What Is Foreign-Patient Registration for Clinics in Korea? Seoul Guide
Under Korea's foreign-patient support law, medical institutions that attract foreign patients must register with the city or provincial government, with requirements including specialist doctors and malpractice insurance. Ask any clinic, including The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch in Gangnam, Seoul, to confirm its current status; as of October 2026, check current rules.
Written by The Heal Dermatology medical content team · Pending review by a board-certified dermatologist · Updated October 2026
What the registration system is
Korea has a law supporting overseas medical expansion and the attraction of foreign patients (의료 해외진출 및 외국인환자 유치 지원에 관한 법률). Under Article 6 of this Act, a medical institution that wants to attract foreign patients must register with the relevant city or provincial governor. Local government guidance describes the main requirements as having at least one specialist for each department offered to foreign patients (with some exceptions) and holding medical malpractice liability insurance or membership in a medical liability mutual aid association.
Key points as of October 2026
- Registration is made with the city or provincial government (in Seoul, the Seoul Metropolitan Government).
- Registration is valid for a set period (local guidance states three years) and must be renewed.
- Attracting foreign patients without registration can carry penalties under the Act.
- An amendment promulgated in May 2026 is expected to allow telemedicine for foreign patients at registered institutions from around 2027; details may change.
- Rules can change, so check current rules with official sources.
Why it matters to you
Registration indicates that a clinic has met basic legal requirements for treating foreign patients, including liability insurance. It is not a quality ranking or a guarantee of results. It is reasonable to ask any clinic whether it is registered as a foreign patient attracting institution and to check credentials, such as whether doctors are board-certified dermatologists.
What to expect at The Heal Sinsa
At The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch, all treating doctors are Korean board-certified dermatologists, and English and Traditional Chinese support is available on request. For the clinic's current foreign patient registration status, ask the team directly via contact. Pricing is confirmed after consultation; see pricing and payment.
Questions to ask any clinic
- Are you registered as a foreign patient attracting medical institution?
- Which doctor will treat me, and what is their specialty?
- Do you carry medical liability insurance?
- How do you handle complications after I return home?
Planning around your trip to Seoul
Use registration status as one of several checks, alongside doctor credentials and transparent consultation. See how to choose a dermatologist.
Related
Frequently asked questions
Does registration mean a clinic is high quality?
No. Registration shows that a clinic meets legal requirements for attracting foreign patients, such as liability insurance and specialist staffing. It is not a quality rating, so also check doctor credentials and how the consultation is handled.
Who registers clinics for foreign patients in Korea?
Under the foreign patient support Act, clinics register with the city or provincial government where they are located. Requirements and procedures are set by law and ministry rules, so check current rules if you need details.
Can I get a remote follow-up consultation after going home?
A 2026 amendment is expected to allow telemedicine for foreign patients at registered institutions from around 2027. Until then, follow-up options vary by clinic, so ask before your trip and check current rules.
Planning skin treatment in Seoul?
The Heal Dermatology Sinsa Main Branch is led by Korean board-certified dermatologists. International patient guide · All patient guides · Treatments · Our doctors
Branches: Sinsa (Main) · Jamsil · Dongdaemun · Mapo-Gongdeok
General information only; it does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist.