Price guide · Seoul, Korea
Korean Skin Clinic Price Lists Explained:
How to Understand Treatment Quotes
November 3, 2026
A Korean skin clinic price list usually shows a per-session price for a set dose — shots for lasers and lifting devices, units for toxin, cc for fillers and boosters. Headline “event” prices are often for a first visit, a smaller dose or a domestic toxin. Before paying, ask for a written quote that lists the product or device, the dose, the number of sessions, and whether 10% VAT is included.
How are Korean skin clinic price lists organised?
Most aesthetic and dermatology clinics in Seoul publish a menu — on their website, in a booking app, on social media or as a printed sheet at reception. Unlike many Western clinics that quote only after a consultation, Korean clinics often show prices up front, which makes comparison easier but can also be confusing if you are not used to the format.
A typical Korean skin clinic price list is grouped by category: lifting (HIFU, RF and hybrid devices), toning and pigment lasers, skin boosters and injectables, toxin, fillers, acne and scar treatments, hair removal and basic care such as facials. Each line normally shows a device or product name, a dose and a price for one session.
| Menu term | What it usually means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shots / lines | Number of energy pulses from a device | Ultherapy 300 lines, Thermage 600 shots |
| Units (U) | Toxin dose | Forehead 20–30U |
| cc / ml / syringe | Volume of filler or booster | Lip filler 1cc |
| Vial / kit | One packaged product | Sculptra 1 vial, Rejuran 2cc |
| Per area | One body or face zone | Forma cheeks, ONDA abdomen |
| 1 session / 1회 | A single treatment visit | Pico toning 1회 |
| Package / 회권 | Prepaid set of sessions | Laser toning 10회 |
The Korean character 회 (hoe) means “time” or “session”, so “5회” is a five-session package. 첫방문 or 첫회 means first visit, and 이벤트 means a promotional (event) price.
Menus in Korean apps and on clinic social media are often written in Korean first, with English only for the device name. Some clinics provide a separate English menu for international patients, but it may not list every event price. If a price looks very different between the Korean and English menus, simply ask the coordinator which one applies to you; this is a normal question.
What do “event” and first-visit prices really include?
Event prices are the headline numbers you see on social media and booking apps. They are real offers, but they are usually narrower than they look. Common conditions include a first-visit-only limit, a smaller dose than you might need, a domestic (Korean) product rather than an imported brand, weekday-only slots or a requirement to post a review.
- Dose — Is the price for 100 shots or 300? For 20 units or 50?
- Brand / generation — Korean toxin vs imported brand, or an older device generation
- First visit only — Repeat sessions may be charged at the regular menu price
- Numbing cream — Sometimes included, sometimes ₩10,000–₩30,000 extra
- Doctor vs staff — Who performs the device treatment can affect price
- Add-ons — Soothing masks, LED or calming care may be bundled or extra
None of this means an event price is a trick. It simply means you should compare like with like: the same device, the same dose and the same product brand.
How do you read a written treatment quote step by step?
After a consultation many clinics prepare a personalised plan that combines several treatments. A written quote (견적) helps you understand exactly what you are paying for. Here is a simple process.
- Check each line item. Every treatment should be listed separately with the device or product name, not just a category like “lifting”.
- Confirm the dose. Look for shots, lines, units, cc or vials next to each line. If a dose is missing, ask.
- Check the brand. For toxin and filler, ask whether it is a Korean or an imported product; prices can differ by two to three times.
- Count the sessions. Is this one session or a package? What is the per-session price if you divide it?
- Ask about VAT. Confirm whether the total includes 10% VAT. Since January 1, 2026 there is no tourist refund.
- Ask about extras. Numbing, consultation fee, aftercare products, follow-up touch-ups.
- Get it in writing. Ask for a printed or messaged copy (KakaoTalk, WhatsApp or Line) before you pay.
What are typical price ranges on a Seoul clinic menu?
The ranges below are broad 2026 estimates for a single session in Seoul. They vary by clinic, area, device generation, dose and brand, and they are meant only to help you sense-check a menu.
| Treatment (per session) | Typical range (KRW, 2026 est.) |
|---|---|
| Botox forehead or crow's feet | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Masseter Botox (Korean / imported) | ₩50,000–₩150,000 / ₩150,000–₩400,000 |
| HA filler per 1cc | ₩100,000–₩400,000 |
| Rejuran Healer (~2cc) | ₩200,000–₩450,000 |
| Pico laser toning | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Shurink Universe (~300 shots) | ₩150,000–₩500,000 |
| Ultherapy Prime (~300 lines) | ₩700,000–₩2,000,000 |
| Thermage FLX face 600 shots | ₩1,500,000–₩3,500,000 |
| Hydrafacial / Aqua peel | ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
| Consultation at aesthetic clinic | Often free or ₩10,000–₩30,000 |
Estimates only, as of 2026. Always confirm the final written quote with the clinic.
Are packages better value than single sessions?
Many Seoul clinics sell packages of 3, 5 or 10 sessions, especially for laser toning, hair removal, skin boosters and basic care. The per-session price is usually lower than a single visit. For residents and expats this can be good value; for short-stay visitors it often is not, because you may not be in Korea long enough to use every session at the recommended interval (often 1–4 weeks apart).
| Situation | Single session | Package |
|---|---|---|
| Short trip (under 2 weeks) | Usually better | Risk of unused sessions |
| Repeat visitor every few months | Flexible | Check expiry and transfer rules |
| Expat / long stay | Higher per visit | Often better value |
| Trying a treatment for the first time | Better to test tolerance | Wait until you know you like it |
Before buying a package, ask about the expiry date, refund rules for unused sessions and whether the package can be used for a different treatment if your skin needs change.
What hidden costs and VAT issues should you watch for?
- Consultation fee — Free at many aesthetic clinics; dermatology visits may charge ₩20,000–₩50,000 for non-insured foreigners
- Numbing cream — Sometimes charged separately
- Aftercare products — Creams, sunscreen or masks may be recommended at extra cost
- Card vs cash — Some clinics quote a different price for cash; ask openly
- Foreign card fees — Your bank may add a foreign transaction fee
- Touch-ups — Ask whether a toxin or filler touch-up within 2 weeks is free
Which Korean terms on a price list should you know?
| Korean | Meaning | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| 샷 (syat) | Shot | Lifting and laser devices |
| 유닛 (yunit) / U | Unit | Toxin |
| cc | Cubic centimetre (ml) | Filler, booster |
| 회 (hoe) | Session / time | 1회, 5회, 10회 |
| 이벤트 (ibenteu) | Promotion | Event prices |
| 첫방문 (cheot-bangmun) | First visit | First-visit-only offers |
| 부가세 (bugase) | VAT | VAT included or excluded |
| 견적 (gyeonjeok) | Quote / estimate | Personalised plan |
Knowing a few of these words makes it much easier to read an app listing or a printed menu, even if you rely on an English-speaking coordinator during the visit.
How can you compare quotes between clinics fairly?
The most useful habit is to convert every quote to the same basis: price per shot, per unit or per cc, for the same brand or device generation. A cheaper menu is not always the better deal if the dose is lower, and a higher price may reflect a doctor-performed treatment or a newer device.
- Write your goal first. For example “mild jawline lifting, low downtime, one visit”.
- Ask 2–3 clinics for quotes. Messaging apps make this easy before you arrive.
- Normalise the dose. Divide price by shots, units or cc.
- Compare the plan, not only price. A good consultation explains why a dose is recommended.
- Decide calmly. Avoid paying for large packages on the spot under time pressure.
Results vary from person to person, and a doctor should assess your skin before any treatment. A transparent, itemised quote is a good sign of a clinic that is used to working with international patients.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Korean skin clinic prices shown in shots or units?
Devices deliver energy in pulses (shots or lines) and toxins are dosed in units, so the price scales with the dose. Comparing price per shot or per unit is the fairest way to compare clinics.
Are event prices on Korean apps real?
They are usually real offers, but often limited to first visits, smaller doses, domestic products or certain days. Ask exactly what the event price includes before booking.
Do Seoul clinic prices include VAT?
Some menus include 10% VAT and some do not, so always ask. Since January 1, 2026 foreign patients can no longer claim a VAT refund on cosmetic procedures.
Can I get a quote before I arrive in Korea?
Many clinics give estimated prices by KakaoTalk, WhatsApp or Line, but the final plan is usually confirmed after an in-person consultation with a doctor.
Is it rude to ask for an itemised quote?
No. Clinics that see many international patients are used to the request, and an itemised quote protects both you and the clinic.
Should I buy a package on my first visit?
For short trips a single session is usually wiser. Packages make more sense for residents, and you should check expiry and refund rules first.
Want help comparing clinic quotes in Seoul?
Tell us the treatment, your budget and the area you are staying in, and we will point you to English-friendly clinics with clear pricing.
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