Why It’s Important to Check a Clinic’s Credentials

Korea is home to thousands of dermatology and aesthetic clinics — but not all “skin clinics” are run by licensed dermatologists (피부과 전문의). Many are operated by general practitioners or even non-medical coordinators focusing on sales.

If you want safe, medically guided care — especially for lasers, fillers, acne scar treatment, or pigmentation issues — it’s essential to know whether your clinic is led by a board-certified dermatologist.

The easiest way to tell?
➡️ Look for the official red plaque (붉은 전문의 현판) displayed near the entrance.

🔴 What Is the Red Plaque?

The Symbol of a Licensed Dermatologist

In Korea, medical specialists (including dermatologists) who have completed full residency training and passed the national board exam receive a red metal plaque issued by the Korean Dermatological Association (KDA, 대한피부과학회).

• The plaque displays the words “피부과 전문의” (Certified Dermatologist) in Korean.
• It’s typically placed next to the clinic’s entrance or reception counter.
• The background color is red, representing a legally recognized medical specialty under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Why It Matters

This plaque distinguishes medical dermatology clinics from “beauty clinics” that may rely on technicians or cosmetic sales instead of board-certified care. A doctor with the red plaque has:

• Completed 4 years of dermatology residency training
• Passed the Korean Board of Dermatology exam
• Registered under the Korean Medical Association as a specialist

🧾 How to Verify a Doctor’s Credentials

1️⃣ Look for the Red Plaque (현판) at the Clinic

Before booking, check photos on Naver Maps, Kakao Maps, or the clinic’s website.

• The plaque usually reads:
• 
  

“대한피부과학회 인증 피부과 전문의” (Korean Dermatological Association Certified Specialist)

• Be cautious of vague titles like “skin clinic” or “aesthetic center” without the plaque.

2️⃣ Ask Directly During Consultation

Don’t be afraid to ask:

“Are you a board-certified dermatologist (피부과 전문의)?”
Legitimate doctors will confirm it openly and can show their certificate if asked.

3️⃣ Verify Through the KDA Website

You can search the dermatologist’s name on the Korean Dermatological Association website (대한피부과학회) under the section ‘Find a Dermatologist (전문의 찾기)’.

• Website: www.derma.or.kr
• This database lists all certified dermatologists practicing in Korea.

4️⃣ Check the Clinic’s Naver or Kakao Page

If the clinic profile lists “피부과 전문의 ○○○ 원장”, that’s an official dermatologist.
If it only says “원장 (Director)” or “의원 (Clinic)” without the title, the practitioner may not be a specialist.

🚨 Red Flags to Watch Out For

• ❌ No red plaque or vague signage like “Aesthetic Center” instead of “피부과의원.”
• ❌ Sales staff or coordinators conduct consultations instead of a doctor.
• ❌ The doctor’s title is “원장” (director) without “피부과 전문의.”
• ❌ Focus on selling packages, not diagnosing skin conditions.
• ❌ Clinic website lacks staff credentials or specialist information.

If any of these appear, proceed with caution — especially before undergoing laser, filler, or chemical procedures.

🏥 Why Choosing a Certified Dermatologist Matters

Safety and Expertise

Licensed dermatologists are trained to handle:

• Laser calibration and safe settings for Asian skin
• Post-inflammatory pigmentation prevention
• Acne scar revision and keloid risk management
• Complication control (burns, swelling, filler migration, infection)

Ethical Practice

Clinics led by certified dermatologists are legally obligated to provide transparent pricing and informed consent before treatment.

Insurance & Liability

Only licensed specialists can issue legitimate medical receipts eligible for Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) coverage when applicable.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Korea offers incredible skin care technology — but safety starts with choosing the right doctor.
Before booking your next laser, filler, or acne treatment, check for the red plaque (피부과 전문의 현판) and verify the doctor’s credentials through the Korean Dermatological Association (www.derma.or.kr).

This small step protects your skin, your money, and your long-term results.