1)
Start with your concern
Describe what bothers you, how long it has bothered you and the result you hope for.
EN
SEOUL CLINIC TRAVEL TOOLKIT
Plan the visit, not just the treatment.
A practical guide to getting there, choosing a place to stay, packing well and caring for yourself after a clinic visit in Seoul.01 · PREPARATION
Before you choose a treatment
2)
Check the clinic and doctor
Confirm the doctor’s name, specialty, who performs the procedure, supported language and whether interpretation is available during the doctor consultation.
3)
Compare before choosing
Have a full consultation, then compare prices and conditions at several clinics before choosing the one that suits you.
4)
Disclose health information
Tell the clinic about any medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, previous procedures, and medicines or supplements you take.
02 · WHAT TO BRING
What to bring
- ✓Bring your passport.
- ✓Save your appointment details, the clinic’s Korean address and contact information.
- ✓Bring a payment card and confirm the total price before treatment.
- ✓Free Wi-Fi and charging outlets are widely available in Seoul. Korea uses 220V/60Hz outlets with two round holes. Your usual charger may not fit, and plug adapters can be hard to find, so buying one compatible phone charger in Korea may be easier.
- ✓Bring a loose-fitting mask and a brimmed hat if you want to cover treatment marks while travelling after your appointment.
⚠ Clinics can be busy and appointments run on fixed schedules. Allow extra travel time and arrive before your appointment.
03 · TRANSPORT
Getting to your clinic
Save the clinic’s Korean address, building name, floor, nearest station and exit before leaving.1)
INCHEON AIRPORT T1 & T2
Check whether your flight uses Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. Each has its own arrival hall, AREX station, bus stops and taxi stands. AREX serves both terminals before continuing to Hongik University and Seoul Station.
2)
HOW TO USE THE SUBWAY
Before the ticket gate, buy a single-use ticket from a station machine with cash or an accepted card; card acceptance varies. Or buy a T-money or Cashbee transit card at a convenience store and add credit at the store or a station machine. Keep some cash because some machines do not accept foreign cards. Before tapping in, check the train direction using the terminal station or the next nearby station. Some entrances and gates serve only one direction, so check the left and right gate signs carefully.
3)
KAKAOTALK & KAKAO T
KakaoTalk is a convenient messenger widely used in Korea, and many clinics use it for written consultation and follow-up. Kakao T is a separate taxi app. Before boarding, confirm the destination, vehicle plate number and estimated fare. If signup or foreign-card payment fails, use k.ride or pay the driver directly when available.
4)
MONEY EXCHANGE
Cards are widely used. If you need cash, exchange shops around Myeongdong and Hoehyeon Station usually offer better rates than airport counters or banks.
04 · RECOVERY PLAN
Confirm your stay during consultation
During your clinic consultation, confirm whether you need admission or follow-up visits and how many days to stay in Seoul. Then book your accommodation.1)
Hospital stay
Ask whether you will leave the same day, stay overnight or need several days in hospital.
2)
Seoul stay & follow-ups
Confirm how many days you should remain in Seoul and when you need to return to the clinic.
3)
Self-care at the hotel
Ask whether you may disinfect or care for the treated area yourself at your accommodation, and request a demonstration if needed.
4)
Medicine
Confirm how many days of medicine the clinic will provide and whether you need more before returning home.
05 · ACCOMMODATION
Where to stay
On weekdays, Seoul motels can often be found for about ₩50,000–₩60,000, but weekend prices can rise sharply. Choose after confirming how many nights and follow-up visits you need during your clinic consultation.1)
Gangnam · Jamsil
Gangnam is a large commercial district. Accommodation is expensive, there are fewer options than many visitors expect, and high-end hotels are common. Jamsil is largely residential, so accommodation choices can also be limited.
2)
Yeongdeungpo · Gwanak
Yeongdeungpo and Gwanak are relatively affordable. Gwanak is a practical lower-cost option for clinics near Gangnam because it is connected by Subway Line 2.
3)
Hongdae
Hongdae is a university district with many motels and other places to stay, but rooms fill quickly, so advance booking is important. It can be noisy at night and is a long Line 2 ride from Gangnam.
4)
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is close to Seoul Station and convenient for sightseeing, shopping and food, but accommodation is relatively expensive.
5)
Yongsan
Yongsan has many hotels and offers practical subway access to Gangnam. Transfer at Dongjak or Isu depending on your destination. Taxis and buses can be slow and expensive in traffic; use them outside rush hours or late at night if needed.
6)
Long stays and low-cost lodging
Airbnb can be practical for a longer stay. Older inns and ‘jang’ lodging may be cheaper, but facilities can be dated and may be uncomfortable for women travelling alone.
7)
Compare booking apps
Compare accommodation prices for the same dates across Yanolja, Yeogi Eottae, Agoda and Booking.com.
8)
Food delivery and dietary needs
Food delivery is excellent in Seoul and many restaurants stay open late, so eating at your accommodation is usually easy if the food suits you. Vegan, vegetarian and Muslim visitors should check for pork or other animal-derived ingredients and request that they be removed when needed.
06 · AFTERCARE
After your appointment
1)
Follow the clinic first
Follow the clinic’s instructions first.
2)
Cold compress
If the clinic recommends a cold compress, use it for the period and in the way they tell you.
3)
Sun protection
After a skin treatment, avoid strong sunlight and use a hat or mask to cover the treated area when outside. Ask the clinic when sunscreen can be applied, and use it only after confirmation.
4)
Surgery or sedation
If you had surgery or sedation, it is better to return to your accommodation with a companion.
07 · SOURCES
Official planning links
Seoul public transport↗Official accommodation search↗Dermatology aftercare↗Sunscreen guidance↗Surgery preparation↗
This page provides general information for visiting Seoul and using clinics. Decisions about individual treatments or surgery should be confirmed during a clinic consultation.