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South Korea, the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the world, 4th largest economy in Asia, and 10th in the world, has made a name for its high standard of living, high internet speeds, and railway system. It’s a brilliant opportunity to become a doctor in South Korea and enjoy life there now that the country needs doctors more than before. This article will bring you whatever you need about moving to South Korea as a doctor.

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Immigrate to South Korea as a Doctor

How to immigrate to South Korea as a doctor?

To immigrate to South Korea as a doctor, you must go through a multi-step process. The following process is for foreign doctors who have already gotten a license in their country and want to move to South Korea and continue their careers there:

  1. Eligibility Assessment. Verify that you are in good standing with the South Korean medical board. This typically involves meeting language requirements (fluency in Korean) and holding a valid medical degree.
  2. Licensing Requirements. To practice medicine in South Korea, you must pass the Korean Medical Licensing Exam (KMLE). The exams and prerequisites you need to take to enter a particular field of medicine will depend on your background and specialization.
  3. Residency or Fellowship. Applying for a residency or fellowship in South Korea is an option you should consider if you are a medical graduate from outside the country. You can get extra training and learn about the local healthcare system through these programs.
  4. Work Visa. Get a work permit to work as a doctor in South Korea. You may need a different visa depending on the nature of your work.
  5. Find a Job. Find employment at a healthcare facility, such as a medical center or clinic. In most cases, this will necessitate in-person meetings and the presentation of supporting paperwork.
  6. Registration with the Health Authority. Join the Korean Medical Association or the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare to have your credentials officially recognized.
  7. Medical Practice. You may begin seeing patients once you have completed the necessary steps to establish your medical practice in South Korea.
  8. Residency or Citizenship. If you’re looking for long-term security, you may want to become a permanent resident or citizen of South Korea.
  9. Ongoing Education and Licensing. Keep up with the latest CME standards and renew your license as required.

Salary of foreign doctors in South Korea

A doctor in South Korea typically earns an approximate salary of 8,970,000 KRW. There is a range of salaries between 3,350,000 KRW and 15,400,000 KRW.

How long is medical residency in South Korea?

The duration of medical residency in South Korea for international students can vary depending on the chosen medical specialty. There are generally 3 to 4 years of medical residency in South Korea.

Infographic Immigrate to South Korea as a doctor

What are the benefits of immigration to South Korea as a doctor?

Foreign doctors in South Korea might find the benefits of immigration to South Korea as a doctor fascinating. Insurance in South Korea costs 4% of your salary, making healthcare affordable. Clinic access is simple and cheap. Pre-pandemic public health was good, and the government managed well due to trust. Low crime creates safety. Though there’s some initial distance, making friends in smaller cities is easy because the people are friendly. Korea offers convenient services, efficient delivery, and advanced technology for a high quality of life. Air quality is good, and math and language education is widespread.

Let’s sum up…

You can become a doctor in South Korea if you are qualified. This article explains who is eligible to move to South Korea as a doctor and how to do it. You got familiar with the list of approved medical schools in South Korea, and the application process was explained in detail.

If you have questions, write them down in the comment section. Visit the South Korea work visa article from the right sidebar to learn how to get your visa.

FAQs

Specific licensing and language proficiency requirements exist for foreign doctors working in South Korea.

In South Korea, doctors are in high demand in various specialties, especially internal medicine and surgery.

A licensing process and specific visa requirements must be met before doctors can settle in South Korea.

South Korea has a high demand for general practitioners and specialists, especially in underserved areas.

South Korea, especially its rural areas, has a doctor shortage.

Obtaining a Korean medical degree in the United States is possible, but it is usually subject to additional certifications and exams.

The requirements for becoming a doctor in South Korea include completing medical education, passing licensing exams, and obtaining a visa.

Licensed foreign surgeons can work in Korea if they meet language proficiency and licensing requirements.

The highest-paid doctors in South Korea tend to be surgeons and specialists in fields such as neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and orthopedic surgery.

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19 Comments

  1. Zainab says:

    Hey I am from Pakistan.I am currently in 1 year of mbbs.I wanna go to korea after having license but none of the university of Pakistan is approved by Korea

    • Max says:

      No Pakistani universities are recognized by South Korea, so it will be difficult to use a medical license obtained in Pakistan to practice medicine there. Get your medical license in Pakistan after completing your MBBS program. The next step is to look into schools in South Korea that offer medical degrees to international students. Many courses are taught in Korean, so language proficiency is a high priority. Review your medical background and experience, and think about furthering your education with a residency or fellowship in South Korea. Additionally, keep yourself updated on the latest visa regulations and South Korea’s policies regarding foreign medical professionals. Experts and educational advisors should be consulted for assistance with this intricate procedure.

  2. Paola says:

    Hi!! I’m a doctor from one of the universities listed above. I would like to do a residency/specialty in Korea, like pediatric. In order to do that I have to take the KMLE only or take the the test and be admitted to an university? What are the steps to do a medical residency there and eventually work as a specialist in Korea?

    • Max says:

      Usually, you have to take the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE), which has both written and hands-on parts, to get a medical residency and work as an expert, like in pediatrics, in Korea. After passing the KMLE, you can apply to universities or hospitals with residency programs in your chosen specialty. Once you’re accepted, you’ll have to go through a few years of residency training, which will include clinical experiences and classes. After you finish your training, pass any necessary exams, and get your full license, you can work as a specialist in Korea, either in a hospital or in a private practice. Because the process can be different, it’s important to check the program’s standards and contact the school for more information.

  3. Ali says:

    Hey zainb there I am in 2nd year mbbs . If you found something , let me know .

  4. Swastika says:

    Hi…I am currently a medical student studying in class 11th in order to clear National Entrance cum Eligibility Test in my home country,India.I plan to pursue my medical degree from India.But I want to immigrate to South Korea for my Post Graduation degree in Medical field.Could you please guide me on how I can do it?

    • Max says:

      Follow these steps to study medicine at a graduate level in South Korea:
      Find out about medical programs in South Korea and make sure you meet the academic requirements.
      Prepare the documents you need, such as transcripts and language tests.
      Apply to the South Korean universities you want to attend before the deadlines.
      Get a student visa (D-2) from the embassy or consulate of South Korea.
      Plan ahead for tuition, living costs, health insurance, and housing.
      Go to orientation and get used to campus life in South Korea.
      Find out what’s new with immigration and universities.

      Keep in mind that the requirements may change, so talk to South Korean universities and experts for the most up-to-date information.

  5. Fariha says:

    Hii,I am from India but here is not any medical College approved by korean ministry.so can you give information about that two years preparation exams

    • Max says:

      Doctors who were trained outside of South Korea and want to work there must take a two-year course to get ready. This course gives you a lot of practice with the Korean language, which is used in South Korean medical practice. Participants also get medical training to help them learn about Korean healthcare practices, ethics, and rules. At the end of this program, candidates must pass the Medical Licensing Examination for Foreign Medical Practitioners (MLEFMP) to show that they understand Korean medical laws and ethics. Once they pass, they can apply for a limited medical license. Before they can get a full license to practice medicine in South Korea, they may have to work under supervision.

  6. Dona biswas says:

    Hey… I’m Dona I’m from India but I studied in Russia and my university is not approved by Korean ministry. I am currently in 1 year of mbbs.I wanna go to korea after having license is there any possibilities to do my job in Korea

    • Max says:

      Here are some things to think about if you want to practice as a doctor in South Korea after completing your first year of MBBS in Russia and getting your license there: Learn the language, look for work in South Korean healthcare institutions, get a job offer, apply for a work visa (E-7) at the Korean embassy or consulate, register with the appropriate South Korean medical authorities, and acclimate to the Korean healthcare system. Keep in mind that knowing Korean is essential for finding work and providing quality healthcare in South Korea, and double-check the most up-to-date information with the appropriate South Korean authorities.

  7. Dona says:

    Hey… I am Donna, I am from India but I am studying in Russia and my university is not approved by Korean ministry. I am currently in first year of MBBS. I want to go to Korea after getting the license, is there any possibility for me to get a job in Korea?

    • Max says:

      After completing your MBBS program in Russia and receiving your license, you may like to consider working in South Korea. Complete your education and licensing requirements, perfect your command of the Korean language, scour Korean healthcare institutions for employment prospects, accept an offer of employment, apply for a work visa (E-7), register with the proper medical authorities, and acclimate to the Korean healthcare system. Please be aware that speaking and comprehending Korean is essential for finding work and providing quality healthcare in South Korea. If you want accurate, up-to-date information, it’s best to double-check with the appropriate South Korean authorities.

  8. Megha says:

    Hey… I am Megha , I am from India but I am studying in Russia and my university is not approved by Korean ministry. I am currently in first year of MBBS. I want to go to Korea after getting the license here I want to immigrate to South Korea for my Post Graduation degree in Medical field.Could you please guide me on how I can do it?

    • Max says:

      After completing your MBBS program in Russia, you may want to think about continuing your medical education in South Korea. You should first get your MBBS degree and license. It’s important for international medical students to double-check the entry standards of universities in South Korea. Keep in mind tests of language competence, such as the TOPIK for Korean language abilities. Submit your applications to medical schools in South Korea that offer graduate-level study. Learn how to get your international degrees recognized by contacting the relevant colleges. After acceptance, you should contact the Korean embassy or consulate in Russia to apply for a student visa (D-2). Start your postgraduate medical education in South Korea after arriving there and attending any essential language classes. Contacting both universities and the South Korean Ministry of Education will keep you apprised of any changes to admissions requirements.

  9. Megha says:

    Hey… I am Megha , I am from India but I am studying in Russia and my university is not approved by Korean ministry. I want to go to Korea after getting the license here and I want to do my post graduation degree from South Korea in Medical field.Could you please guide me on how I can do it..?

    • Max says:

      These are the steps you need to take to enroll in a post-graduate medical program in South Korea. Get your medical degree and license in Russia first. The next step is to research the prerequisites for entering the programs of interest at any South Korean university. Get ready to take an exam to prove your command of the target language, like the TOPIK for Korea. Submit applications to schools in South Korea that will accept your international credentials. After being approved, you should contact the Korean embassy or consulate in Russia to apply for a student visa (D-2). Plan a trip to South Korea, where you can start your post-graduate medical education after you’ve finished any prerequisite language classes. Always double-check that you’ve met all the requirements by contacting the universities and the South Korean Ministry of Education.

  10. Pooja says:

    Hi ,
    I am from India (home country )did my mbbs degree in Philippines after graduation returned India and I got my Indian medical licence I don’t have Philippine medical licence , now I m planning to do my residency in US .I am taking
    Korean classes for language proficiency in India. my university where I did my mbbs is not approved by Korean ministry , is there any possibility to get medical licence in Korea to work there as doctor in future .

    • Max says:

      In South Korea, obtaining a medical license can be challenging if your degree does not come from a university recognized by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. South Korea may not recognize your degree and have different requirements for practicing medicine than India, the Philippines, or the United States. For more information about specific pathways and requirements for foreign-trained doctors, consult the Korean Medical Association or the appropriate South Korean authorities.