ID Hospital Seoul 2026 review: Korea's only government-certified plastic surgery hospital

Key numbers

ID Hospital founded in 1998 — 27 years of continuous operation (2026)

12-floor dedicated hospital building in Gangnam with 15 operating theaters

Only Korean plastic surgery facility certified as 성형외과 전문병원 (Plastic Surgery Specialty Hospital) by Ministry of Health and Welfare, with the certification renewed in 2023

Multilingual interpretation in 10+ languages, with dedicated international coordinators on staff

ID Hospital 2026 pricing: V-line surgery $8,000–$12,000, double-jaw surgery $13,000–$18,000, rhinoplasty $4,500–$7,000

Estimated 40% of ID Hospital's annual volume comes from foreign patients (internal operational data)

Orthognathic (double-jaw) surgery volume averages 400+ cases per year — one of the highest volumes globally for a single institution

ID Hospital in Gangnam is the only plastic surgery facility in Korea designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a Certified Plastic Surgery Hospital (성형외과 전문병원). This certification, established in 2017 and renewed every 3 years, requires meeting stringent operational standards distinct from standard clinics.

Founded in 1998, ID Hospital occupies a dedicated 12-floor building with specialized departments per procedure type — facial contouring, rhinoplasty, eyelid, breast, body, orthognathic (jaw) surgery, and dental. Each department has its own operating theater and nursing team.

Specialties: ID is internationally recognized for facial contouring (V-line, zygoma reduction, double-jaw) and orthognathic surgery. The hospital maintains one of Korea's highest volumes of complex double-jaw procedures, handling cases refused by smaller clinics.

Foreigner experience: Full medical tourism infrastructure including interpreters in 10 languages (English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Arabic, Spanish, Kazakh). Virtual consultation via website available free of charge.

Korearly is an independent media. This review is based on published hospital information and verified patient reports. We receive no compensation from ID Hospital.

Frequently asked questions

Is ID Hospital only for complex cases?

No, but ID's reputation is built on facial contouring and jaw surgery. For standard rhinoplasty or double eyelid, clinics like Banobagi or VIP may offer more personalized attention. ID's strength is scale and specialty depth for complex reconstructive and contouring cases.

How do I book ID Hospital from overseas?

ID accepts free virtual consultation via the English website (idhospital.com/en). Submit photos and medical history, and an international coordinator responds within 48–72 hours. A deposit typically secures surgery dates 4–6 weeks in advance.

Does ID Hospital offer accommodation?

Yes. ID partners with several recovery facilities within walking distance, including 24/7 nurse-staffed recovery hostels priced $150–$250 per night. Partnership rates are 10–15% below direct booking.

How long is the recovery period after ID Hospital double-jaw surgery?

Initial recovery (soft food, minimal activity): 2 weeks. Return to normal daily life: 3–4 weeks. Full healing with final results: 6 months. International patients typically stay in Seoul 2–3 weeks, then return home for the remaining recovery.

What happens if complications arise after returning home?

ID offers 12-month aftercare support via video consultation. For major complications requiring physical examination, ID recommends return to Seoul under continued recovery. ID's medical malpractice insurance covers revision procedures but travel costs are patient responsibility.

Does ID Hospital's certification mean higher prices?

Yes, ID is priced at the premium tier. Mid-tier clinics (Banobagi, Grand, Wonjin) offer similar procedures at 20–30% lower cost. The premium reflects scale, specialty depth, government certification, and dedicated international infrastructure.