Hello! I’m Dr. Kuylhee Kim, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Seoul, South Korea. I serve as Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Founder/Chief of the LGBTQ+ Center at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, where I specialize in gender-affirming surgery, breast and chest surgery, body contouring, microsurgical reconstruction, and comprehensive care for transgender and gender-diverse patients.

My journey into LGBTQ+ healthcare began through reconstructive surgery and a desire to improve access to respectful, evidence-based medical care. I believe gender-affirming surgery is more than a technical procedure—it is an important part of helping many patients live authentically, comfortably, and with greater confidence in their daily lives.

My practice includes chest masculinization and revision surgery, breast augmentation, vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, body contouring, and other individualized gender-affirming procedures. I also care for patients seeking breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast and body surgery.

To further develop my expertise, I completed advanced fellowship training in microsurgery and breast reconstruction in the United States, followed by dedicated gender-affirming surgery training at Ghent University Hospital in Belgium, one of Europe’s leading multidisciplinary transgender healthcare centers. These experiences shaped my commitment to combining surgical precision with compassionate, individualized care.

In addition to my clinical work, I am committed to improving LGBTQ+ healthcare in Korea through education, research, and advocacy. I serve as a co-lead investigator in the Korea Transgender Health Research Consortium (KITE), a multicenter research collaboration studying the health outcomes and healthcare experiences of transgender and gender-diverse people. My work also focuses on advancing multidisciplinary models of care and creating more inclusive healthcare environments where patients feel respected, safe, and understood.

My philosophy is simple: every patient deserves honest information, individualized treatment planning, and compassionate care free from judgment. There is no single path that is right for every transgender or nonbinary person, and my role is to help each patient make informed decisions that best align with their goals, health, and personal circumstances.

I welcome LGBTQ+ patients from Korea and around the world. My goal is not only to provide safe, high-quality surgical care, but also to help build a healthcare system where every patient can receive affirming, respectful treatment with dignity and trust.

“I believe the best outcomes come not only from excellent surgery, but from listening carefully, communicating honestly, and building a relationship of trust with every patient.”