How to Prepare Your Surgery Trip to VIP Korea

Planning your plastic surgery journey in Jeju? Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for an amazing experience at VIP Plastic Surgery.

Visa Free Island

Worried about the Visa? Jeju Island is the only region that is VISA-free in Korea. This applies to foreigners from visa-required countries who take a direct flight from overseas to Jeju Island without visiting the mainland. Depending on your departure location, many of our patients layover in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Shanghai.

Visa-Free Exceptions:
The Ministry of Justice does, however, require a visa to enter Jeju from the following countries

• Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyz, Myanmar, Nigeria, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen

Please check the Korean embassy website for detailed visa information to Jeju island. If you need visa to enter Jeju, please apply your visa at least 4 weeks prior to your trip to make sure it approves on time.

Scheduling Your Surgery at VIP

Once you’ve made an appointment for your plastic surgery at VIP, follow these steps to ensure a comfortable journey.

1. Communicate Before Planning Your Trip

Proper scheduling ensures that your pretests are completed, results are ready, and your surgery proceeds smoothly without any delays.

How to Plan Your Trip

1. Submit Your Travel Itinerary

VIP is located in Jeju island, and our airport code is CJU (Jeju Airport). Please send us your flight tickets to Jeju Airport so we can assist with your pick-up. If you enter Korea via Incheon Airport, we will be able to provide ground transportation to Gimpo Airport as well.

Recommended Accommodation

For those who reserve their surgery ahead, VIP offers complimentary accommodation during recovery period. If you wish to stay at a hotel instead, here are our recommendations:

• Hi Residences – Airbnb style, located in the same building. Complimentary with surgery confirmation.
• Lotte City Hotel Jeju – 4-star hotel, 10 minute walk
• Grand Hyatt Jeju – 5-star luxury hotel, 10 minute drive

2. Let Us Know Who’s Traveling With You

We recommend you to come with one caregiver to assist you throughout your surgery process. If family or friends are accompanying you, please let us know in advance. One caregiver can stay in the same room without any charge. If you have more than one companion, please request to make an additional reservation.

3. Complete Your Medical History Form

Once your coordinator sends you the medical history form, please fill it out and return it as soon as possible. This is important as some medications must be stopped before surgery for safety reasons and we need to review your medical condition to provide proper guidance and ensure a safe surgical process.

4. Provide a Copy of Your Passport 

Please send us a digital copy of your passport so we can prepare any necessary documents for your procedure and travel arrangements.

Pre-Arrival Checklist: Making Your Travel to Jeju Easy

Before you depart, follow these steps for a smooth arrival in Jeju Island:

1. Roam your phone for international services (or purchase local SIM card at the airport)
2. Download taxi app “K-ride” to call cabs in Korea (You may also use Uber but there are not many available cars on the island yet)
3. WhatsApp us upon arrival using the free airport WiFi for our assistance.

What to Pack for Your Trip

For the best recovery, we recommend bringing the following:

• A family member or friend to assist you for the first 2 days, if possible
• Any essential medications or supplements you’ll need before and after surgery
• Artificial tears (if you have dry eyes or plan to undergo eye surgery)
• Comfort foods or snacks for recovery
• Button-down shirts (to avoid pulling clothes over your head)
• Scarf and sunglasses to cover your face while traveling
• Slippers or flip-flops for comfort post-surgery
• Warm clothes (as temperature changes may affect healing)
• Contact lenses (for rhinoplasty patients who need to avoid wearing glasses for 1-2 months)
• Most importantly, stay in good health!
• (If your health is compromised on the day of surgery, our medical team may need to reschedule or cancel your procedure for your safety.)

Pre-Surgery Preparation

To ensure the best surgical outcome and a smooth recovery, please carefully follow these pre-surgery restrictions.

1. Alcohol, Smoking & Drug Use are Strictly Prohibited (6 weeks before the surgery)

• Do NOT drink alcohol for at least 6 weeks before surgery to prevent excessive swelling & bleeding.
• Do NOT smoke cigarettes, vape, or use any form of inhalers for at least 6 weeks before surgery.
• Do NOT take any drugs that are not pre-approved by our medical team, as they may interfere with anesthesia or recovery.

2. Pre-Surgery Hygiene

To ensure a safe and smooth procedure, please follow these simple guidelines:

a. Remove Gel Nails, Manicures, Pedicures, Eyelash Extensions, and Piercings

• Nails must be free of polish to allow proper oxygen monitoring during surgery.
• Remove eyelash extensions & piercings to prevent burn risks from medical equipment.

b. Shower & Wash Your Hair

• Shower and wash your hair with shampoo before surgery.
• Do NOT apply lotion, oils, or skincare products on your body or face.

c. Brush Your Teeth

• Brush your teeth thoroughly before surgery.
• Avoid food particles in your mouth, as they could pose a risk during the procedure.

3. Medications & Supplements to STOP Before Surgery (6 Weeks Prior)

Do NOT take medications or supplements that affect blood circulation, including:

• Blood Thinners: Aspirin, Warfarin, Clopidogrel
• Vitamins & Supplements: Vitamin E, Omega-3 (Fish Oil), Squalene
• Vasodilators & Hormonal Drugs
• Do NOT consume herbal medicine, ginseng, or red ginseng extract for 6 weeks before surgery.

4. Other Important Pre-Surgery Guidelines

Rhinoplasty Patients: If you frequently wear glasses, bring contact lenses, as glasses must be avoided for 1-2 months post-surgery.

If You Are Planning to Get a Vaccine Before Surgery:

• Live (attenuated) vaccines → Get at least 1 month before the surgery.
• Inactivated vaccines → Get at least 2 weeks before the surgery.

VIP Plastic Surgery Prioritizes Your Safety

At VIP Plastic Surgery, we are committed to delivering exceptional surgical results while upholding the highest safety standards for every patient.

1. Expert Anesthesia Care

Our in-house English-speaking anesthesiologist has over 25 years of experience at leading general hospitals, ensuring your procedure is conducted with the utmost precision and safety.

2. Personalized Medication & Post-Surgery Guidance

We also have an in-house English-speaking U.S. pharmacist to provide expert guidance and answer any medical questions. Our in-house pharmacist will assist surgeons with your medical requirements, including the medication transition process, home medication guide, and post-operation guide.

3. Comprehensive Pre-Surgical Examinations

If you are undergoing major surgery, you will complete a full-body health assessment to confirm you are in optimal condition. Our pre-surgical examinations include:

• EKG (Electrocardiogram) – assesses heart function
• Blood Test – evaluates overall health and detects any potential risks
• Urine Test – checks for infections or underlying conditions
• Chest X-ray – checks for underlying lung and heart issues

Contact us today to embark on your plastic surgery journey in Jeju Island and combine world-class care and recovery.

Whatsapp : +82 10 5059 6626

Instagram: @vipps.kr

Phone: +82 64 713 1007

Written by Wonny Seo, International Patient Coordinator