South Korea – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in South Korea?

CAM in South Korea is deeply anchored in the country’s own medical heritage, with Hanbang — the collective term for Traditional Korean Medicine — forming the backbone of a far more institutionalised system than most other nations have established. While a variety of therapies are on offer, Hanbang towers above the rest in terms of formal recognition, professional structure, and public uptake.

The most frequently encountered elements of Korean traditional medicine are acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion. Moxibustion is a heat-based therapy in which dried mugwort is burned close to the skin’s surface with the aim of stimulating circulation and bolstering immune function. Cupping therapy — another widely used technique — involves applying heated glass or silicone cups to create a vacuum on the skin, which is thought to enhance blood flow, ease muscular tension, and support recovery, making it particularly popular among athletes.

Chuna Therapy is a form of manual intervention comparable in some respects to chiropractic manipulation, where practitioners apply hands-on pressure or use specific tools to address musculoskeletal imbalances. Sasang Constitutional Medicine, which has no true parallel in other traditional systems, categorises patients into one of four constitutional types based on their physical characteristics and temperament, and then tailors treatment accordingly. All of these therapies are administered within the licensed Korean Medicine framework.

The curriculum at Korean Medicine colleges encompasses anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and preventive care, alongside traditional disciplines including herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, Sasang constitutional medicine, and classical medical literature. This wide-ranging training means a single Korean Medicine Doctor (KMD) can provide numerous treatment modalities within a single appointment.

Beyond Hanbang, larger cities — and Seoul in particular — host a variety of imported CAM options. Chiropractic clinics, some run by practitioners who trained overseas, can be found in neighbourhoods with significant expat populations. Urban centres also support a lively wellness scene encompassing yoga studios, Pilates facilities, meditation centres, and spas offering aromatherapy or reflexology. Homeopathy and naturopathy are available through some private practitioners, but they hold far less prominence in South Korea than in countries such as Germany, India, or Australia, and neither discipline is formally regulated under Korean law. Research indicates that CAM use is widespread in Korea, with utilisation rates across various patient groups ranging from 29% to 53%.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in South Korea?

South Korea operates what is known as a dual medical system, in which Traditional Korean Medicine and conventional Western medicine each have their own legally defined regulatory frameworks — both formally overseen by the state. This arrangement differs substantially from the situation in many other countries, where complementary therapies exist entirely outside statutory healthcare and rely on voluntary self-regulation.

Under Korea’s Medical Service Act, only individuals holding a licence granted by the Minister of Health and Welfare may legally practise medicine. Procedures such as injections, acupuncture, and moxibustion carried out by anyone who is not properly licensed are explicitly prohibited.

The College of Korean Medicine follows the same six-year academic structure as the College of Medicine — comprising a two-year preparatory phase followed by four years of core study. Twelve Korean Medicine Colleges across the country collectively graduate approximately 700 Korean Medicine Doctors annually. After passing the National Licence Exam (the Traditional Korean Medical Doctor’s Licence Examination), each newly qualified doctor is also required to complete government-mandated annual refresher training throughout their career.

Administratively, Traditional Korean Medicine falls under the Korean Medicine Policy division and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is responsible for approving and overseeing manufactured traditional medicine products and herbal medicines, while the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service handles the health insurance dimensions of traditional medicine.

One of the most distinctive features of Korea’s regulatory landscape is its strict demarcation between the two medical systems. Conventional doctors are not permitted to perform acupuncture or prescribe herbal remedies, and Korean Medicine Doctors are prohibited from using conventional medical devices or prescribing pharmaceutical drugs. Unlike countries such as Taiwan or China, where a degree of cross-system practice is allowed, Korea does not provide any supplementary training pathway that would permit practitioners to operate across both disciplines.

Imported CAM therapies — including homeopathy, naturopathy, and chiropractic — are not subject to the same formal regulatory requirements. Overseas practitioners who hold qualifications from their home country should understand that such credentials carry no legal standing in Korea. Regulatory positions in this area are subject to change, so always confirm the current situation with the Ministry of Health and Welfare before either practising or seeking treatment.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in South Korea?

South Korea is among the small number of countries that have formally embedded traditional medicine within the national health system, maintaining a dual arrangement in which conventional medicine and Traditional Korean Medicine services are provided separately yet both within the scope of a single national healthcare framework. By international standards, this level of public funding for traditional or complementary therapies is exceptional.

In Korea, Oriental medicine is legally institutionalised and its services are covered by National Health Insurance. Since 1987, acupuncture, moxibustion, and cupping have been included under medical insurance in Korea, and the majority of herbal extracts are covered — with the notable exception of decoctions made from raw herbs.

Chuna Manual Therapy is widely performed and formally recognised by the government, and it too falls under National Health Insurance (NHI) coverage for specified musculoskeletal conditions. The principal users of Traditional Korean Medicine services within the NHI tend to be elderly patients, women, and those suffering from musculoskeletal disorders.

NHI coverage for herbal medicines is defined by a specific approved list — currently limited to 67 individual herbal extracts and 56 prescribed combinations in Korea — meaning that many herbal decoctions lie outside the scope of insurance reimbursement. When a patient receives a custom herbal formula that does not appear on this approved list, they pay for those products entirely out of pocket, even if the consultation itself attracts a partial subsidy.

Private health insurance policies in South Korea may provide supplementary reimbursement for Korean Medicine treatments beyond the standard NHI co-payment, though the extent of coverage varies considerably between plans and insurers. For the most current eligibility conditions and reimbursement thresholds, contact your insurer directly or consult the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), as approved treatment lists and payment structures are periodically revised.

Imported CAM therapies — including homeopathy, chiropractic, and naturopathy — fall entirely outside the national health insurance system and must be paid for in full by the patient.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in South Korea?

The cost of Traditional Korean Medicine treatments varies considerably depending on whether a patient is accessing them through the NHI system or paying privately. NHI-covered treatments involve a standardised co-payment that represents only a portion of the actual cost. Uninsured or imported CAM therapies, by contrast, are priced at the discretion of individual practitioners.

For NHI-subsidised treatments as of 2024, a standard acupuncture session at a Korean Medicine clinic typically requires a co-payment of around 10,000–20,000 KRW (approximately USD 7–15), with the precise amount influenced by the number of needles used and the clinic’s classification within the health system. For those without NHI coverage — such as visitors who have not yet enrolled, or patients seeking cosmetic acupuncture which is not included under NHI — the same session may cost anywhere from 30,000 to 80,000 KRW or more. To put this in context, spa massages in Korea — particularly in tourist districts and upscale hotel facilities — can exceed 150,000 KRW per hour, making licensed Korean Medicine treatments comparatively affordable for the level of professional care they deliver.

Herbal medicine is typically the most cost-variable element of a Korean Medicine consultation. Pre-packaged extract granules or pills that appear on the NHI-approved list are subject to a co-payment, while custom decoctions prescribed outside that list can range from 50,000 KRW to several hundred thousand KRW per prescription course, depending on the herbs selected and the volume dispensed. These figures are indicative as of 2024; always confirm actual pricing with your clinic or the NHIS.

For unregulated or imported CAM disciplines, market forces determine pricing entirely. A chiropractic session in Seoul typically costs in the range of 50,000–150,000 KRW as of 2024. Yoga or Pilates class passes in major cities are broadly aligned with rates in comparable Asian metropolitan areas. Private practitioners offering homeopathy or naturopathy may charge consultation fees of 50,000–200,000 KRW or more per visit. Prices in Seoul and other major cities are generally higher than in smaller regional centres. For TKM-related cost queries, the Korean Medicine Association can be a useful reference point.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in South Korea?

Locating a qualified Korean Medicine practitioner is a relatively straightforward process, thanks to the country’s robust licensing structure. Korean Medicine Doctors complete formal medical training and must pass a rigorous national examination before practising, and clinics operate under national healthcare regulations that ensure consistent standards of care.

1. Check the Korean Medicine Association (KMA): The Korean Medicine Association is the primary professional body representing licensed Korean Medicine Doctors. Its website maintains a directory of registered practitioners and offers information on specialist areas of practice.
2. Use the Chuna Manual Medicine Association register: The Korean Chuna Manual Medicine Association is the principal professional organisation for Chuna Manual Therapy practitioners. Its website (www.kcmma.kr) provides detailed information about Chuna Therapy, a register of qualified practitioners, and a search tool to locate practitioners by region.
3. Ask your conventional GP or hospital: A significant number of conventional hospitals in South Korea have Korean Medicine departments operating within or adjacent to the facility. Your regular doctor or specialist may be able to provide a direct referral.
4. Check the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM): The Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, which is government-funded, serves as a reliable resource for evidence-based information on Korean Medicine practices and research.
5. For imported therapies: When seeking chiropractic, yoga, or other non-Korean CAM services, always request documentation of professional qualifications from the practitioner’s country of training. International bodies such as the World Federation of Chiropractic maintain directories that can help confirm credentials.
6. Look for multilingual clinics: A number of Korean Medicine hospitals and clinics in Seoul — particularly in Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hongdae — provide services in multiple languages and actively welcome international patients. Medical tourism facilitators can also help arrange appropriate referrals.

Medical practice in Korea is treated as a public trust regulated by the state, not a personal service anyone can offer informally. Claims supported only by unrecognised foreign credentials or informal training carry no legal weight. If a practitioner is unable to demonstrate a valid Korean government licence for therapies that legally require one — such as acupuncture — this should be treated as a serious warning sign. Licence verification is possible through the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in South Korea?

For many centuries, traditional Korean medicine — referred to as Hanbang (한방) — has formed a cornerstone of Korean health culture. Built on holistic principles that seek to maintain harmony among the body, the mind, and the natural world, Hanbang has persisted alongside the rise of modern Western medicine and continues to be widely practised today, frequently in conjunction with conventional medical care.

The origins of Korean traditional medicine stretch back thousands of years, drawing initially from ancient Chinese medical thought before evolving through distinctly Korean innovations and clinical experience. Among the most important historical records of this tradition is the Dongui Bogam (동의보감), a comprehensive medical encyclopaedia compiled in the 17th century by the royal physician Heo Jun. This foundational text continues to inform Korean Medicine education and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World register in recognition of its global cultural significance.

Following the Korean War, the government actively reinvigorated interest in Oriental medicine, establishing colleges of Oriental medicine alongside the existing colleges of Western medicine. The result is one of the most formally institutionalised traditional medicine frameworks anywhere in the world.

Hanbang encompasses a number of distinct therapeutic branches. Hanyak — the use of herbal medicine — is one component of the broader Hanbang system, which also includes acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and herbal remedies, all guided by principles of elemental balance and the flow of bodily energies. Sasang Constitutional Medicine is a uniquely Korean development with no direct equivalent in Chinese or Japanese traditional medicine, classifying each patient into one of four constitutional types and designing individualised treatment plans accordingly.

Traditional Korean Medicine is formally integrated within Korea’s national health system and is tracked through a comprehensive, computerised data infrastructure that captures the full range of medical service utilisation. As a result, approximately 25.4% of Koreans access TKM services each year, and TKM medical expenditure accounted for around 4% of total national health insurance spending between 2008 and 2017.

Alongside formal Hanbang, folk medicine traditions also remain part of everyday Korean life. Food is considered a form of medicine within the Hanbang worldview, and dishes such as Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) and drinks such as Yulmu tea are widely regarded as having restorative and balancing properties. Korean cuisine as a whole incorporates a broad range of ingredients with recognised medicinal properties. Traditional herbal markets — known as Yangnyeong markets — continue to operate in cities such as Seoul and Daegu, supplying both licensed practitioners and members of the public with dried herbs and other medicinal materials.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in South Korea?

Korea’s dual medical system means that conventional medicine and Traditional Korean Medicine each operate within the same national health framework, but through entirely separate channels. In practice, many Koreans regularly visit both conventional hospitals and Korean Medicine clinics — sometimes simultaneously — yet the two systems remain largely separate, with the patient responsible for bridging any gaps between them.

Because of this strict division, conventional and traditional medicine can come into tension on particular health matters. Conventional doctors are not authorised to perform acupuncture or prescribe herbal formulas, and Korean Medicine Doctors are not permitted to prescribe pharmaceutical medications or use conventional medical devices. No cross-training pathway exists to allow practitioners to work across both systems. This means that coordinating care between the two disciplines falls primarily to the patient rather than to any integrative clinical process.

Herb-drug interactions represent a significant safety consideration that expats must take seriously. Many of the herbal preparations used within Hanbang are pharmacologically active and have the potential to interact with prescription medications. Health authorities have emphasised the importance of providing clear public information about the risks associated with combining commonly used dietary supplements or herbal medicines with prescribed conventional drugs. If you are taking any prescription medication, make sure both your conventional doctor and your Korean Medicine Doctor are fully informed of every treatment you are receiving. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) publishes guidance on herbal medicine safety and adverse drug reaction reporting.

Clinical trials for herbal medicines in Korea are governed by rigorous regulatory standards, helping to ensure that these therapies are used safely and effectively. Korea is also a member of the WHO Pharmacovigilance Program, which systematically monitors adverse drug reactions including those linked to herbal medicines — a level of oversight that surpasses what is available in many other countries.

Some larger university hospitals in South Korea do operate integrative medicine departments where conventional and Korean Medicine practitioners share the same institutional setting. Additionally, some medical schools now incorporate CAM content into their curricula, equipping healthcare professionals with a better understanding of how these approaches can complement one another. If integrated care is a priority for you, ask specifically about the availability of a Korean Medicine department when registering at a hospital.

Expats should also be alert to the fact that certain wellness services — including some massage therapies, energy healing practices, and informal herbal supplement sales — operate entirely outside any licensing framework. Medical procedures are not equivalent to consumer goods; they are interventions with real risk that require state oversight and the expertise of credentialled professionals. Whenever a treatment involves needles, injections, or the ingestion of herbal compounds, always confirm that the practitioner holds a valid Korean government licence before proceeding.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in South Korea

Can I find CAM practitioners in South Korea who speak languages other than Korean?

Yes, particularly in Seoul. Many Korean Medicine clinics situated in expat-populated neighbourhoods such as Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hongdae offer consultations in English and specifically cater to international patients. Medical tourism facilitators can assist with arranging appointments at clinics that are well-equipped to serve non-Korean speakers. For other CAM disciplines such as yoga, Pilates, or chiropractic, practitioners from abroad are a common presence in major urban areas. However, outside large cities, locating multilingual CAM services becomes considerably more difficult.

Is acupuncture legal and safe in South Korea?

Yes — acupuncture is fully legal, formally regulated, and extensively practised throughout South Korea. It may only be legally performed by licensed Korean Medicine Doctors (KMDs). Treatment provided by a licensed KMD adheres to standardised safety and hygiene requirements. Acupuncture carried out by individuals who are not licensed is illegal and poses genuine health risks. Always verify your practitioner’s KMD licence before undergoing any treatment.

How do I check that a Korean Medicine Doctor is properly licensed?

Korean Medicine Doctors must hold a licence issued by the Minister of Health and Welfare, which is awarded following the completion of a six-year university degree and successful performance in the national licensing examination. You can request to see the practitioner’s licence certificate, which should be visibly displayed within the clinic. The Korean Medicine Association maintains a register of its members, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare can also confirm a practitioner’s licensing status. Exercise caution with any practitioner who is unwilling or unable to present verifiable credentials.

Is homeopathy available in South Korea, and is it regulated?

Homeopathy can be found through some private practitioners and imported product retailers in South Korea, with Seoul being the most likely location. However, it is not formally regulated under Korean law, not reimbursed by the national health insurance system, and has no statutory professional register comparable to those found in some European countries. Practitioners offering homeopathy do so outside the formal medical licensing framework. Proceed with caution, request evidence of qualifications from the practitioner’s country of training, and consult the Ministry of Health and Welfare if you have any concerns.

Will my home country’s private health insurance cover CAM treatments in South Korea?

This depends entirely on the specifics of your insurance policy. Some international health plans include coverage for certain CAM therapies — including acupuncture and herbal medicine — when these are delivered by a licensed provider. Others exclude CAM treatment altogether. Review your policy documentation thoroughly before seeking treatment, and contact your insurer directly to find out whether Korean Medicine treatments provided by a licensed KMD are eligible for reimbursement. If you are enrolled in Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHI), the NHIS co-payment system applies to all covered Korean Medicine treatments regardless of any private insurance you also hold.

Are chiropractic and osteopathy practised in South Korea?

Chiropractic services are available in South Korea, predominantly in larger cities, and some practitioners hold credentials from accredited chiropractic institutions overseas. However, neither chiropractic nor osteopathy is subject to the same formal regulatory framework as Korean Medicine, and practitioners in these fields cannot submit NHI claims for their services. It is worth noting that Chuna Manual Therapy — a hands-on Korean Medicine technique with certain similarities to chiropractic manipulation — is formally regulated and covered under NHI for eligible conditions. For spinal or musculoskeletal concerns, a licensed KMD offering Chuna Therapy may represent the most accessible and insured route to care.

Can I bring herbal supplements or CAM products into South Korea from abroad?

Bringing herbal medicines and health supplements into South Korea is governed by regulations administered by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Quantities intended for personal use are generally allowed, though certain herbal ingredients may be subject to restrictions or outright prohibitions. Any products brought in for commercial sale must meet Korean registration and approval standards. Avoid travelling with large quantities of herbal products without first checking the current import and customs rules with the MFDS, as these regulations can change over time.

How is CAM generally viewed within Korean healthcare culture?

Traditional Korean Medicine commands a high level of social acceptance and cultural legitimacy in South Korea. It is entirely normal for Koreans to visit both Korean Medicine clinics and conventional hospitals, viewing the two systems as complementary paths to health rather than competing alternatives. Some professional friction does exist between conventional doctors and Korean Medicine Doctors, largely arising from the rigid dual licensing structure. Imported Western CAM disciplines such as homeopathy or naturopathy do not carry the same cultural resonance and tend to be perceived more as lifestyle or personal wellness choices. Expats are very unlikely to encounter any stigma when using Korean Medicine services — it is simply a routine part of how many Koreans approach their health.