Table of Contents
- Types of Medical Institutions
- Who Can Open a Clinic?
- Facility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Application Procedure
- Foreign Doctors in Korea
- FAQ
1. Types of Medical Institutions
- 의원 (clinic): small outpatient facility run by one or a few physicians
- 병원 (hospital): inpatient facility with 30+ beds
- 의원 is the most common type for private practice
2. Who Can Open a Clinic?
- Only holders of a Korean medical license (의사, 치과의사, or 한의사) can open a clinic
- Korean medical license required — foreign licenses not directly recognized
- Foreign doctors can practice only after passing Korean medical board exams
3. Facility Requirements
- Examination room(s) meeting minimum area standards
- Waiting room separate from examination areas
- Medical waste disposal system
- Compliance with Medical Act facility standards
4. Required Documents
- Medical institution establishment notification form
- Medical license certificate
- Facility floor plan
- Building use confirmation (medical use)
- Fire safety inspection certificate
- Medical waste contract
5. Application Procedure
- Submit notification to local health authority (보건소)
- Facility inspection
- Registration with Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA)
- National Health Insurance (건강보험) registration for insurance billing
6. Foreign Doctors in Korea
- Foreign doctors cannot practice without a Korean medical license
- Pathway: pass KMLE (Korean Medical Licensing Examination) after completing required documents
- Some government zones permit limited foreign medical services
FAQ
Q. Can a non-doctor investor open a clinic in Korea?
A. No. Under the Medical Act, only licensed physicians can establish and operate medical institutions in Korea.
Q. How long does clinic establishment take?
A. Typically 2–4 weeks from notification submission to starting practice, depending on facility inspection timing.
Establish Your Clinic in Korea
Vision Administrative Office provides administrative support for medical clinic establishment. Free initial consultation.
Request Free Consultation →