Foreign plastic surgery patient number South Korea 2009-2021
In 2021, there were around 16.7 thousand foreign patients at plastic and cosmetic surgery departments in South Korea. This represents a slight increase compared to the previous year, however it is still far below pre-COVID-19 pandemic numbers. Prior to 2020, the number of foreigners traveling to South Korea in order to access medical services related to plastic and cosmetic surgery had been steadily increasing, after international patients were first allowed in 2009.
”International patients travelling to South Korea“
Patients from the United States and China made up the largest proportion of all foreign medical tourists to Korea, followed largely by patients from other parts of Asia or Eurasia, including Vietnam, Mongolia, and Thailand. Among Chinese patients, who accounted for around 19 percent of all foreign patients, the share of female patients in their 20s and 30s visiting plastic surgery departments or dermatologists was high. Americans visited health screening centers, internal medicine and orthopedic departments for treatment.
”K-beauty worldwide“
In South Korea, the beauty-related industry developed greatly, with people generally very interested in beauty regardless of gender. According to a global survey, K-beauty was one of the most popular emerging trends of South Korea behind K-pop, food, IT industry, and drama. People in Southeast Asia and the Middle East were especially interested in Korean beauty products, while Chinese people had a lot of interest in beauty services such as plastic surgery. Additionally, a significant number of respondents stated that good quality was the biggest factor in using Korean beauty products.
”International patients travelling to South Korea“
Patients from the United States and China made up the largest proportion of all foreign medical tourists to Korea, followed largely by patients from other parts of Asia or Eurasia, including Vietnam, Mongolia, and Thailand. Among Chinese patients, who accounted for around 19 percent of all foreign patients, the share of female patients in their 20s and 30s visiting plastic surgery departments or dermatologists was high. Americans visited health screening centers, internal medicine and orthopedic departments for treatment.
”K-beauty worldwide“
In South Korea, the beauty-related industry developed greatly, with people generally very interested in beauty regardless of gender. According to a global survey, K-beauty was one of the most popular emerging trends of South Korea behind K-pop, food, IT industry, and drama. People in Southeast Asia and the Middle East were especially interested in Korean beauty products, while Chinese people had a lot of interest in beauty services such as plastic surgery. Additionally, a significant number of respondents stated that good quality was the biggest factor in using Korean beauty products.
