South Korea: Cosmetic Surgery Capital of the World
People all across see South Korea as a pleasant and happy country. Travelers from all around the world visit this country to enjoy its scrumptious food, breathtaking tourist attractions, and very rich cultural legacy. Thanks to their first-rate medical treatments and state-of-the-art facilities, South Korea has lately become among the most visited country in Asia for medical tourists.
Korean Healthcare
Among the best healthcare systems in Asia are those found in South Korea. The overall health agency of the country is known as the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Developing and implementing public health and safety policies this office works with the government and other national health organizations. Both public and private workers have government-mandated healthcare insurance; many South Korean hospitals routinely update their infrastructure and equipment, which appeals greatly to medical tourists. Task under the purview of South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare include finding ways to improve people's quality of life, promote health in both adults and children, provide long-term care insurance for the elderly, and apply preventative healthcare and treatment programs.
A South Korean Plastic Surgery Glance
Now doing 24% of all cosmetic surgeries, South Korea is known as "Cosmetic Surgery Capital of the World." The growth and progress of this field has been shaped by the ethnohistorical context of South Korea, social expectations, economic prospects, and cultural values as well as by other factors. In South Korea, the plastic surgery market is rather vast. The International Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons claims that some sort of cosmetic surgery has reportedly been done to twenty percent of South Korean women. Foreign media sources including the Washington Post and the New Yorker have covered this material. Plastic surgery tourism is another quite profitable industry. About 25% of South Korea's medical visitors are from this country; the government of South Korea projects that by 2020, there will be upwards of a million annual medical tourists. The New York Times Plastic surgical patients brought in $107 million in 2014. The number of new businesses expanded along with the market. The National Tax Administration reports that 1414 plastic surgery facilities registered in South Korea in September 2017. This statistic does not include the number of notable Korean hospitals, dermatological clinics, and dental offices offering many varieties of cosmetic surgery. 470 of these independent clinics are found in Gangnam-gu, where the well-known Apgujeong plastic surgery district has an amazing range of facilities. The sector has grown so packed despite the size of the market that unlicensed brokers are transferring international patients to clinics not allowed to handle foreign patients is causing growing problems.
Procedures for Plastic Surgery in the United States and South Korea are compared.
Though their historical and cultural bases for plastic surgery are different, both countries show similar patterns in the most often used treatments. Most typically performed noninvasive treatments are chemical peels using botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid. Among the most often performed invasive procedures are breast augmentation, lipoplasty, blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty. Still, whereas breast augmentation is more common in the United States, lipoplasty and blepharoplasty are more common in South Korea. These differences have been suggested to be the outcome of different cultural ideas of beauty.
Popular and Innovative Techniques in South Korean Plastic Surgery
Since its popularity, South Korea has become a leader in the field of plastic surgery in developing innovative ideas. Driving these developments in South Korea has been mostly the demand for specific traits linked with success and attractiveness, which define this country. One such trait not surprisingly is the maintenance and repair of young-looking skin. Devices like the Ultraformer 3 HIFU and Ulthera thermodynamically induce collagen fiber contraction with focused, high-intensity ultrasonic waves to achieve skin tightening; stem cell therapies help with collagen remodeling and architecture to promote skin elasticity. These are innovative, noninvasive methods. Translating as "eye grins," Aegyo sal is a quite prevalent surgery carried done primarily in South Korea that entails fat grafting and injections under the eyes to give the patient younger appearance. Additionally sought-after traits in South Korea are a small face and jaw, which has increased the application of hitherto underused cosmetic sculpting techniques. Originally employed to treat severe congenital deformities, the V-line operation—a type of mandibuloplasty—is a well-known technique that results in this small face and jaw look. The procedure may include the intentional fracture and repositioning of the bone and entails shaving the jaw with oscillating saws. Apart than transgender facial feminizing treatments, zygoma reduction is another common technique used in South Korea to narrow the face. To reduce operating time and postoperative edema, South Korean plastic surgeons have developed a new minimally invasive procedure for this therapy whereby the surgery can be performed by a single 5 mm intraoral stab incision on either side. Furthermore shown to be lessening of problems like malunion, facial nerve damage, cheek drooping, and temporomandibular joint injury is this approach. Three days following surgery, patients can resume their regular daily activities; results are more dramatic than with traditional methods. At last, one finds beauty in large eyes with double eyelashes. The minimally invasive 3-point subcutaneous tunneling technique for blepharoplasty has become rather common in various Asian countries, including South Korea. Comparatively to the traditional approaches of upper blepharoplasty with tarsal fixation, this technique has been proven to lower problems like edema, congestion, and post-operative pain. One other benefit is a slower conversion of double eyelids to monolids. Recently developed and unique to South Korea, the septoaponeurosis junctional thickening technique has proved to produce a more dynamic and natural double eyelid fold. Following over 900 patients in a large-scale study, it was found that 95% of them reported satisfaction 2–8 years following the surgery.
Notable South Korean Tourist Destinations and Events
South Korea takes pride in both its man-made and natural wonders:
Historical sites and palaces in Seoul, Buyeo and Gyeongju
Mountain peaks of Seorak-san and Jiri-san
Danyang and Hwanseongul Caves
Haeundae and Mallipo beaches
Thousands of medical tourists also travel to South Korea for its well-known festivals:
Take part in their famed snow crabs during the Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival (February to March), which honors the king who historically received these priceless treasures as a unique gift.
Jindo Sea-Parting Festival (March) – In Jindo, the seas part once a year, exposing a 2.5 kilometer road, around 50 meters wide, and visitors are able to walk from the mainland to a nearby island.
One of Seoul's most well-liked holidays, the Lotus Lantern Festival (May), honors the birth of Buddha. The "Jangeomdeung" (Grand Light) is lit at Seoul Plaza, and there are also lantern exhibitions and a parade across the city. Also, visitors have the opportunity to take part in creating their own lotus-shaped lanterns. The Boryeung Mud Festival (July) is held on the beaches of Daecheon and draws more foreign visitors than any other festival in the nation. People participate in activities like mud wrestling, mud sliding, and swimming in the enormous mud mega tub because of the mud's famed medicinal properties. The celebration continues throughout the night, when there are more parties and firework shows. October's Incheon Ceramic Festival - Incheon hosts this festival to display their exquisite works of art and their over a thousand years of history in the ceramic arts business.
Korea-Inspired Cuisine
Rice, noodles, a rainbow of vegetables, tofu, and numerous types of meat define Korean cuisine. Usually, steam-cooked short-grain rice is presented with a variety of savory side dishes. Usually presented with every dinner is the famous Korean salad kimchi.
Best Places In South Korea To Visit
Gyeongju
If you appreciate history, Gyeongju—which sits on the southeast coast—is among the most visited places in South Korea. If temples are your thing, see the Bulguksa Temple, which goes all the way back to the eighth century. Still, you may glimpse one massive Buddha at the Seokguram Grotto. It also provides some quite amazing city views. Above all, this is a perfect spot if you like to observe the sunrise. Explore these temples and the grotto, then head straight to the Gyeongju National Museum, bursting with historical relics. Indeed, but visit Gyeongju National Park, which is close by, if visiting museums is not your thing. The vistas and landscape are amazing. If you're searching for a mouthwatering meal, check Cheonnyeon Hanu Bomun for some of the greatest Korean beef available in the region.
Seoul
Seoul is without a question one of the most visited tourist destination in South Korea. Apart from its vastness, it boasts a lot of fascinating past, neighborhoods, and cultural impact. Seoul has been the capital of Korea from around 600 years ago. All of this suggests that this is the perfect place for a long weekend trip since many important historical sites are found here. Once you are here, make sure to explore some of Seoul's most famous sites and relax in one of the city's gorgeous districts. After some time of exploration, stop at Changdeokgung Palace, then head to Myeongdong for a main retail center before reaching Bukchon.
Jeju City
Among the best places in South Korea to mix a vacation to Jejudo Island with, Jeju City is located on that island. South Koreans particularly enjoy it as the city is the furthest south they know of in their country. As soon as you arrive, check Dongmun Market, a classic Korean market offering everything. If this is not your thing, go to Jejumok Gwana. Comprising roughly seven antique houses and spanning the 14th century, the former central government office is an incredible sight to behold.
Suwon
Suwon, located in the northwest of the country and located in the Gyeonggi Province, is one of the top places to visit in South Korea. Currently, the Fortress and the enormous gates with the towering pagodas are among the most well-known sights to visit. The palace of Hwaseong Haenggung, which is simple to visit following the stronghold, is also not too far away. So be sure not to overlook the magnificent banquet room.
Busan
To be honest, Busan is one of the best places in South Korea to visit due to its location. Perched on the south-east coast, it’s the perfect spot to visit if you want a little city life, but also embrace South Korea’s amazing beaches and mountains. After you're here, be sure to check out the energetic Haeundae Beach and travel to the Haedong Yonggungsa seaside temple, which dates back to the 14th century. If you don't like beaches, take a hike (or the automobile) to Taejongdae. It is a sizable coastal park with stunning views of the surrounding area. Just remember to bring your hiking shoes, as some of the paths can be challenging.
Hwaseong
Not too distant from Seoul, Hwaseong is one of South Korea's best day trip locations. While here, take in the UNESCO World Heritage sites—the Yongjusa Temple and the Hwaseong Fortress. See Everland and ride their massive wooden rollercoaster if you like an adrenaline surge. Plus, Bonsuwon Galbi has great Korean BBQ; their kalbi is to die for.
Gwangju
Gwangju, in the southern part of the country, is among the most popular tourist spots in South Korea because of its cool mix of the past and the modern. Make sure you visit the Mudeungsan Mountain National Park, Mahanji Gorge, Jeungsimsa Temple and stone pagoda when you are there. They provide among the best Korean barbecue available in the city. You will be so full and will roll back to your bed. Just be sure to sample their delicious pork ribs.
