Korea Skin Treatment Prices 2025: Complete Cost Breakdown & Comparison
Korea has become the world's most affordable destination for premium skincare treatments, offering 50-85% savings compared to Western countries. This comprehensive 2025 price guide breaks down the cost of popular procedures in Seoul, helping international visitors budget for their Korean skincare journey.
Why Korea Offers the Best Value
Competitive Market
Seoul has over 2,000 dermatology clinics competing for patients, driving prices down while maintaining world-class quality. The concentration of clinics in districts like Gangnam, Apgujeong, and Myeongdong creates a highly competitive environment.
Advanced Technology
Korean clinics invest heavily in the latest equipment, spreading costs across high patient volumes. This allows them to offer cutting-edge treatments at fraction of Western prices.
Medical Tourism Infrastructure
Korea's medical tourism industry processed over 380,000 international patients in 2024, creating economies of scale that benefit all visitors.
💰 Complete Price Breakdown by Treatment
1. Botox Procedures
| Area | Korea (₩) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead Lines | ₩31,500-₩120,000 | $24-$92 | $200-$400 | 70-85% |
| Square Jaw (V-line) | ₩9,900-₩200,000 | $8-$154 | $400-$800 | 75-95% |
| Crow's Feet | ₩95,836 (avg) | $74 | $300-$500 | 70-85% |
| Mouth Corner Lift | ₩10,000-₩80,800 | $8-$62 | $200-$350 | 75-85% |
| Trapezius (Shoulder) | ₩40,000-₩180,000 | $31-$138 | $500-$800 | 70-85% |
| Calf Slimming | ₩45,000-₩540,000 | $35-$415 | $800-$1,500 | 60-75% |
Average Overall Botox Cost: ₩95,836 ($74) per area
Korean Botox Brands:
- Nabota (Korean): ₩7,000-₩50,000 ($5-$38) per area
- Botox (Allergan USA): ₩100,000-₩200,000 ($77-$154) per area
- Dysport (UK): ₩80,000-₩150,000 ($62-$115) per area
2. Dermal Fillers
| Filler Type | Korea (₩) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lip Filler (1cc) | ₩45,923-₩396,000 | $35-$305 | $500-$800 | 60-85% |
| Chin Filler (2-3cc) | ₩100,000-₩900,000 | $77-$692 | $1,000-$1,800 | 70-85% |
| Nasolabial Folds (1-2cc) | ₩70,000-₩400,000 | $54-$308 | $600-$1,200 | 70-80% |
| Under Eye Filler (1cc) | ₩100,000-₩800,000 | $77-$615 | $800-$1,500 | 50-90% |
| Forehead Filler (4-5cc) | ₩55,000-₩450,000 | $42-$346 | $1,200-$2,500 | 70-85% |
| Nose Filler (1-2cc) | ₩100,000-₩450,000 | $77-$346 | $800-$1,500 | 65-85% |
Average Filler Cost: ₩91,000 ($70) per cc
Filler Brand Comparison:
- Korean Brands (Neuramis, Yvoire): ₩50,000-₩120,000 ($38-$92) per cc
- Juvederm (USA): ₩150,000-₩350,000 ($115-$270) per cc
- Restylane (Sweden): ₩150,000-₩400,000 ($115-$308) per cc
3. Laser Treatments
| Treatment | Korea (₩) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser Toning (per session) | ₩31,900-₩120,000 | $25-$92 | $150-$300 | 70-85% |
| Pico Laser (per session) | ₩100,000-₩300,000 | $77-$230 | $400-$800 | 65-80% |
| Fraxel Laser (per session) | ₩140,000-₩330,000 | $108-$254 | $500-$1,200 | 65-85% |
| CO2 Laser (full face) | ₩200,000-₩500,000 | $154-$385 | $800-$2,000 | 70-85% |
| IPL Photofacial (per session) | ₩80,000-₩200,000 | $62-$154 | $300-$600 | 65-80% |
Package Deals:
- Laser Toning (10 sessions): ₩100,000-₩400,000 ($77-$308)
- Fraxel (3 sessions): ₩400,000-₩900,000 ($308-$692)
4. Lifting Treatments
| Treatment | Korea (₩) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thread Lift (PDO) | ₩16,500-₩2,700,000 | $13-$2,077 | $1,500-$4,500 | 50-75% |
| Ultherapy (HIFU) | ₩1,000,000-₩2,000,000 | $770-$1,538 | $2,500-$4,500 | 60-75% |
| Shurink (HIFU) | ₩50,000-₩600,000 | $38-$462 | $1,500-$3,000 | 70-85% |
| Doublo Gold (HIFU) | ₩400,000-₩900,000 | $308-$692 | $1,800-$3,500 | 65-80% |
| Thermage | ₩800,000-₩2,500,000 | $615-$1,923 | $2,500-$5,000 | 50-75% |
Average Thread Lift: ₩554,062 ($426) for full face Average HIFU (Shurink): ₩250,000 ($192) per session
5. Skin Rejuvenation
| Treatment | Korea (₩) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Booster (1cc) | ₩42,000-₩600,000 | $32-$462 | $400-$800 | 60-85% |
| Microneedling (per session) | ₩100,000-₩800,000 | $77-$615 | $300-$700 | 50-85% |
| PRP Vampire Facial | ₩50,000-₩150,000 | $38-$115 | $500-$1,500 | 70-92% |
| Whitening IV (Glutathione) | ₩10,000-₩30,000 | $8-$23 | $100-$200 | 85-92% |
| Hydrafacial | ₩80,000-₩200,000 | $62-$154 | $200-$400 | 60-70% |
Skin Booster Types:
- Water Light Injection: ₩42,000-₩200,000 ($32-$154)
- Profhilo: ₩300,000-₩600,000 ($230-$462)
- Juvelook: ₩200,000-₩400,000 ($154-$308)
6. Acne & Scar Treatments
| Treatment | Korea (₩) | Korea (USD) | USA (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microdermabrasion | ₩100,000-₩300,000 | $77-$230 | $100-$200 | 0-50% |
| Chemical Peel | ₩80,000-₩250,000 | $62-$192 | $150-$300 | 40-60% |
| Subcision (acne scars) | ₩150,000-₩500,000 | $115-$385 | $500-$1,500 | 60-75% |
| Acne Extraction | ₩30,000-₩100,000 | $23-$77 | $100-$250 | 50-75% |
🏥 Price Comparison by Seoul District
| District | Price Level | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Gangnam | High (20-40% premium) | Premium clinics, English-speaking staff, latest technology |
| Apgujeong | Highest (30-50% premium) | Celebrity clinics, luxury experience, exclusive brands |
| Myeongdong | Mid-range | Tourist-friendly, multilingual staff, convenient location |
| Hongdae | Budget (20-30% discount) | Student area, competitive pricing, younger demographic |
| Sinchon | Budget (15-25% discount) | University district, good value, modern facilities |
💳 Additional Costs to Consider
Consultation Fees
- Clinic: ₩4,500 ($3.50) first visit, ₩3,300 ($2.50) follow-up
- Hospital: ₩6,200 ($4.80) first visit, ₩4,500 ($3.50) follow-up
- General Hospital: ₩8,700 ($6.70) first visit, ₩6,500 ($5) follow-up
Note: Many aesthetic clinics waive consultation fees if you proceed with treatment.
Anesthesia
- Topical Numbing Cream: Usually included
- Local Anesthesia: ₩20,000-₩50,000 ($15-$38)
- Dental Block (nerve block): ₩30,000-₩100,000 ($23-$77)
Aftercare Products
- Post-Treatment Cream: ₩30,000-₩80,000 ($23-$62)
- Sun Protection: ₩15,000-₩50,000 ($12-$38)
- Hydrating Mask Pack (10ea): ₩20,000-₩50,000 ($15-$38)
📊 Korea vs. Western Countries: Full Comparison
| Country | Botox (per area) | Filler (per cc) | Laser Toning | HIFU | Overall Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea | $24-$154 | $35-$305 | $25-$92 | $38-$1,538 | Baseline |
| USA | $200-$600 | $500-$1,200 | $150-$400 | $2,500-$4,500 | 3-4x more |
| UK | £300-£500 ($380-$635) | £400-£800 ($510-$1,015) | £200-£400 ($255-$510) | £2,000-£3,500 ($2,540-$4,445) | 3-5x more |
| Australia | AUD $300-$800 ($195-$520) | AUD $600-$1,200 ($390-$780) | AUD $250-$500 ($162-$325) | AUD $3,000-$5,000 ($1,950-$3,250) | 2-4x more |
| Singapore | SGD $300-$600 ($222-$444) | SGD $800-$1,500 ($592-$1,110) | SGD $200-$400 ($148-$296) | SGD $3,500-$6,000 ($2,590-$4,440) | 3-5x more |
Exchange Rate Used: ₩1,300 = $1 USD (as of January 2025)
🎯 Budget Planning by Treatment Goal
Glass Skin Routine (3-6 months)
- Laser Toning (5 sessions): $125-$460
- Skin Booster (3 sessions): $96-$1,386
- PRP Facial (2 sessions): $76-$230
- Total: $297-$2,076
Anti-Aging Package (6-12 months)
- HIFU (1-2 sessions): $38-$3,076
- Botox (forehead + eyes): $48-$184
- Filler (nasolabial folds): $54-$308
- Total: $140-$3,568
V-Line Contouring (6-12 months)
- Jaw Botox (3 sessions): $24-$462
- Chin Filler: $77-$692
- Thread Lift (optional): $13-$2,077
- Total: $114-$3,231
Acne Scar Treatment (6-12 months)
- Fraxel Laser (3-5 sessions): $324-$1,270
- Microneedling (4 sessions): $308-$2,460
- Subcision: $115-$385
- Total: $747-$4,115
💡 Money-Saving Tips
1. Book During Off-Peak Season
- January-February: Chinese New Year promotions
- June-August: Summer vacation packages
- November-December: Year-end discounts (up to 30-50% off)
2. Use Price Comparison Apps
- Gangnam Unni (강남언니): 10,000+ clinics, real reviews, exclusive discounts
- Modoodoc (모두닥): Hospital-submitted pricing, package deals
- Yeoshin Ticket: Event pricing, limited-time offers
3. Take Advantage of First-Timer Discounts
Most clinics offer 30-70% off for first-time international visitors. Always ask about:
- First-visit promotions (첫 방문 이벤트)
- Foreigner discounts (외국인 할인)
- Package deals (패키지)
4. Combine Treatments
Booking multiple procedures in one visit often yields 20-40% discounts:
- Botox + Filler combo
- Laser + Skin booster package
- Full face rejuvenation package
5. Avoid Premium Districts Initially
Start with clinics in Hongdae or Sinchon for first-time treatments. If satisfied, upgrade to Gangnam/Apgujeong for advanced procedures.
⚠️ Price Red Flags
Too Good to Be True
Beware of "trial prices" (체험가) under ₩5,000 ($4):
- May use diluted products
- Upselling tactics during consultation
- Hidden fees for "essential" add-ons
Verify What's Included
Always confirm:
- ✅ Product brand and quantity (cc or units)
- ✅ Consultation fee (often waived)
- ✅ Anesthesia costs
- ✅ Follow-up appointments
- ✅ Touch-up policy (usually free within 2-4 weeks)
Domestic vs. Import Products
- Korean brands: 30-50% cheaper, FDA/KFDA approved, excellent quality
- Import brands: Premium pricing, international recognition
- Choice: Korean brands offer best value for first-timers
📅 How Many Sessions Do You Need?
| Treatment | Sessions Needed | Frequency | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | 1 session, repeat every 4-6 months | Quarterly | Ongoing |
| Fillers | 1 session, repeat every 6-12 months | Annually | Ongoing |
| Laser Toning | 5-10 sessions | Weekly/Bi-weekly | 2-3 months |
| HIFU | 1-2 sessions per year | Annually | Ongoing |
| Microneedling | 4-6 sessions | Monthly | 4-6 months |
| Thread Lift | 1 session, repeat every 12-18 months | Annually | Ongoing |
| Skin Booster | 3-5 sessions | Monthly | 3-5 months |
🌍 Cost of Flying to Korea vs. Local Treatment
Example: Botox + Filler + Laser Package
In USA:
- Botox (3 areas): $900
- Filler (2 syringes): $1,600
- Laser toning (5 sessions): $1,500
- Total: $4,000
In Korea:
- Round-trip flight (LAX-ICN): $800
- Accommodation (5 nights): $300
- Botox (3 areas): $200
- Filler (2 syringes): $400
- Laser toning (5 sessions): $300
- Total: $2,000
Savings: $2,000 (50% off) + Seoul vacation included
🏆 Best Value Treatments in Korea
Highest Savings (80-92% off)
- Whitening IV/Glutathione: 85-92% cheaper
- Jaw Botox: 75-95% cheaper
- PRP Vampire Facial: 70-92% cheaper
Best Quality-to-Price Ratio
- Skin Boosters: Premium brands at 60-85% off
- Microneedling with RF: Latest technology, 50-85% savings
- HIFU (Shurink): Frequent sessions affordable at 70-85% off
Procedures Worth Splurging On
- Ultherapy: Even at $770-$1,538, still 60-75% cheaper than USA
- Thread Lift: Advanced techniques with 50-75% savings
- Imported Fillers: Juvederm/Restylane at half the Western price
📱 Booking Resources
Price Comparison Platforms
- Gangnam Unni: gangnamunni.com (Korean + English app)
- Modoodoc: modoodoc.com (Korean language)
- Yeoshin Ticket: yeoshin.co.kr (Korean language)
English-Speaking Clinic Directories
- Medical Korea: Search HIFU, laser, filler clinics with English support
- Visit Medical Korea: Official medical tourism portal
- Seoul Skin Guide: Clinic recommendations (you're here!)
FAQ: Korea Skin Treatment Prices
Q: Are Korean products lower quality than Western brands? A: No. Korean brands like Nabota (Botox), Neuramis (filler), and Shurink (HIFU) are FDA and KFDA approved with equivalent efficacy. Import brands are available at 50% off Western prices.
Q: Why are prices so much cheaper in Korea? A: High competition (2,000+ clinics in Seoul), government support for medical tourism, and high patient volume create economies of scale.
Q: Do I need to pay in cash? A: Most clinics accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), but cash payments may receive 5-10% discounts.
Q: Are consultation fees refundable? A: Consultation fees (₩3,000-₩10,000) are usually waived if you proceed with treatment.
Q: Can I negotiate prices? A: Yes, especially for package deals or multiple treatments. International visitors often receive additional discounts.
Q: How do trial prices (체험가) work? A: Trial prices offer 50-90% discounts for first-time customers but may involve upselling. Verify what's included before booking.
Q: Should I book in advance? A: Yes, especially for popular clinics in Gangnam/Apgujeong. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for English-speaking practitioners.
Q: Do prices include tax? A: Prices usually include 10% VAT. Confirm whether quoted price is "including VAT" (VAT 포함).
Q: Are there hidden fees? A: Reputable clinics have transparent pricing. Ask for itemized quote including consultation, anesthesia, and aftercare.
Q: Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied? A: Most clinics offer free touch-ups within 2-4 weeks. Full refunds are rare but possible for complications (check clinic policy).
Conclusion
Korea offers unbeatable value for skincare treatments, with savings of 50-85% compared to Western countries without compromising quality. Whether you're seeking Botox, fillers, lasers, or advanced lifting treatments, Seoul's competitive market ensures premium results at accessible prices.
The key to maximizing savings is comparing prices across multiple platforms (Gangnam Unni, Modoodoc), booking during promotional periods, and choosing the right district for your budget. With proper planning, a medical tourism trip to Korea can deliver world-class results while saving thousands of dollars.
Ready to save on Korean skincare treatments? Download Gangnam Unni, compare prices, and start planning your Seoul skincare journey today.
Medical Disclaimer: Prices listed are based on 2025 market rates from Gangnam Unni, Modoodoc, and clinic websites. Actual costs may vary by clinic, season, product brand, and promotional periods. Always confirm current pricing and what's included (consultation, anesthesia, aftercare) before booking. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice.
Price Accuracy: All prices converted using exchange rate ₩1,300 = $1 USD (January 2025). Exchange rates fluctuate; check current rates before booking. Prices reflect standard rates and exclude special promotions or first-timer discounts which may offer additional 30-70% savings.