Best Clinics for Acne Scars in Seoul: Expert Treatment Options & Reviews
If you are searching for an acne scar clinic in Seoul, you are looking in the right place. South Korea is widely regarded as a global leader in dermatology and cosmetic procedures, and Seoul is home to dozens of clinics that specialize exclusively in acne scar revision. With advanced laser technology, innovative techniques like subcision and micro-needling RF, and board-certified dermatologists with decades of experience, Korean clinics routinely deliver results that rival or exceed what is available in Western countries -- often at a fraction of the cost.
This guide covers the types of acne scars, the most effective treatments available, and a curated list of the best clinics in Seoul for scar treatment in 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about acne scar treatments and clinics in Seoul. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any medical or cosmetic procedure. Individual results may vary.
Understanding Acne Scar Types
Before selecting a clinic, it is essential to understand which type of acne scarring you have. Korean dermatologists classify scars into three main categories, and each requires a different treatment approach:
Boxcar Scars (박스형 흉터)
Wide, rectangular depressions with sharply defined edges. These are the most common type and respond well to fractional laser and punch excision techniques.
Ice Pick Scars (송곳형 흉터)
Narrow, deep pits that extend into the dermis. These are the most challenging to treat and typically require TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) or punch grafting in combination with laser resurfacing.
Rolling Scars (롤링형 흉터)
Broad, undulating depressions caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin downward. Subcision is the gold standard treatment for this type, often combined with filler or fractional laser.
Treatment Options Available in Seoul
Korean dermatologists typically use a combination approach rather than a single modality. Here are the most common treatments offered:
- Fractional CO2 Laser (프락셀): Creates micro-columns of thermal damage to stimulate collagen remodeling. Starting from ₩70,000-200,000 ($55-$155) per session.
- Pico Laser (피코 레이저): Ultra-short pulse laser that breaks down scar tissue with minimal downtime. ₩120,000-350,000 ($90-$270) per session.
- Fractional RF Micro-needling (프락셔널 고주파): Combines radiofrequency energy with micro-needling for deep dermal stimulation. ₩100,000-200,000 ($75-$155) per session.
- Subcision (서브시전): A NOKOR needle is inserted beneath the skin to release the fibrous bands pulling scars downward. Ideal for rolling scars.
- TCA CROSS: Trichloroacetic acid is precisely applied inside ice pick scars to stimulate collagen from the bottom up.
- Punch Excision / Punch Elevation: Surgical removal or elevation of individual deep scars.
- Dermal Regeneration Therapy (DRT): A proprietary technique developed by CNP Skin (Cha & Park), combining micro-needling with growth factors for collagen regeneration.
Most dermatologists recommend 3 to 5 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for optimal results. Combination protocols mixing laser, subcision, and chemical treatments tend to produce the best outcomes.
Top 8 Clinics for Acne Scars in Seoul
1. Yonsei Star Dermatology (연세스타피부과)
- Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Gangnam Station area)
- Specialties: Signature "Original Pinhole Treatment" for acne scars, fractional laser resurfacing, subcision, TCA CROSS, punch elevation
- Price Range: ₩200,000-800,000 ($155-$615) per session depending on treatment combination
- English Support: Available (call ahead to confirm)
- Why Choose Them: Over 23 years of clinical experience focused specifically on scar treatment. Their proprietary Pinhole technique has been refined over two decades and combines micro-ablative laser with targeted subcision. Research published in European dermatology journals.
2. You Clinic (유클리닉)
- Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Specialties: Air Fraxel (Erbium Air Cell), Encore Sculpting, Air Subcision, customized scar-type protocols
- Price Range: ₩300,000-800,000 ($230-$615) per session for combination treatments
- English Support: Limited (bring a translator or use translation apps)
- Why Choose Them: Dr. Yoo Hyun-seok has spent 12+ years developing proprietary scar treatment techniques. The clinic has accumulated extensive case data for every scar type and provides highly customized treatment plans combining multiple modalities in a single session.
3. PHD Dermatology Clinic (PHD피부과)
- Location: Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Specialties: Over 8 different acne scar treatment methods, precise differential diagnosis by Seoul National University-trained dermatologists
- Price Range: ₩250,000-700,000 ($190-$540) per session
- English Support: Available
- Why Choose Them: The medical team includes dermatologists with PhDs from Seoul National University Medical School and former clinical directors at university hospitals. Their strength lies in accurate scar classification and selecting the optimal combination therapy for each patient.
4. CNP Skin / Cha & Park Dermatology (차앤박피부과)
- Location: Multiple branches across Seoul (Gangnam, Myeongdong, Sinsa, and more)
- Specialties: DRT (Dermal Regeneration Therapy), S-DRT (Speed DRT with reduced downtime), fractional laser, chemical peels
- Price Range: ₩200,000-600,000 ($155-$460) per session
- English Support: Available at major branches (Gangnam, Myeongdong)
- Why Choose Them: One of Korea's most recognized dermatology chains with 25+ years of acne treatment experience. Their proprietary DRT system targets scar remodeling, pore reduction, and collagen regeneration. The S-DRT variant offers similar results with shorter recovery time, making it ideal for medical tourists with limited downtime.
5. The Heal Dermatology (더힐피부과)
- Location: Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu (Sinsa Station Exit 6, 5-minute walk) and Dongdaemun branch
- Specialties: InMode, laser toning, acne management programs, scar treatment protocols
- Price Range: ₩150,000-500,000 ($115-$385) per session
- English Support: Limited at Sinsa branch; Dongdaemun branch director has international military medical experience (UN peacekeeping force dermatology chief in Lebanon)
- Why Choose Them: Board-certified dermatologist with 1:1 personalized consultations. The clinic is located on the first floor for easy accessibility and offers comprehensive acne management from active breakouts through scar revision.
6. Oracle Dermatology (오라클피부과)
- Location: Multiple locations across Seoul including Gangnam
- Specialties: Fractional laser, micro-needling, skin boosters, comprehensive cosmetic dermatology
- Price Range: ₩200,000-700,000 ($155-$540) per session
- English Support: Full English support with dedicated international patient coordinators
- Why Choose Them: One of Korea's largest medical service groups with branches both domestically and internationally. Their international patient division handles everything from consultation to aftercare in English, making them one of the most accessible options for foreign visitors.
7. Renovo Dermatology (레노보피부과)
- Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Specialties: Acne treatment, blue laser therapy, ultrasonic scale removal, blackhead removal, scar management
- Price Range: ₩150,000-500,000 ($115-$385) per session
- English Support: Full English support with personal assistants who guide patients through the entire procedure
- Why Choose Them: Each international patient is assigned a personal assistant who handles the entire process in English, from registration to post-treatment care instructions. This makes Renovo one of the most foreigner-friendly clinics in Seoul for acne scar treatment.
8. Yonsei Zium Dermatology (연세지움피부과)
- Location: Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Specialties: Acne scar treatment, fractional laser, partial scar treatment at affordable prices
- Price Range: ₩100,000-400,000 ($75-$310) per session
- English Support: Limited
- Why Choose Them: Known for offering effective scar treatments at more affordable prices compared to Gangnam clinics. Their laser techniques have been recognized in European academic journals. They also offer partial scar treatment options, meaning you can treat specific problem areas rather than full-face, which reduces costs significantly.
Price Comparison Table
| Treatment | Price per Session (KRW) | Price per Session (USD) | Sessions Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fractional CO2 Laser | ₩70,000-200,000 | $55-$155 | 3-5 |
| Pico Laser | ₩120,000-350,000 | $90-$270 | 3-5 |
| Fractional RF Micro-needling | ₩100,000-200,000 | $75-$155 | 3-5 |
| Subcision | ₩200,000-500,000 | $155-$385 | 1-3 |
| Combination Protocol | ₩300,000-800,000 | $230-$615 | 3-5 |
| DRT (Cha & Park) | ₩200,000-500,000 | $155-$385 | 3-5 |
| TCA CROSS | ₩100,000-300,000 | $75-$230 | 2-4 |
Prices as of February 2026 at approximately ₩1,300 = $1 USD. Actual costs vary by clinic, treatment area, and scar severity. Contact clinics directly for current pricing and consultation.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
When you visit an acne scar clinic in Seoul for the first time, the process typically follows these steps:
- Registration and Medical History: Fill out forms about your skin history, previous treatments, allergies, and current medications. Larger clinics offer these forms in English.
- Skin Analysis: The dermatologist will examine your scars under magnification and sometimes use a VISIA skin analysis machine to map scar depth and distribution.
- Scar Classification: Your scars will be categorized by type (boxcar, ice pick, rolling) and severity to determine the optimal treatment protocol.
- Treatment Plan Presentation: You will receive a detailed plan outlining which combination of treatments is recommended, the number of sessions, expected results, downtime, and total cost.
- Same-Day Treatment: Many clinics can begin treatment on the same day as your consultation if you choose to proceed. However, you are never obligated to start immediately.
Tip for international visitors: Book your consultation at least 2-3 days before your planned treatment date. This gives you time to compare recommendations from multiple clinics before committing. Many clinics offer free or low-cost initial consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many treatment sessions will I need for visible improvement? A: Most patients see noticeable improvement after 3 to 5 sessions. However, deep ice pick scars may require additional sessions. Your dermatologist will provide a realistic timeline during your consultation.
Q: How much downtime should I plan for after treatment? A: Fractional laser treatments typically involve 3 to 7 days of redness and peeling. Subcision may cause bruising for 1 to 2 weeks. Plan your trip to allow at least one week of recovery time after your last treatment session.
Q: Can I combine acne scar treatments with other procedures during my visit? A: Yes, many patients combine scar treatment with skin boosters like Rejuran or treatments like Shurink for skin tightening. Discuss this with your dermatologist to create an efficient treatment schedule.
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to visit these clinics? A: Not necessarily. Clinics like Oracle, Renovo, and CNP Skin have dedicated English-speaking staff. For clinics with limited English support, consider using a medical tourism agency or a Korean-speaking friend. Translation apps also work well for basic communication.
Q: Are acne scar treatments in Seoul safe for darker skin tones? A: Yes, but it is crucial to inform your dermatologist about your skin type. Korean dermatologists are experienced with Asian skin tones and can adjust laser settings accordingly. Pico lasers and fractional RF are generally safer for darker skin compared to ablative CO2 lasers.
Q: How do Seoul prices compare to Western countries? A: Acne scar treatments in Seoul typically cost 40-60% less than comparable procedures in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia, even when factoring in travel costs. A combination protocol that might cost $2,000-$4,000 per session in the US can be obtained for $300-$800 in Seoul.
Conclusion
Seoul offers some of the most advanced and affordable acne scar treatments in the world. Whether you are dealing with shallow boxcar scars or deep ice pick scarring, the city's board-certified dermatologists have the experience, technology, and combination protocols to deliver meaningful improvement. Clinics like Yonsei Star and You Clinic offer decades of specialized scar revision expertise, while Oracle and Renovo provide full English-language support for a seamless international patient experience.
The key to successful treatment is choosing the right clinic for your specific scar type and severity. We recommend consulting with at least two clinics before committing to a treatment plan, and always verify that your dermatologist is a board-certified specialist (피부과 전문의).
Ready to start your acne scar treatment journey in Seoul? Book a consultation with one of the clinics listed above and take the first step toward smoother, clearer skin.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about acne scar treatments available in Seoul, South Korea. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before undergoing any cosmetic or medical procedure. Results vary depending on individual skin conditions, scar severity, and treatment response.
Last Updated: February 13, 2026 Reading Time: 8 minutes