Should I travel to Korea for plastic surgery during Coronavirus?

Dedicated to those who are agonizing over whether or not to postpone their plastic surgery trip to Korea amidst the coronavirus situation. For starters, we are not advocating for you to come if you have decided not to. But if you are undecided or are coming, here are some pointers for you:

Updates as on 2020 March 30: All visitors to be put in self-quarantine for 14 days from April 1st onwards.

Facts about the coronavirus situation in Korea

As of March 15, there are 8,162 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 76 deaths in Korea. 834 patients have recovered.

About 74% of the confirmed cases are from Daegu province, which is about 3~4 hrs drive from Seoul.

For a global map of COVID-19 cases, please check The Korean Herald.

How’s the coronavirus situation in Seoul?

As of March 15, about 3% (247 cases) of the total confirmed cases are found in Seoul. No deaths have been reported in Seoul so far.

For the latest numbers in Korea, check these live coronavirus updates. It updates on new COVID-19 case, shows breakdowns of cases by province and districts (nice!), including travel logs of COVID-19 cases. And it has an English version.

Current situation in Seoul:

• Business as usual
• Quiet streets (but of course)
• Everyone is wearing masks
• Alerts on covid-19 cases and updates on mobile phones almost everyday
• Travel routes of coivd-19 cases disclosed so everyone can aid in contact tracing
• No panic buying of groceries etc.
• Masks are readily available for sale
• Cancellations of concerts, festivals and events

Are people postponing their plastic surgeries?

Frankly speaking, all businesses are affected – restaurants, supermarkets, theme parks, clubs, and of course, not excluding plastic surgery clinics.

While a handful may have postponed, most Koreans and foreigners who are residing in Korea are still proceeding with their surgeries.

On the contrary, many of them are viewing the situation as time off for recuperation after their surgeries.

Afterall, what better excuse to use to not meet your friends if not for coronavirus, no?

Can I still travel to Korea for plastic surgery?

Actually, you still can.

Because Korea hasn’t ban entry from most countries, though most countries have imposed entry bans and tighter quarantine measures for those from Korea.

But check for latest updates on entry bans or quarantine measures at Korean Air Immigration and IATA before coming. Unless the idea of being stranded in Korea after your surgeries sounds appealing.

Current entry restrictions to Korea:

• Travellers with passports from China’s Hubei province
• Anyone who has visited that region in the past 14 days

Despite the fall in number of travellers and suspensions of certain flight routes, you should still be cautious with your travel plans.

On the other hand, it might seem less dangerous to travel actually, considering the quiet airports and streets.

Nonetheless, take precautions and practice personal hygiene while travelling, and you will be just fine.

What if I still want to go for plastic surgery?

If you have decided to go ahead with your trip, please do your upmost efforts to take precautions for everyone’s sake. Here are some guidelines for you to follow:

1. Choose only clinics which have covid-19 preventive measures in place

Covid-19 preventive measures such as:

• Restrictions on patients from specific countries
• Thorough and systematic checks on visitors and employees for symptoms
• Routine disinfection and sterilization of premises
• Comprehensive checks on visitors’ travel records
• Catering of sanitizers and masks for visitors and employees

2. Plan and prepare your travel in advance

• Check for latest news on entry bans or quarantine measures.
• Include quarantine measures in your travel plans.
• Make contingency plans for changes to travel regulations.
• Take advantage of clinics’ current events and promotions! (Perhaps the only good outcome from this covid-19 situation)
• Note the clinic’s cancellation and postponement policies.
• Prepare extra budget for emergencies.
• Note emergency hotlines in Korea such as coronavirus hotline 1339, and the contact details of your country’s embassy in Korea.
• Track live updates using live coronavirus updates when in Korea .

3. Practice personal hygiene and cleanliness at all times

• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and running water.
• Or at least use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Refrain from touching your face with your hands.
• Stay away from people who have fever and cough symptoms
• Stay away from crowded places.
• Avoid consumption of raw or under-cooked food. 
• Avoid visiting live animal markets and touching animals.

If you have a cough or any respiratory symptoms:

• Wear a mask when visiting crowded places and health facilities.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing.
• Throw used tissues in bins and wash your hands.

Immigrations checks when entering Korea

You might be subjected to Incheon airport entry screening procedures such as temperature checks, health questionnaires and sample collections if you are entering from certain countries.

You might also be put under home quarantine for 14 days in your hotel or accommodation.

And all visitors must:

• Have a valid mobile number that will work in South Korea
• Have a mobile device that allows for app installation

What if I want to cancel my plastic surgery trip?

We get it, you’re still worried about travelling during coronavirus. In that case, might we suggest that you postpone your surgery to a later date instead?

Some plastic surgery clinics have strict cancellation policies, so rather than cancelling, why don’t you postpone instead?

But if you are still certain to cancel, here are some information on flight suspensions and cancellations:

• For Korean Airlines: FAQs, ticket guidelines and flight suspensions
• For other airlines: Flight suspensions and cancellations

If you don’t feel safe, don’t travel and postpone your trip!

Conclusion

Only you can decide whether to come or not, based on your gut feelings and risk tolerance. You are still allowed to travel to Korea for plastic surgery. But if you are worried, postpone your surgeries and see how the situation goes.

However, if you are persistent in coming, do make sure to take the necessary precautions. Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy wherever you are. Good luck and good health!