英媒：赴韩“美容旅游”，警惕“工厂式”诊所

Core Insights - The article discusses the rising trend of "beauty tourism" in South Korea, highlighting its influence on global beauty standards and the influx of medical tourists seeking cosmetic procedures [1][2] Group 1: Industry Overview - South Korea has become a global leader in the beauty and cosmetic industry, with Seoul housing the highest number of plastic surgeons worldwide [1] - In 2024, over 1 million medical tourists are expected to visit clinics in the Gangnam district of Seoul, nearly doubling from 2023, with 68% seeking dermatological and plastic surgery services [1] - The UK government has recognized South Korea as a "medical tourism" destination, encouraging citizens to include non-essential surgeries in their insurance coverage [1] Group 2: Consumer Experience - Many clinics in South Korea offer English services, but language barriers can lead to miscommunication, such as incorrect hormone injections due to translation issues [2] - The beauty industry in South Korea is characterized by a paternalistic approach, where doctors often make decisions on behalf of patients, potentially leading to excessive treatments [2] - The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported a 35% increase in complications among patients undergoing cosmetic procedures abroad in 2022, raising concerns about the prevalence of low-cost, high-volume clinics in Seoul [2]