Both South Korea and Bali are popular destinations for plastic surgery.
Below, we compare the two destinations based on surgeons, hospitals, safety rules, travel and support for international patients. We have used information from reliable sources like the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) and South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare.
This comparison helps you decide which location is right for your plastic surgery.
Why Go to Bali for Plastic Surgery?
A number of Bali’s plastic surgeons have done part of their training in South Korea or Japan. You may be able to choose a surgeon who has trained overseas without travelling to Seoul and at a considerably more affordable price.
Some hospitals on the island hold international accreditation from bodies like Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI). Being accredited means outside experts have reviewed how safe the hospital is and how well it looks after patients. This gives you an extra way to judge where to have your surgery.
Bali has plenty of places to rest after surgery, from luxury hotels to private holiday homes. Many are a short drive from the hospital, which makes follow-up visits simple. Peace and privacy can make the first days of healing more comfortable.
You may not have to organise everything about your surgery yourself. Certain hospitals and clinics will collect you when you land, help arrange where you stay and keep in touch after your operation. That leaves you with less to sort out, and a team to contact if questions come up while you recover.
Bali is a short flight from many cities in the Asia-Pacific. For example, from Australia, flying direct from Sydney takes around six and a half hours. A short trip means less time on a plane around your surgery. It may also make a return visit to your surgeon easier to plan.
Bali is an established medical tourism destination. BIMC Cosmedic Bali, one of Bali’s prominent clinics reported over 1,000 cosmetic surgery procedures during 2025.
Why Go to South Korea for Plastic Surgery?
In 2024, there were about 2,808 plastic surgeons in South Korea. It was the fifth-highest total in the world. So you have a lot of surgeons to look at before you decide.
South Korea treated a record 2.01 million patients from overseas in 2025. That was nearly double the year before. Of these patients, 62.9% came for skin treatments and 11.2% for plastic surgery. So if you want skin treatments as well as surgery, or instead of it, you will find plenty of choice.
Clinics and hospitals that register to treat overseas patients follow extra rules. They have insurance that covers medical mistakes. They must have specialist doctors for the medical fields they register to provide. You can check if a clinic is registered before you choose it.
Since September 2023, hospitals and clinics in South Korea must have cameras in operating rooms used for surgery on unconscious patients. You can ask the hospital to record your operation, although there are some exceptions. The rule was introduced partly to stop people without medical qualifications from performing surgery. The recording may also be useful if you later have concerns about your treatment.
South Korea has a government agency that helps settle disagreements between patients and doctors. It is called the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency. It also helps overseas patients. So if a problem comes up, you have an official place to seek help.
Seoul’s Incheon Airport is one of the world’s best-connected airports. Many cities have direct flights there. So you may be able to fly there without changing planes.
Choose BIMC CosMedic Bali for Plastic Surgery in Bali
If you choose Bali for plastic surgery, consider BIMC CosMedic Bali. It is located inside BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua, which is ACHSI-accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified.
BIMC has 28 years of experience, 26 specialists and has performed over 4,500 procedures. Some of its specialists have trained in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia.
The team helps with video consultations, treatment plans, airport transfers and accommodation. BIMC also offers nursing visits during recovery and up to 12 months of follow-up care, including video consultations after you return home.
Plan your treatment with BIMC CosMedic Bali.
FAQs
Is Bali or South Korea better for plastic surgery?
It depends on you. Think about the trip you want to make, the treatment you want and the clinic or hospital you trust most. The best place is the one that fits all three.
Is plastic surgery cheaper in South Korea or Bali?
Generally Bali is a more affordable option for plastic surgery. Prices vary by clinic in South Korea and Bali. The cost will depend on the surgery, hospital charges, medicine and follow-up care. Include the cost of your flights and your accommodation.
Do I need a visa for plastic surgery in Bali or South Korea?
That depends on your passport. South Korea allows visitors from several countries to enter without a visa for short stays. For instance, Australians can enter the country visa-free for up to ninety days. They also do not need a travel permit called K-ETA until 31 December 2026. In Indonesia, visa on arrival is available to visitors from eligible countries. It costs IDR 500,000, is valid for 30 days and can be extended once.
Does my travel insurance cover plastic surgery in Bali or South Korea?
Travel insurance policies usually do not cover planned medical treatment abroad. See if your policy includes your procedure, post-surgery complications and emergency medical transport.
Can I get a VAT refund on cosmetic surgery in South Korea?
No. South Korea used to refund the 10% VAT on cosmetic procedures for overseas patients. That ended on 1 January 2026.