Korean dermatology clinics list how many doctors they have, and the national register records how many of them are certified dermatology specialists. That number is one of the few objective facts you can check before booking. This guide explains what it means, what it does not, and how to use it.
Specialist, general practitioner, resident: three different doctors
In Korea, a licensed doctor can open a clinic after medical school and an internship. A specialist (전문의, jeonmunui) has also completed residency training in one field and passed the specialist qualification. The Korea Times reports that becoming a dermatology specialist takes about 11 years: six years of medical school, a one-year internship and four years of residency. A general practitioner (일반의, ilbanui) is a licensed doctor without that specialist qualification. Residents are doctors still in training.
A general practitioner is legally allowed to practise medicine. The difference matters because the person doing your skin treatment may have had far less training in skin disease.
What the number on our map is
For each Seoul dermatology clinic, our clinic map shows the number of dermatology specialists the national hospital register records (the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service’s department-level specialist count). In the Seoul data we collected, the picture looks like this:
| Dermatology specialists | Clinics | Share |
|---|---|---|
| None recorded | 249 | 28% |
| 1 | 495 | 55% |
| 2 | 101 | 11% |
| 3 or more | 54 | 6% |
That is 899 clinics. Most dermatology clinics in Seoul have a single specialist, so one specialist is normal, not a warning sign. Large clinics with several are the exception.
How to read it
- One or more: the clinic has at least one doctor recorded as a dermatology specialist. It does not say who will treat you on the day.
- None recorded: ask why. Some clinics sell skin treatments under another department, such as plastic surgery or family medicine. Others have staff changes the register has not caught up with. Ask for the treating doctor’s name and specialty in writing.
- Several specialists: this can mean a larger practice. It does not mean better results.
What the number does not tell you
- Quality. A specialist count is a qualification count. It is not a measure of outcomes, safety record or skill with a particular device.
- Who treats you. In some clinics, nurses or staff carry out parts of a procedure. Ask who will do each step.
- Whether the data is current. Doctors move between clinics. The register reflects what clinics report, and our copy is a snapshot.
Three questions to ask the clinic
- “What is the name and specialty of the doctor who will treat me?”
- “Which parts of the procedure does the doctor do, and which parts do staff do?”
- “Can you send the doctor’s specialty certificate or a link to their profile?”
Frequently asked questions
Is a general practitioner unsafe for skin treatments?
Not necessarily, but you should know who is treating you. For a medical skin problem such as a persistent rash, eczema or suspected infection, a dermatology specialist is the better starting point.
Does the clinic sign tell me anything?
The Korea Times reports that a clinic labelled as a dermatology clinic (피부과의원) must have a certified dermatology specialist, and that a sign without that word may mean none is on staff. Treat this as a prompt to ask, not as a guarantee.
Should I pick the clinic with the most specialists?
No. Choose on fit: the right doctor for your concern, clear written pricing and registration for foreign patients. Read how to check registration first.
General information, not medical advice. For a skin condition that is painful, spreading or worsening, see a doctor promptly. See the About page for our sources and corrections policy.