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What “board-certified dermatologist” means in Korea
In Korea, a board-certified dermatologist is a 피부과 전문의 (dermatology specialist): a doctor who completed a one-year internship and a four-year dermatology residency, then passed the national specialist examination. Any licensed doctor may treat skin, so this distinction matters.
The numbers
According to the Association of Korean Dermatologists (대한피부과의사회), Korea has about 2,950 dermatology specialists, and around 1,500 primary clinics are run by them. Yet roughly 30,000 primary clinics advertise skin treatment, so most are run by general practitioners or doctors trained in other specialties. Korean media have also reported that many newly opened clinics registering “진료과목 피부과” focus on cosmetic procedures and file few or no insurance claims for skin disease.
How to tell the difference
1. The clinic name
Under Korea's Medical Service Act enforcement rules, only dermatology specialists may name a clinic “○○피부과의원” (Dermatology Clinic). Other doctors must use a name such as “○○의원”, “○○클리닉” or “○○에스테틱” and add “진료과목 피부과” (‘treats skin’). Watch for signs where “진료과목” is printed tiny and “피부과” large.
2. The certification mark
Specialist clinics that are members of the Association of Korean Dermatologists can display its certification mark at the entrance. Non-specialist clinics cannot.
3. The doctor's certificate
Ask to see the doctor's dermatology specialist certificate (피부과 전문의 자격증) or check their profile on the clinic website.
4. The official directory
The Association runs a specialist search at akd.or.kr. Every clinic on this site comes from that directory, translated into English.
Why it matters for patients
Skin cancer can be mistaken for a mole, eczema can be mistaken for an infection, and laser settings that suit one skin type can scar another. The Association reports that most side-effect cases from cosmetic procedures involve non-specialist doctors. Choosing a specialist means your diagnosis and your procedure are in the hands of someone with years of dedicated dermatology training.
About this site
Korea Board Certified Dermatologists is an independent English-language guide. We are not affiliated with the Association of Korean Dermatologists or any clinic, and we do not accept payment for listings. Our treatment guides are general information, not medical advice.