Varicose Vein FAQ · Choosing Care

How to Choose a Varicose Vein Clinic in Korea

Quick answer: Choose a clinic where a vein specialist personally performs a standing duplex ultrasound, offers more than one treatment method, explains costs after the scan, and provides structured follow-up. For international patients, also check independent accreditation such as JCI or KAHF, interpreter support and how follow-up works once you return home.

Outpatient center of LEDAS varicose vein clinic in Seomyeon, Busan, Korea

Key facts at a glance

  • Doctor: look for a surgeon who focuses on veins and belongs to a phlebology society.
  • Diagnosis: a standing duplex ultrasound of both legs, reviewed by the treating doctor.
  • Methods: a clinic that offers both laser and sclerotherapy can tailor treatment.
  • Accreditation: JCI (international) and KAHF (Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare program for foreign patients) are independent checks.
  • Transparency: written fees for the first visit and a clear quote after ultrasound.
  • Follow-up: a defined schedule of check-up scans, including for overseas patients.

Why does the choice of clinic matter?

Varicose veins are a chronic condition that can return. Experienced vein doctors often trace recurrence to three avoidable causes: an incomplete diagnosis, the wrong treatment plan or method, and no preventive follow-up. A good clinic is designed to address all three. The questions below help you compare clinics fairly, whether in Seoul, Busan or anywhere else.

Who will examine and treat me?

Ask for the name and specialty of the doctor. In Korea, vein specialists are commonly thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons or vascular surgeons. Useful signs of focus:

  • Most of the doctor's practice is vein disease.
  • Membership in a phlebology society, such as the Korean Society for Phlebology.
  • The same doctor performs your ultrasound and your procedure.

At LEDAS, examination and treatment are led by Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon who has treated varicose veins since 2001 and is a founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology. Read what kind of doctor treats varicose veins .

How will my veins be diagnosed?

Treatment is only as good as the map it is based on. Ask:

  1. Is the ultrasound done standing , so reflux can be seen under gravity?
  2. Are both legs and the perforator veins checked, not just the bulging vein?
  3. Can I see and understand the screen during the exam?

LEDAS uses four Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound units and a standing examination table designed in-house. The scan takes about 15–20 minutes, with real-time explanation. See duplex ultrasound exam .

Which treatments are offered?

A clinic with a single tool tends to use it for every problem. Ask what methods are available and how they decide between them.

  • Thermal ablation (laser or radiofrequency) for main leaking saphenous veins.
  • Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for hidden, tortuous or recurrent veins.
  • Liquid sclerotherapy for spider and reticular veins.

LEDAS combines EVLT (1940nm laser), duplex-guided sclerotherapy and sclerotherapy under local anesthesia, with no incision and same-day discharge. It does not offer RFA or medical glue. For neutral comparisons see EVLT vs RFA .

How is safety checked?

Independent accreditation means outside inspectors have assessed a clinic's systems. Ask whether the clinic holds:

  • JCI accreditation – an international standard covering patient safety, infection control and quality of care. LEDAS has been accredited for four consecutive cycles (2015–2028). See JCI accreditation .
  • KAHF accreditation – the Ministry of Health and Welfare program for hospitals serving foreign patients. LEDAS is accredited for 2019–2027.

Also ask about emergency equipment, staff training and infection control.

What will it cost, and what is included?

Be wary of a firm treatment price before any scan. A fair process is a set fee for the first visit and ultrasound, then a written quote. At LEDAS, the first visit (consultation + leg ultrasound) is 180,000 KRW, and treatment averages about 5,500,000 KRW per leg depending on stage, with an exact quote after ultrasound. See what your treatment fee includes .

What happens after treatment?

Ask how often you will be rescanned and what happens if new reflux appears. LEDAS offers a relapse prevention program with ultrasound every 1–2 years, or whenever an overseas patient visits Korea.

Extra checks for international patients

  • Medical interpreting in your language.
  • Help with airport pick-up, accommodation and visa letters.
  • Remote consultation before travel and contact after you return.
  • Medical documents in English for insurers.

See the International Patient Center .

Vein clinic checklist

Question to ask Good sign At LEDAS
Who treats me? Named vein-focused surgeon Dr. Kim Byoung Joon, thoracic & cardiovascular surgeon
How is reflux diagnosed? Standing duplex ultrasound, both legs Philips EPIQ Elite, 15–20 min, real-time explanation
Which methods? More than one, matched to veins EVLT + DGS/UGFS + SCT
Anesthesia and stay? Local, walk out same day Local only, same-day discharge
Independent accreditation? JCI and/or KAHF JCI (4 cycles), KAHF 2019–2027, GHA 2023
Clear pricing? Fixed first-visit fee, quote after scan 180,000 KRW first visit; quote after ultrasound
Follow-up? Scheduled rescans Every 1–2 years or on each visit to Korea

Choosing a vein clinic – frequently asked questions

  • Is a specialist vein clinic better than a large hospital?

    Neither is automatically better. A specialist clinic sees vein patients all day and can be quicker and more focused; a general hospital is better if you have complex medical conditions needing other departments. Compare the doctor, diagnosis, methods and follow-up. See specialist vein clinic vs general hospital.

  • What should I be cautious about when comparing vein clinics?

    Be cautious of firm prices quoted before any ultrasound, promises of a guaranteed cure, pressure to book immediately, or treatment of visible veins without checking for deeper reflux. A careful clinic examines first, explains options and risks, and puts its plan and costs in writing.

  • Can I get a second opinion before deciding?

    Yes, and it is your right as a patient. Bring previous ultrasound reports and images. A second opinion is especially useful if you were advised to have extensive surgery or your veins returned after treatment. See second opinion for varicose veins.

  • What does JCI accreditation mean for a vein clinic?

    JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation means outside surveyors assessed the clinic against international standards for patient safety, infection control and quality of care. It does not rate a doctor's skill, but it shows the clinic's systems have been independently checked.

About this page

Clinical information: LEDAS Varicose Vein Clinic, led by Dr. Kim Byoung Joon , thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, founding member of the Korean Society for Phlebology.
Medical reviewer: Dr. Kim Byoung Joon · Review status: Pending · Last updated: October 2026
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Treatment is decided only after an in-person examination. Read our editorial policy .

Related: Why Korea? · Clinic vs hospital · KAHF & GHA accreditation · Busan vein clinic · Cost in Korea

Ask us anything on your clinic checklist

English consultation available · +82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com