Top Korean plastic surgery clinics provide in-house English interpreters, but quality varies. Critical: consent forms, drug reactions, post-op instructions must be 100% understood.
Clinic-provided interpreters: Free, usually junior staff. Good for basic conversation, risky for nuanced medical discussion. Available at JK, ID, Banobagi, VIP, JW.
Professional medical interpreters (independent): $50–100/hour. Hired through services like Medical Tourism Korea, Seoul Help Interpreter. Best for complex cases.
Language apps: Google Translate fine for taxi and restaurants. Do NOT rely on translation apps for consent forms or anesthesia briefing.
Embassy-registered interpreters: US Embassy and UK Embassy maintain vetted lists for medical appointments. Call ahead to request.
Recommendation: Clinic interpreter for routine, hire professional for consultation + consent signing ($150–300 total for 3-hour consultation day).