International patients · China
Varicose Vein Treatment in Korea for Patients from China
Quick answer: Patients from mainland China can have varicose veins diagnosed and treated at LEDAS in Busan, Korea, with Chinese-speaking medical coordinators. LEDAS has a remote consultation centre in China for pre-travel contact. Treatment combines EVLT laser and sclerotherapy under local anesthesia, with no incision and same-day discharge, followed by long-term ultrasound checks.
Key facts at a glance
- Chinese interpreting: Chinese is one of the three languages LEDAS coordinators interpret medically (with English and Russian).
- Remote centre: China is part of the LEDAS network of 12 consultation centres in 7 countries.
- Doctor: Dr. Kim Byoung Joon, thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon, trained at Pusan National University.
- Equipment: 4 Philips EPIQ Elite ultrasound units and 2 Diotech 1940nm diode lasers.
- Procedure: local anesthesia, no incision, same-day discharge.
- Long-term care: follow-up ultrasound every 1–2 years or on each visit to Korea.
What does LEDAS offer patients travelling from China?
LEDAS is a specialist clinic that does one thing: diagnose and treat diseased leg veins. It offers a detailed ultrasound assessment, treatment without general anesthesia, and continuing aftercare. The clinic has focused on varicose veins since 2001 and has carried out more than 20,000 varicose vein procedures.
For Chinese patients, the biggest practical advantages are language support and proximity. Coordinators help with interpretation at every stage, and Busan is a short flight from many cities in eastern China.
How does the China remote consultation centre help?
The LEDAS consultation centre in China is a local point of contact. It can:
- explain the LEDAS diagnosis, treatment and aftercare process in your language;
- help you gather and send earlier ultrasound reports, letters and leg photos to Busan;
- set up communication with the physician and international team;
- help you plan dates and travel.
You can also contact the clinic directly through the online consultation page. Please note: a final plan is only made after the in-person duplex ultrasound exam.
How do I travel from China to Busan?
Flights
Gimhae International Airport in Busan has regional connections, and some cities in China have direct flights. Others connect through Seoul, then continue by domestic flight or KTX high-speed train. Check current routes when you plan.
Visa
Chinese citizens normally need a visa to visit Korea for medical treatment, but rules and exemptions change. Confirm current requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea. See our medical visa guide.
Arrival and stay
Ask the coordinator about airport pick-up and help with hotel and flight booking. See hospitalization and ward stay for what happens on treatment day.
How is the treatment carried out?
The LEDAS system follows three steps: diagnosis, treatment and relapse prevention.
- Diagnosis: a 15–20 minute ultrasound shows which veins leak and how far. The doctor explains the screen as you watch.
- Treatment: EVLT closes the main faulty vein with a laser fibre. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy treats hidden branch veins, and sclerotherapy treats visible spider veins.
- Relapse prevention: regular ultrasound checks look for new leaking veins.
All of this is done under local anesthesia, without incisions. You walk after treatment and are discharged the same day.
What should I expect after going home to China?
Mild pulling pain along the treated vein for 1–2 weeks is common, and treated veins may feel firm or look darker while they heal. Walk lightly every day for 2–4 weeks and wear compression stockings as advised. Your coordinator remains available if you have questions, and follow-up ultrasound is recommended every 1–2 years or whenever you return to Korea.
Seek emergency help at once if you notice sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or one leg becoming very swollen, red and painful.
The three LEDAS methods explained
| Method | What it treats | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| EVLT | Main leaking saphenous veins | Laser fibre seals the vein from inside; body absorbs it over time |
| DGS / UGFS | Hidden veins between muscles | Ultrasound-guided injection of sclerosing medicine (often foam) |
| SCT | Visible reticular and spider veins | Direct injection of sclerosing medicine |
| Compression stockings | Support after treatment | Graduated pressure helps treated veins close and absorb |
Patients from China – frequently asked questions
Do LEDAS staff speak Chinese?
Yes. Chinese is one of the three languages in which LEDAS international coordinators provide medical interpreting. They can help during the ultrasound, treatment, aftercare training and follow-up contact. Formal medical documents are issued in Korean or English, so arrange translation if you need a Chinese version.
Can I send my Chinese hospital scans before travelling?
Yes. Earlier reports and images help the team understand your history. Send them through the China consultation centre or the online consultation form. LEDAS will still repeat the ultrasound in Busan, because treatment is planned only on an up-to-date, in-person scan.
Does LEDAS offer radiofrequency or glue treatment?
No. LEDAS uses EVLT laser together with sclerotherapy. Radiofrequency ablation and cyanoacrylate glue are recognised methods elsewhere, and our EVLT vs RFA page compares them, but they are not offered at this clinic.
How do I pay as a patient from China?
Ask the coordinator about payment options before you travel. The first visit with leg ultrasound costs 180,000 KRW and treatment averages about 5,500,000 KRW per leg, with an exact quote after ultrasound. See payment and billing.
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: Patients from Taiwan · Patients from Vietnam · Patients from Mongolia · Interpreter services · International patients
Talk to a Chinese-speaking coordinator about your legs
+82-70-4895-5086 · kbjledaspm@gmail.com
