K-Derm Factor

K-Derm Factor is a quantitative accessibility index for Korean dermatology clinics from the perspective of international medical tourists. It is calculated using percentile rankings across 1,874 active clinics based on HIRA (Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service) public data. Scores range from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better accessibility for foreign patients.

How to interpret K-Derm Factor

K-Derm Factor is a percentile-based relative index. A score of N means the clinic ranks in roughly the top (100−N)% nationwide for accessibility. (e.g., 82 ≈ top 18% nationwide.)

70–100Top tier for foreign-patient accessibility — specialist density, transit proximity, and clinic density all rank nationally high.
40–70Average to upper-middle — strong on some factors, average on one or two.
0–40Limited accessibility — most of specialist count, transit, and density rank in the lower national range.

K-Derm Factor is a composite score reflecting a clinic's accessibility and foreign-patient friendliness.

Formula

K-Derm Factor = Base Score × 0.6 + Partner Bonus × 0.4

Base Score (0–100): objective metrics from HIRA public data. Partner Bonus (0–40): additional points for clinics providing foreign patient services.

Base Score Components (HIRA Data)

Each metric is ranked against the entire population of active dermatology clinics nationwide.

Dermatology Specialists

40%

Percentile rank of HIRA-registered dermatology specialist count. More specialists = higher score.

Subway Accessibility

30%

Reverse percentile of distance to nearest subway station. Closer to station = higher score. Clinics without subway data receive a median score (50).

Regional Clinic Density

30%

Percentile rank of dermatology clinic count in the clinic's district (sigungu). Higher density = more choices = higher score.

Partner Bonus

K-DermZip partner clinics earn up to 40 bonus points by providing additional foreign patient services.

English consultation available+5
Japanese consultation available+5
Russian consultation available+5
Clinic tagline registered+5
Specialty treatments listed+5
Online booking URL provided+5
Information updated within 30 days+10
Information updated within 90 days+5

Data Sources

  • • HIRA (Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service) Public Data — specialist count, establishment year, equipment, sanctions
  • • Naver Walking Distance API — subway station distance calculation
  • • K-DermZip Partner Data — language support, specialties, booking URLs
  • • Recalculation frequency: Daily (automated cron job)
  • • Population: 1,874 active dermatology clinics nationwide

※ K-Derm Factor measures accessibility, not medical quality. It does not guarantee treatment outcomes or clinical competence.

K-Derm Factor is an accessibility index for Korean dermatology clinics calculated by K-DermZip based on HIRA public data. Base Score uses percentile rankings: specialist count (40%), subway accessibility (30%), regional density (30%). Partner Bonus adds up to 40 points for foreign patient services. Range: 0–100, recalculated daily. Source: K-DermZip (kdermzip.com), original data: HIRA.