Treatment

What is Stem Cell IV (Regulatory Status)?

Stem cell IV infusions marketed for anti-aging, fatigue or general wellness are not an approved treatment in Korea. Many Koreans traveled to Japan for these infusions for that reason.

An amendment to the Advanced Regenerative Bio Act that took effect on 21 February 2025 opened a legal route to regenerative treatment, but only for patients with serious, rare or intractable diseases, at designated institutions, after review by a national committee.

How it works

Under the amended law, a designated regenerative medicine institution submits a treatment plan backed by clinical research data. The Advanced Regenerative Bio Review Committee must approve it before patients can be treated and charged. Patient consent, adverse event reporting and price disclosure are required, and the government can halt treatment if serious side effects occur.

Products such as cell-based skin boosters or exosome facials sold in Gangnam are a different category and are not stem cell infusions.

Who it suits

Patients with a serious, rare or intractable disease seeking a committee-reviewed treatment
People looking for a registered clinical trial they may qualify for
Anyone checking whether an overseas or local offer is legitimate before paying

Who should skip it or wait

Anti-aging, fatigue or general wellness goals (no approved route)
Anyone offered a stem cell IV without a written approval or trial reference
People with active cancer, unless under an oncology trial

Side effects and risks

Infection or contamination of cell products
Immune reactions and fever
Blood clots or embolism with IV cell infusions
Uncertain long-term effects, including tumor formation
Financial loss for unapproved treatments

Aftercare

Keep all documents naming the product and approval number
Report fever, breathlessness or swelling urgently
Tell your home doctor about any cell therapy received

Planning around your trip

Ask any clinic for its regenerative medicine institution designation and the committee approval for your specific condition before paying anything.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Stem Cell IV (Regulatory Status) questions

Is stem cell IV legal in Korea in 2026?

Not for wellness or anti-aging. Since February 2025, regenerative treatment can be offered only for serious, rare or intractable diseases, at designated institutions, after committee approval.

Who can deliver approved regenerative treatment?

Designated regenerative medicine institutions. There were 112 at the end of 2024, mostly hospitals with the required facilities and staff.

How many stem cell products are approved in Korea?

Only a handful of stem cell therapy products have full product approval, each for a specific indication such as cartilage defects or a heart condition.

Is a stem cell skin booster the same thing?

No. Most Gangnam stem cell facials use culture media or exosome products applied to the skin or injected locally. They are not infusions of living stem cells.

What should I ask if a clinic offers stem cell IV?

Ask for the institution designation, the committee approval or clinical trial number, the cell source, the lab that processed it and the written consent form. Lack of any of these is a warning sign.

Can I join a clinical trial as a foreigner?

Some trials accept foreign participants who meet medical criteria and can attend follow-ups. Trial listings are published by the national clinical trial registry.

Questions before you visit?

Wellness · 줄기세포 정맥주사

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