Acne Treatment in Korea: Complete Guide to Prices, Types & Best Clinics 2025
Struggling with acne? Korea's advanced dermatology industry offers comprehensive acne solutions—from affordable medications to high-tech laser treatments. Whether you're dealing with active breakouts or stubborn scars, Korean clinics provide options that combine effectiveness with affordability.
Why Choose Korea for Acne Treatment?
Korea's dermatology expertise in acne treatment is renowned for several reasons:
- Advanced technology: Latest laser and light devices
- Combination approaches: Multi-modal treatment protocols
- Affordable pricing: 50-70% less than Western countries
- Experience with Asian skin: Understanding of hyperpigmentation risks
- Comprehensive care: From medications to scarring solutions
Types of Acne Treatment in Korea
1. Medication Treatment (약물치료)
The most accessible and affordable option:
Oral Medications:
- Isotretinoin (Accutane): Roaccutane, Zerocutan, etc.
- Antibiotics: Minocycline (Minosin)
- Hormonal treatments: For hormonal acne
Topical Medications:
- Clindamycin (Cleosin-T)
- Salicylic acid (Cleartin)
- Retinoids: Adapalene, tretinoin
Pricing:
| Medication Type | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Average prescription | ₩8,600 | $6.60 |
| Budget options | ₩3,000-4,000 | $2.30-3.10 |
| Monthly prescription | ₩10,000-22,000 | $7.70-17 |
Seoul average: Monthly prescriptions from ₩1,710 ($1.30) at competitive clinics
2. Extraction and Injection (압출 및 주사)
In-clinic treatments for active acne:
Extraction (압출):
- Professional comedone extraction
- Reduces inflammation faster
- Prevents scarring from improper home extraction
Cortisone Injections (염증주사):
- Rapidly reduces cystic acne
- Minimizes scarring risk
- Quick results for urgent situations
Pricing:
| Treatment | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Cortisone injection (per lesion) | ₩8,000 | $6.15 |
| Extraction + injection (per lesion) | ₩16,000 | $12.30 |
| Full extraction session | ₩50,000-100,000 | $38-77 |
3. Laser and Light Treatments
For moderate to severe acne and prevention:
Popular Treatments:
- Blue light therapy: Kills acne bacteria
- Red light therapy: Reduces inflammation
- IPL: Controls oil production
- Fractional laser: Resurfaces skin
Pricing:
| Treatment | Sessions | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED therapy | Single | ₩30,000-50,000 | $23-38 |
| Acne care package | 10 sessions | ₩450,000-550,000 | $345-425 |
| Laser + skincare combo | 12 sessions | ~₩1,700,000 | ~$1,310 |
4. Chemical Peels
Exfoliation treatments for acne:
Types:
- Salicylic acid peel
- Glycolic acid peel
- TCA peel (for scarring)
- Triangle peel
Pricing:
| Peel Type | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Triangle peel + care (5 sessions) | ₩290,000 | $225 |
| Aqua peel + acne care | ₩70,000 | $54 |
| Chemical peel series | ₩200,000-400,000 | $155-310 |
5. Acne Scar Treatment
For post-acne scarring:
Treatment Options:
- Fractional laser (Fraxel, CO2): Resurfaces skin
- Pico laser: Stimulates collagen
- Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries for healing
- Subcision: Releases tethered scars
- Filler: Fills depressed scars
Pricing:
| Treatment | Package | Korean Won (₩) | USD ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraxel (5 sessions + care) | Package | ₩500,000-600,000 | $385-460 |
| Pico laser (5 sessions) | Package | ₩800,000-1,200,000 | $615-925 |
| Basic scar treatment | 3 sessions + 10 care | ₩2,000,000 | $1,540 |
| Comprehensive scar package | Custom | ₩1,500,000-3,000,000 | $1,155-2,310 |
Understanding Korean Acne Treatment Approach
Korean dermatologists typically take a multi-modal approach:
Phase 1: Active Acne Control
- Oral/topical medications
- Extraction and injections
- LED or light therapy
Phase 2: Prevention and Maintenance
- Sebum control treatments
- Pore management
- Regular skincare sessions
Phase 3: Scar Treatment
- Laser resurfacing
- Collagen stimulation
- Combination therapies
Why This Works: Surface-only treatments often fail because they don't address root causes like sebaceous gland overactivity. Korean protocols target multiple factors simultaneously.
What to Expect: Cost Breakdown
Budget Approach (Active Acne):
- Prescription medications: $3-20/month
- Basic extraction sessions: $40-80
- LED therapy: $25-40/session
- Total estimate: $100-300 for initial treatment
Moderate Investment:
- Medication + 10-session care package: $350-550
- Combined laser treatments: $500-800
- Total estimate: $500-1,000
Comprehensive Scar Treatment:
- Multi-session laser packages: $600-1,500
- Combination treatments: $1,000-2,500
- Total estimate: $1,500-3,000+
Finding the Right Clinic
Questions to Ask:
- What's causing my specific acne type?
- What treatment protocol do you recommend?
- How many sessions will I need?
- What's the total estimated cost?
- Do you have before/after photos of similar cases?
Red Flags:
- Pushing expensive treatments without diagnosis
- No discussion of medications (often needed)
- Unrealistic promises about scar removal
- No mention of maintenance/prevention
Tips for International Visitors
Short Visit Strategy
If you're in Korea briefly:
- Get a consultation and diagnosis
- Start prescription medications (can take home)
- Get 1-2 intensive treatments
- Ask for continuation recommendations for home
Longer Stay Strategy
If staying 2+ weeks:
- Begin comprehensive treatment protocol
- Multiple sessions possible
- Better results from consistent care
- Can complete full treatment cycle
Insurance and Documentation
- Most acne treatments are cosmetic (not covered)
- Some basic consultations may be insurance-eligible
- Request English documentation for home follow-up
FAQ
Q: How long until I see results? A: Medications take 4-8 weeks; laser/light therapy shows gradual improvement over sessions; scar treatment takes months.
Q: Can I get Accutane (isotretinoin) in Korea? A: Yes, with proper prescription and monitoring. Requires blood tests and follow-up appointments.
Q: Will treatments work on my skin type? A: Korean dermatologists are experienced with diverse skin types, especially concerning hyperpigmentation in Asian and darker skin tones.
Q: How do Korean acne treatments differ from Western approaches? A: Korean protocols often emphasize combination therapy, regular maintenance sessions, and preventive care rather than single-treatment solutions.
Q: Can acne scars be completely removed? A: Significant improvement (50-80%) is realistic with proper treatment, but complete removal is rarely possible. Be wary of clinics promising perfect results.
Conclusion
Korea offers comprehensive acne solutions at every price point—from budget-friendly prescription medications to advanced laser scar treatments. The combination approach used by Korean dermatologists, along with competitive pricing and advanced technology, makes Korea an excellent destination for addressing both active acne and scarring.
Ready to clear your skin? Start with a consultation to understand your specific acne type and get a personalized treatment plan.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about acne treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Acne treatment should be personalized to individual skin conditions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Last Updated: December 2025