South Korea Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market Research, Trends and Forecast

South Korea Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market Size and Competitive Landscape

The global South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market size is calculated at USD 2.47 in 2024, grew to USD 2.9 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 12.14 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 17.23% between 2025 and 2034.

Key Takeaways

• By 2024, the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market will likely exceed USD 2.47 billion.
• Valuation is projected to hit USD 12.14 billion by 2034.
• Estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.23% starting from 2025 to 2034.
• By procedure type, the non-invasive segment dominated the market in 2024 and is estimated to be the fastest growing at a notable CAGR during the forecast period.
• By age group type, the 30-54 segment dominated the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market share in 2024.
• By age group type, the 13-29 segment is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period.
• By gender type, the female segment dominated the global South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market in 2024.
• By gender type, the male segment is predicted to be the fastest growing during the forecast period.

Key Metrics and Overview

South Korea Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market Overview

A large number of people are undergoing various cosmetic surgeries in South Korea. Depending upon the capital basis, Korea ranks first, with 13.5 cosmetic procedures performed per 1000 individuals as per the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). But these numbers represent the surgeries conducted by the aesthetic plastic surgeons and not general practitioners, which indicates that the actual surgeries conducted may be higher. This, in turn, attracts people worldwide, enhancing medical tourism. Thus, the rising cosmetic surgeries increases the research conducted in this field as well.

South Korea Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market Trends

• In May 2025, the 2025 Korea Health & Beauty Festa was conducted by a collaboration between the Korea Tourism Organization and South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in Kuwait. It highlighted Korean beauty products, medical tourism, and health care to Middle Eastern onlookers. (Source - The Korea Herald)
• In April 2025, a dedicated beauty fund was established by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, which will target all cosmetics supply chain in South Korea. This fund is a public-private initiative along with the two top original development manufacturers (ODMs), serving as anchor investors in the country, that are Cosmax Inc. and Kolmar Korea. (Source - GLOBAL COSMETIC NEWS)
• In February 2025, to accelerate global expansion as well as B2B solutions for aesthetic medical clinics, Gangnam Unni secured a total of 42.8 billion won, which is $30 million in Series C funding. As per the recent announcement, the investments were made by Kiwoom Investment, Korea Investment Partners, IMM Investment, KT Investment, and Shinhan Venture Investment. (Source - Korea Biomedical Review)

How Can AI Be Used in the South Korea Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market?

AI can be used in various processes in the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedure market. With the help of AI, accurate and quick outcomes can be predicted by assessing medical images, which will help doctors during consultations. The surgical designs can be enhanced by detecting the complications involved with the procedure. This, in turn, minimizes human errors, costs, and improves patient safety. Therefore, AI can be used in new research that improves the procedures and allows plastic surgeons to harness the power of AI with high standards of patient care. Thus, AI is helping to reshape cosmetic surgeries in unimaginable ways.

Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Awareness

Due increasing use of social media or any other online platform, the awareness about the Korean beauty standards as well as cosmetic surgeries is increasing. At the same time, the safety and potential outcomes of these cosmetic surgeries drive the demand. Moreover, the rising use of non-invasive techniques is also attracting people. Therefore, all these factors encourage people to carry out various cosmetic surgeries, which in turn, enhance their appearances. Thus, all these factors drive the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market growth.

Restraint

Risk of Complications

Cosmetic surgeries, which use invasive techniques, have a higher risk of scarring, infections, swelling, etc., which can lead to dissatisfaction among clients. Furthermore, the risk of failure in the surgeries can also lead to negative results. Thus, all these factors limit the use of South Korean cosmetic surgery and procedures.

Opportunity

Increasing Medical Tourism

South Korea uses various new technologies as well as skilled personnel for delivering high-quality cosmetic surgeries. Hence, this, along with the rising awareness, increases the medical tourism in South Korea. At the same time, the favourable results as well as the affordable process of the cosmetic procedures and surgeries attract people from different regions. Moreover, the use of non-invasive procedures is also contributing to attracting the population. Thus, all these factors promote the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market growth.

For instance,

• In April 2025, Olive Young N, located at Seoul Seongsu, was frequented by tourists to receive home skin care consultations. The total number of slots for the consultation was 38 per day.

The graph represents a comparison of the total number of visits by foreigners to Korea for medical purposes recorded in the year of 2022 and 2023. It indicates that there will be a rise in medical tourism in the coming years. Hence, it increases the demand for the use of various new cosmetic surgeries as well as procedures. Thus, this in turn will ultimately promote the market growth.

Segmental Insights

Non-Invasive Segment Dominated

By procedure type, the non-invasive segment dominated the market in 2024 and is estimated to be the fastest growing at a notable CAGR during the forecast period. The use of non-invasive procedures provided faster results, along with no surgical signs. This contributed to the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market growth.

30-54 Segment Led in 2024

By age group type, the 30-54 segment dominated the South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market in 2024. The age group between 30-54 preferred South Korean cosmetic surgeries to reduce the aging signs.

13-29 Segment: Significantly Growing

By age group type, the 13-29 segment is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. Increasing awareness through various online platforms is enhancing the use of South Korean cosmetic procedures as well as surgeries within the 13-29 age group.

Female Segment Dominated in 2024

By gender type, the female segment dominated the global South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market in 2024. To enhance the appearance as well as to boost confidence, women preferred cosmetic surgeries.

Male Segment: Fastest Growing

By gender type, the male segment is predicted to be the fastest growing during the forecast period. The cosmetic procedures and surgeries among men are increasing due to rising influences as well as to increase confidence.

Increasing Demands Boost South Korea

South Korea cosmetic surgery and procedures market is estimated to grow substantially during the forecast period. The increasing awareness, as well as rising beauty standards within the population, is increasing the demand along with the use of cosmetic surgeries and procedures. At the same time, influenced by the K-pop or K-drama idols and actors are also contributing to the same. Furthermore, the rising use of advanced technologies, skilled personnel, as well as advanced non-invasive procedures is enhancing the quality of these surgeries. Thus, this, in turn, also raises the medical tourism, which is further supported by the government. Hence, all these factors are promoting the market growth.

For instance,

• In May 2025, as per the report released by the US International Trade Commission, South Korea is now considered to be the largest cosmetics exporter to the U.S. market. Furthermore, a record of $10.2 billion increase in the total supply of Korean cosmetics is rising Archimed SAS and L'Oreal SA's interests in the personal care sector of Korean assets. (Source - AK&M Information Agency)

Top Companies in the South Korea Cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market

• Evolus Inc.
• AbbVie Inc.
• RevanceGalderma
• Cynosure
• Syneron Candela
• Alma Laser
• Lumenis
• Airsculpt Technologies, Inc.
• Solta Medical

What are the Latest Announcements by Industry Leaders or Major Players?

• In May 2025, Dr. Jenny Lui, who is an MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, stated that only the common surgical procedures, such as double eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty, were focused on by the aesthetics industry in Korea. But now they have shifted towards the use of non-invasive treatments, like Botox, laser skin rejuvenation, as well as fillers, along with the support of minimally invasive technologies.
•  In May 2025, a new Korean derma-cosmetic brand, Aestura, was launched by Nykaa, a beauty retailer, in India. While addressing its launch, the spokesperson of Nykaa stated that they are proud to launch another leading name from Korea, at the same time when K-Beauty is gaining momentum in India, on their platform. AESTURA is the 1st dermatologist-recommended dermatocosmetic brand for sensitive skin, present in Korea, which provides the advantages that today’s skincare lover demands. Furthermore, the arrival of the brand in Nykaa helps them in moving on to the next level of their journey for providing science-backed skincare to the consumers of India. (Source - CNBC)

What are the Recent Developments in the South Korean cosmetic Surgery and Procedures Market

• In May 2025, due to rising aesthetic medical exchange between China and Korea, a new pivotal center is being considered, which is JY Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Clinic situated at Cheongdam-dong, Seoul. Furthermore, this is increasing the visits of medical professionals and patients from China. (Source - NEWSERIA)
• In May 2025, the 20th edition of the International Cosmetic Pharmaceutical Industry Week featured eight exhibitions, which were KOREA MAT, KOREA LAB, KOREA CHEM, KOREA PHARM & BIO, CI KOREA, ESG Sustainable Packaging Fair, COPHEX, and KOREA COLD CHAIN. A total of 1,200 companies across 25 countries and 4,000 booths were present in this exhibition. Furthermore, to enhance the collaboration, they focused on cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, distribution, biotechnology, lab analysis, chemical processing, cold chain logistics, and packaging. (Source - NEWSERIA BIZNES)

Segments Covered in the Report

By Procedure Type

• Invasive Procedures
  • Breast augmentation
  • Liposuction
  • Nose reshaping
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Tummy tuck
  • Others
• Non-invasive Procedures
  • Botox injections
  • Soft tissue fillers
  • Chemical peel
  • Laser hair removal
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Others

By Age Group

• 13-29
• 30-54
• 55 and above

By Gender

• Male
• Female