Any experience with dental clinics in Seoul as a foreigner?

Dental care in Korea is generally excellent and much cheaper than in many Western countries, even without insurance. A basic checkup and cleaning runs about 30,000 to 50,000 won with insurance, and even without it the prices are very reasonable. For fillings, expect around 100,000 to 200,000 won depending on the material.

For English-speaking dentists, areas like Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hongdae have clinics that cater to foreigners. Search for 치과 on Naver Map and check the reviews, or ask in expat Facebook groups for recommendations. Many Korean dentists actually studied abroad and speak decent English even if their clinic does not specifically advertise it. Appointments are usually quick to get, often within a few days, and walk-ins are accepted at many places. If you have NHIS, dental coverage includes basic procedures like cleanings and fillings. Cosmetic work like whitening or veneers is not covered but still significantly cheaper than the US or Europe. One thing to note is that Korean dentists tend to be more conservative with treatment recommendations compared to some countries, which many expats actually appreciate.