Dental FAQ for Foreign Patients in Korea
Foreigners can see a dentist in Korea without residency. At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, consultations are available in English, Japanese and Chinese; fees are listed in KRW as reference prices; and plans are confirmed after an exam. Enrolled NHIS members typically get basic care covered, while cosmetic work is paid privately.
Key facts
- Tourists and residents can both book; English, Japanese and Chinese consultations are available.
- Reference fees: LUCINATE veneers from ₩1,190,000 per tooth; a single implant about ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 before grafting.
- NHIS typically covers enrolled foreigners for items such as annual adult scaling; veneers, whitening and Invisalign are not covered.
- Korea's VAT refund for foreign cosmetic-procedure patients ended on 31 December 2025.
- Hours: Mon & Fri 10:00–18:00, Tue–Thu 10:00–20:30, Sat & holidays 10:00–16:00; closed Sundays, Lunar New Year and Chuseok.
- Location: 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, in front of Eonju Station Exit 3 (Line 9).
Medically reviewed by Dr. Park Hyun-min, Prosthodontist. Last reviewed September 2026.
These are the questions foreign patients ask us most often, whether they are flying in from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK, or already living in Korea. Each answer starts with the short version, then adds the detail. For anything not covered here, message the clinic directly.
Can foreigners get dental treatment in Korea?
Yes. You do not need residency or Korean insurance to be treated as a private patient.
Tourists pay the clinic's fees directly. Residents enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance can use it for covered items. Bring your passport, or your Alien Registration Card if you have one.
Will the dentist speak English?
Consultations at Lucid Dental are available in English, as well as Japanese and Chinese.
You can arrange everything in English by WhatsApp or text at +82-10-8354-2975 before you arrive. Medical Korea, the government-backed medical tourism service, also notes that many Korean dentists speak English.
How much does dental treatment cost in Seoul?
At Lucid Dental, reference fees start from ₩60,000 for a resin filling, ₩1,190,000 per LUCINATE veneer, and about ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 for a complete single implant before grafting.
| Treatment | Reference fee (KRW) | ≈ US$ at ₩1,400 |
|---|---|---|
| Resin filling | ₩60,000–150,000 | $45–105 |
| Inlay | ₩300,000 | $215 |
| LUCINATE veneer (Classic / Premier / THE LUCINATE) | ₩1,190,000 / ₩1,390,000 / ₩1,990,000 | $850 / $990 / $1,420 |
| Single implant, fixture + abutment + zirconia crown | ₩1,190,000–1,490,000 | $850–1,065 |
| Night guard | ₩600,000 | $430 |
| Invisalign | ₩10,000,000 | $7,140 |
These are "from" prices; your written estimate comes after an exam. Check today's exchange rate. See the full 2026 price list.
Does Korean national health insurance cover foreigners?
If you are enrolled in NHIS — typically after six months of residence, or through employment — covered dental items are billed with insurance.
Covered care typically includes annual scaling for adults (once per calendar year), basic fillings, extractions, root canal treatment and gum treatment. Veneers, whitening, Invisalign and most orthodontics are not covered. Confirm your own coverage; details are in NHIS dental coverage for foreigners.
Can I get a tax refund on dental treatment?
Not on cosmetic procedures in 2026. Korea's VAT refund for foreign cosmetic-procedure patients ended on 31 December 2025.
The Korea Herald reported that the 10% refund scheme, introduced in 2016, ended at the close of 2025. Cosmetic dental work such as veneers and whitening is VAT-taxable in Korea, so ask whether VAT is included in your estimate.
How many days do I need in Seoul?
It depends on the treatment: a check-up or filling may take one visit, veneers usually several visits over a stay, and implants often two trips months apart.
Implant bone typically needs a few months to heal before the final crown. Plan buffer days before your flight. Read how many days dental treatment takes, and for implants see dental implants in Seoul.
Is dental treatment in Korea safe?
Korea has a national dental licensing system and a specialist training system, and Medical Korea reports more than 33,000 licensed dentists as of 2022. Safety for you still depends on choosing a clinic carefully.
Check the dentist's name, training and specialty; ask for an itemized estimate; and be wary of pressure to decide quickly. Our guide Is dental treatment in Korea safe? covers what to look for.
How do I book an appointment from abroad?
Most patients book by WhatsApp in four steps.
- Message WhatsApp or +82-10-8354-2975 with your goals and travel dates.
- Send clear photos and any recent X-rays.
- Receive an initial view of options and a fee range.
- Confirm your exam date, ideally early in your trip.
When is the clinic open?
Monday and Friday 10:00–18:00; Tuesday to Thursday 10:00–20:30; Saturdays and public holidays 10:00–16:00 with no lunch break. Weekday lunch is 13:00–14:00. The clinic is closed on Sundays and over Lunar New Year and Chuseok.
How do I get there from the airport?
The clinic is in front of Eonju Station Exit 3 on Line 9, at 606 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu.
Line 9 runs directly from Gimpo Airport; from Incheon, most people take the airport railroad and connect to Line 9, or use a taxi or airport bus. Express trains skip Eonju, so switch to a local at Sinnonhyeon. See Incheon Airport to Lucid Dental.
What if I have a problem after I fly home?
Contact the clinic by WhatsApp with photos and a description first; many issues can be assessed remotely and managed by a local dentist if needed.
Keep your treatment summary, X-rays and component details together so any dentist can see what was done. Loose temporary work, mild sensitivity and bite adjustments are among the more common follow-up questions. If you have severe pain, swelling or fever, see a local dentist or doctor promptly rather than waiting.
Can I combine several treatments in one trip?
Often, yes — for example a cleaning, fillings and whitening before veneers. The dentist will sequence them so that health comes first: decay and gum problems are treated before cosmetic work.
Can I fly right after treatment?
Usually yes after routine care, but after extractions, implant surgery or sinus lifts you may be advised to wait. Follow the dentist's specific advice.
Read flying after dental treatment for typical guidance. For first-time visitors, the international patients guide brings everything together.
Book a consultation
Still have a question? Ask in English on WhatsApp or call/text +82-10-8354-2975. Individual results vary, and a consultation and exam are required before any treatment is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
Booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for evenings and Saturdays. Message the clinic on WhatsApp before you come so the team can confirm a time.
Can I bring someone into the treatment room?
Ask when you book. A companion is often welcome during the consultation, and someone must accompany you home if you have conscious sedation.
What if I need a root canal while I'm visiting?
Root canal treatment removes infection from inside a tooth and often takes more than one appointment, according to the NHS. The dentist will explain whether it can be completed during your stay or temporarily managed until you get home.
Will I get my X-rays to take home?
You can request copies of your images and a summary of the treatment performed. These are useful for your home dentist and for insurance claims.
Can I pay in US dollars?
Fees are set in Korean won. Ask the clinic about accepted payment methods when you book, and check with your card provider about foreign transaction fees.
Do you treat children?
Ask the clinic about your child's needs when booking. The team can tell you whether the treatment is offered at Lucid or suggest an alternative.