How to Book Korean Dermatology Clinics Online: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Planning a trip to Seoul for world-class skin treatments? The first hurdle most international visitors face is figuring out how to book a Korean dermatology clinic online before they even land. Whether you want laser toning in Gangnam, a skin booster session in Apgujeong, or a full K-beauty consultation in Myeongdong, this guide walks you through every booking method available to foreigners in 2026 — from dedicated apps to direct clinic outreach.

Why Book Online Before You Arrive?

Korea's top dermatology clinics are busy. Walk-ins are possible, but popular doctors and time-limited promotions can fill up days or weeks ahead. Booking online gives you several advantages:

• Secure your preferred date and time — especially important during peak tourist seasons (spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage periods)
• Compare prices transparently — several Korean platforms show treatment costs upfront
• Arrange interpretation services — many platforms offer built-in translation or interpreter matching
• Receive a consultation estimate — some services let you get cost quotes from multiple clinics before committing
• Avoid language barriers at the front desk — digital records of your booking make check-in smoother

Major Booking Platforms for International Patients

Several Korean platforms now cater specifically to foreigners looking for dermatology and cosmetic procedures. Here are the most popular options in 2026.

1. Gangnam Unni (강남언니) — Best Overall for Foreigners

Gangnam Unni is Korea's number-one beauty medical app, with over 6 million users and 1.5 million verified patient reviews. In 2023, the company launched a dedicated international version called UNNI, specifically designed to connect foreign patients with Korean clinics.

Key features:

• Available in 6 languages: Korean, English, Japanese, Thai, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese
• Over 3,000 partnered clinics across South Korea
• Real patient reviews with before-and-after photos
• In-app chat consultation with clinics
• Users from 180+ countries have used the platform

How to book step by step:

1. Download "UNNI" or "Gangnam Unni" from the App Store or Google Play
2. Set your language to English (or your preferred language) during setup
3. Select your country/region during registration
4. Browse by treatment type (e.g., "Laser Toning," "Skin Booster," "Filler") or by clinic location
5. Read verified reviews and compare prices across clinics
6. Tap "Chat" on your chosen clinic's page to start a consultation
7. Discuss your treatment goals, schedule, and pricing through the in-app messenger
8. Confirm your appointment date and time

Tip: If you have trouble receiving the SMS verification code on a foreign phone number, contact Gangnam Unni's customer service through their channel at gangnamunni.channel.io.

2. Goodoc (굿닥) — Best for Quick Appointments

Goodoc is one of Korea's largest healthcare apps, with over 10 million downloads and a database of 70,000+ medical facilities. While primarily designed for Korean residents, it is increasingly used by foreigners thanks to its intuitive interface.

Key features:

• Real-time waiting status — see how many patients are ahead of you
• Same-day mobile check-in — register through the app and arrive when your turn is near
• 600,000+ verified patient reviews
• Telemedicine available — 24-hour online consultations for follow-ups
• Family member booking support

How to book step by step:

1. Download Goodoc from the App Store or Google Play
2. Register with your phone number or email
3. Search for "피부과" (dermatology) or use the English search if available
4. Filter by location (Gangnam, Apgujeong, Myeongdong, etc.)
5. Check clinic hours, reviews, and available time slots
6. Tap "접수" (check-in) for same-day visits or "예약" (reservation) for future dates
7. Receive a confirmation notification with your queue number

Tip: Goodoc is strongest for quick same-day bookings. The interface is mostly in Korean, so using your phone's built-in translation feature can help navigate menus.

3. Modoodoc (모두닥) — Best for Price Comparison

Modoodoc stands out for its focus on price transparency. Clinics submit their official price lists to the platform, allowing you to compare treatment costs across multiple dermatology clinics before booking.

Key features:

• Transparent pricing — clinics post their treatment prices directly on the platform
• Over 528,000 verified visitor reviews
• Pre-payment option for some treatments (locks in the quoted price)
• Treatment-specific price tables for procedures like Botox, fillers, laser toning, and skin boosters

How to book step by step:

1. Visit modoodoc.com or download the Modoodoc app
2. Search by treatment type or clinic name
3. Compare prices across multiple clinics — Modoodoc displays price ranges for each procedure
4. Read verified reviews from actual patients
5. Select your preferred clinic and treatment
6. Book and optionally pre-pay through the app to secure the listed price

Tip: Modoodoc is particularly useful for budget-conscious travelers. Comparing prices here before booking through another platform (or directly) ensures you are not overpaying.

Direct Clinic Booking Methods

Not every clinic is listed on the major platforms. Many of Seoul's top-tier dermatology clinics accept bookings directly through their own channels.

Phone Booking

Most Korean clinics have a reception desk that answers calls during business hours (typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM KST, Monday through Saturday). Some clinics have English-speaking staff, but this varies.

• Search the clinic's website for an English-language phone number or international patient line
• Call during Korean business hours — remember the time zone difference (KST is UTC+9)
• Have your information ready: name (as on your passport), date of birth, desired treatment, preferred date, and any medical history relevant to skin treatments

KakaoTalk Booking

KakaoTalk is Korea's dominant messaging app, and many dermatology clinics use it as a primary communication channel. This is often the easiest way for international patients to communicate in writing.

How to use KakaoTalk for clinic booking:

1. Download KakaoTalk and create an account (works with international phone numbers)
2. Search for the clinic's official KakaoTalk channel (listed on their website or Google Maps listing)
3. Send a message in English — many clinic staff can read and respond in basic English, or they will use translation tools
4. Share your treatment goals, travel dates, and any relevant photos (skin concerns)
5. The clinic will respond with available dates, pricing, and preparation instructions

Clinic Website Contact Forms

Many established dermatology clinics in Seoul operate English-language websites with online inquiry or reservation forms. Look for sections labeled "International Patients," "English Consultation," or "Online Reservation."

Fill in the standard fields: name, email, phone number, desired treatment, and preferred visit dates. Most clinics respond within 1 to 3 business days.

Medical Tourism Agencies and Platforms

If you prefer a hands-off approach or need end-to-end support, several agencies specialize in connecting international patients with Korean clinics.

Mediround

Mediround is an online platform for foreign patients that provides multilingual medical interpretation services. They cover 8 departments including dermatology and plastic surgery, and offer a dedicated reservation call center for international patients.

Seoul Medical Tourism Helpdesk

Operated by the Seoul city government, this free service provides one-stop consultations covering everything from your arrival in Korea to your clinic appointment and departure. They offer guidance on partnered medical institutions across Seoul and can help with appointment scheduling.

• Website: korean.visitseoul.net (medical tourism section)
• Services: Clinic recommendations, appointment scheduling, travel assistance

Medical Travel Korea

A newer platform that gained traction quickly, recording 10,000 consultations and 1,000 team bookings within its first two months. It features AI-powered multilingual consultations and is expanding language support to include Spanish, French, and Chinese.

Tips for International Patients

Language

• Gangnam Unni / UNNI is your best bet for a fully English-supported booking experience
• Google Translate's camera mode can translate Korean clinic websites and app interfaces in real time
• KakaoTalk works well for written communication — clinic staff often use translation tools to respond
• Learn a few key Korean phrases: "예약하고 싶어요" (ye-yak-ha-go si-peo-yo) means "I'd like to make a reservation"

Payment

• Most clinics accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) for treatments
• Some platforms like Modoodoc and Yeoshin Ticket offer online pre-payment, which locks in the price
• Cash payments (Korean won) may get you a small discount at some clinics
• As of 2026, the VAT refund on cosmetic procedures for foreigners has ended, so factor the full price into your budget

Documents to Prepare

• Passport — required for registration at all clinics
• Travel insurance details — some clinics ask for this information
• Medical history summary — especially any allergies, current medications, or previous skin treatments
• Reference photos — if you have specific treatment goals, bring clear photos to show your dermatologist

What to Prepare Before Your Appointment

A little preparation goes a long way in getting the most out of your Korean dermatology visit:

1. Research your desired treatment in advance — know the Korean name (e.g., "슈링크" for Shurink, "리쥬란" for Rejuran) to communicate more precisely
2. Save your booking confirmation — screenshot or save the confirmation message from the app, email, or KakaoTalk conversation
3. Arrive 15 minutes early — first-time patients typically need to fill out intake forms
4. Bring a portable Wi-Fi device or Korean SIM card — you will need mobile data for translation apps, maps, and communication
5. Prepare a list of questions — write down anything you want to ask about the procedure, recovery time, aftercare, and follow-up visits
6. Check the clinic's cancellation policy — some clinics charge fees for no-shows or late cancellations

Booking Platform Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I book a Korean dermatology clinic without speaking Korean? A: Yes. Gangnam Unni (UNNI) supports 6 languages including English. Many Gangnam and Apgujeong clinics also have English-speaking coordinators. For other platforms, using Google Translate or communicating via KakaoTalk in simple English works for most situations.

Q: How far in advance should I book? A: For popular clinics and doctors, booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead is recommended. During peak travel seasons (April-May and September-October), book even earlier. Same-day appointments are possible at less popular clinics through Goodoc.

Q: Do I need a Korean phone number to use these apps? A: Gangnam Unni works with international phone numbers. Goodoc and Modoodoc may require a Korean phone number for full functionality, though some features are accessible without one. A Korean SIM card or eSIM purchased on arrival solves this issue.

Q: Are prices on these platforms the final price I pay? A: Prices listed on Modoodoc and Gangnam Unni are generally accurate, but always confirm the total during your consultation. Additional costs may apply depending on treatment areas, anesthesia, or the amount of product used. As of 2026, cosmetic procedures include VAT with no refund for foreigners.

Q: Is it safe to book Korean clinics through these platforms? A: Yes. Gangnam Unni, Goodoc, and Modoodoc are established, regulated platforms used by millions of Korean residents. Clinics listed on these platforms are licensed medical facilities. For extra assurance, verify that your dermatologist is a board-certified specialist through the Korean Dermatological Association's website.

Q: Can I get a consultation before committing to a treatment? A: Absolutely. Most clinics offer an initial consultation (often free or for a small fee of $10 to $30) before any procedure. You can also use the in-app chat on Gangnam Unni to discuss your concerns and get a preliminary quote before visiting in person.

Conclusion

Booking a Korean dermatology clinic online as a foreigner is easier than ever in 2026. With dedicated platforms like Gangnam Unni offering full English support and transparent pricing, plus direct booking options through KakaoTalk and clinic websites, you have multiple paths to secure your appointment. Start with Gangnam Unni for the smoothest English-language experience, cross-reference prices on Modoodoc, and do not hesitate to message clinics directly on KakaoTalk for personalized attention.

Ready to book your first Korean dermatology appointment? Download Gangnam Unni or browse Modoodoc to compare prices, and start your K-beauty journey before you even board the plane.

Last Updated: February 21, 2026 Reading Time: 8 minutes