The takeaway: In the first half of 2026, foreign-issued card spending at medical businesses in Korea increased 38.6% from the same period a year earlier. However, this is a statistic on card spending, not the rate of increase in the number of individual foreign patients.[1] When booking dermatology or aesthetic medical treatment in Seoul or Gangnam, check not only the treatment price but also the consultation language, recovery time and how to contact the clinic after returning home.
Does a 38.6% increase mean that the number of patients rose?
No. The Korea Health Industry Development Institute compared medical-sector spending from January through June in 2025 and 2026 using overseas-issued card data from Hana Card. In the first half of 2026, medical-sector card spending totaled KRW 1.4203 trillion, up 38.6% from the same period a year earlier. In the same analysis, the number of transactions rose 23.8%, while average spending per transaction increased 11.9%, from KRW 838,000 to KRW 938,000.[1]
It would be incorrect to describe these figures as meaning that ‘the number of foreign patients increased 38.6%.’ Card data shows spending actually made with overseas-issued cards, but one person may make multiple payments, and cash, other cards and other payment methods may fall outside the scope of the data.[1]
How do the 2025 foreign patient statistics differ from the 2026 card-spending data?
Medical Korea’s Foreign Patient Attraction Information System separately published the ‘Statistical Analysis Report on 2025 Foreign Patient Attraction Results’ on August 31, 2026.[2] This statistical system aggregates foreign-patient results reported by medical institutions and patient-attraction businesses, while the card-spending analysis covers consumer spending. Patient numbers and spending are different indicators and should be read separately.
What to check on the price list when booking a dermatology clinic in Seoul or Gangnam
What is included in the total treatment cost?
When searching, people often look for prices first with queries such as ‘Rejuran Seoul price’ or ‘laser treatment Korea cost.’ However, the total can vary even for the same treatment name depending on the dosage, number of shots, VAT, anesthesia, sedation, regenerative care and whether medication costs are included. Rather than comparing a single figure, ask for the included items in writing.
Is interpretation available only for the consultation, or during the treatment as well?
When checking whether English consultation or Chinese or Japanese consultations are available, distinguish between language support at the booking desk and interpretation during consultation with the medical professional. It is safer to prepare important medical history, medications, allergies and previous treatment history in writing in advance so that nothing is missed during interpretation.
How should downtime be fitted into your travel itinerary?
It is generally better not to schedule treatment just before your return flight based only on a brief phrase such as ‘downtime 1 day.’ Swelling, bruising and erythema vary from person to person, and you need time to revisit the clinic if a problem occurs. Recovery patterns differ among injections, laser treatments and lifting procedures, so plan around your final sightseeing schedule and flight time.
Confirm aftercare before leaving the country
For foreign patients, aftercare is not simply a matter of receiving regenerative cream. It is important to know whether there is a channel for consultation by sending photos after returning home, a number to call if emergency symptoms develop and English-language records stating what treatment was performed if care is needed at a local hospital.
Information that is useful to send before booking
Rather than sending only the name of the treatment you want, include ① your main concerns ② previous treatments and dates ③ medications and allergies ④ length of stay ⑤ return-flight details and ⑥ your preferred consultation language. This can improve the accuracy of the consultation. Photo consultations do not replace an in-person diagnosis, but they may help narrow down in advance which treatments are feasible within your travel schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can you assume that dermatology treatments are cheaper in Korea?
No. Prices vary according to the type of treatment, equipment and products used, dosage, medical professional, additional services and exchange rates. In medical tourism, compare not only the lowest price but also the total cost and the availability of aftercare.
Can you fly the day after treatment in Seoul?
It depends on the treatment. Light care, injections, laser treatments and surgery have entirely different recovery requirements, so before booking, tell the medical professional your flight schedule as well as the expected swelling, bruising and pain and the possibility of an emergency.
DERME VERDICT
The data from the first half of 2026 shows that overseas-issued card spending on Korean medical services increased substantially.[1] This trend should not be turned into a ‘popularity ranking’ or a ‘38.6% increase in patient numbers.’ For overseas patients, a good booking means more than finding a low price: it connects a clear cost range, language support, recovery during the stay and aftercare after returning home.
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