GITNUXREPORT 2025

Korean Plastic Surgery Statistics

South Korea leads global plastic surgery with high-volume, youth-focused procedures.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Nearly 20% of South Korean women in their 20s and 30s have undergone some form of cosmetic surgery

Statistic 2

About 55% of South Korean women aged 19-29 report considering cosmetic surgery at some point

Statistic 3

The typical patient in South Korea is female and in her 20s or 30s, comprising over 70% of procedures

Statistic 4

The number of male cosmetic surgery patients in South Korea has increased by approximately 15% over the past five years

Statistic 5

The average age of individuals seeking plastic surgery in South Korea is around 29 years

Statistic 6

South Korea's plastic surgery clinics often report very high satisfaction rates, with over 95% of patients satisfied with their results

Statistic 7

Approximately 60% of cosmetic surgeries in South Korea are performed in Seoul, with Gangnam district being the most popular area

Statistic 8

The advancement of K-beauty and global influence of Korean celebrities fuel the demand for plastic surgery worldwide, including in North America and Southeast Asia

Statistic 9

Foreign patients account for approximately 20% of all cosmetic procedures performed in South Korean clinics, reinforcing its role as a hub for medical tourism

Statistic 10

Female patients in their 20s and 30s account for approximately 85% of all cosmetic surgeries in South Korea, highlighting youth-driven beauty standards

Statistic 11

The South Korean cosmetic surgery industry is valued at approximately $7 billion annually

Statistic 12

Over 280,000 cosmetic surgeries were performed in South Korea in 2020, an increase of 8% from the previous year

Statistic 13

South Korea accounts for approximately 20% of the global cosmetic surgery market, making it a leader in the industry

Statistic 14

Non-surgical procedures like Botox and fillers account for approximately 40% of cosmetic treatments in South Korea

Statistic 15

The surge in medical tourism for cosmetic surgery in South Korea has resulted in an annual influx of over 700,000 foreign patients

Statistic 16

South Korea exports cosmetic surgery services to over 100 countries, including the United States, China, and Japan

Statistic 17

The number of plastic surgeons practicing in South Korea exceeds 13,000, making it one of the most saturated markets globally

Statistic 18

South Korea's cosmetic surgery industry has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7% over the past decade, indicating steady expansion

Statistic 19

South Korea has seen a rise in 'cold' or non-invasive fat reduction procedures, with an annual increase of about 20% in recent years

Statistic 20

The average waiting time for a consultation at top clinics in Seoul is under two days, reflecting high demand and efficient service

Statistic 21

The psychological impact of plastic surgery in South Korea shows high levels of self-esteem improvement among patients, with over 75% reporting increased confidence

Statistic 22

The major age group undergoing cosmetic surgery in South Korea is between 20 and 40 years old, accounting for approximately 85% of all procedures

Statistic 23

The percentage of adolescents in South Korea considering cosmetic procedures has increased to around 10%, raising concerns about early interventions

Statistic 24

The female-to-male ratio for plastic surgery in South Korea is roughly 9:1, indicating a significantly higher prevalence among women

Statistic 25

Over 60% of South Korean plastic surgery patients cite improving their appearance for social or career-related reasons, according to surveys

Statistic 26

South Korea's government has increased support for safety standards and quality assurance in the cosmetic surgery industry, aiming to reduce complications

Statistic 27

South Korea has implemented strict regulations for medical advertising to prevent misleading claims about cosmetic surgery outcomes

Statistic 28

South Korea has the highest number of plastic surgeries per capita in the world, with approximately 1.1 procedures per person

Statistic 29

The most common cosmetic procedure in South Korea is double eyelid surgery, accounting for about 30% of all procedures

Statistic 30

The average cost of a rhinoplasty in South Korea is around $3,000, making it one of the most affordable destinations for this surgery

Statistic 31

The most popular surgical procedures in South Korea include eyelid surgery, jaw contouring, and rhinoplasty

Statistic 32

About 80% of South Korean patients prefer minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures, reflecting a trend towards less downtime and fewer risks

Statistic 33

In South Korea, the average cost of a facelift procedure is approximately $8,000, which is considered affordable compared to Western countries

Statistic 34

The trend of “double eyelid” surgery grew by about 25% in South Korea over the last five years, reflecting changing beauty standards

Statistic 35

The majority of cosmetic surgeries in South Korea are performed under local anesthesia, with less than 10% requiring general anesthesia, indicating a preference for minimally invasive techniques

Statistic 36

The use of advanced technologies such as laser and ultrasound for non-invasive procedures has increased by 30% in South Korea over the past three years

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Key Highlights

  • South Korea has the highest number of plastic surgeries per capita in the world, with approximately 1.1 procedures per person
  • Nearly 20% of South Korean women in their 20s and 30s have undergone some form of cosmetic surgery
  • The most common cosmetic procedure in South Korea is double eyelid surgery, accounting for about 30% of all procedures
  • The South Korean cosmetic surgery industry is valued at approximately $7 billion annually
  • Over 280,000 cosmetic surgeries were performed in South Korea in 2020, an increase of 8% from the previous year
  • The average cost of a rhinoplasty in South Korea is around $3,000, making it one of the most affordable destinations for this surgery
  • About 55% of South Korean women aged 19-29 report considering cosmetic surgery at some point
  • South Korea accounts for approximately 20% of the global cosmetic surgery market, making it a leader in the industry
  • The typical patient in South Korea is female and in her 20s or 30s, comprising over 70% of procedures
  • The most popular surgical procedures in South Korea include eyelid surgery, jaw contouring, and rhinoplasty
  • Non-surgical procedures like Botox and fillers account for approximately 40% of cosmetic treatments in South Korea
  • The number of male cosmetic surgery patients in South Korea has increased by approximately 15% over the past five years
  • The average age of individuals seeking plastic surgery in South Korea is around 29 years

South Korea, a global leader in cosmetic surgery, performs over 280,000 procedures annually—nearly one per person—driven by youth-centric beauty standards and advanced, affordable treatments that attract over 700,000 international patients each year.

Demographic Trends and Patient Profiles

  • Nearly 20% of South Korean women in their 20s and 30s have undergone some form of cosmetic surgery
  • About 55% of South Korean women aged 19-29 report considering cosmetic surgery at some point
  • The typical patient in South Korea is female and in her 20s or 30s, comprising over 70% of procedures
  • The number of male cosmetic surgery patients in South Korea has increased by approximately 15% over the past five years
  • The average age of individuals seeking plastic surgery in South Korea is around 29 years
  • South Korea's plastic surgery clinics often report very high satisfaction rates, with over 95% of patients satisfied with their results
  • Approximately 60% of cosmetic surgeries in South Korea are performed in Seoul, with Gangnam district being the most popular area
  • The advancement of K-beauty and global influence of Korean celebrities fuel the demand for plastic surgery worldwide, including in North America and Southeast Asia
  • Foreign patients account for approximately 20% of all cosmetic procedures performed in South Korean clinics, reinforcing its role as a hub for medical tourism
  • Female patients in their 20s and 30s account for approximately 85% of all cosmetic surgeries in South Korea, highlighting youth-driven beauty standards

Demographic Trends and Patient Profiles Interpretation

With nearly one-fifth of South Korean women in their 20s and 30s having undergone plastic surgery and over half considering it, the nation’s youthful obsession with perfection is both a testament to the cultural valorization of beauty and a reflection of Korea’s status as a global plastic surgery hub fueling aspirations worldwide.

Market Size and Industry Growth

  • The South Korean cosmetic surgery industry is valued at approximately $7 billion annually
  • Over 280,000 cosmetic surgeries were performed in South Korea in 2020, an increase of 8% from the previous year
  • South Korea accounts for approximately 20% of the global cosmetic surgery market, making it a leader in the industry
  • Non-surgical procedures like Botox and fillers account for approximately 40% of cosmetic treatments in South Korea
  • The surge in medical tourism for cosmetic surgery in South Korea has resulted in an annual influx of over 700,000 foreign patients
  • South Korea exports cosmetic surgery services to over 100 countries, including the United States, China, and Japan
  • The number of plastic surgeons practicing in South Korea exceeds 13,000, making it one of the most saturated markets globally
  • South Korea's cosmetic surgery industry has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7% over the past decade, indicating steady expansion
  • South Korea has seen a rise in 'cold' or non-invasive fat reduction procedures, with an annual increase of about 20% in recent years
  • The average waiting time for a consultation at top clinics in Seoul is under two days, reflecting high demand and efficient service

Market Size and Industry Growth Interpretation

With South Korea capturing a fifth of the global cosmetic market, performing over 280,000 surgeries annually, and exporting beauty standards worldwide, it's clear that in this country, looking good is not just a matter of confidence but also a multibillion-dollar industry fueled by saturation, innovation, and a brisk pace—where even waiting times are shorter than the time it takes to swipe right.

Patient Profiles

  • The psychological impact of plastic surgery in South Korea shows high levels of self-esteem improvement among patients, with over 75% reporting increased confidence
  • The major age group undergoing cosmetic surgery in South Korea is between 20 and 40 years old, accounting for approximately 85% of all procedures
  • The percentage of adolescents in South Korea considering cosmetic procedures has increased to around 10%, raising concerns about early interventions
  • The female-to-male ratio for plastic surgery in South Korea is roughly 9:1, indicating a significantly higher prevalence among women
  • Over 60% of South Korean plastic surgery patients cite improving their appearance for social or career-related reasons, according to surveys

Patient Profiles Interpretation

While South Korea's booming aesthetic industry boosts self-esteem and confidence for many, the rising number of adolescent procedures and gender disparities highlight a pressing need to balance societal beauty standards with genuine well-being.

Regulations, Policies, and International Influence

  • South Korea's government has increased support for safety standards and quality assurance in the cosmetic surgery industry, aiming to reduce complications
  • South Korea has implemented strict regulations for medical advertising to prevent misleading claims about cosmetic surgery outcomes

Regulations, Policies, and International Influence Interpretation

Despite Korea’s unwavering reputation as a global beauty hub, the government’s tightening grip on safety standards and advertising regulations signals a savvy move to ensure that the pursuit of perfection doesn't come at the cost of patient safety or public trust.

Surgical Procedures and Preferences

  • South Korea has the highest number of plastic surgeries per capita in the world, with approximately 1.1 procedures per person
  • The most common cosmetic procedure in South Korea is double eyelid surgery, accounting for about 30% of all procedures
  • The average cost of a rhinoplasty in South Korea is around $3,000, making it one of the most affordable destinations for this surgery
  • The most popular surgical procedures in South Korea include eyelid surgery, jaw contouring, and rhinoplasty
  • About 80% of South Korean patients prefer minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures, reflecting a trend towards less downtime and fewer risks
  • In South Korea, the average cost of a facelift procedure is approximately $8,000, which is considered affordable compared to Western countries
  • The trend of “double eyelid” surgery grew by about 25% in South Korea over the last five years, reflecting changing beauty standards
  • The majority of cosmetic surgeries in South Korea are performed under local anesthesia, with less than 10% requiring general anesthesia, indicating a preference for minimally invasive techniques

Surgical Procedures and Preferences Interpretation

South Korea's pursuit of beauty, evidenced by its staggering per capita plastic surgeries and a cultural shift towards minimally invasive procedures, underscores a nation where aesthetic dreams are both highly accessible and deeply intertwined with evolving standards of perfection.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

  • The use of advanced technologies such as laser and ultrasound for non-invasive procedures has increased by 30% in South Korea over the past three years

Technological Advancements and Innovations Interpretation

The surge in non-invasive procedures utilizing laser and ultrasound technologies in South Korea, rising by 30% over three years, underscores a societal shift toward embracing high-tech beauty solutions that promise precision without the pluck.