Do You Need a Visa for Medical Treatment in Korea?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Korea has visa-free agreements with many countries:
| Region | Visa-Free Entry |
|---|---|
| USA, Canada, Australia, NZ | Up to 90 days |
| EU countries | Up to 90 days |
| UK | Up to 180 days |
| Japan | Up to 90 days |
| China | Visa required |
| Most Southeast Asian countries | 30–90 days visa-free |
Check the latest requirements at the Korean embassy website for your country, as rules can change.
Medical Visa (C-3-3) for Longer Stays
For treatments requiring extended stays (multiple IVF cycles, complex cases):
| Visa Type | Duration | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| C-3-3 (Medical Tourism) | Up to 90 days | Medical appointment letter |
| Extension | Up to 1 year | Hospital certificate + extension application |
How to Apply:
- Get a medical appointment confirmation letter from your Korean hospital
- Apply at the Korean embassy in your country
- Provide: passport, photo, visa fee, medical documents
Korea's Medical Tourism Support (K-Medical)
The Korean government actively supports medical tourism through Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI):
- 1345 Medical Korea Hotline: 24/7 multilingual support (English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic)
- Medical dispute mediation: Free assistance for international patients
- Hospital accreditation: JCI and KHIDI-certified hospitals
Major fertility clinics in Korea are registered medical tourism facilities with dedicated international departments.
Getting to Korea
By Air
| From | Direct flight options | Flight time |
|---|---|---|
| USA (East Coast) | Korean Air, Asiana (via Seoul) | 14–15 hours |
| USA (West Coast) | Korean Air, Asiana | 10–11 hours |
| UK (London) | Korean Air | 11–12 hours |
| China (Beijing/Shanghai) | Multiple airlines | 2–3 hours |
| Japan (Tokyo/Osaka) | Multiple airlines | 1.5–2 hours |
Main airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) — world-class facility near Seoul
From Airport to Hospital
- Airport Express (AREX): 45 min to Seoul Station (₩9,500)
- KTX bullet train: to major cities from Seoul
- Taxi: English navigation available via Kakao T app
Accommodation Near Fertility Clinics
Seoul Gangnam Area (Major Clinic Hub)
Most fertility specialist clinics are located in or near Gangnam-gu (강남구):
| Accommodation Type | Cost/Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical guesthouse | ₩50,000–₩100,000 | Near clinics, patient-friendly |
| Business hotel | ₩100,000–₩200,000 | Comfortable, central |
| Serviced apartment | ₩80,000–₩150,000 | Best for extended stays (kitchen) |
| Airbnb | ₩50,000–₩120,000 | Many options in Gangnam area |
Recommended areas: Sinnonhyeon, Gangnam Station, Daechi-dong, Dogok-dong
Timeline Planning for International Patients
For a Single IVF Cycle
| Phase | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation + testing | 1–2 days | Korea |
| Stimulation injections | ~10 days | Can be done at home with monitoring |
| Final monitoring + retrieval | 2–3 days | Korea |
| (Optional) Fresh transfer | Day 3 or 5 | Korea |
| Pregnancy test | 14 days after transfer | Home or Korea |
Minimum Korea stay: 5–7 days (if stimulation done at home)
Full-cycle stay: 2–4 weeks
For Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Only
- Much simpler: 3–5 day stay for transfer + monitoring
- Embryos already frozen from a previous cycle
Money & Payments
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Korean Won (KRW) |
| Exchange | Best rates at airport or bank; avoid hotel exchanges |
| Credit cards | Visa/Mastercard/UnionPay widely accepted at hospitals |
| Tipping | Not customary in Korea |
| Medical receipts | Request itemized receipts for insurance claims |
FAQ
Q. Can I bring a companion for support?
Absolutely. Many international patients bring a partner or family member. Some procedures (like egg retrieval) require a companion for discharge.
Q. What if I have a medical emergency during treatment?
Korea has excellent emergency medical care. Major hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments. The 1339 number is Korea's emergency medical service.
Q. Can Korean hospitals send my records home?
Yes. Request your complete medical records (digital format available) before leaving. Korean clinics routinely provide English summaries for international patients.
📧 For hospital consultation and referral inquiries, contact: info@bronis.co.kr
Medical Disclaimer: Visa information is subject to change. Verify current requirements with the Korean embassy in your country.