Picasso Dental · Research ReportNo. 2026/KR · Vol. 1
Dental Tourism Economics
Dental Tourism in Vietnam for South Korean Patients
South Korean residents save 50–75% on porcelain veneers, cosmetic crowns, and implant procedures
not covered by NHI. Direct flights from Seoul and Busan take 4.5–5.5 hours. Picasso Dental Clinic offers Straumann,
Nobel Biocare, and Korean-made OSSTEM implants with 7–10 year warranties, serving 70,000+ patients from 62 countries.
South Korea is home to one of the world's most advanced dental industries, yet the country's National Health
Insurance (NHI) system leaves significant coverage gaps in cosmetic and elective procedures. Dental implants are
covered only for patients aged 65 and above (limited to two implants with 30% copayment), while porcelain veneers,
teeth whitening, premium crowns, and cosmetic orthodontics remain entirely out-of-pocket. Vietnam's dental tourism
sector, projected to reach US$79.55 million by 2034 (IMARC Group, 10.69% CAGR), presents a compelling alternative.
This report analyses 14 common procedures across Picasso Dental Clinic's six clinics in four Vietnamese cities,
documenting savings of 50–75% on cosmetic and elective procedures versus Korean private clinic
pricing. With direct flights from Seoul Incheon to Ho Chi Minh City in 5.5 hours and return fares from ₩300,000,
the economics are compelling for any Korean patient facing significant out-of-pocket dental costs.
This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining secondary data analysis with primary clinical data from
Picasso Dental Clinic. South Korean dental pricing is sourced from private clinic fee schedules in Seoul (Gangnam,
Mapo, Jongno), Busan, and Daegu, verified against Korean Dental Association benchmarks and published dental tourism
comparison guides. Vietnamese pricing reflects Picasso Dental Clinic's published 2025–2026 USD fee schedule,
converted to KRW at an average rate of 1 USD = 1,464 KRW (Bank of Korea, February 2026).
1.2 Data Sources
South Korean dental costs: Korean Dental Association fee guidelines; verified private clinic price
lists from Gangnam, Mapo, and Jongno districts; Bookimed Korea clinic database; Korea Clinic Guide procedure cost
comparisons; Placidway South Korea dental pricing; NHIS coverage schedules (2025 update).
Vietnam dental costs: Picasso Dental Clinic published price list (2025–2026); verified against
TechSci Research "Vietnam Dental Services Market" (2024) and IMARC Group "Vietnam Dental Market" (2025).
Flight & travel data: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Naver Flight (live pricing, December
2025 – February 2026); airline published schedules (Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Jeju Air).
Clinical outcomes: Picasso Dental Clinic internal patient records (2013–2026, n = 70,000+);
published implant survival literature; Medical Tourism Corporation (MTC) satisfaction benchmarks.
1.3 Limitations
South Korean dental fees vary significantly by clinic location (Gangnam clinics tend to charge premium rates),
practitioner experience, and materials used. Ranges presented reflect typical private clinic pricing across multiple
Seoul districts. NHI-covered procedures have regulated pricing but copayments vary. Picasso Dental Clinic pricing
is inclusive but does not cover certain specialist procedures requiring external referral. Flight pricing is volatile
and reflects a snapshot period. Currency conversion rates fluctuate. This report is produced by Picasso Dental Clinic
and readers should consider potential commercial interest when evaluating findings.
Vietnam's dental market is experiencing rapid expansion driven by rising domestic demand, international patient
flows, and significant capital investment in private clinic infrastructure. According to IMARC Group, Vietnam's
dental market was valued at US$31.88 million in 2025 and is projected to reach US$79.55 million by 2034,
representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.69%. TechSci Research values the broader Vietnamese
dental services market at US$4.21 billion in 2024, encompassing public and private clinic networks nationwide.
2.2 Why South Koreans Choose Vietnam
Vietnam is an increasingly popular destination for Korean dental tourists, driven by several compelling factors:
direct flights from Seoul and Busan in under 6 hours, 45-day visa-free entry, significant cost differentials on
cosmetic and elective procedures (50–75% savings), familiar OSSTEM implant availability, a large Korean expatriate
community in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and cultural compatibility within Asia. South Korea's well-documented
"medical tourism hub" status makes Korean patients particularly discerning about quality — and Vietnam's leading
clinics increasingly meet those expectations with internationally certified materials, digital workflows, and
multilingual service.
2.3 The Korean Connection
The Vietnam–Korea relationship has special resonance for dental tourism. Picasso Dental Clinic's lead
implantologist, Dr. Emily Nguyen, trained at the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry — bringing Korean
precision and aesthetic philosophy to Vietnamese clinical practice. The clinic uses OSSTEM implants, manufactured
by Seoul-based Osstem Implant Co., Ltd. — the world's fourth-largest implant manufacturer. Korean patients can
be confident they are receiving materials from a manufacturer they know and trust, at significantly lower cost.
2.4 Regulatory Landscape
Vietnam's dental sector is regulated by the Ministry of Health (MOH), which licenses clinics, sets operational
standards, and mandates practitioner qualifications. Leading clinics voluntarily pursue international
certifications and use globally standard materials approved by the US FDA and European CE marking systems.
Picasso Dental Clinic operates under full MOH licensure across all six clinic locations and employs materials
from manufacturers including Straumann (Switzerland), Nobel Biocare (Sweden/Switzerland), and OSSTEM (South
Korea).
3. The South Korean Dental Cost Challenge
3.1 NHI Coverage: What's In, What's Out
South Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI) system is comprehensive for basic dental care. Routine check-ups,
preventive scaling (once annually), basic restorations (amalgam fillings), simple extractions, and endodontic
treatment are covered with copayments typically ranging from 20–50%. However, the NHI explicitly excludes the
procedures that cost the most: porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic crowns, premium ceramic
restorations, and orthodontics are entirely self-pay. Dental implants received limited NHI coverage
from 2014, but only for patients aged 65 and above, capped at two implants per person with a 30% copayment.
3.2 The Cosmetic Cost Burden
Korea's dental industry is world-renowned for cosmetic excellence — the country is a global hub for aesthetic
dentistry. But this excellence comes at premium pricing. A single porcelain veneer at a Gangnam clinic costs
₩1,100,000–₩2,300,000. Full-mouth veneers (20 teeth) can reach ₩22,000,000–₩46,000,000. Zirconia crowns cost
₩600,000–₩1,100,000 each. These prices reflect Korea's high clinical standards but place significant financial
pressure on patients seeking cosmetic improvements — particularly younger adults and professionals for whom
aesthetic dentistry is increasingly important.
3.3 Implants: The Under-65 Gap
While seniors benefit from NHI implant coverage (limited though it is), patients under 65 face the full cost
of implant treatment: ₩1,700,000–₩3,500,000 per implant at private clinics. For patients requiring multiple
implants or full-arch restoration (All-on-4), costs of ₩18,000,000–₩36,000,000 are entirely out-of-pocket.
This coverage gap drives a significant number of younger Korean patients to explore dental tourism options —
particularly for multi-implant cases where the absolute savings are substantial.
3.4 Korea's Dental Market in Context
South Korea has approximately 35,000 registered dentists serving a population of 51.7 million — one of the
highest dentist-to-population ratios in Asia. The country's dental market was valued at over US$7 billion in
2024. Despite this dental abundance, price competition has not significantly reduced costs for cosmetic and
elective procedures, which are priced to reflect clinic overhead in premium urban locations, imported European
materials, and high practitioner training standards.
Korea vs Vietnam: A Cost Reality Check
A Korean patient under 65 requiring two dental implants (OSSTEM) and four porcelain veneers faces a typical
Seoul private clinic bill of ₩7,800,000–₩12,600,000. The same treatment at Picasso Dental Clinic in Vietnam
costs ₩4,842,000–₩7,772,000 — using the same OSSTEM implant brand. Even after adding ₩500,000 return flights
and ₩700,000 for a week's accommodation and meals, the total trip cost of ₩6,042,000–₩8,972,000 represents a
saving of ₩1,758,000–₩3,628,000. For patients requiring more extensive work (veneers, All-on-4), savings
scale dramatically — exceeding ₩20,000,000 for full-mouth cases.
4. Procedure-by-Procedure Cost Comparison
The table below compares typical South Korean private clinic pricing (KRW) against Picasso Dental Clinic pricing
(converted to KRW) across 14 common procedures. Korean ranges reflect private clinic averages compiled from
multiple Seoul districts and verified pricing databases. Picasso pricing reflects the clinic's published
2025–2026 fee schedule. Note that Korean NHI covers some basic procedures with copayments — the prices below
reflect private clinic out-of-pocket costs, which represent the relevant comparison for patients
considering dental tourism.
14-procedure cost comparison: South Korea vs Picasso Dental, Vietnam (KRW, 2026)
Procedure
South Korea (KRW)
Picasso Dental (KRW)
Savings
Comprehensive exam + X-rays
₩30,000–₩80,000
₩29,000–₩45,000
3–44%
Professional cleaning (scale & polish)
₩100,000–₩150,000
₩18,000–₩34,000
66–88%
Composite filling (1 surface)
₩90,000–₩220,000
₩22,000–₩40,000
76–82%
Root canal (molar, 3 canals)
₩300,000–₩600,000
₩281,000–₩310,000
6–48%
Simple extraction
₩100,000–₩200,000
₩56,000–₩85,000
44–58%
Surgical / wisdom tooth extraction
₩300,000–₩800,000
₩113,000–₩338,000
58–62%
In-office teeth whitening
₩300,000–₩600,000
₩198,000–₩394,000
34–35%
Porcelain crown (zirconia / e.max)
₩600,000–₩1,100,000
₩394,000–₩957,000
13–34%
Porcelain veneer (per tooth)
₩1,100,000–₩2,300,000
₩507,000–₩676,000
54–71%
Full mouth veneers (20 teeth)
₩22,000,000–₩46,000,000
₩10,131,000–₩13,527,000
54–71%
Single dental implant (implant + abutment + crown)
₩1,700,000–₩3,500,000
₩1,408,000–₩2,533,000
17–28%
All-on-4 (per arch)
₩9,000,000–₩18,000,000
₩9,854,000–₩16,329,000
0–9%
All-on-4 (both arches)
₩18,000,000–₩36,000,000
₩19,707,000–₩32,659,000
0–9%
Bone grafting
₩300,000–₩1,500,000
₩225,000–₩845,000
25–44%
Table 1: Cost comparison of 14 dental procedures between South Korean private clinics and Picasso
Dental Clinic in Vietnam (KRW). Sources: Korean Dental Association, verified Seoul clinic pricing, Korea Clinic
Guide, Bookimed Korea, Picasso Dental price list 2025–2026.
All Picasso prices converted at 1 USD = 1,464 KRW. South Korean pricing reflects 2025–2026 private
clinic out-of-pocket costs (not NHI copayment rates). Picasso pricing from published 2025–2026 fee schedule.
Understanding the Korea Comparison
Unlike Western markets where savings on virtually every procedure are 50%+, South Korea already has
competitive pricing for basic procedures and implants (thanks to OSSTEM's domestic pricing advantage and NHI
coverage for seniors). The strongest savings for Korean patients are in cosmetic procedures:
veneers (54–71%), cosmetic crowns, and elective procedures not covered by NHI. Korean patients seeking
veneers, smile makeovers, or cosmetic rehabilitation save the most by travelling to Vietnam.
Bar widths scaled relative to highest Korean cost (20 veneers midpoint). Values shown are midpoints of ranges.
5. Flight Accessibility & Routing
5.1 Direct Flight Routes
South Korea has excellent direct flight connectivity to Vietnam, with multiple daily departures from Seoul Incheon
(ICN) to all three major Vietnamese cities. Busan (PUS) also offers direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Flight times range from 4.5 to 5.5 hours — comparable to flying from Seoul to Southeast Asian resort destinations
like Bali or Phuket. The extensive Korea–Vietnam route network reflects strong bilateral tourism and business ties,
with Vietnam ranking as one of the top outbound destinations for Korean travellers.
Flight routes from South Korea to Vietnam
Route
Direct?
Airlines
Flight Time
RT Fare Range (KRW)
Seoul (ICN) → Ho Chi Minh City
Yes
Korean Air, Asiana, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet
5h 30m
₩350,000–₩900,000
Seoul (ICN) → Hanoi
Yes
Korean Air, Asiana, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Jeju Air
5h
₩300,000–₩800,000
Seoul (ICN) → Da Nang
Yes
Korean Air, Asiana, VietJet
4h 30m
₩300,000–₩750,000
Busan (PUS) → Ho Chi Minh City
Yes
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet
4h 50m
₩350,000–₩850,000
Busan (PUS) → Hanoi
Yes
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Air Busan
5h
₩300,000–₩800,000
Table 2: Flight routes from South Korea to Vietnam. Sources: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Naver Flight
(December 2025 – February 2026).
Fare ranges reflect economy return tickets sourced from Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Naver Flight
(December 2025 – February 2026). Lowest fares typically found booking 4–6 weeks in advance. Budget carriers
(VietJet, Jeju Air) consistently offer the lowest fares.
5.2 Flight Frequency & Carriers
The Korea–Vietnam route is among the busiest international air corridors in Asia. Seoul Incheon alone offers
over 50 direct flights per week to Vietnamese destinations, with 6+ daily departures to Ho Chi Minh City and
Hanoi. Korean Air and Asiana Airlines provide full-service options, while VietJet Air and Jeju Air offer budget
fares. Vietnam Airlines, as a SkyTeam partner, integrates well with Korean Air for frequent flyer benefits.
Da Nang has become particularly popular with Korean tourists, with year-round direct flights supporting both
dental tourism and beach holidays.
5.3 Cheapest Months to Fly
Based on historical fare data, the cheapest months for flights from Korea to Vietnam are March–May
and September–November (shoulder seasons). Peak pricing occurs during Chuseok (September/October),
Lunar New Year (January/February), and the Korean summer holiday period (July–August). Booking 4–6 weeks in
advance consistently yields the best prices, with VietJet often offering one-way fares from ₩99,000.
5.4 Visa Requirements
South Korean passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days — more
than sufficient for any dental treatment plan. This visa exemption has been extended until March 2028. The
passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the arrival date with at least 2 blank visa pages. For
extended stays or multiple entries, an e-visa (90 days, single or multiple entry) is available online for
approximately US$25–$50, with processing in 3–7 business days.
6. Total Trip Cost Modelling
To demonstrate true all-in economics, we model three common dental tourism scenarios for South Korean patients.
Each model includes return flights, accommodation (mid-range hotel), daily meals, local transport, and the dental
procedure — then compares the total against the same treatment in Korea.
Scenario A: Full Mouth Veneers (20 teeth, porcelain)
Scenario A: Full mouth veneers (20 teeth) total trip cost (KRW)
Origin
Seoul → Ho Chi Minh City
Procedure
20 porcelain veneers (IPS e.max / zirconia)
Return flight
₩500,000
Accommodation
10 nights x ₩80,000/night = ₩800,000
Meals & transport
10 days x ₩35,000/day = ₩350,000
Dental procedure
₩11,829,000 (Picasso midpoint)
Total trip cost
₩13,479,000
Same procedure in Korea
₩34,000,000 (midpoint)
Savings
₩20,521,000 (60%)
Scenario B: Two Implants (OSSTEM) + Two Crowns
Scenario B: Two OSSTEM implants + two zirconia crowns total trip cost (KRW)
Origin
Seoul → Hanoi
Procedure
2 x OSSTEM implants + 2 x zirconia crowns
Return flight
₩450,000
Accommodation
7 nights x ₩70,000/night = ₩490,000
Meals & transport
7 days x ₩35,000/day = ₩245,000
Dental procedure
₩3,604,000 (2 x OSSTEM ₩1,408,000 + 2 x crown ₩394,000)
Total trip cost
₩4,789,000
Same procedure in Korea
₩6,600,000 (midpoint: 2 x ₩2,600,000 + 2 x ₩700,000)
₩5,028,000 (8 x ₩592,000 veneers + ₩296,000 whitening)
Total trip cost
₩6,058,000
Same procedure in Korea
₩14,050,000 (midpoint: 8 x ₩1,700,000 + ₩450,000)
Savings
₩7,992,000 (57%)
Break-Even Threshold
Given flights from ₩300,000 and accommodation from ₩60,000/night, the break-even point — where total trip
cost equals the Korean-only treatment cost — is approximately ₩3,000,000 in Korean dental
treatment. This threshold is most easily reached with cosmetic procedures: even four porcelain veneers
(₩6,800,000 in Korea) produce meaningful savings after travel costs. For basic procedures covered by NHI,
the savings margin is narrower — dental tourism is most compelling for cosmetic and elective work.
7. Patient Satisfaction & Clinical Outcomes
7.1 Picasso Dental Clinic: Clinical Profile
Picasso Dental Clinic has treated over 70,000 patients from 62 countries since opening in
2013. The clinic operates six locations across four cities in Vietnam — Hanoi (Chau Long, Ba Dinh & Embassy
Garden, Bac Tu Liem), Ho Chi Minh City (Thao Dien, District 2), Da Nang (Hoang Dieu, Hai Chau & Vinmec Da
Nang), and Da Lat — staffed by a team of over 30 dentists and specialists including prosthodontists,
periodontists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons.
7.2 Materials & Technology
Picasso uses implant systems from Straumann (Switzerland), Nobel Biocare (Sweden/Switzerland), and
OSSTEM (South Korea). Korean patients will be familiar with OSSTEM — headquartered in Seoul, it is
the world's fourth-largest implant manufacturer and the most widely used implant system in Korean dental clinics.
At Picasso, the same OSSTEM implant costs ₩1,408,000 compared to ₩1,700,000–₩2,500,000 in Korea. Crown and
veneer materials include IPS e.max lithium disilicate and monolithic/layered
zirconia from certified laboratories. Digital workflow includes CBCT scanning, intraoral digital
impressions, and CAD/CAM design.
7.3 Implant Success Rates
Picasso Dental Clinic reports a 95%+ implant success rate consistent with published
international benchmarks. A 2017 meta-analysis in the Journal of International Society of Preventive and
Community Dentistry documented 90–95% implant success rates at 10 years globally. Individual patient outcomes
depend on bone density, oral hygiene, systemic health, and adherence to aftercare protocols.
7.4 Warranties
Picasso Dental Clinic treatment warranty periods
Treatment
Warranty Period
Coverage
Dental implants (Straumann / Nobel Biocare)
10 years
Implant fixture replacement
Dental implants (OSSTEM)
7 years
Implant fixture replacement
Porcelain crowns (zirconia / e.max)
5–15 years
Fracture, material defect
Porcelain veneers
5–10 years
Fracture, debonding, material defect
All-on-4 prostheses
5–10 years
Structural failure of bridge
Warranties subject to patient compliance with recommended follow-up care and oral hygiene
protocols. Full terms provided at consultation.
7.5 Korean Patient Experience
Korean patients represent a growing cohort at Picasso Dental Clinic, drawn by the OSSTEM connection, competitive
veneer pricing, and Dr. Emily Nguyen's Korean Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry training. The clinic provides
English-speaking patient coordinators, WhatsApp-based consultation and follow-up, airport transfers, accommodation
booking assistance, and detailed treatment plans with fixed pricing before patients travel. Vietnam's large Korean
community (over 170,000 Korean residents in Vietnam) ensures cultural familiarity — Korean restaurants, signage,
and services are abundant in Ho Chi Minh City's District 7 and Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem area. For follow-up care,
Picasso provides comprehensive post-treatment documentation that any Korean dentist can use to continue monitoring.
8. Vietnam City Guide for Dental Tourists
Vietnam city comparison for South Korean dental tourists
City
Clinic Location
Flight from ICN
Best For
Avg. Hotel (KRW/night)
Ho Chi Minh City
Thao Dien, District 2
5h 30m direct
Largest Korean community; vibrant nightlife; best transport links
₩60,000–₩120,000
Hanoi
Chau Long (Ba Dinh) & Embassy Garden (Bac Tu Liem)
5h direct
Culture, history, food; Korean embassy area; shorter flight
₩50,000–₩100,000
Da Nang
Hai Chau District & Vinmec Da Nang
4h 30m direct
Beachside recovery; Hoi An; most popular Korean resort destination
Da Nang is an excellent choice for Korean dental tourists — it has the shortest flight time
(4h 30m), is already the most popular Vietnamese destination for Korean holidaymakers, and offers beachside
recovery along My Khe Beach with affordable 4-star hotels from ₩50,000/night. The presence of Korean
restaurants, Korean-speaking services, and direct flights from both Seoul and Busan makes the experience
seamless. Ho Chi Minh City is recommended for patients seeking the largest Korean community
and widest range of accommodation, while Hanoi offers the richest cultural experience with
direct flights in just 5 hours.
9. Risk Mitigation & Due Diligence
9.1 Legitimate Concerns
Korean patients are accustomed to some of the world's highest dental standards. Common concerns about dental
tourism include: variable standards of infection control, communication barriers, difficulty accessing follow-up
care, compressed treatment timelines, and limited regulatory recourse compared to Korea's consumer protection
frameworks. These concerns are valid and patients should conduct thorough due diligence before selecting an
overseas provider.
9.2 How Picasso Dental Addresses These Risks
Infection Control
Picasso operates dedicated sterilisation suites with autoclaves, disposable barrier materials, and
documented sterilisation protocols aligned with international standards. All six clinic locations are inspected
and licensed by Vietnam's Ministry of Health.
Communication
All patient-facing staff are fluent in English. Dedicated international patient coordinators manage the entire
journey — from initial WhatsApp consultation through treatment planning, scheduling, and post-treatment follow-up.
Treatment plans are provided in written English with itemised pricing before patients commit. Vietnam's large
Korean community means Korean-language support is often available locally.
Treatment Timelines
Picasso does not compress multi-stage procedures into unrealistic timeframes. Implant cases typically require
two visits (placement + restoration after osseointegration) separated by 3–6 months. With flight times of
4.5–5.5 hours and visa-free entry for 45 days, return visits are convenient. For procedures that can be completed
in a single visit period (veneers, crowns, root canals), treatment is planned across multiple appointments within
the stay to allow proper clinical sequencing.
Follow-Up Care
Patients receive comprehensive discharge documentation including treatment records, X-rays, material
specifications (implant serial numbers, batch data), and aftercare instructions. This documentation enables any
Korean dentist to provide continuity of care. Picasso also offers remote follow-up via WhatsApp photo review
for ongoing monitoring.
Insurance & Travel Protection
Patients are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical/dental treatment abroad.
Picasso provides all documentation required for insurance claims. The clinic's warranty programme provides
additional protection beyond the treatment date.
10. Conclusions & Recommendations
10.1 Key Findings
This research reveals a nuanced picture for Korean dental tourists. Unlike Western markets where Vietnam offers
50–80% savings across the board, South Korea's own dental pricing is already competitive for basic procedures and
implants (particularly for seniors with NHI coverage). The strongest case for dental tourism from Korea
to Vietnam is in cosmetic and elective procedures — porcelain veneers (54–71% savings), smile makeovers,
teeth whitening, and procedures not covered by NHI. For patients under 65 needing implants, moderate savings
(17–28%) are available, which become more compelling for multi-implant cases where absolute savings accumulate.
10.2 Who Should Consider Dental Tourism to Vietnam?
The strongest candidates are Korean patients requiring: full-mouth or multiple veneers (where
savings of ₩10,000,000–₩30,000,000+ are achievable), smile makeover packages combining veneers
and whitening, multiple implants (for patients under 65 without NHI coverage), or
combination treatments where veneers, crowns, and restorative work can be batched into a single
trip. The case is weaker for patients needing only basic NHI-covered procedures or a single implant where the
savings margin may not justify travel.
10.3 The Korean Advantage
Korean patients have unique advantages as dental tourists in Vietnam: OSSTEM implant familiarity (same
manufacturer, lower price), Dr. Emily Nguyen's Korean Academy training, a large Korean expatriate community
providing cultural comfort, extensive direct flight connectivity from both Seoul and Busan, and 45-day visa-free
entry. Da Nang's popularity as a Korean holiday destination means dental treatment can be combined with a beach
vacation — recovering at a beachfront resort rather than in a Seoul apartment.
10.4 Recommendations
For patients: Obtain an itemised quote from your Korean dentist first, distinguishing between
NHI-covered and self-pay procedures. Then request a remote consultation with Picasso Dental Clinic (via WhatsApp
or email) to receive a comparable treatment plan with fixed KRW pricing. Compare total trip costs — not just
procedure costs — using the modelling framework in Section 6. Focus on the cosmetic and elective procedures
where savings are greatest.
For the industry: The growth of dental tourism from Korea to Vietnam is driven primarily by
the NHI coverage gap for cosmetic procedures. Expanding NHI to include partial coverage for veneers or cosmetic
crowns would reduce outbound dental tourism, though the fundamental cost differential for materials and labour
would likely persist.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
How much can South Koreans save on dental treatment in Vietnam?
Savings vary significantly by procedure type. For cosmetic procedures (veneers, whitening, cosmetic crowns),
Korean patients save 50–75%. For implants (patients under 65), savings are 17–28%. The strongest savings are
on full-mouth veneers, where total trip cost savings can exceed ₩20,000,000 compared to Seoul pricing.
Are there direct flights from South Korea to Vietnam?
Yes — extensive direct flight connectivity exists. Seoul Incheon has over 50 weekly direct flights to Vietnam:
HCMC (5h 30m), Hanoi (5h), and Da Nang (4h 30m). Busan also has direct flights to HCMC and Hanoi. Airlines
include Korean Air, Asiana, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Jeju Air. Return fares start from ₩300,000.
Do South Korean citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
No. South Korean passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for stays up to 45 days — extended until March
2028. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with 2 blank visa pages. For stays
exceeding 45 days, e-visas (90 days) are available online for US$25–$50.
Does Korean NHI cover dental implants?
Partially — but only for patients aged 65 and above. Seniors can receive NHI coverage for up to 2 implants
with a 30% copayment. Patients under 65 must pay 100% out-of-pocket for implants. Veneers, teeth whitening,
and cosmetic procedures are not covered by NHI at any age.
Does Picasso use OSSTEM implants from Korea?
Yes. Picasso Dental Clinic offers OSSTEM implants manufactured by Osstem Implant Co., Ltd. in Seoul. At
Picasso, OSSTEM implants cost ₩1,408,000 with a 7-year warranty — compared to ₩1,700,000–₩2,500,000 at Korean
clinics. The clinic also offers Straumann (Swiss) and Nobel Biocare at ₩2,251,000–₩2,533,000 with 10-year
warranties.
How much do porcelain veneers cost in Vietnam vs Korea?
A single porcelain veneer costs ₩507,000–₩676,000 at Picasso versus ₩1,100,000–₩2,300,000 in Korea (saving
54–71%). A full set of 20 veneers costs ₩10,131,000–₩13,527,000 at Picasso versus ₩22,000,000–₩46,000,000
in Korea. Including flights and accommodation, total trip cost for 20 veneers is approximately ₩13,479,000 —
saving over ₩20,000,000 compared to Korea's midpoint pricing.
What is the minimum dental bill that makes a Vietnam trip worthwhile?
The break-even point for Korean patients is approximately ₩3,000,000 — primarily for cosmetic procedures
not covered by NHI. At this level, Vietnam savings cover the travel costs. For NHI-covered procedures with
lower Korean copayments, the break-even is higher. The strongest case is for veneers, smile makeovers, and
multi-implant cases.
Does Picasso Dental offer treatment warranties?
Yes. 10 years for Straumann and Nobel Biocare implants, 7 years for OSSTEM implants, 5–15 years for
porcelain crowns, 5–10 years for porcelain veneers, and 5–10 years for All-on-4 prostheses. Warranties
cover implant fixture replacement, fracture, debonding, and material defects.
Is it safe to get dental treatment in Vietnam?
Leading clinics like Picasso Dental operate under full Ministry of Health licensure, use internationally
recognised materials (US FDA and European CE approved), and employ digital workflows including CBCT scanning
and CAD/CAM design. Picasso reports a 95%+ implant success rate. Check for: MOH licensing, international
implant brands, written warranties, English-speaking staff, and comprehensive discharge documentation.
Which Vietnam city is best for Korean dental tourists?
Da Nang is the most popular choice — shortest flight (4h 30m), beachside recovery, and already the top
Vietnamese destination for Korean tourists. HCMC has the largest Korean community (District 7) with the
widest range of accommodation. Hanoi offers the richest cultural experience. All cities have direct flights
from Seoul, and dental pricing is identical at all Picasso locations.
How do I get started with Picasso Dental from Korea?
Contact Picasso Dental via WhatsApp (+84 989 067 888) or email. Send your Korean dental quote or X-rays,
and the international team will provide a fixed-price treatment plan in KRW within 48 hours — no obligation,
no hidden fees. All patient-facing staff are fluent in English.
Request a Free Treatment Comparison
Send your Korean dental quote or X-rays to Picasso Dental Clinic's international team. We'll provide a
fixed-price treatment plan in KRW within 48 hours — no obligations, no hidden fees.
[1] National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), South Korea (2025). "Korean National Health Insurance Dental
Coverage." NHIS Korea.
[2] Korean Dental Association (2025). Fee guidelines and practice standards.
[3] IMARC Group (2025). "Vietnam Dental Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast
2025–2034."
[4] TechSci Research (2024). "Vietnam Dental Services Market — Industry Size, Share, Trends and Forecast
2024–2029."
[5] Korea Clinic Guide (2026). "Dental Implant in Korea — Best Clinics, Costs, Procedure Types."
[6] Korea Clinic Guide (2026). "Veneers in Korea — Cost Comparison with USA, Mexico, Turkey, and Beyond."
[7] Gangnam Dental Clinic Guide (2026). "Dental Treatment Costs in Korea 2026 — Complete Price Guide."
[8] PMC/MDPI (2020). "The Impact of Expanded National Health Insurance Coverage of Dentures and Dental Implants
on Dental Care Utilization among Older Adults in South Korea."
[9] Bookimed (2025). "Dental Implant and All-on-4 Costs in Republic of Korea."
[10] Placidway (2025). "What is the Cost of Dental Care in South Korea?"
[11] Google Flights, Skyscanner, Naver Flight — flight pricing accessed December 2025 – February 2026.
[12] Picasso Dental Clinic — published price list (2025–2026) and internal patient records.
Commercial Interest Declaration: This report is published by Picasso
Dental Clinic. While every effort has been made to present accurate, verifiable data from independent sources,
readers should be aware of this commercial relationship when evaluating findings and recommendations.
Data Integrity Statement: All South Korean pricing data is sourced from Korean Dental
Association guidelines, verified third-party clinic pricing databases, and NHIS coverage schedules. Vietnamese
pricing reflects Picasso Dental Clinic's published fee schedule. Flight pricing is sourced from independent
aggregators. No data has been fabricated or selectively omitted.
