Frequently asked questions about Korea
Popular questions on Korean surgery, skin clinics, travel, culture and daily life — each with a short, direct answer.
Popular questions
Where can I see real reviews and before/after photos?▾
ID publishes before-and-after galleries and case reviews on its own Thai site (th.idhospital.com), including Let Me In Thailand cases.
SurgeryID HospitalWhat does ID offer besides facial contouring?▾
Rhinoplasty, eye surgery, breast surgery, liposuction, men's surgery, Translady surgery, and a dermatology department for lasers and non-surgical lifting.
SurgeryID HospitalMust content be in Korean?▾
For domestic patients, yes. For international patients, run a multilingual website and invest in Google in parallel.
MarketingNaver marketing for medical businessesCan I find a Thai interpreter at hospitals?▾
Large hospitals and international-facing clinics usually have or can arrange Thai interpreters with notice; smaller clinics may require hiring a freelance interpreter.
DirectoryThai community and Thai food in SeoulDoes travel insurance cover ambulances?▾
Usually yes, but you pay first and claim later with English-language receipts — photograph every document before leaving the hospital.
DirectoryEmergency numbers and help lines in KoreaDo I need to read Hangul first?▾
Yes — Hangul takes only one to two weeks and makes specialist vocabulary far easier to retain than romanised spellings.
KoreanKorean for beauty clinic staffCan I fly a drone?▾
Most of central Seoul is a no-fly zone without permission; you must apply in advance to the Korean aviation authority.
EntertainmentVisiting K-drama filming locationsDo I collect tickets at the venue?▾
Usually yes: show your physical passport at the box office on the day. The name must match the purchaser and proxies are not accepted.
EntertainmentHow to buy K-pop concert tickets in Korea
Popular questions on Korean surgery, skin clinics, travel, culture and daily life — each with a short, direct answer.
All questions (58)
Where can I see real reviews and before/after photos?▾
ID publishes before-and-after galleries and case reviews on its own Thai site (th.idhospital.com), including Let Me In Thailand cases.
SurgeryID HospitalWhat does ID offer besides facial contouring?▾
Rhinoplasty, eye surgery, breast surgery, liposuction, men's surgery, Translady surgery, and a dermatology department for lasers and non-surgical lifting.
SurgeryID HospitalIs a Thai interpreter available?▾
Thai interpreters work in the international department, but request one when booking so they can be scheduled on your surgery date.
SurgeryID HospitalHow far ahead should I book?▾
Book at least 2-4 weeks ahead for major surgery: CT imaging and blood work are required the day before the operation.
SurgeryID HospitalMust content be in Korean?▾
For domestic patients, yes. For international patients, run a multilingual website and invest in Google in parallel.
MarketingNaver marketing for medical businessesCan I find a Thai interpreter at hospitals?▾
Large hospitals and international-facing clinics usually have or can arrange Thai interpreters with notice; smaller clinics may require hiring a freelance interpreter.
DirectoryThai community and Thai food in SeoulDoes travel insurance cover ambulances?▾
Usually yes, but you pay first and claim later with English-language receipts — photograph every document before leaving the hospital.
DirectoryEmergency numbers and help lines in KoreaDo I need to read Hangul first?▾
Yes — Hangul takes only one to two weeks and makes specialist vocabulary far easier to retain than romanised spellings.
KoreanKorean for beauty clinic staffCan I fly a drone?▾
Most of central Seoul is a no-fly zone without permission; you must apply in advance to the Korean aviation authority.
EntertainmentVisiting K-drama filming locationsDo I collect tickets at the venue?▾
Usually yes: show your physical passport at the box office on the day. The name must match the purchaser and proxies are not accepted.
EntertainmentHow to buy K-pop concert tickets in KoreaShould I tip at restaurants?▾
No. Korea has no tipping culture and prices usually include service; offering a tip can make staff uncomfortable.
CultureGift-giving and dining cultureShould I buy a SIM or eSIM at the airport?▾
Buying an eSIM online in advance is usually cheaper and works on landing; airport counters are convenient but slightly pricier.
TransportIncheon Airport to central SeoulIs staying in Myeongdong worth it?▾
Yes for convenience and shopping, though room rates are higher than other districts and evenings get crowded.
PlacesMyeongdong area guideIs there a fee?▾
Many clinics give a free first consult if you plan to visit; specialised follow-ups may carry a fee depending on hospital policy.
MedTechTelemedicine for international patients in KoreaCan adults use it to grow taller?▾
No — growth plates have closed. Adult use has separate medical indications and does not increase height.
HeightGrowth hormone therapy in KoreaIs there a cost?▾
Some trials cover the cell therapy itself, but patients typically still pay travel, accommodation and certain tests.
ResearchMSC trials in spinal cord injuryHow many sessions before results?▾
Most protocols use four to six sessions two to four weeks apart, with density counts assessed at three to six months.
ResearchKorean exosome research on hair lossHow is it different from Ultraformer?▾
Both are HIFU but differ in delivery: Ultraformer MPT fires continuous lines while Shurink Universe uses dense focal points, so comfort and session time differ slightly.
DevicesShurink UniverseCan I buy it for home use?▾
Some home-care kits exist, but concentrations differ from clinic use and results are best immediately after a channel-opening procedure.
InjectablesExosome ASCE+ for skin and hairHow does it differ from Rejuran?▾
Rejuran repairs and calms skin with polynucleotides, while Juvelook builds new collagen — clinics often combine them depending on skin condition.
InjectablesJuvelook collagen-stimulating skin boosterCan melasma be cured permanently?▾
Melasma is chronic: it can be controlled but recurs with sun exposure or hormonal change, so ongoing maintenance and strict sun protection are essential.
DoctorsDr. Shin Yong-hoCan I consult online before flying?▾
Yes. Send front, 45-degree and profile photos plus any previous surgery history; the team gives a preliminary assessment and price range.
DoctorsDr. Kim Tae-kyungCan acne scars be fully removed?▾
Expect 50-80% improvement rather than total clearance; results depend on scar type, depth and aftercare discipline.
SkinRenewMe Skin ClinicCan I go out in the sun after a laser session?▾
Yes, but reapply SPF50 every 2-3 hours and avoid strong sun for the first three days to reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation.
SkinMuse ClinicIs rib cartilage risky?▾
It is a standard technique with an extra incision under the breast fold. Main downsides are pain in the first 1-2 weeks and possible long-term cartilage warping.
SurgeryJW Plastic SurgeryHow many recovery days before flying home?▾
For nose and eye work, stay at least 7-10 days so stitches can be removed and the wound checked before your flight.
SurgeryVIEW Plastic SurgeryHow is AEO different from SEO?▾
SEO wins rankings on the results page; AEO gets your answer quoted directly inside AI chat responses and featured snippets.
MarketingSEO/AEO for clinics and hospitalsWhat if my K-ETA is rejected?▾
You can apply for a short-term tourist visa at the Korean embassy instead, with full financial evidence and an itinerary.
TransportK-ETA: what it is and how to applyCan I travel without any Korean?▾
Yes — most signage has English — but 20 basic phrases make food and taxis far easier.
KoreanTrack: touristsCan I walk in?▾
Walk-ins are accepted at quiet times, but evenings and weekends fill up — book ahead via LINE or KakaoTalk.
SkinLienjang ClinicHow does it differ from Ulthera?▾
Ulthera visualises tissue layers while treating; Ultraformer shoots faster at a lower price, making it better suited to repeat courses.
DevicesUltraformer MPTIs it painful and how long is the swelling?▾
Small bumps last 4-24 hours and light bruising can persist 2-3 days, so schedule it at least a week before an important event.
InjectablesRejuranHow is Botulax different from Botox?▾
Both are type A botulinum toxins from different makers: Botox is Allergan (USA), Botulax is Korean-made — lower priced with comparable results.
InjectablesBotulaxCan I consult online first?▾
Yes — send front, side and smiling photos plus a CT scan if available for a preliminary assessment.
DoctorsDr. Park Sang-hoonIs it legal in Korea?▾
Autologous stem cell use under licensed physicians and laboratories is permitted in Korea, but culture and reinfusion are tightly regulated.
Stem cellCellium Stem Cell CenterWhat if I lose my passport?▾
File a police report at the nearest station, then apply for an emergency travel document at the embassy.
DirectoryRoyal Thai Embassy, SeoulCan it replace knee replacement surgery?▾
Not for severe osteoarthritis, but it may delay surgery in mild to moderate cases.
ResearchResearch: adipose stem cells for knee osteoarthritisCan I refund the remaining balance?▾
Yes, at convenience stores for a small fee, up to a capped amount.
TransportT-money card and using the subwayHow many days should I stay in Korea?▾
For eye and nose surgery, plan 7-10 days in Korea to cover suture removal and follow-up checks.
SurgeryBanobagi Plastic SurgeryDo I need prior Korean?▾
You should be able to read Hangul and have around TOPIK level 2 to follow comfortably.
KoreanTrack: plastic surgery hospital interpreterHow many sessions before I see results?▾
Acne scars usually need 3-5 sessions four weeks apart; melasma typically improves visibly from the third session.
SkinOracle DermatologyDo you tip in Korea?▾
No — service is included and tipping is not expected.
CultureKorean etiquette essentialsWhat should I prepare for an audition?▾
One or two songs, a short dance and a self-introduction video. Most labels accept online submissions year-round.
EntertainmentUnderstanding the K-pop idol industryHow long is recovery in Korea for two-jaw surgery?▾
Typically 2-3 nights inpatient, then about 2-3 weeks in Korea for swelling checks, bite adjustment and suture removal before flying home.
SurgeryID HospitalHow fast should replies be?▾
Clinics serving international patients see clearly higher booking rates when replying within 15 minutes during business hours — always set an after-hours auto-reply.
MarketingKakaoTalk vs LINE for cross-border patient careWhen is PM2.5 worst?▾
Usually March to May. Check daily readings and carry a mask, especially after nose procedures.
CultureKorean seasons and what to packAre there halal restaurants?▾
Several near the Itaewon central mosque and a few certified spots in Myeongdong — check for the halal certificate before ordering.
PlacesMyeongdong area guideDoes the robot operate by itself?▾
No. The surgeon controls every movement from a console; the robot only adds precision and range of motion.
MedTechRobotic surgery in KoreaHow often should it be repeated?▾
Clinics typically suggest every 6-12 months depending on goals and follow-up results; there is no fixed medical standard.
Stem cellStem-cell anti-ageing programmesHow safe is it?▾
Common side effects are low-grade fever and fatigue for a day or two. Safety depends on laboratory quality and patient screening — always ask to see the lab's certification.
Stem cellUmbilical cord stem cell therapy (UC-MSC)How long after a first rhinoplasty can I have revision?▾
Usually wait 6-12 months for tissue to soften and swelling to fully resolve, unless there is infection or implant extrusion requiring immediate revision.
SurgeryVIEW Plastic SurgeryCan AI replace doctors yet?▾
No. AI is a decision-support tool; under Korean law the final diagnosis remains the physician's responsibility.
MedTechAI diagnostics in Korean healthcareWhere should I stay for surgery trips?▾
Stay near Sinsa or Yeoksam — most clinics are walkable and there are plenty of soft-food restaurants for recovery.
PlacesGangnam complete guideHow long must I stay in Korea?▾
Around 3-4 months for the distraction and early rehabilitation phase, then periodic follow-ups.
HeightDr. Dong Hoon HospitalWhat is the eligible age?▾
Generally 20 years or older with closed growth plates, confirmed by X-ray.
HeightDr. Dong Hoon HospitalWhen is the best time to visit?▾
May-June and September-October: pleasant weather with fewer crowds than peak summer.
PlacesHaeundae, BusanAt what age should we start?▾
If a child is clearly shorter than peers or grows under 4 cm a year, assess between ages six and ten so there is time to act before growth plates close.
HeightTaking your child for a growth assessment in Korea
Popular questions on Korean surgery, skin clinics, travel, culture and daily life — each with a short, direct answer.