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Making people beautiful: Korean organization aims to draw more Filipino medical tourists
Plastic surgery is an accepted fact of life in Korea. Taken in 2011, rows of aesthetic clinics are advertised in affluent Seoul district, Apgujeong.
One of South Korea’s open secrets is it’s acceptance of plastic surgery for a bold change. But Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk begs to differ—“people are born to be made (beautiful).”
Beauty experts and 2ne1’s Sandara Park divulged their secrets to looking beautiful at K-Beauty Night & Fun, an exclusive event held at Fairmont Hotel Makati last February 16.
Dara’s beauty secret
Her secret? Nightly facial masks, healthy diet, and exercise.
There are also rumors of fans who pay to look like their favorite Korean celebrities. With that in mind, what do Korean celebrities do to maintain their good looks?
Sandara Park of 2NE1 answered, “Baka magalit kayo sa akin. Ganito na skin ko since birth,” generating laughter and jealousy among distinguished guests.
But she later on, she confessed that her beauty secret includes good skin products such as facial masks. “Hindi na kasi ako nakakapunta sa skin clinic ‘pag busy ako,” she explained.
But she later on, she confessed that her beauty secret includes good skin products such as facial masks. “Hindi na kasi ako nakakapunta sa skin clinic ‘pag busy ako,” she explained.
Dara added that a healthy, balanced diet, and exercise will not only make you beautiful on the outside, but also on the inside.
However, going the surgical route is an option if Dara's routines are not working fast enough for the beauty-conscious.
However, going the surgical route is an option if Dara's routines are not working fast enough for the beauty-conscious.
Beautiful Korea
The most popular procedure in Korea is the “double eyelid surgery,” where creases over the eyes are brought out to dramatically change one’s appearance. The traditional method includes hours in the operating room, but due to technological advances, this procedure can be done within 10 minutes.
Korea’s modern technology and affordable prices is one of its many advantages compared to other countries. Also, its expertise is due to an oversupply of PhD graduates—this is why international standards rated Korean medical tourism 3.5 out of 4.0 satisfaction points, according to Jang's presentation.
Korean surgery blends well with natural features, making it a popular choice in the world of cosmetic surgery. For instance, several types of breast implants have a wide array of results; the most popular is performed for the middle, which imitates the natural curvature of the chest.
During ancient times, there was a folk belief that a person’s face determines their true personality or fortune. But in today’s society, plastic surgery is more of an improvement to boost self-confidence and increase the odds of a successful career.
For foreigners, interest in Korean procedures can be attributed to the spread of Hallyuwave. According to Korea Tourism Organization's latest figures, medical tourism has jumped 50.6 percent from 2011’s 122,297 to 2013’s 211,218, with patients mostly coming from China and the US primarily opting for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures.
Out of 211,218 patients from 2013, those from Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines make up only 5 percent of the figure. Jang believes that the percentage will increase significantly from Filipino medical tourists.
Out of 211,218 patients from 2013, those from Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines make up only 5 percent of the figure. Jang believes that the percentage will increase significantly from Filipino medical tourists.
Aside from cosmetic surgery, medical tourists can also avail of other medical procedures such as fertility, orthopedics, and internal medicine.
Last year, KTO Manila, in cooperation with Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital in Busan sponsored the heart operations of two Filipino children featured on GMA News TV’s REEL TIME.
Last year, KTO Manila, in cooperation with Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital in Busan sponsored the heart operations of two Filipino children featured on GMA News TV’s REEL TIME.
KTO Assistant Manager Jang Hye-Jin added that because of the technology and high expertise of Korean doctors, the survival rate is very high among patients. Today, the two kids are living healthy, normal lives.
Travel and after-care
Online Korean services also offer bundled services of accommodation and travel on top of your medical procedure.
The most popular procedure in Korea is the “double eyelid surgery,” where creases over the eyes are brought out to dramatically change one’s appearance. The traditional method includes hours in the operating room, but due to technological advances, this procedure can be done within 10 minutes.
Korea’s modern technology and affordable prices is one of its many advantages compared to other countries. Also, its expertise is due to an oversupply of PhD graduates—this is why international standards rated Korean medical tourism 3.5 out of 4.0 satisfaction points, according to Jang's presentation.
Another distinct difference is the offer of special packages on travel and after-care. Offers such as transportation and accommodations can be added on top of the medical procedure. There are medical travel agencies cater to those needs. — VC, GMA News
For more information on Korea’s Medical Tourism, you can log on to the website. For other Korean travel destinations, check out KTO Manila’s Facebook page for their picks.
