Avoid any clinic that does not have CCTV in operating rooms!

[KiWiP]

I wanted to post this as a PSA for new members and anyone considering a clinic in Korea. 

Most clinics are up to code, registered/licensed, and follow their strict laws but some skirt them. 

One of the biggest and easiest to spot red flags are a lack of CCTV in the operating rooms. Korea requires this BY LAW. 

If a clinic does not have cameras in the operating rooms, decline service with them and fine a different clinic. 

[kpopkelly]

Yes. This is one of the big red flags. I don't think people think much about it though unfortunately. 

I will say that I do wish there was an app for non-Korean natives/speakers to browse feedback from clinics from people. It is hard to find anything that doesn't have poor translations. 

[EveRose]

Is this a law in the US as well? I am not sure if they have cameras on operating rooms or not but I guess it makes sense for legal reasons. Can you request a copy of the tape too once the surgery is complete? 

[BECKII]

19 hours ago, EveRose said:

Is this a law in the US as well? I am not sure if they have cameras on operating rooms or not but I guess it makes sense for legal reasons. Can you request a copy of the tape too once the surgery is complete? 

They will have cameras directly on what is being performed but they don't record the entire room. It is actually rare for this in the US. I have never been to one that has and visible cameras anywhere.

[justzoe]

On 5/28/2026 at 1:56 PM, KiWiP said:

One of the biggest and easiest to spot red flags are a lack of CCTV in the operating rooms. Korea requires this BY LAW. 

If you find out that this isn't the case, should you report them? If this is a law requirement, I would imagine they would want to know about this. I never knew this was a thing.

[calmwaters]

I think they had to do this because they had some issues with criminal doctors in the early 2010's. Their entire medical sector around plastic surgery has been cleaned up big time and it is now one of the safest and cleanest places to get work done in the world.

[KiWiP]

On 5/31/2026 at 10:47 AM, justzoe said:

If you find out that this isn't the case, should you report them?

That is actually a good question. I would imagine the government would like to be informed. I am just not sure where you would report it, maybe the medical board? I know they have a public website anyone can access that is in English as well.