Botox in Korea: Prices, Types & Best Clinics for International Patients
Thinking about getting Botox in Korea? You are not alone. South Korea is one of the world's top destinations for cosmetic procedures, and Botox treatments are among the most popular reasons international visitors book a trip to Seoul. With prices that are a fraction of what you would pay in the United States or Europe, a wide range of FDA-approved and KFDA-approved brands, and some of the most experienced dermatologists on the planet, Korea offers an unbeatable combination of quality and value for Botox treatments.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about getting Botox in Korea -- from the different brands available and how much they cost, to finding foreigner-friendly clinics in Seoul.
What Is Botox and How Does It Work?
Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected in small, controlled doses, it temporarily blocks the nerve signals that tell muscles to contract. This relaxes the targeted muscles, smoothing out wrinkles and preventing new lines from forming.
The treatment takes just 10 to 15 minutes, requires no downtime, and results typically appear within 2 to 3 days after injection. Peak effects are visible at around 1 to 2 weeks for wrinkle treatments, while muscle-reduction procedures (such as jawline or trapezius slimming) may take 3 to 4 weeks to show full results. Effects generally last between 3 and 6 months depending on the brand, dosage, and treatment area.
Common Treatment Areas
- Forehead lines and frown lines (glabella) -- The most classic Botox application for smoothing horizontal and vertical wrinkles
- Crow's feet -- Fine lines around the eyes caused by smiling and squinting
- Jawline slimming (masseter Botox) -- Reduces a square jaw for a slimmer facial contour, extremely popular in Korea
- Trapezius reduction (trap Botox) -- Slims the shoulder muscles for an elongated neck and shoulder line
- Calf slimming -- Reduces bulky calf muscles for a slimmer leg silhouette
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) -- Treats excessive sweating in armpits, palms, and soles
- Skin Botox (Meso-Botox) -- Micro-injections across the skin surface to tighten pores, reduce oiliness, and improve overall skin texture
Botox Brands Available in Korea
One of the biggest advantages of getting Botox in Korea is the sheer variety of brands available. Korean clinics offer both domestically manufactured and imported options, giving you more choices than you would find in most Western countries.
Korean Domestic Brands
Korean pharmaceutical companies have developed high-quality botulinum toxin products that rival their international counterparts at significantly lower prices.
1. Nabota (Daewoong Pharmaceutical) Nabota is the standout Korean brand, having received US FDA approval -- a distinction that puts it on the same regulatory tier as Allergan Botox. With a molecular weight of 900kDa (identical to Allergan Botox), it allows practitioners to apply the same injection techniques and dosing protocols they already know. Nabota is known for its consistent results, lower risk of resistance, and suitability for long-term use.
2. Botulax (Hugel) Botulax holds the largest market share among Korean botulinum toxin products. Approved by KFDA (Korea's food and drug authority), it is known for fast-acting results and is a popular choice at clinics across Seoul. Effects typically last 3 to 6 months. Its affordable pricing makes it one of the most commonly offered brands at budget-friendly clinics.
3. Coretox (Medytox) Coretox is a "pure toxin" product, meaning the non-toxic proteins have been removed, leaving only the 150kDa neurotoxin. This purification process significantly reduces the risk of developing antibody resistance -- a major concern for patients who get Botox regularly. It also avoids human serum albumin as a stabilizer, reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission. Clinical trials have shown Coretox to offer superior duration compared to some competitors.
Imported Brands
4. Allergan Botox (USA) The original and most well-known botulinum toxin brand worldwide. Manufactured by Allergan (now part of AbbVie), it has decades of clinical data and is the gold standard against which all other brands are measured. It is the most expensive option in Korea but preferred by patients who want maximum confidence in proven results.
5. Xeomin (Merz, Germany) Xeomin was the world's first "pure toxin" botulinum product, with all complexing proteins removed. This makes it an excellent choice for patients who have developed resistance to traditional Botox. Approved by the US FDA, European EMA, and Korean KFDA, Xeomin typically lasts 4 to 6 months. It is frequently recommended for patients requiring high-dose or frequent treatments.
6. Dysport (Ipsen, UK) Dysport has a smaller molecular size and diffuses over a wider area than other brands, making it ideal for treating large muscle groups like the trapezius and calves. Approved in 76 countries worldwide and by the Korean KFDA, it is noted for causing less injection pain. Many Korean clinics specifically recommend Dysport for body Botox procedures.
Botox Prices in Korea (2025-2026)
One of the main reasons international patients travel to Korea for Botox is the price. Korean clinics are dramatically cheaper than those in the US, UK, or Australia -- even when using the exact same imported brands.
Price by Treatment Area
| Treatment Area | Price Range (KRW) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Forehead / Frown Lines | ₩25,000 - ₩150,000 | $19 - $115 |
| Crow's Feet | ₩30,000 - ₩150,000 | $23 - $115 |
| Jawline Slimming | ₩50,000 - ₩200,000 | $38 - $154 |
| Trapezius (Shoulders) | ₩100,000 - ₩500,000 | $77 - $385 |
| Calf Slimming | ₩200,000 - ₩500,000 | $154 - $385 |
| Skin Botox (Full Face) | ₩150,000 - ₩400,000 | $115 - $308 |
Price by Brand (per 50 Units)
| Brand | Price Range (KRW) | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Korean Domestic (Nabota, Botulax, Coretox) | ₩50,000 - ₩100,000 | $38 - $77 |
| Imported (Allergan, Xeomin, Dysport) | ₩400,000 - ₩500,000 | $308 - $385 |
Korea vs. United States: Price Comparison
| Treatment | Seoul (USD) | United States (USD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead Botox | $19 - $115 | $200 - $400 | 60-90% |
| Jawline Slimming | $38 - $154 | $400 - $800 | 70-90% |
| Trapezius Botox | $77 - $385 | $500 - $1,200 | 50-70% |
| Full Face Skin Botox | $115 - $308 | $600 - $1,000 | 50-70% |
Prices as of early 2026. Actual costs vary by clinic, brand, and number of units used. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 = $1 USD. Contact clinics directly for current pricing.
A Warning About Ultra-Low Prices
In Korea's competitive cosmetics market, you may see clinics advertising Botox for as little as ₩990 (less than $1). While these deals are not necessarily scams, they demand caution. The most important factor in Botox pricing is the unit count. Some ultra-discount clinics price by "cc" or "ml" rather than standardized units, making it impossible to know how much the product has been diluted. A treatment that claims to be "50 units" but was actually diluted down to the equivalent of 5 units will produce little to no visible effect. Always confirm the exact brand, unit count, and whether the price is per area or per session before committing.
Best Foreigner-Friendly Botox Clinics in Seoul
Finding a clinic where the staff speaks English and the doctors have experience treating international patients can make all the difference. Here are some highly recommended options in Seoul's Gangnam district and beyond.
1. Muse Clinic Gangnam
- Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- English Support: Yes (English-speaking doctors on staff)
- Specialties: Botox, fillers, Potenza, Thermage, Rejuran, HIFU
- Why We Recommend: Top-rated aesthetic clinic with experienced bilingual physicians who understand the preferences of international patients
2. ToxNFill Gangnam (Main Branch)
- Location: 122m from Gangnam Station Exit 10
- English Support: Yes (online and in-person consultations)
- Specialties: Botulinum toxin, fillers, lifting procedures
- Why We Recommend: Operates on a strict "genuine product, correct dosage, sincere care" policy. Online consultation available for international patients planning ahead
3. Hus-hu Dermatology
- Location: Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- English Support: Yes (English, Japanese, Mandarin)
- Specialties: Acne treatment, pigmentation, Botox, fillers, skincare
- Why We Recommend: Established in 2008 and known as one of Seoul's most foreigner-friendly clinics. Multilingual staff and a strong reputation built on word-of-mouth referrals from international patients
4. Kwang Dermatology (Cheongdam)
- Location: Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu
- English Support: Available
- Specialties: Comprehensive dermatology and aesthetics
- Why We Recommend: Tax refund available for foreign passport holders, and consistently praised for friendly, attentive service
How to Choose the Right Botox Brand
Selecting the right brand depends on your specific goals, budget, and treatment history.
- First-time Botox patients on a budget: Korean domestic brands like Nabota or Botulax offer excellent results at a fraction of the cost of imported brands. Nabota is particularly reassuring since it holds US FDA approval.
- Patients concerned about resistance: If you have been getting Botox regularly for years and notice diminishing results, switch to a pure toxin product like Xeomin or Coretox. These formulations minimize antibody formation.
- Large muscle treatments (trapezius, calves): Dysport is often the best choice because its smaller molecular size allows it to spread more evenly across larger muscle groups.
- Patients who want the gold standard: Allergan Botox remains the most extensively studied and globally trusted brand. If budget is not a concern, it offers the longest track record of safety and efficacy.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Consultation (15-20 minutes): The doctor will assess your facial structure, discuss your goals, and recommend a brand and dosage. At foreigner-friendly clinics, this is conducted in English.
- Treatment (10-15 minutes): The actual injection process is quick. Most patients describe it as a mild pinch. Numbing cream can be applied beforehand if you prefer.
- Aftercare: Avoid lying down for 4 hours, do not massage the treated area, skip intense exercise for 24 hours, and avoid alcohol for the rest of the day.
- Results timeline: Wrinkle reduction appears within 2-3 days and peaks at 1-2 weeks. Muscle slimming (jaw, trap, calf) takes 3-4 weeks to become noticeable.
- Follow-up: Effects last 3-6 months. Plan repeat treatments every 3-4 months for wrinkles, or every 4-6 months for muscle reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Botox in Korea safe for foreigners? A: Yes. Korean dermatology clinics are held to strict regulatory standards by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). The brands used are the same FDA-approved and KFDA-approved products available worldwide. Korea's dermatologists perform more aesthetic procedures per capita than almost any other country, which means exceptionally high levels of experience and skill.
Q: How much can I save compared to getting Botox in the US? A: Most international patients save between 50% and 90% compared to US prices, depending on the brand and treatment area. Even using premium imported Allergan Botox, prices in Seoul are typically 50-60% lower than in American cities.
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to get Botox in Seoul? A: No. Many clinics in the Gangnam, Cheongdam, and Apgujeong areas have English-speaking staff and doctors. Clinics like Hus-hu Dermatology also offer support in Japanese and Mandarin. Booking platforms such as ivisitkorea.com can help you find English-speaking clinics.
Q: Which brand should I choose -- Korean domestic or imported? A: Both are safe and effective. Korean domestic brands (Nabota, Botulax, Coretox) offer outstanding value and are used by millions of Korean patients every year. Imported brands (Allergan, Xeomin, Dysport) offer longer clinical histories and may be preferred by first-time patients who want extra reassurance. Your doctor can help you choose based on your treatment goals and budget.
Q: Can I get a tax refund on Botox in Korea? A: Yes. As a foreign tourist, you may be eligible for a VAT refund on medical services. Some clinics, like Kwang Dermatology in Cheongdam, offer tax refund processing directly. Bring your passport to every appointment.
Q: How long should I stay in Seoul after getting Botox? A: Botox requires no downtime, so you can resume normal activities immediately. There is no medical reason to extend your stay beyond the appointment itself, though many patients combine Botox with other treatments during their trip.
Conclusion
Getting Botox in Korea is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your aesthetic goals and your wallet. With prices starting as low as $19 for wrinkle treatments using quality Korean brands, and even premium imported Botox costing a fraction of Western prices, Seoul offers world-class results at unbeatable value. The key is choosing a reputable clinic that uses genuine products at proper dosages, and selecting the right brand for your individual needs.
Ready to book your Botox appointment in Seoul? Start by contacting one of the foreigner-friendly clinics listed above for a consultation -- many offer online booking and English-language support to help you plan your visit from abroad.
Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Botox (botulinum toxin) treatments in Korea. It is not intended as medical advice. Individual results may vary, and all cosmetic procedures carry potential risks and side effects. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any medical or cosmetic procedure. The prices listed are approximate and subject to change based on clinic policies and exchange rate fluctuations.
Last Updated: February 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes