Price guide · South Korea
What Is the Average Cost of Cosmetic Dermatology
Procedures in South Korea?
November 3, 2026
The average cost of cosmetic dermatology procedures in South Korea ranges from about ₩50,000 for a laser toning or small toxin session to ₩1,500,000–₩5,000,000 for premium lifting such as Thermage FLX. Most popular treatments — Botox, skin boosters, Pico lasers and HIFU — fall between ₩50,000 and ₩700,000 per session in Seoul as of 2026. Prices vary by clinic, dose, brand and device, and VAT is no longer refunded to tourists.
Why are cosmetic dermatology prices in Korea considered affordable?
South Korea, and Seoul in particular, has one of the densest concentrations of aesthetic and dermatology clinics in the world. Strong competition, high local demand, domestic production of toxins, fillers and devices, and high patient volume all help keep many prices lower than in North America, Western Europe or Australia.
That said, Korea is not uniformly cheap. Premium imported products and the newest device generations can cost as much as elsewhere, and doctor-performed or heavily customised treatments are priced higher. The useful question is not “Is Korea cheap?” but “What does a typical session cost, and what am I getting for it?”
Another reason costs feel accessible is the way Seoul clinics present pricing. Many publish menus openly, run frequent promotions and offer single-session options, so a visitor can try one treatment without committing to a long course. Pricing transparency also makes it easier to spot the difference between a basic plan and a premium one.
This guide uses consistent typical ranges for Seoul in 2026. Clinics in Incheon (including Songdo) and Busan (around Seomyeon Station on Busan Lines 1 and 2) are often in a similar range, sometimes slightly lower than prime Gangnam locations, though this varies.
What is the average cost of popular treatments in Seoul?
The table below summarises typical per-session ranges in Seoul for 2026. These are estimates to help you plan, not fixed prices.
| Category | Treatment | Typical range (KRW, 2026 est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Toxin | Forehead or crow's feet Botox | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Toxin | Masseter (jaw) Botox | ₩50,000–₩400,000 (Korean vs imported) |
| Toxin | Trapezius (shoulder) Botox | ₩100,000–₩400,000 |
| Filler | HA filler per 1cc | ₩100,000–₩400,000 |
| Filler | Lip filler 1cc | ₩200,000–₩500,000 |
| Booster | Rejuran Healer (~2cc) | ₩200,000–₩450,000 |
| Booster | PN/PDRN skin booster | ₩150,000–₩400,000 |
| Booster | Juvelook (skin) | ₩300,000–₩700,000 |
| Booster | Profhilo (2ml) | ₩300,000–₩700,000 |
| Lifting | Shurink Universe (~300 shots) | ₩150,000–₩500,000 |
| Lifting | Ultherapy Prime (~300 lines) | ₩700,000–₩2,000,000 |
| Lifting | Thermage FLX face 600 shots | ₩1,500,000–₩3,500,000 |
| Lifting | Thread lift | ₩500,000–₩2,500,000 |
| Laser | Pico laser toning | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Laser | IPL | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Scars / pores | Potenza / Secret RF microneedling | ₩200,000–₩600,000 |
| Scars | Fractional CO2 | ₩150,000–₩500,000 |
| Hair removal | Underarms per session | ₩20,000–₩80,000 |
| Basic care | Hydrafacial / Aqua peel | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
Estimates as of 2026; prices vary by clinic, area, device generation and dose. Confirm the final written quote and whether VAT is included.
What can you get on different budgets?
Many visitors plan a skin trip around a budget rather than a single procedure. These example bundles show how far typical budgets go in Seoul. They are illustrations, not recommendations — a doctor should decide what suits your skin.
| Budget per visit | Example combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under ₩200,000 | Pico toning + Aqua peel, or forehead Botox | Good for a first try or short trip |
| ₩200,000–₩500,000 | Rejuran Healer, or Shurink + toxin | Popular mid-range choice |
| ₩500,000–₩1,000,000 | Skin booster + HIFU, or Titanium lifting | Noticeable refresh with modest downtime |
| ₩1,000,000–₩3,000,000 | Ultherapy Prime or Thermage FLX 600 shots | Premium lifting, usually once a year |
| ₩3,000,000+ | Thermage 900 shots + booster + toxin | Comprehensive plan; consult carefully |
When planning by budget, it often helps to prioritise one “anchor” treatment that addresses your main concern — for example lifting, pigmentation or acne scars — and add a low-cost supporting treatment such as an Aqua peel or LDM. Doctors in Seoul frequently suggest combinations, but you can always ask which part of the plan matters most and which is optional.
What makes the price higher or lower?
- Dose — More shots, units or cc means a higher price
- Brand — Korean toxins and HA fillers are often cheaper than imported brands
- Device generation — Newer platforms or original tips usually cost more
- Who treats you — Doctor-performed device treatments may be priced higher
- Area — Cheongdam and Apgujeong often price above Gangnam Station or Hongdae
- Event offers — First-visit or weekday promotions lower the headline price
- Packages — 3, 5 or 10 sessions reduce the per-session price
Location matters too. Clinics around Gangnam Station (Line 2, Sinbundang) and Sinnonhyeon (Line 9) are numerous and competitive. Cheongdam (Line 7) and Apgujeong Rodeo (Suin-Bundang) have more premium, boutique-style clinics. Myeongdong (Line 4) and Hongdae (Hongik Univ. Stn, Line 2 and AREX) are convenient for tourists and often have English-speaking coordinators.
What other costs should you include in your budget?
| Extra cost | Typical amount | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Often free or ₩10,000–₩30,000 | Dermatology visit ₩20,000–₩50,000 for non-insured foreigners |
| Numbing cream | Often included; sometimes ₩10,000–₩30,000 | Ask in advance |
| Aftercare products | Varies | Sunscreen and barrier creams are often recommended |
| Foreign card fee | Depends on your bank | Not charged by the clinic |
| Follow-up visit | Often free for toxin/filler check | Confirm the policy |
Do prices differ between Seoul neighbourhoods?
| Area | Main stations | Price tendency | Notes for visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangnam Station / Sinnonhyeon | Gangnam (Line 2, Sinbundang), Sinnonhyeon (Line 9) | Competitive, many events | Very high clinic density |
| Sinsa / Apgujeong / Cheongdam | Sinsa (Line 3), Apgujeong (Line 3), Cheongdam (Line 7) | Mid to premium | Boutique clinics, English coordinators common |
| Myeongdong | Myeongdong (Line 4), Euljiro 1-ga (Line 2) | Mid-range | Convenient for tourists |
| Hongdae / Sinchon | Hongik Univ. (Line 2, AREX), Sinchon (Line 2) | Mid-range | Easy from Incheon Airport by AREX |
| Jamsil | Jamsil (Line 2, Line 8) | Mid-range | Residential, near Lotte World area |
These are general tendencies, not rules. A clinic's pricing depends more on its devices, products and staffing than on its address.
How should you plan treatments around a trip to Korea?
- Decide your priorities. Pick one or two main concerns rather than many small treatments.
- Get estimates before you fly. Message clinics on KakaoTalk, WhatsApp or Line with photos and your dates.
- Book the consultation early in your trip. This leaves time for recovery before flying home.
- Bring your passport. It is usually needed at registration.
- Allow for downtime. Redness, swelling or small bruises are common for a few days after injectables or lasers.
- Keep receipts and records. Note product names and doses for your doctor at home.
If you feel unwell after a treatment, contact the clinic first. For English help in Korea you can call the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline, and for emergencies dial 119.
Remember that many visitors try to do too much in a short trip. Spreading treatments over a few days, and leaving the most intensive ones (for example fractional CO2 or filler) for early in the visit, gives your skin more time to settle and allows a follow-up check if needed. Results vary, and a doctor's consultation should always come before any procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Is cosmetic dermatology cheaper in Korea than in the US or UK?
Many common treatments such as toxin, skin boosters and laser toning are often less expensive in Seoul, partly due to competition and domestic products. Premium imported products and new devices can be closer to international prices.
What is the cheapest treatment at a Seoul skin clinic?
Basic laser toning, LDM, small toxin areas and underarm hair removal can start from roughly ₩20,000–₩50,000 per session. Event prices may be lower but often have conditions.
Can tourists still get a VAT refund on cosmetic treatments?
No. The 10% VAT refund for foreign patients ended on December 31, 2025, so from January 1, 2026 the price you pay is final.
Do I need a consultation before treatment?
Yes, a doctor should assess your skin and medical history first. Many aesthetic clinics offer consultations free or for a small fee.
Are prices the same across Seoul?
No. Prices vary by clinic, neighbourhood, device generation and dose. Premium areas like Cheongdam often charge more than busy hubs like Gangnam Station.
How much should I budget for a skin trip to Seoul?
Many visitors spend between ₩200,000 and ₩1,000,000 on a combination of treatments, while premium lifting plans can exceed ₩2,000,000. Your budget should follow a doctor's advice, not only the menu.
Planning your skin treatment budget in Korea?
Share your goals, budget and travel dates, and we will point you to English-friendly clinics in Seoul that match.
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