Home to the largest plastic surgery clinic in East Asia and one of the world's most dense congregations of cosmetic practices, Seoul has been called the "Mecca" of Asian plastic surgery.

Apgujeong-dong, Seoul's glitzy center of fashion, is filled with plastic surgery offices, dermatology clinics, hair salons, high-end shopping, and just about any type of business associated with the beauty industry.

More than half of South Korea's cosmetic surgery clinics are located here, many with waiting rooms that resemble discos with molded polycarbonate chairs, pink neon floor lights, and names that sound more like boutique dress shops than medical facilities.

Most plastic surgery practices in Seoul are single doctor ventures, but a few are huge commercial enterprises occupying entire tall buildings.

Vaguely surreal, the area had become a favorite place for tourists to visit and photograph. Seoul Video

"Plastic surgery in South Korea" is, essentially, synonymous with "plastic surgery in Seoul."