Is it legal in Korea?
Since 21 February 2025, Korea allows advanced regenerative therapy only at institutions designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, under a treatment plan approved by a review committee, for patients defined by the law. Purely cosmetic use is not among them. Ask the clinic which legal route applies to what it offers you.
Different routes, different rules
| What is done | How it is regulated in Korea |
|---|---|
| Cultured or expanded cells | Advanced regenerative therapy: designated institutions and approved treatment plans only |
| Concentrated bone marrow into the knee | An assessed medical procedure for specific stages of knee osteoarthritis |
| Same-day processed own cells | Ask the clinic which legal route it uses |
Questions that tell you the route
- Is anything cultured?
- Is the clinic designated, and is there an approved treatment plan?
- Is it injected locally or given by drip?
Questions
Is stem cell therapy legal in Korea?
Since 21 February 2025, Korea allows advanced regenerative therapy only at institutions designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, under a treatment plan approved by a review committee, for patients defined by the law. Purely cosmetic use is not among them. Ask the clinic which legal route applies to what it offers you.
Is PRP a stem cell treatment?
No. PRP is plasma with platelets prepared from your own blood. A cell preparation is a different product. Ask the clinic which one it proposes.
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Ask before you book
Send your question, your dates and any X-ray or MRI report you already have. COMEDI, the registered coordinator for international patients that runs this site, gets the clinic’s written answer and an itemised quote before you travel.