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:
| Area | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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):
| Brand | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Area | Price Level | Typical Markup | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangnam Station | Standard (100%) | Baseline | Medical tourists, convenience |
| Sinnonhyeon | -10-20% | Below baseline | Budget-conscious, Korean speakers |
| Apgujeong | +30-50% | Above baseline | Upscale experience |
| Cheongdam | +50-100% | Significantly above | Luxury/VIP experience |
| Myeongdong | +10-30% | Slightly above | Tourists, central location |
| Local neighborhoods | -20-40% | Well below | Best value, language barrier |
By City
| City | Price 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
| Treatment | Korea (Gangnam) | US Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox (forehead) | $90-140 | $300-500 | 60-70% |
| Filler (1cc) | $270-385 | $600-900 | 50-60% |
| Laser toning | $115-190 | $300-500 | 60-65% |
| Fractional CO2 | $305-540 | $1,000-2,000 | 65-75% |
| Ultherapy | $615-1,150 | $2,500-4,500 | 70-75% |
| Thread lift | $615-1,540 | $2,000-5,000 | 60-70% |
Average savings: 60-70% in Korea
vs United Kingdom
| Treatment | Korea (Gangnam) | UK Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox (forehead) | £55-85 | £200-350 | 70-75% |
| Filler (1cc) | £165-235 | £350-600 | 55-65% |
| Laser toning | £70-115 | £200-400 | 60-70% |
| Fractional CO2 | £185-330 | £800-1,500 | 70-80% |
| Thread lift | £375-940 | £1,500-3,500 | 70-75% |
Average savings: 65-75% in Korea
vs Australia
| Treatment | Korea (Gangnam) | AUD Average | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox | A$135-210 | A$400-700 | 65-70% |
| Filler (1cc) | A$405-575 | A$900-1,400 | 55-60% |
| Laser toning | A$170-285 | A$500-800 | 60-65% |
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:
- Gangnam Guide - Standard pricing
- Apgujeong/Cheongdam - Premium pricing
Treatment information:
- All Treatment Guides - Detailed procedure info
- 2025 Trends - What's new
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
