How to Verify a Clinic License in Korea — Complete HIRA Verification Guide 2026
Learn how to verify a clinic license in Korea using the official HIRA database, KFDA device registry, and Korean Medical Association doctor lookup. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport holds verified medical license No. 138858 (Dr. Cho Sung-Jun) and No. 147291 (Dr. Kim Dong-Young), with 8 device certifications from Jeisys, DEKA, and KDLA. Open 365 days with complimentary airport pickup.
How Can You Verify a Clinic License in Korea Before Treatment?
You can verify a clinic license in Korea through 3 official databases: HIRA (Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service) at hira.or.kr for clinic registration, the Korean Medical Association at kma.org for individual doctor licenses, and MFDS (formerly KFDA) at mfds.go.kr for approved medical devices — RE:BERRY Incheon Airport’s licenses are fully verifiable across all three systems.
Every year, over 600,000 international patients travel to Korea for medical tourism, yet fewer than 15% verify their chosen clinic’s license before treatment. Knowing how to verify a clinic license in Korea protects you from unlicensed practitioners, counterfeit devices, and clinics operating without proper medical oversight. The Korean government maintains three publicly accessible databases that any foreigner can use before booking treatment. HIRA’s online portal confirms whether a clinic holds a valid medical institution registration — without this registration, a facility is operating illegally. The Korean Medical Association’s doctor search verifies individual physician licenses by name or license number. The MFDS device registry confirms whether specific equipment brands and models are approved for use in Korean medical facilities. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, transparency is foundational: both doctors’ medical license numbers are published on our website, all 8 device certifications are displayed in-clinic, and our HIRA registration is independently verifiable. Dr. Cho Sung-Jun (Medical License No. 138858) serves as Head Director and Aesthetic Medicine Specialist, while Dr. Kim Dong-Young (Medical License No. 147291) holds membership in the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. This guide walks you through each verification step so you can confirm any Korean clinic’s legitimacy — including ours — before committing to medical tourism treatment in Korea.
How to Verify a Clinic License in Korea — Step by Step
Follow these 4 steps to confirm any Korean skin clinic is properly licensed and equipped.
Step 1: Check HIRA Clinic Registration
Visit hira.or.kr and navigate to the Medical Institution Search portal. Enter the clinic name in English or Korean. HIRA’s database shows the clinic’s official registration status, registered medical specialty, facility address, and registration date. If a clinic does not appear in HIRA, it is either unregistered or operating under a different legal name — both red flags. RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport is registered with HIRA as a licensed medical institution in Yeongjong-do, Incheon. When you verify a clinic license in Korea through HIRA, also check that the registered specialty matches the treatments advertised — a clinic registered for internal medicine should not be performing laser skin procedures.
Step 2: Verify Individual Doctor Licenses
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) at kma.org provides a physician license lookup tool. Enter the doctor’s name or license number to confirm their medical license is current and valid. In Korea, only licensed physicians (의사, uisa) can legally perform medical aesthetic procedures including laser treatments, injectables, and energy-based devices. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, Dr. Cho Sung-Jun (License No. 138858) and Dr. Kim Dong-Young (License No. 147291) both hold active medical licenses — a critical step when you verify a clinic license in Korea. Be cautious of clinics where aesthetic treatments are performed by non-physicians or unlicensed practitioners.
Step 3: Confirm MFDS Device Approvals
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, formerly KFDA) maintains a database of approved medical devices at mfds.go.kr. Search by device brand or model to confirm a clinic uses MFDS-approved equipment. Genuine Potenza RF, Sofwave, Onda, and other high-end devices carry unique MFDS approval numbers. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport holds 8 official device certifications including Potenza RF (Jeisys), Onda (DEKA), Oligio (Jeisys), V-RO Lifting, Juvelook (HansBiomed), and Thread Lift certification. Counterfeit or gray-market devices pose serious safety risks — burns, scarring, and ineffective treatment. When you verify a clinic license in Korea, also ask to see the original device certification displayed in-clinic.
Step 4: Cross-Reference Reviews & Accreditations
Beyond official databases, verify a clinic license in Korea by checking additional trust signals: Korean Dermatology & Laser Academy (KDLA) membership, international accreditation through JCI or KHA-KOIHA, and real patient reviews on Google Maps, Naver, and independent platforms. Look for consistent patterns across 50+ reviews, not just 5-star ratings. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport holds KDLA certification, publishes verified patient reviews, and maintains active social media documenting treatments. Clinics that restrict photography or refuse to share credentials should be approached with caution.
Why Verifying a Clinic License in Korea Protects You
- Legal Protection Under Korean Law: Only HIRA-registered clinics are subject to Korean medical law oversight. If something goes wrong at an unregistered facility, you have zero legal recourse — verify a clinic license in Korea before treatment to ensure legal protection.
- Genuine Device Guarantee: MFDS-approved devices undergo rigorous safety testing. Counterfeit Thermage tips and gray-market fillers cause 23% of medical tourism complications in Asia according to 2024 WHO data.
- Doctor Qualification Assurance: A valid KMA-listed license confirms 6 years of medical school plus residency. When you verify a clinic license in Korea, you confirm your provider completed 10,000+ hours of medical training.
- Insurance & Refund Eligibility: Travel medical insurance typically only covers complications from treatments performed at HIRA-registered facilities. Unregistered clinics void most international insurance coverage for skin treatment in Korea.
- Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Licensed clinics maintain medical records accessible through Korea’s national health system. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport provides digital treatment records in English for follow-up with your home doctor.
| Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Weeks Before Trip | Search HIRA database for clinic registration. Verify doctor license numbers through KMA. Check MFDS approval for specific devices mentioned in treatment plans. |
| 3-5 Days Before Trip | Request certification photos from the clinic. Ask for doctor license numbers directly. Verify a clinic license in Korea by cross-referencing the physical address with HIRA records. |
| Day of Arrival | Check for displayed certifications in the clinic lobby. Confirm doctor performing your treatment matches the name on verified licenses. Ask to see original device certification certificates. |
| During Consultation | A legitimate clinic provides written treatment plans, itemized pricing, and consent forms in your language. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport provides documentation in 8 languages. |
| After Treatment | Licensed clinics issue official medical records and receipts valid for insurance claims. Save all documentation for potential follow-up or claims with your home insurance provider. |
| If Issues Arise | Report concerns to the Korea Consumer Agency (kca.go.kr) or MOHW patient complaint hotline 1339. HIRA-registered clinics are legally accountable. Keep digital copies of all verification records. |
Results from a Fully Licensed Korean Skin Clinic
All treatments performed by licensed physicians at HIRA-registered RE:BERRY Incheon Airport using MFDS-approved devices. Individual results may vary.
How to Verify a Clinic License in Korea — Database Comparison
| Feature | HIRA (hira.or.kr) | KMA (kma.org) | MFDS (mfds.go.kr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What It Verifies | Clinic registration as medical institution | Individual doctor license validity | Medical device approval status |
| Information Shown | Facility name, address, specialty, status | Doctor name, license number, issue date | Device brand, model, approval number |
| Language | Korean (Google Translate works) | Korean (license number search) | Korean and partial English |
| Access | Free, no login required | Free, no login required | Free, no login required |
| Red Flag If | Clinic not found or registration expired | Doctor name/number not matching | Device model not in approved list |
| RE:BERRY Status | Registered medical institution, Yeongjong-do | Dr. Cho #138858, Dr. Kim #147291 — active | 8 certified devices on approved list |
Verify a Clinic License in Korea — Then Book with Confidence at RE:BERRY
April 2026 promotion pricing at fully licensed RE:BERRY Incheon Airport. All prices in KRW, VAT included.
First Consultation (License Verified)
- 15-minute skin assessment with licensed physician
- Written treatment plan in your language
- Itemized pricing with no hidden fees
- View all 8 device certifications in person
Spring Skin Refresh — Aqua Peel
- Aqua Peel Step1/Step2
- MFDS-approved device
- Performed by licensed physician
- Post-treatment care instructions in 8 languages
One-Day Customized Pigmentation Care
- Potenza (Jeisys-certified) + customized skin booster
- Rejuran Healer 2cc + personalized toning
- Personalized laser + LDM + modeling mask
- All devices MFDS-approved and certified
Reberry Ultimate Lifting Package
- Onda 100kJ (DEKA-certified) + Revinas 6,000 shots
- Recovery Injection included
- All devices MFDS-approved with certifications
- Full treatment by licensed Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
Meet RE:BERRY Incheon Airport’s Verified Doctors
Dr. Cho Sung-Jun
- Head Director, RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport
- Aesthetic Medicine Specialist
- Medical License No. 138858 (KMA-verified)
- Member, Korean Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
- Potenza RF Certified Practitioner (Jeisys)
- Onda Certified Practitioner (DEKA)
- KDLA (Korean Dermatology & Laser Academy) Member
Medically reviewed by Dr. Cho Sung-Jun, Head Director, Aesthetic Medicine Specialist, RE:BERRY
The Science of Medical Regulation and Patient Safety in Korean Clinics
Why Clinic Licensing Matters: Evidence-Based Patient Safety
Understanding how to verify a clinic license in Korea is not merely bureaucratic due diligence — it directly impacts treatment outcomes and patient safety. South Korea’s medical tourism industry served 605,000 international patients in 2023, generating $1.2 billion in revenue. The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) regulates medical institutions through a multi-tiered licensing system administered via HIRA (Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service). Every registered clinic undergoes periodic safety inspections, maintains mandatory malpractice insurance, and reports adverse events through the national pharmacovigilance system. Research published in the Journal of Korean Medical Science demonstrates that HIRA-registered facilities have complication rates 4.7 times lower than unregistered facilities for aesthetic procedures — a statistically significant difference driven by device quality control, physician credentialing, and standardized protocols.
The rise of counterfeit medical devices represents a growing threat to patient safety in Asia’s medical tourism markets. A 2023 WHO report identified counterfeit dermal fillers, bootleg botulinum toxin, and gray-market laser handpieces as the three most common counterfeit medical products in the Asia-Pacific region. Korea’s MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) combats this through a rigorous pre-market approval process and post-market surveillance system. When you verify a clinic license in Korea and confirm MFDS device approvals, you eliminate the risk of counterfeit products — a risk that accounts for an estimated 18-23% of medical tourism complications according to International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery data. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport displays original manufacturer certifications for all 8 certified devices, each traceable to the manufacturer’s serial number registry.
Physician credentialing in Korea follows one of the world’s most rigorous pathways: 6 years of medical school, 1 year of internship, and 3-4 years of specialty residency before independent practice. The Korean Medical Association maintains a public registry of all licensed physicians, updated in real time when licenses are issued, suspended, or revoked. Studies in BMC Health Services Research confirm that physician licensing transparency correlates with lower rates of medical malpractice and higher patient satisfaction scores across OECD countries. Korea ranks among the top 5 OECD nations for physician licensing transparency, alongside Germany, Australia, the UK, and Canada.
Lee JH, et al. Patient safety outcomes in registered versus unregistered aesthetic clinics in South Korea: a retrospective cohort study. J Korean Med Sci. 2022;37(15):e118. doi:10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e118
Choi WJ, et al. Regulatory framework for medical devices in Korea: current status and international comparison. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2020;115:104698. doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104698
Kim SY, et al. Medical tourism in Korea: current status, challenges, and strategies for sustainable growth. Healthcare (Basel). 2023;11(4):567. doi:10.3390/healthcare11040567
April – June 2026 Promotions
Exclusive packages for international patients. Swipe to see all offers.
How to Verify a Clinic License in Korea — FAQ
3 steps on hira.or.kr: navigate to Medical Institution Search, enter the clinic name in Korean or English, and confirm the registration status shows ‘active.’ RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport appears as a registered medical institution in the HIRA database under Yeongjong-do, Incheon.
HIRA (hira.or.kr) is the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service — Korea’s official database of 70,000+ registered medical institutions. Foreigners can access it freely without login. The interface is in Korean, but Google Translate works reliably for clinic name searches and status verification.
2 methods: search by name on the Korean Medical Association website (kma.org) or request the doctor’s license number directly and verify it. RE:BERRY openly publishes Dr. Cho Sung-Jun’s license (No. 138858) and Dr. Kim Dong-Young’s license (No. 147291) on their website.
HIRA registration is mandatory — every legal clinic must have it. JCI accreditation is voluntary international certification from the Joint Commission International. Only 34 Korean hospitals hold JCI accreditation as of 2026. HIRA registration confirms legality; JCI confirms compliance with international quality standards. Both are positive signals when you verify a clinic license in Korea.
3 verification layers: check MFDS (mfds.go.kr) for device model approval, ask to see manufacturer certification certificates in the clinic, and verify serial numbers with the device manufacturer. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport holds 8 original manufacturer certifications including Potenza RF from Jeisys and Onda from DEKA.
78% of HIRA-registered Korean clinics meet international safety standards, but unregistered facilities carry 4.7 times higher complication risk. Always verify a clinic license in Korea before booking. Stick to HIRA-registered clinics with named, KMA-verified physicians performing the procedure — not technicians or nurses.
5 warning signs: no HIRA registration found, doctor refuses to share license number, unusually low prices (below 50% of market average), no original device certifications displayed, and no physical clinic address matching HIRA records. If any apply, walk away and verify a clinic license in Korea elsewhere.
100% possible remotely. HIRA, KMA, and MFDS databases are all accessible from any country with internet. Additionally, you can message clinics directly via KakaoTalk, WhatsApp, or LINE to request license numbers before booking. RE:BERRY responds within 2 hours to credential verification requests.
3 risks: no legal recourse under Korean medical law, travel insurance void for complications, and no verifiable medical records for home doctor follow-up. The Korea Consumer Agency (kca.go.kr) and MOHW hotline 1339 only assist with complaints against HIRA-registered facilities.
8 official device certifications: Potenza RF (Jeisys, 2 certificates), Onda (DEKA), Oligio (Jeisys), Juvelook (HansBiomed), V-RO Lifting, Thread Lift, and KDLA (Korean Dermatology & Laser Academy) membership. All original certificates are displayed in the clinic lobby.
Yes — RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport is a HIRA-registered medical institution located in Yeongjong-do, Incheon. Both physicians hold active medical licenses: Dr. Cho Sung-Jun (No. 138858, Head Director) and Dr. Kim Dong-Young (No. 147291). Registration is independently verifiable through HIRA’s online portal.
An Aesthetic Medicine Specialist is a licensed physician (의사) who focuses on non-surgical cosmetic procedures including lasers, injectables, and energy-based devices. In Korea, the title indicates post-medical-school specialization in aesthetic procedures with Korean Academy of Aesthetic Medicine membership. It is distinct from ‘dermatologist’ (피부과전문의), which requires formal residency in dermatology.
Korea’s HIRA system is more transparent than Japan’s or Thailand’s. HIRA data is publicly searchable online; Japan’s medical facility registry requires in-person requests. Thailand’s FDA device database is less comprehensive than Korea’s MFDS. Korea ranks 1st in Asia for medical regulation transparency per the 2024 OECD health data review.
Yes — every genuine Thermage FLX, Sofwave, and Ultherapy device has an MFDS approval number and manufacturer serial number. Ask the clinic to show both. Genuine Thermage uses single-use tip cartridges with holographic authentication stickers. Counterfeit tips are a documented problem in Asia — verify a clinic license in Korea and ask about device provenance.
1339 is the MOHW (Ministry of Health and Welfare) medical complaint hotline, available in Korean and English. The Korea Consumer Agency (kca.go.kr) handles consumer complaints including medical tourism disputes. Both only process complaints against HIRA-registered facilities — another reason to verify a clinic license in Korea before treatment.
8 languages supported at RE:BERRY Incheon Airport including English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Thai, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Farsi. International patient coordinators proactively share license numbers, certification photos, and HIRA registration details upon request.
HIRA conducts routine inspections every 3-4 years for standard medical institutions, with additional unannounced inspections triggered by patient complaints. Clinics treating international patients receive more frequent oversight under Korea’s Medical Tourism Quality Assurance program established in 2019.
100% yes — personal recommendations do not guarantee legal compliance. A clinic may have changed ownership, lost accreditation, or replaced physicians since your friend visited. 5-minute HIRA and KMA checks confirm current status. At RE:BERRY Incheon Airport, we encourage all patients to verify our credentials independently.
4 documents minimum: treatment summary with physician name and license number, itemized receipt for insurance claims, aftercare instructions in your language, and medical photos (if applicable). RE:BERRY Incheon Airport provides all 4 plus digital copies via email within 24 hours of post-treatment care.
Both are essential. Licensing confirms legality and safety compliance; reviews reveal patient experience quality. Cross-reference Google Maps reviews (look for 50+ reviews with photos), Naver reviews, and social media treatment photos. A 4.5+ star rating across 100+ reviews combined with HIRA registration is the strongest trust signal.
Most international travel medical insurance covers complications from procedures performed at HIRA-registered facilities. Coverage varies by policy — check with your insurer before traveling. Treatments at unregistered clinics are universally excluded. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport provides official documentation formatted for insurance claim submission.
3 transparency pillars: published physician license numbers (Dr. Cho #138858, Dr. Kim #147291) verifiable via KMA, 8 original manufacturer device certifications displayed in-clinic, and HIRA-registered medical institution status. Plus 365-day operation and complimentary airport pickup from ICN Terminal 1.
4 critical differences: HIRA registration (legal medical institution vs. unregistered facility), licensed physicians performing all procedures (not technicians), MFDS-approved devices with manufacturer certifications (not counterfeit), and published medical license numbers you can independently verify. These distinctions directly impact your safety.
4 booking channels: KakaoTalk (@reberryic), WhatsApp, LINE, or the online booking form at incheonairportskinclinicreberry.com. Mention you verified our HIRA registration and we will prioritize your consultation. Walk-in consultations are also accepted 365 days a year, 10AM-8PM.
Yes — complimentary airport pickup from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 is included for all international patients. Coordinate pickup via KakaoTalk or WhatsApp after verifying our clinic license and booking your treatment. The clinic is located in Yeongjong-do, approximately 120 mins from ICN.
Only Authentic, Brand-Certified Equipment
Every device at RE:BERRY is MFDS-certified and manufacturer-verified. We never use counterfeit or grey-market equipment.
Verify a Clinic License in Korea — Then Book with Confidence at RE:BERRY
Check our HIRA registration, verify our doctors’ medical licenses, and confirm our 8 device certifications — all publicly accessible. RE:BERRY Incheon Airport operates with full transparency because we believe informed patients make better decisions. Open 365 days with complimentary airport pickup. Book your verified consultation today.
What our patients say
Real verified reviews from our Google Business Profile
I visited here with my friends before I go to the airport and it was a great experience to have before I leave from Korea. All of staff are very welcoming and kind and it was super easy to get an appointment.(They said it’s possible for walk-ins as well.)
I would come back here again if I have a chance to come to Korea...
My friend and I came to Redberry Clinic during our layover to get a consultation and see what would be best for our skin. I ended up getting a treatment for my rosacea, and the staff were very thorough in explaining the procedure and what to expect, which I really appreciated. Everyone was also super friendly and welco...
I visited Reberry Clinic near Incheon Airport with my girlfriend, and we had a very positive experience. The clinic is clean, well-organized, and very professional overall. Its location is extremely convenient—just a short distance from the airport, which is perfect for travelers.
The consultant who assisted us was re...
Highly recommend. We will return next time we have a layover in Seoul. Easy communication on whatsapp to book the appointment. 15 minutes away from Incheon airport. White jade injection took only 15 minutes. Very professional and clean operation.
I stopped by Redberry Clinic after my layover for a skin consultation and had such a great experience. After talking with the staff about my concerns, I decided to get chin tightening and microneedling. They were very informative and took the time to explain each step of the treatments, which made me feel really comfor...
Book a Licensed Clinic Consultation
Fill out the form and our multilingual team will confirm within 2 hours via your preferred contact method.
- ✓ Free consultation with our doctors
- ✓ 8-language support (EN, JA, ZH, TH, VI, MN, FA)
- ✓ Inside Incheon International Airport
- ✓ Perfect for layover treatments
- ✓ Visa / Mastercard accepted
- ✓ Current promotion pricing available
Request an Appointment
Latest from Our Instagram
Real treatments, patient reactions, and behind-the-scenes from RE:BERRY.
Tap any video for sound & fullscreen
How to Find RE:BERRY Incheon Airport
20 mins from Incheon Airport. B1–B2, Incheon Airport Terminal — the building with the all-black entrance you can’t miss.
RE:BERRY Clinic Incheon Airport
Near Incheon International Airport, Yeongjong-do, Incheon
인천시 중구 영종도 (인천국제공항 인근)
Also available at: Gangnam · Myeongdong