As medical tourists in Korea lack proper information about cosmetic surgery practices, some clinics have reportedly overcharged foreigners, while some brokers have demanded excessive commission fees. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, May 28 (Korea Bizwire) — The Ministry of Health and Welfare has disclosed prices and details of cosmetic surgery practices in Korea to prevent foreigners from getting ripped-off by clinics or brokers.
The ministry said on May 27 that it would publish a multi-language online guide about typical prices for 45 types of cosmetic surgeries and their procedures, operation time and recovery time, at www.medicalkorea.or.kr.
For instance, the guide says that it costs about 1.2 to 1.5 million won (US$ 1,080-1,350) for a double eyelid surgery, and about 3.5 to 4.0 million won (US$ 3,150-3,600) for a nose job.
As medical tourists in Korea lack proper information about cosmetic surgery practices, some clinics have reportedly overcharged foreigners, while some brokers have demanded excessive commission fees.
The ministry will first publish a Chinese edition of the guide in May, and English, Japanese, Russian and Arabic editions in June.
The ministry will also establish a search engine where foreigners can find out about officially registered clinics under the Korean government’s ‘foreigner-friendly’ medical policy. Foreigners will be also able to report illegal broker activities on the website.
A general guide on cosmetic surgery published by the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency and the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons will also be translated into several languages and soon published.
Its Chinese edition will first be displayed on the website in June.
By M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
