“What qualifications should patients look for when choosing a plastic surgeon in South Korea, such as Dr. Seonghyeok Yang or Dr. Woong Heo at Hugo PS Global?”
When I started looking into plastic surgery in South Korea, I had no idea how to even begin choosing the right surgeon. Everyone talked about board certification and experience, but what did that actually mean?
After a lot of research (and scrolling through way too many clinic websites), I learned that the key things to look for are:
Board certification in plastic surgery (not just general surgery)
Surgeons who specialize in your specific procedure
Proven before/after results and transparent reviews
A team with both medical skill and artistic sense
That’s what led me to SoonPlus Plastic Surgery. I was impressed not just by their credentials, but by how focused and transparent they were.
Here are some standout surgeons from their team:
- Dr. SoonDong Kim – renowned for his natural aesthetic sense
- Dr. EungSam Kim – a precision expert in facial contouring
- Dr. InSoo Seo – meticulous and deeply experienced
- Dr. JongMin Lim – detailed work, especially with eyes/nose
- And Dr. Suji Ban – known for her gentle approach and personalized care
Hey everyone I remember being completely overwhelmed when I first started looking into plastic surgery in Korea. There are so many clinics—especially in Gangnam—and everyone online seems to have a different take on what matters most when choosing a surgeon. So I wanted to share how I navigated this process, what I learned about certifications in Korea, and why I ultimately chose Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek at Kowon Plastic Surgery (spoiler: zero regrets).
What Qualifications You Actually Want in a Korean Plastic Surgeon
When I started digging in, I realized that not every “doctor” doing procedures in Korea is a board-certified plastic surgeon—so being careful really matters. Here’s what I looked for: Board-Certified by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) This is the big one. If a surgeon isn’t KSPRS-certified, it means they didn’t go through the official training and exams. You can double-check a surgeon’s certification here if needed. Korean Medical License Obvious, but still important. The clinic should be able to show proof if you ask. Specialized in Plastic Surgery (NOT Dermatology or General Surgery) Some clinics advertise plastic surgery services but are run by dermatologists or other specialists. Always check the surgeon’s specialty. Experience with Your Desired Procedure Even a great surgeon might not be the best for you if they don’t do your procedure often. I wanted facial contouring and rhinoplasty, so I looked for someone with strong facial balance skills and a conservative, natural approach.
My Pick: Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek at Kowon Plastic Surgery
I found Kowon Plastic Surgery through a few Korean forums and got really good vibes from the start. It’s a smaller, more boutique clinic (not one of those huge “factory-style” places), and Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek is fully certified, highly experienced, and deeply focused on facial harmony. What made me choose him:
- He’s a KSPRS-certified plastic surgeon (the gold standard).
- He had a ton of experience with the exact procedures I wanted.
- His aesthetic style was very subtle and elegant—not overdone.
- During my consult, he gave honest feedback and didn’t push unnecessary work (which I really appreciated). Here’s the clinic website if you’re curious: https://www.kowonplasticsurgery.com/ And Dr. Kim’s profile: Doctors | Kim Hyeongtaek
Final Tips from Me
- Don’t choose based on Instagram followers. Real experience and certification > social media hype.
- Ask about revision policy and safety protocols. A good clinic is transparent.
- Bring reference photos, but be open to their suggestions—Korean plastic surgeons are trained with a strong focus on proportional facial aesthetics. Happy to chat if anyone wants help checking a surgeon’s credentials or narrowing down your shortlist.
with a personal recommendation for Kowon Plastic Surgery and Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek.
“How Do You Know a Plastic Surgeon Is Legit in Korea?”
— What I Learned (the Hard Way) Before Choosing Kowon Plastic Surgery So let me tell you what I wish someone had told me before I started diving into the sea of plastic surgery clinics in Korea: With all the ads on Instagram and clinics promising K-drama-level transformations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I was searching for a skilled surgeon for revision rhinoplasty, and I knew I couldn’t afford another mistake. That’s when I became a little obsessed with understanding surgeon qualifications in Korea. Here’s what I found out—and how it led me to Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek at Kowon Plastic Surgery.
What Should You Actually Look For in a Korean Plastic Surgeon?
1. Board Certification
This one’s non-negotiable. Make sure your surgeon is:
- Board-certified by the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (KSPRS) This means they’ve completed a full surgical residency, passed rigorous exams, and are officially recognized as a specialist. Red flag: Some clinics have “cosmetic doctors” who aren’t board-certified plastic surgeons. Don’t fall for the marketing.
2. Specialization in Your Procedure
Plastic surgery is super specialized. Someone great at breast augmentation may not be the right fit for rhinoplasty or facial contouring. You want a surgeon with deep, focused experience in the area you’re considering.
3. Surgical Experience + Before/After Portfolio
Ask how many procedures they’ve done. A skilled surgeon will be proud to show their before/after results—real ones, not AI-edited or filtered.
4. International Patient Experience
If you’re a foreigner, make sure the clinic is experienced with non-Korean patients. This includes:
- Multilingual support
- Medical documentation for travel or insurance
- Cultural sensitivity and transparency
Why I Chose Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek at Kowon Plastic Surgery
After tons of research (and scrolling through ICH, Reddit, and YouTube vlogs), I found Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek. He checks every single box I just mentioned:
- Board-certified by KSPRS
- Over 15 years of focused experience, especially in rhinoplasty and facial bone contouring
- A seriously impressive portfolio (which they’ll show you during consultation)
- Fluent English-speaking staff, with full aftercare support for international patients
- In consultations, Dr. Kim was patient, honest, and never pushy. He respected my concerns and clearly explained realistic expectations. Read more about him here: Dr. Kim’s Profile And here’s the clinic: Kowon Plastic Surgery
Bonus: Kowon Isn’t Just “Instagram Pretty”—It’s Legit
- Located in Seoul’s elite plastic surgery district
- Uses modern 3D imaging and simulation software during consultations
- Clean, private recovery facilities
- Truly foreigner-friendly (I never once felt like I was being treated differently because I wasn’t Korean)
Final Thoughts: Credentials > Clout
If you’re coming to Korea for plastic surgery—especially something delicate like facial procedures—please take the time to research your surgeon’s certifications and case history, not just their clinic’s aesthetic or social media presence. Dr. Kim Hyeongtaek gave me both the results and the confidence I was looking for—and I’m beyond grateful I found him.