Korean Dermatology Prices 2025: Complete Cost Guide for Every Treatment

18 min readBy Seoul Skin Guide Team
Korean Dermatology Prices 2025: Complete Cost Guide for Every Treatment
#price guide#costs#2025 prices#how much#budget planning

Korean Dermatology Prices 2025: Complete Cost Guide for Every Treatment

Planning a Korean dermatology trip requires understanding costs. While Korea is famous for affordable, high-quality skincare treatments, prices vary dramatically by procedure, location, clinic type, and doctor reputation.

This comprehensive 2025 price guide covers everything you need for budget planning: detailed costs for every major treatment, regional pricing differences, factors that affect costs, international price comparisons, and insider tips for getting the best value.

All prices in Korean Won (₩) with USD/GBP equivalents. Exchange rates as of October 2025: ₩1,300 = $1 USD, ₩1,650 = £1 GBP

Understanding Korean Pricing Structure

Price Ranges Explained

Throughout this guide, you'll see three price tiers:

Budget/Standard clinics:

  • Neighborhood clinics outside tourist areas
  • Chain clinics
  • Newer clinics building clientele
  • Less English support

Mid-range clinics:

  • Gangnam Station area
  • Medical tourism-focused
  • English-speaking staff
  • Good facilities

Premium/Luxury clinics:

  • Apgujeong/Cheongdam
  • Celebrity doctors
  • VIP experience
  • Highest prices

General markup pattern:

  • Budget → Mid-range: +20-30%
  • Mid-range → Premium: +30-50%
  • Premium → Celebrity doctor: +50-100%

What Affects Pricing

Clinic location:

  • Gangnam Station: Standard (baseline)
  • Sinnonhyeon/local areas: -10-20%
  • Apgujeong: +30-50%
  • Cheongdam: +50-100%

Doctor level:

  • Associate/junior doctor: -20-30%
  • Senior doctor: Standard
  • Director/owner: +10-20%
  • Celebrity doctor: +50-200%

Timing:

  • Weekday mornings: Sometimes -5-10%
  • Weekday afternoons: Standard
  • Evenings/weekends: +10-20%
  • Peak season (Oct-Feb): Standard to +10%

Brand/product:

  • Korean brands: Lower end of range
  • Western brands (Allergan, Juvederm): Higher end
  • Latest/newest: +20-30%

Treatment scope:

  • Minimal/spot: Lower end
  • Standard/full area: Mid-range
  • Comprehensive/full face: Higher end

Injectable Treatments

Botox & Neuromodulators

Pricing by area:

AreaBudget RangeMid-RangePremium
Forehead₩80,000-120,000<br>($60-90)₩120,000-180,000<br>($90-140)₩180,000-300,000<br>($140-230)
Glabella (frown lines)₩80,000-120,000<br>($60-90)₩120,000-180,000<br>($90-140)₩180,000-300,000<br>($140-230)
Crow's feet₩80,000-120,000<br>($60-90)₩120,000-180,000<br>($90-140)₩180,000-300,000<br>($140-230)
Masseter (jaw slimming)₩150,000-250,000<br>($115-190)₩250,000-400,000<br>($190-305)₩400,000-600,000<br>($305-460)
Bunny lines (nose)₩50,000-80,000<br>($40-60)₩80,000-120,000<br>($60-90)₩120,000-180,000<br>($90-140)
Neck bands₩150,000-250,000<br>($115-190)₩250,000-350,000<br>($190-270)₩350,000-500,000<br>($270-385)
Underarm (hyperhidrosis)₩200,000-350,000<br>($150-270)₩350,000-500,000<br>($270-385)₩500,000-800,000<br>($385-615)

Skin Botox (Microbotox):

  • Budget: ₩100,000-150,000 ($75-115)
  • Mid-range: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Premium: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)

Per unit pricing (if quoted by unit):

  • Korean brands (Nabota, Coretox): ₩8,000-12,000/unit ($6-9)
  • Botox (Allergan): ₩12,000-18,000/unit ($9-14)
  • Dysport: ₩4,000-6,000/unit ($3-5)
  • Xeomin: ₩10,000-15,000/unit ($8-12)

Typical units needed:

  • Forehead: 10-20 units
  • Glabella: 15-25 units
  • Crow's feet: 10-15 units per side
  • Masseters: 30-50 units per side

Duration: 3-4 months (masseters 6+ months)

Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid)

Pricing per 1cc (syringe):

BrandBudgetMid-RangePremium
Korean brands (Neuramis, Rejeunesse)₩250,000-350,000<br>($190-270)₩350,000-500,000<br>($270-385)₩500,000-700,000<br>($385-540)
Juvederm₩350,000-500,000<br>($270-385)₩500,000-700,000<br>($385-540)₩700,000-1,000,000<br>($540-770)
Restylane₩350,000-500,000<br>($270-385)₩500,000-700,000<br>($385-540)₩700,000-1,000,000<br>($540-770)
Belotero₩300,000-450,000<br>($230-345)₩450,000-600,000<br>($345-460)₩600,000-850,000<br>($460-655)

Typical amounts needed:

  • Lips: 1-2cc
  • Nasolabial folds: 1-2cc per side
  • Cheeks: 2-4cc total
  • Chin: 1-2cc
  • Under-eye hollows: 0.5-1cc per side
  • Nose (non-surgical): 1-2cc

Duration: 6-18 months depending on product and area

Bio-Stimulators

Sculptra:

  • Budget: ₩500,000-700,000 per vial ($385-540)
  • Mid-range: ₩700,000-900,000 per vial ($540-690)
  • Premium: ₩900,000-1,200,000 per vial ($690-925)
  • Typical protocol: 2-4 vials over 3 sessions
  • Total cost: ₩1,500,000-4,000,000 ($1,150-3,075)
  • Duration: 2+ years

Ellansé:

  • Budget: ₩600,000-800,000 per vial ($460-615)
  • Mid-range: ₩800,000-1,100,000 per vial ($615-845)
  • Premium: ₩1,100,000-1,500,000 per vial ($845-1,150)
  • Duration: 1-4 years depending on type

Skin Boosters & Regeneration

PDRN/Salmon DNA Treatments

Rejuran Healer:

  • Budget: ₩180,000-250,000 ($140-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-600,000 ($305-460)

Rejuran I (under-eye):

  • Budget: ₩200,000-300,000 ($150-230)
  • Mid-range: ₩300,000-450,000 ($230-345)
  • Premium: ₩450,000-650,000 ($345-500)

Rejuran Turnover:

  • Budget: ₩250,000-350,000 ($190-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-500,000 ($270-385)
  • Premium: ₩500,000-700,000 ($385-540)

Nucleofill (Italian PDRN):

  • Budget: ₩250,000-350,000 ($190-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-500,000 ($270-385)
  • Premium: ₩500,000-700,000 ($385-540)

Typical protocol: 2-3 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart

Premium Skin Boosters

Profhilo:

  • Budget: ₩250,000-350,000 ($190-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-500,000 ($270-385)
  • Premium: ₩500,000-700,000 ($385-540)
  • Protocol: 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart
  • Total: ₩700,000-1,400,000 ($540-1,075)

Juvelook (Chanel injection):

  • Budget: ₩200,000-300,000 ($150-230)
  • Mid-range: ₩300,000-450,000 ($230-345)
  • Premium: ₩450,000-650,000 ($345-500)

Hyaluronic acid skin boosters:

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-350,000 ($190-270)
  • Premium: ₩350,000-500,000 ($270-385)

Exosome Therapy

Topical exosomes (with microneedling/laser):

  • Budget: ₩200,000-350,000 ($150-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-600,000 ($270-460)
  • Premium: ₩600,000-1,000,000 ($460-770)

Injectable exosomes:

  • Budget: ₩400,000-600,000 ($305-460)
  • Mid-range: ₩600,000-1,000,000 ($460-770)
  • Premium: ₩1,000,000-1,500,000 ($770-1,150)

Typical protocol: 3-4 sessions for best results

Laser Treatments

Pigmentation & Brightening Lasers

Pico Laser:

  • Spot treatment: ₩100,000-250,000 ($75-190)
  • Partial face: ₩200,000-400,000 ($150-305)
  • Full face: ₩250,000-500,000 ($190-385)
  • Premium clinics: ₩400,000-800,000 ($305-615)

Laser Toning:

  • Budget: ₩80,000-150,000 ($60-115)
  • Mid-range: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Premium: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)

Package deals (5-10 sessions):

  • 5 sessions: ₩500,000-1,000,000 ($385-770)
  • 10 sessions: ₩900,000-1,800,000 ($690-1,385)

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light):

  • Budget: ₩100,000-200,000 ($75-150)
  • Mid-range: ₩200,000-350,000 ($150-270)
  • Premium: ₩350,000-600,000 ($270-460)

Resurfacing & Texture Lasers

Fractional CO2 Laser:

  • Light settings: ₩250,000-450,000 ($190-345)
  • Standard settings: ₩400,000-700,000 ($305-540)
  • Aggressive settings: ₩600,000-1,000,000 ($460-770)
  • Premium clinics: ₩800,000-1,500,000 ($615-1,150)

Fraxel/Non-ablative Fractional:

  • Budget: ₩200,000-350,000 ($150-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-600,000 ($270-460)
  • Premium: ₩600,000-1,000,000 ($460-770)

Erbium Laser:

  • Budget: ₩200,000-400,000 ($150-305)
  • Mid-range: ₩400,000-700,000 ($305-540)
  • Premium: ₩700,000-1,200,000 ($540-925)

RF & Energy-Based Treatments

RF Microneedling

Potenza:

  • Face: ₩350,000-600,000 ($270-460)
  • Face + neck: ₩500,000-900,000 ($385-690)
  • Premium: ₩700,000-1,200,000 ($540-925)
  • Tiger Tip (melasma): +₩100,000-200,000

Morpheus8:

  • Face: ₩400,000-700,000 ($305-540)
  • Face + neck: ₩600,000-1,100,000 ($460-845)
  • Premium: ₩800,000-1,400,000 ($615-1,075)

Secret RF:

  • Face: ₩300,000-550,000 ($230-425)
  • Face + neck: ₩450,000-850,000 ($345-655)

Typical protocol: 3-5 sessions, 4-6 weeks apart

Skin Tightening

Oligio:

  • Face: ₩900,000-1,500,000 ($690-1,150)
  • Face + neck: ₩1,300,000-2,000,000 ($1,000-1,540)
  • Premium: ₩1,500,000-2,500,000 ($1,150-1,925)

Thermage FLX:

  • Face: ₩1,800,000-3,000,000 ($1,385-2,310)
  • Face + neck: ₩2,500,000-4,000,000 ($1,925-3,075)
  • Premium: ₩3,000,000-5,000,000 ($2,310-3,850)

Ultherapy (HIFU):

  • Face: ₩800,000-1,500,000 ($615-1,150)
  • Face + neck: ₩1,200,000-2,300,000 ($925-1,770)
  • Premium: ₩1,500,000-3,000,000 ($1,150-2,310)

In-Mode:

  • Forma (RF): ₩200,000-400,000 ($150-305)
  • Morpheus8: ₩400,000-800,000 ($305-615)
  • Combination package: ₩600,000-1,200,000 ($460-925)

Thread Lifts

PDO/PLLA/PCL Threads:

Thread TypeBudgetMid-RangePremium
Minimal (10-20 threads)₩400,000-700,000<br>($305-540)₩700,000-1,200,000<br>($540-925)₩1,200,000-2,000,000<br>($925-1,540)
Moderate (30-50 threads)₩800,000-1,300,000<br>($615-1,000)₩1,300,000-2,000,000<br>($1,000-1,540)₩2,000,000-3,500,000<br>($1,540-2,690)
Extensive (60+ threads)₩1,500,000-2,500,000<br>($1,150-1,925)₩2,500,000-4,000,000<br>($1,925-3,075)₩4,000,000-6,000,000<br>($3,075-4,615)

Mint Lift (popular Korean brand):

  • Budget: ₩800,000-1,300,000 ($615-1,000)
  • Mid-range: ₩1,300,000-2,200,000 ($1,000-1,690)
  • Premium: ₩2,200,000-3,500,000 ($1,690-2,690)

Duration: 12-18 months

Chemical Peels & Facials

Chemical Peels

Light peels (lactic, mandelic, low-strength glycolic):

  • Budget: ₩80,000-150,000 ($60-115)
  • Mid-range: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Premium: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)

Medium peels (TCA 15-25%, combination peels):

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-600,000 ($305-460)

Deep peels (TCA 30%+, phenol - rare in Korea):

  • Budget: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Mid-range: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)
  • Premium: ₩650,000-1,000,000 ($500-770)

Package deals (3-5 sessions):

  • Light peels: ₩300,000-800,000 ($230-615)
  • Medium peels: ₩600,000-1,500,000 ($460-1,150)

Facial Treatments

Hydrafacial / Aqua Peel:

  • Budget: ₩100,000-180,000 ($75-140)
  • Mid-range: ₩180,000-300,000 ($140-230)
  • Premium: ₩300,000-500,000 ($230-385)

Oxygen Facial:

  • Budget: ₩80,000-150,000 ($60-115)
  • Mid-range: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Premium: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)

LED Therapy:

  • Standalone: ₩50,000-100,000 ($40-75)
  • Add-on: ₩30,000-70,000 ($23-55)

LDM (Ultrasound facial):

  • Budget: ₩100,000-180,000 ($75-140)
  • Mid-range: ₩180,000-300,000 ($140-230)
  • Premium: ₩300,000-500,000 ($230-385)

Microneedling & PRP

Basic Microneedling:

  • Budget: ₩100,000-200,000 ($75-150)
  • Mid-range: ₩200,000-350,000 ($150-270)
  • Premium: ₩350,000-600,000 ($270-460)

Microneedling + Growth Factors:

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)

Microneedling + PRP:

  • Budget: ₩200,000-350,000 ($150-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-550,000 ($270-425)
  • Premium: ₩550,000-900,000 ($425-690)

PRP Facial (without microneedling):

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)

Vampire Facial (microneedling + PRP combination):

  • Budget: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Mid-range: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)
  • Premium: ₩650,000-1,000,000 ($500-770)

Acne & Scar Treatments

Acne extraction + LED:

  • Budget: ₩50,000-100,000 ($40-75)
  • Mid-range: ₩100,000-180,000 ($75-140)
  • Premium: ₩180,000-300,000 ($140-230)

Subcision (for rolling scars):

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)

TCA Cross (for ice pick scars):

  • Budget: ₩100,000-180,000 ($75-140)
  • Mid-range: ₩180,000-300,000 ($140-230)
  • Premium: ₩300,000-500,000 ($230-385)

Acne scar comprehensive treatment (multiple modalities):

  • Per session: ₩300,000-700,000 ($230-540)
  • 5-session package: ₩1,200,000-2,800,000 ($925-2,155)

Other Popular Treatments

Mesotherapy & Injections

Vitamin C injection:

  • Budget: ₩80,000-150,000 ($60-115)
  • Mid-range: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Premium: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)

Glutathione (whitening):

  • Budget: ₩100,000-180,000 ($75-140)
  • Mid-range: ₩180,000-300,000 ($140-230)
  • Premium: ₩300,000-500,000 ($230-385)

Cinderella injection (combination brightening):

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)

Hair Loss Treatments

PRP hair treatment:

  • Budget: ₩200,000-350,000 ($150-270)
  • Mid-range: ₩350,000-550,000 ($270-425)
  • Premium: ₩550,000-900,000 ($425-690)

Mesotherapy (scalp injections):

  • Budget: ₩150,000-250,000 ($115-190)
  • Mid-range: ₩250,000-400,000 ($190-305)
  • Premium: ₩400,000-650,000 ($305-500)

Laser therapy (low-level laser):

  • Per session: ₩50,000-100,000 ($40-75)
  • Package (10 sessions): ₩400,000-800,000 ($305-615)

Body Treatments

Laser hair removal (per area):

  • Underarms: ₩30,000-80,000 ($23-60)
  • Brazilian: ₩100,000-250,000 ($75-190)
  • Full legs: ₩150,000-400,000 ($115-305)
  • Full body: ₩500,000-1,500,000 ($385-1,150)

Body RF (contouring):

  • Per session: ₩200,000-500,000 ($150-385)
  • Package (5-10 sessions): ₩800,000-3,000,000 ($615-2,310)

Cryolipolysis (fat freezing):

  • Per cycle: ₩300,000-800,000 ($230-615)
  • Multiple areas: ₩800,000-2,500,000 ($615-1,925)

Regional Price Variations

By Seoul Area

AreaPrice LevelTypical MarkupBest For
Gangnam StationStandard (100%)BaselineMedical tourists, convenience
Sinnonhyeon-10-20%Below baselineBudget-conscious, Korean speakers
Apgujeong+30-50%Above baselineUpscale experience
Cheongdam+50-100%Significantly aboveLuxury/VIP experience
Myeongdong+10-30%Slightly aboveTourists, central location
Local neighborhoods-20-40%Well belowBest value, language barrier

By City

CityPrice Level vs Seoul Gangnam
Seoul (Gangnam)Baseline (100%)
Seoul (other areas)-10-30%
Busan-20-30%
Daegu-25-35%
Incheon-15-25%
Jeju-10-20% (but limited clinics)

International Price Comparisons

vs United States

TreatmentKorea (Gangnam)US AverageSavings
Botox (forehead)$90-140$300-50060-70%
Filler (1cc)$270-385$600-90050-60%
Laser toning$115-190$300-50060-65%
Fractional CO2$305-540$1,000-2,00065-75%
Ultherapy$615-1,150$2,500-4,50070-75%
Thread lift$615-1,540$2,000-5,00060-70%

Average savings: 60-70% in Korea

vs United Kingdom

TreatmentKorea (Gangnam)UK AverageSavings
Botox (forehead)£55-85£200-35070-75%
Filler (1cc)£165-235£350-60055-65%
Laser toning£70-115£200-40060-70%
Fractional CO2£185-330£800-1,50070-80%
Thread lift£375-940£1,500-3,50070-75%

Average savings: 65-75% in Korea

vs Australia

TreatmentKorea (Gangnam)AUD AverageSavings
BotoxA$135-210A$400-70065-70%
Filler (1cc)A$405-575A$900-1,40055-60%
Laser toningA$170-285A$500-80060-65%

Average savings: 60-70% in Korea

Additional Costs to Budget

Consultation Fees

  • Free: Many clinics (waived if you book treatment)
  • Standard: ₩20,000-50,000 ($15-40)
  • Celebrity doctors: ₩50,000-150,000 ($40-115)
  • Refundable: Often deducted from treatment cost

Add-Ons & Extras

Anesthesia:

  • Topical numbing cream: Usually included
  • Local injection: ₩20,000-50,000 ($15-40)
  • Sedation: ₩100,000-300,000 ($75-230)

Premium products:

  • Premium Botox brands: +₩50,000-100,000 per area
  • High-end filler brands: +₩100,000-300,000 per syringe
  • Imported vs domestic: 30-50% markup

Post-treatment care:

  • LED therapy: ₩30,000-70,000 ($23-55)
  • Cooling/soothing treatment: ₩30,000-80,000 ($23-60)
  • Take-home products: ₩50,000-200,000 ($40-150)

Follow-up appointments:

  • Usually free for checking healing
  • Touch-ups within 2 weeks: Often free
  • Additional treatments: Full price

Package Deals & Discounts

Common Discounts

Multi-session packages:

  • 3 sessions: 10-15% off
  • 5 sessions: 15-25% off
  • 10 sessions: 20-30% off

Combination treatments:

  • 2 treatments same day: 10-15% off
  • 3+ treatments: 15-25% off

Cash payment:

  • 5-10% discount common
  • Not all clinics offer

First-time patient:

  • 5-15% introductory discount
  • Some clinics only

Off-peak timing:

  • Weekday mornings: Sometimes 5-10% off
  • Slower months (March-April, June-August)

Loyalty programs:

  • Points systems
  • Repeat patient discounts
  • Referral bonuses

Sample Package Deals

Anti-aging package (₩1,500,000-2,500,000):

  • Botox (2-3 areas)
  • Filler (1-2cc)
  • Laser toning (3 sessions)
  • Skin booster

Acne scar package (₩2,000,000-4,000,000):

  • Fractional CO2 laser (2-3 sessions)
  • Subcision
  • PRP
  • Chemical peels (3 sessions)

Glow package (₩800,000-1,500,000):

  • Laser toning (5 sessions)
  • Hydrafacial (2 sessions)
  • Vitamin C injections (3 sessions)

Budget Planning Guide

$500 Budget

Option 1: Injectables focus

  • Botox (1-2 areas): $150-200
  • Skin booster: $200-250
  • Facial: $100-150

Option 2: Laser series

  • Laser toning (3 sessions): $230-380
  • Chemical peel (2 sessions): $150-230
  • LED add-ons: $50-100

Option 3: Mixed approach

  • Botox (1 area): $100-150
  • Pico laser: $150-200
  • Microneedling: $150-200

$1,000 Budget

Option 1: Comprehensive rejuvenation

  • Botox (2 areas): $200-250
  • Filler (1cc): $300-400
  • Rejuran: $250-300
  • Laser toning (2 sessions): $200-250

Option 2: Aggressive treatment

  • Fractional CO2: $400-600
  • Skin booster: $250-300
  • Botox (1 area): $100-150
  • Follow-up treatments: $200-250

Option 3: Series approach

  • Laser toning (5 sessions): $400-600
  • Microneedling (3 sessions): $350-500
  • Chemical peels (2 sessions): $150-200

$2,000 Budget

Option 1: Full facial transformation

  • Botox (3 areas): $300-400
  • Filler (2-3cc): $600-900
  • Rejuran or Profhilo: $300-400
  • Laser toning (3 sessions): $300-400
  • Hydrafacial: $150-200

Option 2: Major procedure focus

  • Thread lift: $800-1,200
  • Botox (2 areas): $200-300
  • Skin booster: $250-350
  • Laser toning (2 sessions): $200-250

Option 3: Skin quality investment

  • Oligio: $800-1,200
  • Profhilo (2 sessions): $500-700
  • Exosomes: $400-600
  • Laser toning: $200-300

$5,000+ Luxury Budget

Comprehensive transformation:

  • Thermage or Oligio: $1,500-2,500
  • Thread lift: $1,200-2,000
  • Botox (multiple areas): $400-600
  • Fillers (4-5cc): $1,200-2,000
  • Multiple skin boosters: $800-1,200
  • Laser series: $600-1,000

Negotiation & Savings Tips

What You Can Negotiate

Usually negotiable:

  • ✅ Package deals
  • ✅ Multiple treatments same day
  • ✅ Cash payment discount
  • ✅ Multi-session courses
  • ✅ Off-peak appointments

Rarely negotiable:

  • ❌ Celebrity doctor fees
  • ❌ Premium brand products
  • ❌ Single treatments
  • ❌ Peak time appointments
  • ❌ Luxury clinic baseline prices

How to Ask

Polite phrases:

  • "Do you offer package discounts?"
  • "Is there any flexibility on pricing for multiple treatments?"
  • "I'm paying cash—is a discount available?"
  • "Do you have any promotions for first-time patients?"

In Korean:

  • "패키지 할인 있나요?" (Package discount available?)
  • "여러 시술 하면 할인 되나요?" (Discount for multiple treatments?)
  • "현금 결제 할인 있나요?" (Cash payment discount?)

Where to Find Deals

Gangnam Unni app:

  • Transparent pricing
  • Special event prices
  • Reviews mention deals
  • Sometimes exclusive app discounts

Clinic websites:

  • Check events page (이벤트)
  • Seasonal promotions
  • Newsletter sign-ups (Korean email)

Medical tourism agencies:

  • Package deals
  • Group discounts
  • Trade-off: Less flexibility

Red Flags & Warning Signs

Pricing Red Flags

🚩 Way below market rate (50%+ cheaper): Counterfeit products, unlicensed practitioners 🚩 Unclear pricing: Won't provide written quote, vague "depends on doctor" 🚩 Constant upselling: Every standard treatment needs "premium" version 🚩 Non-refundable deposits: Before consultation, no cancellation policy 🚩 Too good to be true packages: Suspiciously comprehensive for too-low price 🚩 Pressure tactics: "Today only," must decide immediately 🚩 Hidden fees: Consultation free but surprise charges added

Fair Pricing Indicators

Within market range: Prices align with location and clinic type ✅ Transparent quotes: Itemized, written, clear ✅ Reasonable deposit: 10-30% of treatment cost, refundable with notice ✅ No pressure: Time to consider, compare ✅ Explains costs: Product brands, areas treated, what's included ✅ Clear cancellation policy: Defined terms in writing

Payment Methods

Accepted Forms

Cash (Korean Won):

  • Widely preferred
  • Often best for negotiating discount
  • Carry enough (ATM daily limits exist)

Credit cards:

  • Visa/Mastercard accepted at most clinics
  • Sometimes 3-5% processing fee
  • No cash discount

Wire transfer:

  • For deposits or prepayment
  • International transfer fees apply
  • Get clinic bank details in writing

Not commonly accepted:

  • PayPal (rare in Korea)
  • Checks
  • Installment plans (some clinics offer)

Currency Tips

Exchange rate:

  • Changes daily (budget conservatively)
  • Airport exchange okay, not best rates
  • Better rates: Banks, Myeongdong exchange shops

ATM withdrawals:

  • ₩500,000-700,000 daily limit typical
  • International fees apply
  • Plan ahead for large payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Are prices negotiable in Korea?

Yes, to an extent. Package deals, multiple treatments, and cash payments often qualify for 5-20% discounts. Celebrity doctors and luxury clinics are less flexible. Always ask politely—negotiation is acceptable in Korean medical culture.

Why such a big price range for the same treatment?

Multiple factors:

  • Clinic location (Gangnam vs Cheongdam = 50%+ difference)
  • Doctor level (associate vs celebrity = 100%+ difference)
  • Product brands (Korean vs imported = 30-50% difference)
  • Facility quality and service level
  • Treatment scope (minimal vs comprehensive)

Should I always choose the cheapest option?

No. While Korea offers great value, extremely low prices can indicate:

  • Counterfeit products
  • Inexperienced practitioners
  • Poor quality materials
  • Hidden costs

Sweet spot: Mid-range clinics in Gangnam Station area offer excellent quality at fair prices.

Do prices include tax?

Yes. Prices quoted usually include VAT. Medical services in Korea include tax in displayed prices (unlike US where tax is added).

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied?

Depends on clinic policy and situation:

  • Within 2 weeks: Many clinics offer free touch-ups for injectables
  • Product issues: Refunds or corrections typically offered
  • Changed mind: Usually no refund (non-returnable medical service)
  • Get cancellation policy in writing before paying

How much should I tip?

Nothing. Tipping is not customary in Korea and can be awkward. The price you pay is the full amount. No additional payment expected.

Are online prices accurate?

Mostly yes on Korean platforms (Gangnam Unni, Naver), but:

  • English clinic websites may show higher "foreigner prices"
  • Prices change without notice
  • Individual factors may increase cost
  • Always confirm in writing before treatment

Can I pay in USD or GBP?

Rarely. Most clinics only accept Korean Won. Exchange currency before visiting clinics or withdraw from ATMs.

Conclusion: Understanding Value in Korean Dermatology

Korean dermatology's global reputation stems from exceptional quality at accessible prices. While costs vary significantly, the fundamental value proposition remains: treatments that cost 2-3x more in Western countries are available at a fraction of the price without sacrificing quality.

Key takeaways:

Budget smart, not cheap:

  • Mid-range clinics offer best value
  • Extremely low prices risk quality
  • Extremely high prices are often brand markup

Know what you're paying for:

  • Location, doctor reputation, facility
  • Product brands and quality
  • Service level and experience

Plan comprehensively:

  • Treatment costs + consultation + products + add-ons
  • 10-15% buffer for unexpected costs
  • Exchange rate fluctuations

Research thoroughly:

  • Compare prices across multiple clinics
  • Verify inclusions and exclusions
  • Get everything in writing

With informed planning and realistic budgeting, Korean dermatology offers world-class treatments at accessible prices—a combination difficult to find anywhere else in the world.

Continue Planning

Essential guides:

Area guides:

Treatment information:


Disclaimer

All prices in this guide are approximate and based on market research as of October 2025. Actual costs vary by clinic, doctor, individual patient factors, treatment specifics, and current exchange rates.

Prices are subject to change without notice. Always confirm costs directly with clinics in writing before committing to treatment or making travel arrangements.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. The author is not responsible for pricing discrepancies, treatment costs, exchange rate fluctuations, or any financial decisions made based on this information.

Currency conversions use approximate exchange rates and may not reflect current rates. Check current exchange rates before budgeting.


Last updated: October 29, 2025 Exchange rates: ₩1,300 = $1 USD, ₩1,650 = £1 GBP