MOHW-designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution · 2026

Stem Cell Therapy in Gangnam Seoul, Korea

Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare designates the clinics that may provide advanced regenerative care. If you are travelling for stem cell therapy, this page explains what that means for you as a foreign patient.

  • 2 MD-PhD directors
  • 2007 In Gangnam since
  • 4 Languages
  • 3 mo Free follow-up
Stem Cell Therapy at Gangnam Celliting Clinic, Gangnam Seoul
In brief

Stem Cell Therapy, at a glance

Gangnam Celliting Clinic · 121 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Gangnam Station Exit 12 (4-min walk)

In Korea, the Ministry of Health and Welfare designates medical institutions for advanced regenerative medicine, which gives patients a clear point to check before booking. Gangnam Celliting Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul received this designation on June 15, 2026 and uses an autologous, blood-derived method with no donor material.

  • Designation MOHW, June 15, 2026
  • Designating body Ministry of Health and Welfare
  • Cell source Your own blood, minimally manipulated
  • Languages English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese
Why Korea

Why do international patients travel to Korea for stem cell care?

Mainly because Korea combines government-designated clinics with experienced aesthetic doctors and practical travel. Many patients look for a regulated setting, a doctor they can meet in person, and a trip that fits into a week.

A clear point to check

The Ministry of Health and Welfare publicly designates institutions for advanced regenerative medicine.

Doctor-led care

At Celliting, two MD-PhD directors personally consult and treat, so you meet the doctor responsible for your care.

Easy to reach

Seoul has direct flights from much of Asia and beyond, and Gangnam is well connected by subway.

The rules

What does government designation mean for stem cell treatment?

In simple terms, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) reviews medical institutions and designates those that may take part in advanced regenerative medicine. The details are technical and can change, so treat this as a general guide, not legal advice.

  1. Government review MOHW reviews an institution before designating it for advanced regenerative medicine, with safety as a central aim.
  2. Institution designation MOHW reviews and designates medical institutions. Celliting was designated on June 15, 2026.
  3. Controlled handling Designated clinics are expected to handle cells under defined conditions. Celliting prepares cells in four sterile rooms.
  4. Doctor responsibility A physician assesses each patient and is accountable for the treatment decision.
Designation is a baseline for trust, not a guarantee of results. Your doctor still decides whether treatment suits you.
The method

What does autologous, blood-derived stem cell care mean?

It means the cells come from your own blood, not from a donor, an embryo or a lab-grown line. At Celliting, there is no fat extraction and the material is minimally manipulated, meaning it is prepared rather than heavily altered or expanded.

Question At Gangnam Celliting
Whose cells? Your own (autologous)
Collected from? A blood draw
Donor material? None
Fat extraction? Not needed
Systems used Miracell and NovaStem

Programs cover the face, scalp and hair, and IV wellness. Compare them on the stem cell treatments page, or read about the stem cell regenerative medicine approach in more depth.

Comparing offers

How can you tell a regulated stem cell offer from an unregulated one?

Look for transparency. Wherever you are considering treatment, a regulated provider should answer basic questions clearly and in writing. Every country has excellent and less careful providers, so judge the clinic, not the country.

  • Can they show a government designation or the authority they operate under?
  • Do they state the source of the cells and whether a donor is involved?
  • Can they name the system or product used?
  • Is a doctor present for consultation and treatment?
  • Do they give written consent, aftercare and records?
  • Do they avoid promises to cure disease or stop ageing?
Is it right for you?

Could regulated stem cell care in Korea suit you?

Often a good fit

  • You want treatment at a government-designated institution
  • You prefer your own blood-derived cells over donor material
  • Your goals are aesthetic or general wellness, not treating a disease
  • You can spend several days in Seoul

Talk to your doctor first

  • Any current or past cancer
  • Blood disorders or anticoagulant medicine
  • Autoimmune or chronic illness under treatment
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Hopes that stem cells will cure a medical condition

Suitability is a medical decision made by your doctor after an in-person consultation and review of your health history.

Step by step

Your stem cell therapy trip to Seoul

01

Pre-trip questions

Send your medical history and goals; ask for the method and system in writing.

02

Arrive in Gangnam

The clinic is about a 4-minute walk from Gangnam Station Exit 12, on the 11th and 13th floors of the WON Building.

03

Consultation with a medical director

Suitability, risks and alternatives are explained before you sign consent.

04

Blood draw and preparation

Your blood is processed in the clinic's sterile rooms using Miracell or NovaStem.

05

Treatment and aftercare

Delivered by the same doctor, with written aftercare in your language.

06

Home follow-up

Free 3-month follow-up and a 24-hour contact line after you leave Korea.

Why Celliting

Why patients choose Gangnam Celliting Clinic

01

Safety first, always

No serious complication since 2007. FDA/KFDA-cleared devices and verifiable, genuine consumables.

02

Two MD-PhDs, every step

Dr. Ho-chan Kim and Dr. Young-mi Rhee personally consult and treat. Nothing is handed off.

03

Government-designated

Named an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in June 2026.

For international patients

Practical notes for foreign stem cell patients

Bring a list of your medicines, recent blood test results if you have them, and any letters from your own doctor. Avoid scheduling treatment on the day you land, since rest helps. Consultation is available in English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese, and the clinic is one of 21 Gangnam-gu Official Partner Clinics for International Patients. Keep your consent form and treatment summary for your doctor at home.

  • Message us first Send photos and travel dates on WhatsApp before you fly.
  • Doctor-reviewed plan Get a suggested plan in advance, confirmed in person.
  • Your language English, 中文, 日本語 and Tiếng Việt support.
  • Follow-up at home Free 3-month follow-up and a 24-hour line.
FAQ

Stem Cell Therapy: your questions, answered

Reviewed by Dr. Ho-chan Kim, MD, PhD · Updated October 2026

Is stem cell therapy legal in Korea for foreigners?

Yes. Foreign patients can receive regenerative treatment at institutions designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Gangnam Celliting Clinic holds this designation, dated June 15, 2026. Whether a specific treatment suits you is still decided by the doctor.

How can I check that a clinic is designated?

Ask the clinic for its designation details and date. Gangnam Celliting Clinic was designated an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on June 15, 2026, and can explain what this covers during consultation.

Does the clinic use donor or embryonic stem cells?

No. Celliting's programs are autologous: the cells come from your own blood. There is no donor material, no embryonic material and no fat extraction, and the material is minimally manipulated.

Can stem cell therapy cure a disease?

Celliting's stem cell programs are aimed at aesthetic and general wellness goals, not curing disease. Be cautious of any provider who promises a cure. If you have a medical condition, discuss it with your own specialist first.

How many days should I stay in Seoul?

Plan several days so consultation, treatment and a short rest fit comfortably before your flight. The exact time depends on the program and any other treatments you add. The clinic can suggest a schedule once it knows your dates.

Cell by cell

Ask a doctor about stem cell therapy

Send your questions and health history on WhatsApp (+82-10-4567-3237) or through the consultation form, and a doctor will explain your options before you book flights.

Medical information on this page is provided by Gangnam Celliting Clinic and reviewed by our medical directors. It is not a substitute for an in-person medical consultation. Individual results vary, and all procedures carry potential risks and side effects that your doctor will explain before treatment.