diagnosis (required), hormone history and photos for review.

  2. Day 1–2

    Surgeon consultation, document check, pre-op tests.

  3. Surgery

    Hospital stay from 1 night (face/chest) to about 7–14 days (bottom surgery).

  4. Week 1–2

    Drains, packing or catheter removed; stitch removal around day 7–14.

  5. Week 2–6

    Final checks, dilation teaching (vaginoplasty), fit-to-fly clearance.

  6. At home

    Hormone care and follow-up with your home clinician.

Common misunderstandings

Myth I can book surgery without a diagnosis.

Fact In Korea a psychiatrist's written gender dysphoria diagnosis with code F64 (usually F64.0) is required, or the surgeon cannot operate.

Myth Bottom surgery is a one-week trip.

Fact Plan about 3–4 weeks for vaginoplasty or metoidioplasty and 4–6 weeks for phalloplasty.

Myth Every procedure is done in one operation.

Fact Phalloplasty and some facial plans are staged months apart.

What to bring

  • F64 gender dysphoria diagnosis letter from a psychiatrist (original + English/Korean translation) — required
  • Hormone therapy history and recent blood tests
  • Loose clothing, a donut cushion (bottom surgery) or front-opening tops (top surgery)
  • Passport (valid 6+ months) and visa / K-ETA if required
  • Medication list with doses, and any allergies
  • Travel insurance details
  • Comfortable, loose clothing for after treatment

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Is my F64 diagnosis letter acceptable, or do I need an assessment in Korea?
  • How many nights in hospital, and when can I fly?
  • Who manages follow-up and complications after I return home?

Please talk to your physician for exact dates, times and procedures. Every patient’s case is different and every procedure takes a different amount of time, so the figures shown are general planning estimates only. Some patients who cannot stay long in Korea have stitches removed or later check-ups done at home instead — your treating doctor decides what applies to you.

Procedures explained in our directory

What you can discuss

  • Facial feminization / masculinization surgery
  • Top surgery (chest masculinization or breast augmentation)
  • Bottom surgery (vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty)
  • Voice feminization and tracheal shave

These are areas for consultation, not a promise of eligibility or treatment availability. A qualified Korean specialist determines what is appropriate for you.

Before your consultation

Your F64 gender dysphoria diagnosis letter (required in Korea), hormone history, current medications, and your goals.

Speak to our team — multilingual support is available. We help communicate your questions and coordinate the records requested by your provider. Please don’t send sensitive medical records through an initial public inquiry; we’ll explain the appropriate sharing process.

Planning your time in Korea

Korean surgeons cannot operate without a psychiatrist's F64 gender dysphoria diagnosis. Ongoing hormone care should be arranged with your home clinician.

Recovery, follow-up, and fitness to travel are determined by your clinician. Travel services are arranged separately and should fit your care plan.