A growing number of clinics in South Korea that brand themselves as 'dermatology' clinics are refusing to treat actual skin diseases, instead focusing exclusively on cosmetic procedures. A survey of 40 clinics near Gangnam Station found that 37 do not treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. This trend is reshaping the aesthetic supply chain, as demand for cosmetic devices and injectables surges while medical dermatology infrastructure weakens, creating both opportunities and risks for overseas suppliers.
Market signal
According to a report by Yonhap News, a survey of 40 clinics listed as 'dermatology' near Gangnam Station in Seoul found that only three offered treatment for skin diseases such as psoriasis. Of those, two required on-site registration with wait times exceeding two hours, and the third could only provide basic prescriptions. The remaining 37 clinics stated they only perform cosmetic procedures, non-insurance treatments, or lifting-focused services. This pattern is not limited to Gangnam. Residents in Mapo-gu and Seocho-gu reported similar experiences, with multiple clinics refusing to treat atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. Patients often had to travel long distances or wait hours at the few clinics that still accept medical dermatology cases.
Regulatory and channel signals
South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare is reviewing amendments to the Medical Service Act Enforcement Rules to address misleading signage. Currently, non-specialist clinics can use 'dermatology' in their names if they add the phrase 'medical department,' but many display the word 'dermatology' prominently while the required disclaimer is nearly invisible. The ministry is considering removing the 'medical department' requirement altogether to better distinguish cosmetic clinics from medical dermatology clinics. The Korean Dermatological Association operates an online search service for board-certified dermatologists. The association advises patients to check whether a clinic's sign reads 'dermatology clinic' (indicating a specialist) and to look for official certification marks.
Sourcing context
The shift toward cosmetic-only clinics is driven by economics. According to data from the National Assembly, the average annual health insurance claim per dermatology clinic in 2024 was KRW 424 million (approx. USD 320,000), far lower than orthopedics (KRW 1.196 billion) or internal medicine (KRW 873 million). With opening costs for a new clinic in urban areas ranging from KRW 1 billion to 1.5 billion (USD 750,000–1.1 million), many doctors prioritize high-margin non-insurance cosmetic procedures. Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service shows that among 176 new clinics opened by general practitioners in the first seven months of 2024, 83% registered dermatology as a specialty. This indicates a massive influx of non-specialist doctors into the aesthetic market, driving demand for cosmetic lasers, injectables, and skincare devices.
What buyers should watch
For overseas suppliers of aesthetic devices, injectables, and consumables, this trend signals sustained demand for cosmetic equipment in South Korea. However, the regulatory environment is shifting. The proposed signage reforms could affect how clinics market themselves, potentially impacting purchasing decisions. Suppliers should monitor the Ministry of Health and Welfare's下半年 review and prepare for possible changes in clinic classification.
Additionally, the growing gap between cosmetic and medical dermatology may create opportunities for suppliers offering devices that can serve both purposes, such as multi-functional lasers or combination therapy systems. Clinics that maintain medical dermatology services may become premium partners for suppliers seeking stable, long-term relationships.
Expert insight
Professor Eung-ho Choi of Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine noted that a doctor would need to see 120–150 patients per day to sustain a clinic on insurance-only patients, calling the current structure 'abnormal.' He warned that the shortage of accessible medical dermatology could lead to delayed diagnoses and chronic conditions, as mild cases go untreated. Professor Beom-joon Kim of Chung-Ang University emphasized the need for patients to easily verify whether a clinic offers medical dermatology services, including allergy testing and fungal examinations.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 06, 2026