Check-up & scaling
Dental cleaning in Seoul without Korean insurance: what tourists should know
How scaling works for visitors who aren't on Korean National Health Insurance, what's included, and how to get receipts for your insurer at home.
By Dr. Kang Jun-guMedically reviewed by Dr. Kang Jun-guPublished Updated 4 min read
Quick answer
Visitors without Korean National Health Insurance can have scaling in Seoul and pay the clinic's non-insured fee, usually in a single visit of about 30–40 minutes. Ask for the fee upfront and request an English receipt with the procedure listed if you plan to claim on travel or home dental insurance.
How it works for visitors
Korean residents enrolled in National Health Insurance get annual scaling at a reduced rate. Visitors are not enrolled, so the clinic charges its standard non-insured fee. There's no extra paperwork; just bring your passport.
What's included
- A quick oral examination
- Ultrasonic scaling above and just below the gumline
- Polishing
- Advice on anything that needs attention
Getting documents for claims
- English receipt with date, procedure and amount
- A short treatment note if your insurer asks
- Card payment record
Questions people also ask
Is scaling the same as deep cleaning?
Regular scaling cleans above and just under the gumline. Deep cleaning (root planing) goes further below the gums and is needed only for gum disease.
Can I get scaling and whitening on the same day?
It's better to whiten a day or more after scaling, once gums have settled. Same-day is possible if gums are healthy.
Need this looked at in Seoul?
Check-ups, scaling and whitening, with fees shown before we start.
Dr. Kang is a board-certified Integrated Dentistry specialist trained at Yonsei, Harvard and Columbia. He treats every patient at the Gongdeok clinic himself.
About Dr. KangHow we write these guides: each guide is written from questions our patients ask, reviewed by Dr. Kang, and updated when guidance changes. It is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, please book a check-up.
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