Patient guide
How dental fees work in Korea for foreigners
Insured vs non-insured fees, VAT on cosmetic treatment, why clinics must publish prices, and how to read a Korean dental quote.
By Dr. Kang Jun-guMedically reviewed by Dr. Kang Jun-guPublished Updated 4 min read
Quick answer
Visitors without Korean National Health Insurance pay each clinic's non-insured fee for every procedure. Korean clinics must disclose these reference fees, so you can compare before you book. Cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers add 10% VAT. A good quote lists each tooth, procedure and fee separately.
Insured vs non-insured
Korean National Health Insurance covers part of many basic treatments for enrolled residents. Short-term visitors aren't enrolled, so they pay the clinic's full non-insured fee.
Published fees
Under Article 45 of the Korean Medical Service Act, clinics disclose their non-insured fees. Look for a fee list on the clinic's website or ask for it before booking.
Reading a quote
- Tooth number (FDI system, for example 36 = lower left first molar)
- Procedure name
- Material, if relevant
- Fee per item and whether VAT is included
Questions people also ask
Is dental treatment cheaper in Korea?
Fees are often lower than in the US, Australia or Japan for the same procedure, but it varies by clinic and treatment. Compare written quotes.
Can I get a tax refund on dental treatment?
Refund schemes for foreign patients have changed over time. Ask the clinic whether any refund applies to your treatment at the time of your visit.
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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