Best Plastic Surgery in Korea
Cost breakdown

Korea Plastic Surgery Cost from Canada 2026

All-in Korea plastic surgery costs from Toronto and Vancouver in CAD — flight times, procedure fee comparisons vs Canadian private pricing, accommodation, and payment logistics.

Published 2026-07-28 · Updated 2026-07-28
Quick answer

A rhinoplasty trip to Korea from Vancouver costs approximately CAD 5,500–9,500 all-in; from Toronto, CAD 6,500–11,000. Flights range CAD 900–1,600 from Vancouver and CAD 1,100–2,000 from Toronto. Korean mid-tier surgical fees are 40–65% below Canadian private equivalents, yielding net savings of CAD 4,000–12,000 for most rhinoplasty patients.

Fact-checked against primary sourcesKSPRS · KHIDI · peer-reviewed literature — 2 sources · how we verifyLast verified
2026-07-28

캐나다에서 한국 성형수술 비용 (kaenada-eseo hangug seonghyeong susu biyong — cost of plastic surgery in Korea from Canada) covers every cash outlay from the moment you leave your Canadian city to the day you fly home. The sections below build that figure procedure by procedure.

1,170,467 foreign patients received medical treatment in Korea in 2024 — up 93.2% year-over-year.¹ Plastic surgery and dermatology account for the largest share of procedures sought by international patients.²

All-In Cost by Procedure from Canada

Three factors shape the final number: the Korean surgical fee, your flight origin, and how many nights you need for recovery before flying. BPSK price ranges reflect direct consultation quotes collected from a minimum of 12 clinics per procedure between January and July 2026, spanning economy, mid-range, and premium tiers.³ ⁴ All surgical fees below are surgical fee only — anesthesia and facility fees are excluded from that column.⁵ KRW figures convert at CAD 1 = KRW 1,000 (indicative — verify current rates before transferring funds).

BPSK surgical fees are based on direct clinic quotes, not published price lists or aggregators.³ Final quotes depend on individual surgeon assessment and may differ.⁶
All-in cost estimates from Canada by procedure. Surgical fee is surgical fee only.⁵ Anesthesia (₩300,000–800,000), facility fee (₩200,000–500,000), and post-operative medications/compression (₩100,000–300,000) are additional.⁷ CAD conversions use CAD 1 = KRW 1,000 (indicative; verify current rate). USD conversions use 1 KRW = 0.00072 USD; AUD conversions use 1 KRW = 0.0011 AUD — both reflecting the July 2026 rate.⁸ ⁹ Price data sampled January–July 2026; refreshed quarterly.¹⁰ Published ranges are not guarantees of the price you will receive.⁶
ProcedureSurgical fee KRWSurgical fee CAD (approx)Flights YVR CADFlights YYZ CADAccommodation 12 nights CADAll-in from Vancouver CADAll-in from Toronto CADCanadian private equiv. CADNet saving from Vancouver CAD
Rhinoplasty (primary)₩3,500,000–8,000,000CAD 3,500–8,000CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 800–1,600CAD 5,500–11,600CAD 5,700–12,000CAD 8,000–18,000CAD 3,000–10,000
Rhinoplasty (revision)₩6,000,000–14,000,000CAD 6,000–14,000CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 800–1,600CAD 8,000–17,600CAD 8,200–18,000CAD 12,000–25,000CAD 4,000–13,000
Double eyelid surgery (incisional)₩1,500,000–3,500,000CAD 1,500–3,500CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 800–1,600CAD 3,500–7,000CAD 3,700–7,400CAD 3,500–7,000CAD 0–2,000
Jaw reduction (V-line)₩8,000,000–16,000,000CAD 8,000–16,000CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 950–2,000CAD 10,200–20,000CAD 10,400–20,400CAD 15,000–30,000CAD 5,000–14,000
Facelift (SMAS)₩9,000,000–18,000,000CAD 9,000–18,000CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 950–2,000CAD 11,200–22,000CAD 11,400–22,400CAD 18,000–35,000CAD 6,000–17,000
Liposuction (abdomen + flanks)₩4,000,000–9,000,000CAD 4,000–9,000CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 800–1,600CAD 6,000–12,600CAD 6,200–13,000CAD 8,000–16,000CAD 2,000–7,000
Facial contouring (jaw + zygoma)₩12,000,000–22,000,000CAD 12,000–22,000CAD 900–1,600CAD 1,100–2,000CAD 950–2,000CAD 14,200–26,000CAD 14,400–26,400CAD 20,000–40,000CAD 6,000–18,000

Double eyelid surgery stands apart from the other procedures: its Korean fee overlaps with Canadian private equivalents, so the travel cost can eliminate the saving entirely for patients already in a major Canadian city. The procedures with the widest net saving — jaw reduction, facelift, and facial contouring — show a saving large enough to absorb flights and accommodation with margin remaining, even at the upper end of Korean fee ranges.

Quotes below the market median for a given procedure may exclude standard cost components — confirm all inclusions with the clinic before paying a deposit.¹¹


What the Clinic Quote Does Not Include

Korean clinic quotes cover the surgical fee only.⁵ Canadian patients accustomed to bundled provincial health system pricing — or to private surgical quotes that bundle anesthesia and facility use — should budget separately for each of the following.

Anesthesia and facility fee. These are quoted and invoiced separately at Korean clinics. Typical combined range: ₩500,000–1,300,000 (approximately CAD 500–1,300).⁷ Confirm whether your quoted anesthesia is local, sedation, or general — the type affects both the fee and your recovery timeline.

Post-operative medications and compression garments. Antibiotics, anti-swelling medication, and any required compression garments are charged separately. Budget ₩100,000–300,000 (approximately CAD 100–300).⁷

Flights and airport transfers. Not part of any clinic quote. Vancouver airport to Gangnam by airport railroad and taxi runs approximately KRW 15,000–45,000 (CAD 15–45). A private transfer from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Gangnam runs approximately KRW 80,000–130,000 (CAD 80–130).

Accommodation. Clinics do not arrange accommodation as part of the surgical package unless explicitly stated. Confirm in writing if a clinic advertises a “package” that includes a hotel — verify the property and its proximity to the clinic.

Meals during recovery. Soft-food dietary needs during early rhinoplasty or jaw surgery recovery mean restaurant spending may be lower than a leisure trip, but self-catering from a serviced apartment or convenience stores is a common cost-saving approach.

Pre-operative tests. Blood panels and ECGs are sometimes included in the consultation fee; sometimes charged separately at ₩50,000–150,000 (CAD 50–150). Ask the clinic explicitly at your consultation confirmation stage.

Travel insurance. OHIP and provincial health insurance do not cover medical costs incurred in Korea, including complications from elective surgery. A travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a practical expense to include in your budget — not the planned procedure, but emergency medical costs if something goes wrong.


Flights from Canada to Seoul

Four factors determine your flight cost and journey time: departure city, whether a direct service exists, routing choice, and booking lead time.

Vancouver (YVR) — direct service. Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Air Canada operate nonstop YVR–ICN routes. Flight time: 10–11 hours westbound, 9–10 hours eastbound. Return economy fares: CAD 900–1,600. This is the most cost-efficient and time-efficient Canadian departure point for Seoul.

Calgary (YYC) and Edmonton (YEG). No direct Seoul service. Most efficient connection is via Vancouver, adding approximately 2 hours to total journey time. Return economy total: CAD 950–1,750, depending on connection timing and advance booking.

Toronto (YYZ). No direct Seoul service. Connections operate via Vancouver (YVR), Los Angeles (LAX), or Tokyo Narita (NRT). Total journey time: 16–20 hours. Return economy total: CAD 1,100–2,000. The YYZ–YVR–ICN routing often produces competitive fares and uses the Vancouver–Seoul nonstop leg, keeping the transpacific segment at its minimum duration.

Montreal (YUL), Ottawa (YOW), and Halifax (YHZ). Similar journey structure to Toronto — two-connection itineraries, total journey 18–24 hours. Budget CAD 1,200–2,200 return.

Booking window. Return fares are typically lowest when booked 10–14 weeks in advance. Avoid booking your return flight fewer than 12 days after rhinoplasty or jaw surgery — swelling and bruising are still active, and some surgeons advise against flying until at least day 10 post-operatively. Build a buffer day on the return side.

Gangnam-gu receives approximately 60% of medical tourists seeking aesthetic procedures in Korea.² Incheon International Airport (ICN) serves all Seoul-bound international flights — allow 50–75 minutes transfer time to Gangnam by express rail plus taxi, or 60–90 minutes by direct private transfer.


Accommodation for Recovery in Gangnam

Proximity to your clinic for daily or alternate-day follow-up visits is the primary accommodation criterion for the first week — not proximity to tourist attractions. Gangnam-gu (강남구) is the dominant district for aesthetic clinics,² so staying within the district eliminates the need for taxis or subway during the most uncomfortable phase of recovery.

Three accommodation tiers are available in Gangnam:

Serviced apartments. Best suited to recovery stays. Advantages: in-unit refrigeration for cold packs, kitchen for soft-food self-catering, separate sleeping and living areas. Nightly rate: CAD 65–145. A 12-night stay at the midpoint costs approximately CAD 1,260. Apgujeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong neighbourhoods place most clinics within 10–15 minutes by taxi.

Standard hotels. Convenient, but room refrigeration is limited and kitchenette availability varies. Nightly rate: CAD 80–180. Daily room service for meals adds cost. A 12-night hotel stay: CAD 960–2,160.

Budget guesthouses. Viable for procedures with lighter recovery requirements (e.g., eyelid surgery). Not recommended for rhinoplasty or jaw surgery where swelling management and rest quality matter. Nightly rate: CAD 35–70.

Recovery stay length by procedure. Rhinoplasty: 10–14 nights before flying is a standard surgeon recommendation; budget for 12 nights. Jaw reduction or facial contouring: 12–16 nights. Facelift (SMAS): 12–14 nights. Liposuction: 7–10 nights is common, though confirm with your surgeon.

All-in accommodation budget:

  • Rhinoplasty, 12 nights: CAD 800–1,600
  • Jaw reduction or facelift, 14 nights: CAD 950–2,000

Confirm that the property has elevator access and a ground-floor or lobby-level entry with no steps — relevant when facial swelling or post-operative fatigue limits mobility.


Payment Logistics from Canada

Korean clinics invoice in KRW. Four practical options exist for Canadian patients:

Bank wire transfer (CAD → KRW). Appropriate for larger surgical fees above CAD 6,000. Canadian bank international wire fees run CAD 25–50 per transfer, plus a spread on the exchange rate (typically 1.5–3% above mid-market). Allow 2–3 business days for funds to clear. Ask the clinic for their exact banking details and confirm in writing.

Wise (formerly TransferWise). Lower exchange rate margin than Canadian banks — typically 0.4–0.7% above mid-market — making it cost-effective for amounts under CAD 6,000. Transfers to Korean accounts in KRW are supported. Processing time: 1–2 business days.

Credit card. Some clinics accept major credit cards for the full surgical fee; others accept cards only for consultation or deposit. Foreign transaction fees of 2–4% apply on most Canadian cards. Cards with no foreign transaction fee (e.g., select Scotiabank and HSBC products) reduce this cost. Confirm card acceptance and fee structure with the clinic before travel.

Deposits. A booking deposit of ₩200,000–500,000 (approximately CAD 200–500) is standard to confirm a surgery date.¹² Do not transfer the full surgical fee before your in-person consultation confirms your candidacy — a responsible clinic will not require full payment before the surgeon has assessed you in person.

USD is sometimes used as an intermediate currency at clinics serving a high volume of international patients — confirm whether your clinic invoices in KRW or USD.¹³

BPSK cost ranges are not guarantees of the price you will receive. Final quotes depend on individual surgeon assessment.⁶

How much does rhinoplasty cost all-in from Canada?

From Vancouver: approximately CAD 5,500–9,500 all-in (surgical fee CAD 3,600–5,800 + flights CAD 950–1,400 + accommodation 12 nights CAD 800–1,600 + anesthesia/facility CAD 400–700). From Toronto: CAD 6,500–11,000. Canadian private mid-tier rhinoplasty runs CAD 8,000–18,000 surgical fee only. Net savings from Vancouver typically CAD 3,000–10,000 depending on procedure scope.

Is there a direct flight from Canada to Korea?

Yes, from Vancouver YVR — Korean Air, Asiana, and Air Canada operate direct YVR–ICN routes (10–11 hours). No other Canadian city currently has direct Seoul service. Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa patients connect via Vancouver, Los Angeles, or Tokyo, adding 4–7 hours to total journey time. Flying via Vancouver is the most efficient routing from anywhere in Canada.

Do Canadians need a visa for Korea for surgery?

No. Canadian passport holders have visa-free access to South Korea for stays under 90 days. A tourist entry is appropriate for medical tourism visits. South Korea's K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirements may apply — confirm current entry requirements via the Korean Embassy in Canada or the official Visit Korea website before travel.

Can OHIP or private insurance cover Korean plastic surgery?

OHIP and provincial health insurance do not cover elective cosmetic surgery performed in Korea. Private supplemental health insurance policies vary — most exclude elective cosmetic surgery performed abroad. Travel insurance is separate and relevant for covering medical emergencies during the trip (not the planned procedure itself). Review your private insurance policy and travel insurance terms before departure.


Sources

¹ [khidi-2024-stats-total-patients] KHIDI Medical Tourism Statistics 2024 — 1,170,467 foreign patients received medical treatment in Korea in 2024.

² [khidi-2024-stats-top-specialties] / [khidi-2024-stats-gangnam-concentration] KHIDI Medical Tourism Statistics 2024 — plastic surgery and dermatology account for the largest share of international procedures; Gangnam-gu receives approximately 60% of medical tourists seeking aesthetic procedures.

³ [bpsk-cost-methodology-data-source] BPSK Cost Methodology — price ranges based on direct clinic consultation quotes, January–July 2026.

⁴ [bpsk-cost-methodology-sample-size] BPSK Cost Methodology — minimum 12 clinics per procedure per city sampled across economy, mid-range, and premium tiers.

⁵ [bpsk-cost-methodology-quote-scope] BPSK Cost Methodology — all quotes represent the surgical fee only unless explicitly stated otherwise.

⁶ [bpsk-cost-methodology-no-guarantee] BPSK Cost Methodology — cost ranges are not guarantees; final quotes depend on individual surgeon assessment.

⁷ [bpsk-cost-methodology-all-in-estimate] BPSK Cost Methodology — ancillary items: anesthesia ₩300,000–800,000, facility fee ₩200,000–500,000, consultation ₩0–50,000, compression/medications ₩100,000–300,000.

⁸ [bpsk-cost-methodology-fx-krw-usd] BPSK Cost Methodology — USD rate: 1 KRW = 0.00072 USD (KRW 1,380 per USD), July 2026.

⁹ [bpsk-cost-methodology-fx-krw-aud] BPSK Cost Methodology — AUD rate: 1 KRW = 0.0011 AUD (KRW 910 per AUD), July 2026.

¹⁰ [bpsk-cost-methodology-refresh-cadence] BPSK Cost Methodology — price data refreshed quarterly.

¹¹ [bpsk-cost-methodology-low-quote-flag] BPSK Cost Methodology — quotes below the market median may exclude standard cost components; confirm inclusions with the clinic.

¹² Deposit range based on BPSK clinic consultation data, consistent with [bpsk-cost-methodology-data-source].

¹³ USD intermediate currency note based on BPSK clinic consultation data, consistent with [bpsk-cost-methodology-data-source].

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Sources

  1. KHIDI — Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Medical Tourism Statistics 2024 · S1
  2. BPSK Cost Methodology — Sampling Approach and FX Convention · S5
Education, not medical advice Fact-checked per our Editorial Standards · corrections policy applies · always confirm specifics with a board-certified surgeon Last verified
2026-07-28