Do Foreigners Pay More at a Korean Dentist?
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
Not as a rule. Much of dental care in Korea, including implants, orthodontics and cosmetic work, is non-covered, which means each clinic sets its own prices. Differences you notice are usually about the treatment and clinic, not nationality, but it is fair to ask whether the quote you receive is the same list the clinic shows any patient.
How pricing works in Korea
Korean dental treatment falls into two broad groups. Covered items follow rules set under the national health insurance system. Non-covered items are priced by each clinic, which is why you will see different figures from one clinic to the next for the same type of treatment.
Most of what international patients want, such as implants, aligners, veneers and whitening, sits in the non-covered group. That makes comparison harder, because clinics may bundle different things into a price.
Why quotes can look different
What is bundled
One quote may include the crown, a scan and follow-up visits. Another may list them separately.
Materials and brands
The implant brand, crown material and aligner system all change the price.
Case complexity
A straightforward case and a difficult one are not priced the same.
Language and service
English-language consultation and paperwork support take time, so ask how they are provided and whether they are part of the quote.
What The Seoul Dental Clinic publishes
| Item | Published price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| MegaGen implant (PFM crown) | 350,000 |
| Zirconia crown | 450,000 |
| Professional whitening | 350,000 |
| Scaling | 60,000 |
| Laminate veneer, per tooth | 600,000 (VAT included) |
| Invisalign | 2.5M to 7M |
Price list as published; confirm at consultation. VAT may apply. Items such as root canal and extraction are quoted after examination.
Questions that keep pricing fair
Ask for the price list
A published list shows that prices are consistent and gives you a baseline.
Ask for an itemized quote
Each procedure, tooth and material should appear on its own line.
Ask if VAT applies
Some non-covered services carry VAT. Know whether the figure is before or after.
Ask what is not included
Imaging, medication, graft material and later visits are common extras.
Comparing with a clinic in your home country
Treatment abroad can look cheaper or more expensive depending on the exchange rate, your insurance and the exact work. Compare like for like: same brand, same material, same number of visits. A lower number is only a saving if the scope is equal.
Also count the extras that sit outside the quote, such as travel, time off work and any follow-up you might need at home.
Signs of a transparent clinic
A clear clinic shows prices for common treatments, explains what the dentist has found before proposing a plan, puts the quote in writing and does not rush you. If you feel pressure to decide on the spot, pause. You can take the quote away, compare it and return.
What you can do as a patient
The best protection is information. Compare the written quotes, ask about each item, and do not hesitate to say that you are comparing clinics.
If a price seems far above or below others, ask what is different. The answer should be about materials, steps, time or inclusions, and should be stated clearly.
If you live near Taepyeong, Moran or Sujin you can visit more than one clinic easily before deciding. For visitors with less time, a clear written quote and an honest explanation matter even more.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a separate price list for foreigners?
Ask the clinic to confirm that your quote follows the same published list it uses for any patient, and ask for it in writing.
Why are Korean dental prices different between clinics?
Non-covered treatment is priced by each clinic, and inclusions vary.
Can I get a quote before travelling?
For many treatments a firm quote needs an examination. The clinic can tell you what it can and cannot estimate remotely.
Does VAT apply?
It may. Confirm in your written quote.
English-speaking dentists in Seongnam
The clinic was founded by two brothers trained at Seoul National University who direct it together. Three further dentists hold Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist certifications. Full credentials →
Dr. Hyun Sung Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Microendodontics Programme, SNU
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Certified Invisalign Provider
- Osstem Implant AIC Programme
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Dr. Hyeonjoon Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Affiliate Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Certified Invisalign Provider; leads orthodontic treatment
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member, Seoul Prime Orthodontic Study Club
Dr. Yu Jin Kim
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan
Dr. Min Ji Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Conservative Dentistry
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Internship and residency, Jeonbuk National University Dental Hospital
- Master’s degree in Conservative Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University
Dr. Jin Young Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Clinical training, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Master’s degree, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Dentistry
- BA in English Language and Literature, Korea University
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