Acne Treatment Prices in Korea 2025: Complete Cost Guide & Comparison

Acne treatment in Korea offers exceptional value compared to Western countries, with comprehensive treatment options ranging from affordable prescription medications to advanced laser therapies. Whether you're dealing with active acne or seeking to treat acne scars, Korean dermatology clinics provide world-class care at prices 40-70% lower than the United States.

This comprehensive guide breaks down all acne treatment costs in Korea for 2025, helping you budget for your skincare journey and understand exactly what to expect.

Quick Price Overview

Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD

Active Acne Treatment Costs

1. Prescription Medications

Korean dermatologists commonly prescribe oral medications for moderate to severe acne:

Isotretinoin (이소티논/Accutane)

• Average Price: ₩4,000-₩22,000 ($3-$17) per month
• Lowest Price: ₩4,000 ($3) in Seoul clinics
• Special Offer: Some platforms offer prescriptions from ₩1,510 ($1.16) with points
• Treatment Duration: 4-6 months typically

Common Brand Names:

• Isotinoin (이소티논)
• Tren (트렌)
• Nimegen (니메겐)
• Roaccutane (로아큐탄)

What's Included:

• Initial consultation
• Prescription (30-day supply)
• Basic blood test monitoring (may cost extra)

Compare to US: Isotretinoin in the US costs $30-$100 per month without insurance, or $200-$400 with blood work.

Antibiotic Therapy

• Doxycycline/Minocycline: ₩5,000-₩15,000 ($4-$12) per month
• Topical Antibiotics: ₩10,000-₩30,000 ($8-$23) per prescription
• Combination Therapy: ₩15,000-₩40,000 ($12-$31) per month

2. In-Clinic Procedures for Active Acne

Inflammation/Cortisone Injections (염증 주사)

• Single Injection: ₩8,000-₩10,000 ($6-$8) per spot
• 3 Injections: ₩11,000 ($8.50)
• 4+ Injections: ₩22,000 ($17)
• Results: Reduces inflammation within 24-48 hours
• Ideal For: Large, painful cystic acne

Extraction & Deep Cleansing

• Basic Extraction: ₩30,000-₩50,000 ($23-$38)
• Medical Extraction + LED: ₩50,000-₩80,000 ($38-$62)
• Comprehensive Acne Care: ₩44,000-₩70,000 ($34-$54)
• Frequency: Weekly to bi-weekly during active breakouts

Aqua Peel + Acne Management

• Single Session: ₩70,000 ($54)
• 5-Session Package: ₩300,000 ($231)
• 10-Session Package: ₩550,000 ($423)

3. PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)

PDT uses light-activated medication to target acne bacteria and reduce oil production.

Pricing Breakdown:

• Average Cost: ₩233,855 ($180) per session
• Price Range: ₩14,700-₩590,000 ($11-$454)
• Recommended Sessions: 3-5 sessions
• Session Intervals: 1-2 weeks apart

Why Such Variation?

• Face area only: Lower end ($11-$100)
• Full face + medication: Mid-range ($150-$250)
• Full face + neck + premium photosensitizer: Higher end ($300-$454)

PDT Package Deals:

• 3 Sessions: ₩600,000 ($462)
• 5 Sessions: ₩900,000 ($692)
• Savings: 20-30% vs individual sessions

4. Laser Treatments for Active Acne

CO2 Laser / Laser Toning

• Per Session: ₩100,000-₩200,000 ($77-$154)
• Package (5 sessions): ₩400,000-₩800,000 ($308-$615)
• Targets: Active acne, prevents scarring, reduces redness

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

• Single Treatment: ₩150,000-₩250,000 ($115-$192)
• Package (5 sessions): ₩600,000-₩1,000,000 ($462-$769)
• Benefits: Reduces inflammation, kills bacteria, improves skin tone

Comprehensive Acne Package (12 Sessions)

• Price: ₩1,300,000 ($1,000)
• Includes: 5 laser sessions + 7 professional acne care treatments
• Duration: 3-4 months
• Best For: Moderate to severe acne requiring intensive treatment

Acne Scar Treatment Costs

Treating acne scars requires more advanced procedures and typically involves multiple sessions over several months.

1. Fraxel Laser (프락셀)

Fraxel is the gold standard for acne scar treatment, using fractional laser technology to resurface skin.

Pricing:

• Single Session: ₩500,000-₩700,000 ($385-$538)
• 3-Session Package: ₩1,600,000 ($1,231) - Save ₩500,000
• 5-Session Package: ₩2,500,000 ($1,923)

Fraxel Dual (Dual Wavelength)

• Per Session: ₩700,000-₩900,000 ($538-$692)
• 3 Sessions: ₩1,900,000 ($1,462)
• Features: Treats both epidermal (1927nm) and dermal (1550nm) layers

Treatment Details:

• Downtime: 3-7 days of redness/peeling
• Sessions Needed: 3-5 for moderate scars, 5-8 for severe
• Interval: 4-6 weeks between sessions
• Best For: Rolling scars, boxcar scars, shallow ice pick scars

2. Secret RF Microneedling (시크릿)

Radiofrequency microneedling penetrates deeper than traditional lasers, ideal for textured scars.

Pricing:

• Full Face: ₩400,000-₩600,000 ($308-$462) per session
• Face + Neck: ₩600,000-₩800,000 ($462-$615)
• 3-Session Package: ₩1,200,000 ($923)
• 5-Session Package: ₩1,800,000 ($1,385)

Treatment Variations:

• Secret DUO: ₩500,000-₩700,000 ($385-$538)
• Secret PRIME: ₩700,000-₩900,000 ($538-$692)

What to Expect:

• Downtime: 2-5 days
• Sessions: 3-4 minimum
• Results: Gradual improvement over 3-6 months
• Best For: Deep boxcar scars, rolling scars, skin tightening

3. Subcision (서브시전)

Subcision surgically releases fibrous bands underneath depressed scars.

Pricing:

• Small Area (5-10 scars): ₩200,000-₩300,000 ($154-$231)
• Medium Area (10-20 scars): ₩400,000-₩600,000 ($308-$462)
• Full Face: ₩600,000-₩1,000,000 ($462-$769)

Often Combined With:

• Subcision + Fraxel: ₩900,000-₩1,200,000 ($692-$923)
• Subcision + Filler: ₩800,000-₩1,500,000 ($615-$1,154)
• Subcision + TCA CROSS: ₩500,000-₩800,000 ($385-$615)

Treatment Info:

• Anesthesia: Local numbing
• Downtime: 1-2 weeks (bruising common)
• Sessions: 1-3 typically
• Best For: Deep, tethered boxcar scars and rolling scars

4. TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction)

High-concentration trichloroacetic acid targets deep, narrow ice pick scars.

Pricing:

• Per Scar: ₩10,000-₩20,000 ($8-$15)
• Up to 20 Scars: ₩200,000-₩300,000 ($154-$231)
• 20-50 Scars: ₩400,000-₩600,000 ($308-$462)
• Unlimited: ₩700,000-₩1,000,000 ($538-$769)

Treatment Details:

• Concentration: 70-100% TCA
• Downtime: 7-10 days (scabs form)
• Sessions: 2-4, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
• Best For: Deep ice pick scars

5. CO2 Fractional Laser

Pricing:

• Full Face: ₩300,000-₩500,000 ($231-$385) per session
• 3-Session Package: ₩800,000 ($615)
• 5-Session Package: ₩1,200,000 ($923)

Aggressive Resurfacing:

• Deep CO2: ₩800,000-₩1,500,000 ($615-$1,154)
• Note: Longer downtime (1-2 weeks), dramatic results

6. Combination Scar Treatment Packages

Most clinics offer customized packages combining multiple treatments:

"Air Fraxel" Package

• Components: Erbium laser + Air Subcision + Fraxel Dual
• Price: ₩1,200,000-₩2,000,000 ($923-$1,538) per session
• Sessions: 3-5 recommended

Premium Scar Protocol

• Components: Subcision + Secret RF + Laser Toning
• Price: ₩2,500,000-₩4,000,000 ($1,923-$3,077) for 5-session package

Budget-Friendly Option

• Components: Laser toning + Chemical peel + LED therapy
• Price: ₩600,000-₩900,000 ($462-$692) for 5 sessions

Regional Price Variations in Korea

Seoul Districts

Gangnam/Cheongdam (Premium)

• Fraxel: ₩700,000-₩900,000 ($538-$692)
• Premium facilities, celebrity clientele
• English-speaking staff common

Apgujeong/Sinsa (Mid-High)

• Fraxel: ₩600,000-₩800,000 ($462-$615)
• Trendy clinics, good quality-price ratio

Sinchon/Hongdae (Budget-Friendly)

• Fraxel: ₩500,000-₩650,000 ($385-$500)
• Student discounts available
• 20-30% cheaper than Gangnam

Myeongdong (Tourist-Focused)

• Fraxel: ₩550,000-₩750,000 ($423-$577)
• English support, convenient location
• Moderate pricing

Other Korean Cities

Busan

• Generally 10-15% cheaper than Seoul
• Fraxel: ₩450,000-₩600,000 ($346-$462)

Daegu

• 15-20% cheaper than Seoul
• Excellent value with quality care

Daejeon

• Similar to Daegu pricing
• Growing medical tourism hub

Korea vs International Price Comparison

Complete Treatment Cost Comparison

Sample Treatment Budget

Light Acne Scarring (3-month treatment)

• Korea: $1,200-$1,800
• US: $3,000-$5,000
• Savings: $1,800-$3,200 (60%)

Moderate Acne Scarring (6-month treatment)

• Korea: $2,500-$4,000
• US: $6,000-$10,000
• Savings: $3,500-$6,000 (60%)

Severe Acne Scarring (9-12 month treatment)

• Korea: $4,500-$7,000
• US: $10,000-$18,000
• Savings: $5,500-$11,000 (60%)

Factors Affecting Treatment Cost

1. Scar Severity & Type

Mild Scarring: 3-5 sessions, ₩1,500,000-₩2,500,000 ($1,154-$1,923) Moderate Scarring: 5-8 sessions, ₩3,000,000-₩5,000,000 ($2,308-$3,846) Severe Scarring: 8-12+ sessions, ₩5,000,000-₩10,000,000 ($3,846-$7,692)

2. Clinic Location & Reputation

• Celebrity clinics: 30-50% premium
• Hospital dermatology departments: Often cheaper but less personalized
• Chain clinics: Consistent pricing, frequent promotions
• Independent clinics: Most flexible negotiation

3. Equipment & Technology

• Latest generation: 20-30% more expensive
• FDA/KFDA approved: Standard pricing
• Multiple technologies: Combined treatments cost less than separate visits

4. Doctor Experience

• Professor/Specialist: ₩100,000-₩300,000 ($77-$231) premium per session
• Experienced practitioner: Standard pricing
• Resident/New doctor: 10-20% discount sometimes available

Money-Saving Tips

1. Package Deals

How Much You Save:

• 3-session package: 10-15% discount
• 5-session package: 20-25% discount
• 10-session package: 30-40% discount

Example:

• Single Fraxel: ₩700,000 × 5 = ₩3,500,000
• 5-Session Package: ₩2,500,000
• Savings: ₩1,000,000 ($769)

2. First-Time Visitor Promotions

Many clinics offer special pricing for new patients:

• 30-50% off first treatment
• Free consultation + skin analysis
• Complimentary trial treatment

How to Find:

• Check clinic Instagram/Facebook pages
• Search "피부과 이벤트" (dermatology events) on Naver
• Ask about promotions when calling

3. Off-Peak Booking

Cheaper Times:

• Weekday mornings (9-11 AM): Often 10% discount
• Off-season (January-February): Winter promotions common
• Last-minute appointments: Occasional discounts

4. Student/Group Discounts

• Student ID: 10-15% off at university area clinics
• Group booking: 2+ people booking together
• Referral programs: ₩50,000-₩100,000 credit for referring friends

5. Medical Tourism Packages

Booking Platforms:

• Save 15-25% through medical tourism agencies
• Include consultation, treatment, and transportation
• English support included

Recommended Platforms:

• Medical Korea
• Naver Medical Tourism
• Seoul TouchUp

6. Credit Card Promotions

Korean credit cards offer dermatology promotions:

• 0% installment plans (3-12 months)
• 10-20% cashback at partner clinics
• Free additional treatments

Foreign Visitor Tip: Some clinics offer tax refund (10% VAT) for foreigners spending over ₩30,000.

Treatment Timeline & Budget Planning

3-Month Active Acne Treatment

Week 1:

• Consultation: Free-₩50,000 ($0-$38)
• Isotretinoin prescription: ₩10,000 ($8)
• Inflammation injections: ₩20,000 ($15) Total: ₩30,000-₩80,000 ($23-$62)

Weeks 2-12:

• Monthly isotretinoin refills: ₩10,000 × 3 = ₩30,000 ($23)
• Bi-weekly extractions: ₩50,000 × 6 = ₩300,000 ($231)
• PDT (3 sessions): ₩600,000 ($462) Total: ₩930,000 ($715)

Grand Total: ₩960,000-₩1,010,000 ($738-$777)

6-Month Acne Scar Treatment

Months 1-2:

• Initial consultation: Free-₩50,000
• Fraxel sessions (2): ₩1,400,000 ($1,077)
• Skin boosters (3): ₩300,000 ($231) Subtotal: ₩1,700,000 ($1,308)

Months 3-4:

• Secret RF (2 sessions): ₩1,000,000 ($769)
• Laser toning (4 sessions): ₩600,000 ($462) Subtotal: ₩1,600,000 ($1,231)

Months 5-6:

• Subcision + TCA: ₩800,000 ($615)
• Final Fraxel: ₩700,000 ($538)
• LED therapy (4 sessions): ₩200,000 ($154) Subtotal: ₩1,700,000 ($1,308)

Grand Total: ₩5,000,000-₩5,050,000 ($3,846-$3,885)

Insurance & Payment Options

Korean National Health Insurance

What's Covered:

• Medical acne treatment consultations
• Prescribed medications for severe acne
• Inflammatory acne procedures (if medically necessary)

Not Covered (100% Out-of-Pocket):

• Cosmetic procedures
• Scar treatments (most cases)
• Elective laser treatments

International Insurance

Most international health insurance doesn't cover cosmetic acne treatments. However:

• Check if your plan covers "medically necessary" acne treatment
• Save receipts for potential reimbursement
• Some travel insurance includes emergency dermatology

Payment Plans

Installment Options:

• 3 months: Usually interest-free
• 6 months: 0-3% interest
• 12 months: 3-5% interest

Requirements:

• Korean bank account or credit card (for residents)
• Some clinics accept foreign cards with installment agreements

Booking Your Treatment

Research Phase

1. Identify your acne type (active acne, scars, or both)
2. Set budget range based on prices above
3. Choose 3-5 clinics in your preferred area
4. Check reviews on Naver, Kakao, and medical tourism sites

Consultation Phase

Questions to Ask:

• Total treatment cost (all-inclusive)
• Number of sessions recommended
• Expected results timeline
• Downtime for each procedure
• Refund/cancellation policy

Red Flags:

• Pressure to buy expensive packages immediately
• Unwilling to provide written cost estimates
• No clear before/after photos
• Can't explain treatment rationale

Booking Tips

Best Booking Methods:

1. KakaoTalk: Most convenient, many clinics respond quickly
2. Phone: Call during business hours (Korean helpful)
3. Naver Booking: Online reservation system
4. Medical Tourism Platforms: English support

Timing:

• Book 1-2 weeks ahead for weekday appointments
• 2-4 weeks ahead for weekend slots
• During peak seasons (summer/winter breaks), book 1 month ahead

FAQ

Q: Can I negotiate prices at Korean dermatology clinics? A: Some flexibility exists, especially for package deals or multiple treatments. Politely ask "혹시 할인 가능할까요?" (Is a discount possible?). Chain clinics have fixed pricing, but independent clinics may offer 5-10% off, especially for cash payment.

Q: How much should I budget for a 2-week trip focused on acne treatment? A: For active acne: $500-$1,000. For mild scar treatment: $1,500-$2,500. For moderate-severe scars: $2,500-$4,000. Include 20% buffer for additional products or unexpected treatments.

Q: Do prices increase during peak tourist seasons? A: Generally no. Korean clinics maintain consistent pricing year-round. However, appointment availability decreases during Chinese New Year, summer vacation (July-August), and winter holidays.

Q: Are Korean generic medications as effective as brand names? A: Yes. Korea has strict pharmaceutical regulations. Generic isotretinoin (Isotinoin, Tren) is identical in effectiveness to brand names like Roaccutane, but costs 50-70% less.

Q: Should I tip at Korean dermatology clinics? A: No. Tipping is not customary in Korean medical settings and may cause confusion. The price quoted is the final price.

Q: Can I get a tax refund on medical treatments? A: Cosmetic procedures generally don't qualify for tourist tax refunds. However, medical treatments prescribed for health conditions may qualify. Ask the clinic to provide documentation and visit the tax refund counter at the airport.

Q: What happens if I need more sessions than initially quoted? A: This is common with scar treatments. Most clinics offer discounted rates for additional sessions if you've purchased a package. Always ask about "추가 시술" (additional treatment) pricing during consultation.

Q: Is it cheaper to get acne treatment in Busan than Seoul? A: Generally yes, 10-20% cheaper. However, Seoul has more English-speaking clinics and specialized scar treatment centers. For complex cases, Seoul's expertise may justify the higher cost.

Conclusion

Acne treatment in Korea offers exceptional value without compromising quality. Whether you're spending $500 for a month of active acne treatment or $4,000 for comprehensive 6-month scar therapy, you'll save 50-70% compared to Western countries while receiving care from experienced dermatologists using cutting-edge technology.

The key to maximizing value:

• Choose the right neighborhood (Sinchon/Hongdae for budget, Gangnam for premium)
• Buy package deals (save 20-40%)
• Book during promotions (especially first-time visitor offers)
• Be realistic about treatment duration (severe scars need 6-12 months)

With proper planning and realistic expectations, Korean acne treatment can transform your skin at a fraction of Western costs. The combination of affordable pricing, advanced technology, and medical expertise makes Korea the world's top destination for acne treatment.

Ready to start your clear skin journey? Use this guide to budget effectively and choose the right treatments for your needs.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general pricing information for acne treatments in Korea. It is not intended as medical advice. Actual costs vary by clinic, treatment plan, and individual circumstances. Always consult with a qualified dermatologist before undergoing any medical or cosmetic procedure. Prices are estimates based on 2025 market research and are subject to change.

Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Reading Time: 15 minutes