No dental Insurance? Don't worry! Dental work in South Korea provides high quality at decent prices. With DentaVacation, you can save ~ 70%.

Dental tourism in South Korea is booming for its hilly countryside, Buddhist temples, palaces, and affordable dentistry. [1]

Most travelers come from countries like Australia, the US, and Canada, where dental care is costly.

World-class care, high-tech clinics, and low cost are reasons for a spurt in dental tourism in South Korea.

Dive in to know more about dental work in South Korea and side trips to scenic marvels!

Watch on YouTube: “The Best Travel Destinations in Korea”
Video Courtesy: Best Places

Cost of Dental Work in South Korea

The dental work in Seoul saves up to 70% of your dental expenses. Likewise, dental implant prices in South Korea are affordable.

For example, single tooth implants in South Korea are worth $1,160, while the same might demand an expense of $4,800 in the US/Canada.

Moreover, you can get dental crowns in South Korea on the same day for $690 only.

Similarly, you can save on root canal treatment that costs nearly $199 in Korea.

Dental Work in South Korea: Cost Comparison (in USD)
Procedure South Korea US/Canada Australia
Dental Implant (Single Tooth) $1,160 $4,800 $2,100
Dental Crown (Same Day) $690 $1,300 $1,300
Root Canal Treatment $199 $2,000 $780
Porcelain Veneer Per Unit $649 $2,000 $700
Laser Teeth Whitening $499 $650 $600
Bone Graft $450 $2,000 $5,514
Sinus Lift $449 $1,500 $713
Clear Aligner (Full Jaw) $2,720 $5,000 $6,500
Extractions (Simple) $99 $300 $300
*Prices are subject to change and may vary as per the individual treatment plan.

You will notice a huge difference in the prices of Korean dental treatments compared to Western countries.

Take a healthy leap towards low-cost dentistry!

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Why Choose South Korea for Dental Work?

Millions of tourists visit the country each year for leisure. [2] Indeed, dental work in South Korea is equally popular.

The cost of dental work in South Korea is less than half of what it costs in the US and UK.

There obviously are genuine reasons that most tourists prefer traveling to Korea.

They amalgamate vacay and dental care altogether for real-time benefits.

Seoul Tower

Seoul Tower

Reasons to Choose South Korea for Dental Work

  • Top-quality dental care
  • Low cost of dental surgery
  • Good consular services to ease travel/visa
  • Cutting-edge equipment/advanced technology
  • Picturesque landscape for a short vacation

Good Quality Dental Work

Good Quality Dental Work

Is South Korea Safe for Dental Tourism?

There is no doubt that South Korea is a safe place to travel.

Despite this, you can always be on your toes to avoid exposure to minor risks during the visit. [3]

The clinic offers a conscious sedation program. It makes your dental treatment free of pain and anxiety.

Dental work in South Korea is safe because of the following reasons:

  • Clinics follow strict infection control and sterilization process
  • Surgeons are members of international professional organizations
  • Most dental surgeons are educated/trained at the best universities in the US and UK
  • Dentists actively take part in conferences/seminars to keep themselves abreast with the latest technology

Night Skyline, Seoul

Night Skyline, Seoul

What Should I Check Before Choosing a Clinic/Dentist?

It is important for people to check the training and licensing of the surgeon prior to seeking any treatment.

You should keep the following points in mind while planning a dental trip abroad:

  • Ask for the method of sterilization the clinic uses [4]
  • Check if the clinic offers a guarantee program for the treatments
  • Check the credentials of the dental surgeon – education and expertise
  • Check if the surgeon is a member of a national/international organization [5]
  • A good dental clinic must have a team of specialists to carry out different dental procedures
  • See if he/ she holds a Master’s Degree in Dentistry with a specialization in their area of interest
  • Look for the surgeon’s work if it has been published in recognized journals and verify if the clinic promotes dental tourism in South Korea.

Top Dental Clinic in South Korea

Our partner clinic in Korea, Good Life Dental Clinic, is acclaimed for treating international patients by Seoul City and the Bureau of National Health and Welfare.

The hospital caters to all guests willing to opt for dental tourism in South Korea.

Qualified surgeons provide excellent quality and pain-free treatment to their patients.

The clinic has an in-house lab. In addition, they have all the equipment necessary to perform dental procedures.

Sterilization in Good Life Dental, South Korea

Our chosen partner clinic in South Korea follows a triple disinfection system to prevent cross-contamination.

Three-Step Disinfection System

Step 1: Ultrasonic washing

A chamber with ultrasonic waves cleans the dental instruments.

Step 2: Autoclave disinfection

Autoclave (steam under pressure) ensures 100% sterilization of the packed instruments.

Step 3: EO gas sterilization

Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization is an additional step in the process.

Autoclave

Autoclave for Sterilization

Advantages of Korean Dental Clinics

Use of high-end technology: Oral cameras, dental microscope, and FDA-approved CBCT [6]

  • Cost savings: Tourists may save as much as 50 to 60 percent on all major dental work.
  • Prior information: Estimation is given before you travel for proper budget planning.
  • Variety of implants: Uses Straumann and Zimmer, Osstem and Dio & luna.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Cone Beam Computed Tomography
  • Guarantee: Partner clinic offers a lifetime implant guarantee.

Best Dentists in Korea

We have the best dentists for your treatment:

Get treated at a clean & modern facility

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Dental Tourism in South Korea


Korean bus

Korean bus

The capital of South Korea, Seoul, has two international airports – ICN and GMP.

The Incheon International Airport in Seoul is the largest and busiest airport. [7]

It has international flights from a majority of countries. Other than Seoul, South Korea has international airports in 5 other districts as well.

  • Non-stop flight duration from Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Atlanta to Seoul is around 12-16 hours.
  • Direct flight duration from Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast in Australia is around 10-12 hours.

Once you reach Seoul, you can hire a standard or deluxe taxi for the local commute.

The city is well-connected by a large bus and subway network as well. [8]


All travelers to South Korea are required to have a valid passport and a visa. The visa is issued by the South Korean Embassy. [9]

  • General passport holders from certain countries get a visa-free entry for 30 days or 90 days. These include a few Asian, American, European, and Middle Eastern countries.
  • Official and Diplomatic passport holders do not require a visa to enter South Korea.

Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements

People from countries that do not fit the above criteria need a visa.

They can apply for it at the Embassy of the Republic of South Korea in their home country.


Things To Do in South Korea

South Korea has many tourist attractions such as islands, century-old temples, museums, and palaces.

Additionally, it has a lot of must-visit cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.

Korean Barbecue

Korean Barbecue

Korean Pancake

Korean Pancake

Tips to Remember

  • Check the weather before you travel. If you’re planning to travel around December, make sure to pack some warm clothing.
  • Get all your routine vaccines before you travel. You can check the Website of the CDC to check the requirement. [12]
  • South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. [13] However, you should stay vigilant. Keep a low profile to not attract thieves in metropolitan areas.
  • Local transportation is easy, convenient, and cheap. However, make sure to stay alert while using it.
  • South Korea is technologically-advanced, but it follows ancient values and customs. Therefore, respect the culture during your stay there.
  • Do not indulge in an argument with a Korean, especially at a bar. While the country respects all international guests, the law is likely to favor the Koreans.
  • Tipping is not a part of the culture in South Korea. However, if you want to tip a waiter, cab driver, or hairdresser, the amount is up to you.
  • If you do not like spicy food, pay attention while ordering as the Korean dishes are too spicy. [14]
  • Check the prices of the meals while ordering street food. Some vendors service overly-priced meals that are not even authentic!

Common Words in Korean

Here are a few words in South Korean which will help you during the trip: [15]

  • Ye: Yes
  • A-nim-ni-da: No
  • Ahn-nyung ha-seh-yo: Hello
  • Ahn-nyung-hee ga-seh-yo: Goodbye
  • Gam-sah ham-nee-da: Thank you

Communication

  • Ban-gap sup-nee-da: Nice to meet you
  • Hotel-lo gap-see-da: Take me to the hotel

Is Dental Care Cheap in Korea?

Dentistry in Korea offers excellent services at modest prices.

The low-cost Korean medical care is attributable to the rapid development of health technology and the Hallyu effect. [16]

For a better idea of dental pricing, you can refer to the cost table of dental work in South Korea.

And you will be able to identify the evident cost differences in South Korea vs. US/ Canada.

For instance, porcelain veneer per unit rates $649 for its intrinsic worth.

While prices for the same dental work may fly by night in most home countries like Australia and the US.

Additionally, overseas residents might address their dental problems at a significantly lower cost if covered by National Health Insurance for basic procedures. [17]

Conclusion

The booming dental tourism in South Korea ascribes to quality-assured treatment blended with a myriad of its culture.

As a result, it fosters a competitive advantage over many other destinations.

So, if you want to minimize the cost of dental work, then couple it with a vacation outside your home country.

If you have got more queries, please do not hesitate to talk to us.

FAQs: Dental Work in South Korea

Yes, South Korea is safe as the crime rate here is low. [18]

However, large public protests are common with petty thefts. Typhoons, flooding, and tsunamis may happen.

So, you must follow the guidelines of local officials. You have to be more watchful in major cities like Seoul and Busan.

6 tips to enjoy a safe trip in Seoul

  • Avoid mass gatherings
  • Keep an eye on your belongings
  • Be careful while walking alone in dark
  • Do not accept untoward help from strangers
  • Refrain from taking drinks or cigarettes from an unknown person
  • Download the emergency ready app by the South Korean government

Unarguably, the dental work standards in Korea meet the patient’s expectations.

As per 2020 statistics, the South Korean dental implant market was estimated at over $230 million. [19]

Moreover, the clinics employ efficient methods such as EO gas, plasma, and oxygen radicals for sterilization.

Besides, they provide a 2-5 years guarantee period on most dental procedures.

Cosmetic dentistry in South Korea costs next to nothing.

For example, porcelain and zirconia veneers in Korea are available at $649 per unit, which is quite reasonably priced.

On the contrary, the bills for the same may escalate up to $2000 in the US and Canada.

A beautiful smile & a wonderful vacation are calling!

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