How Much Does a Korean Skin Clinic Cost?
Quick answer: A Korean skin clinic visit usually costs between KRW 60,000 and 500,000 (about US$45–360) for most foreigners in Seoul. A peel plus Botox can be under KRW 200,000, a booster-and-laser visit about KRW 150,000–450,000, and a premium lifting session such as Ultherapy 600 lines about KRW 1,500,000–3,000,000.
How much does a Korean skin clinic cost per visit?
A Korean skin clinic does not charge a fixed visit fee the way a Western dermatologist might. You meet a consultant or doctor, agree on a treatment plan, and pay for each procedure. That means the question how much does a Korean skin clinic cost really becomes: what do you want done, and how much of it?
For most English-speaking visitors in Seoul, a single visit lands between KRW 60,000 and 500,000. The lower end covers a peel, toning or a small Botox area. The upper end covers a skin booster plus a laser, or a mid-range lifting device. Only premium lifting and collagen stimulators regularly push one visit above KRW 1,000,000.
What happens at a Korean skin clinic, and what do you pay for at each step?
- Message before you go: send photos and questions by WhatsApp or KakaoTalk. This is free and helps you get a rough plan.
- Consultation: a doctor assesses your skin and recommends treatments, doses and sessions. Often free or low cost, but ask.
- Quote and payment: you receive an itemized price. Check VAT and extras, then pay, usually before the procedure.
- Numbing and cleansing: numbing cream is common for lasers and injections; some clinics include it, some charge for it.
- Treatment: from 10 minutes for Botox to about an hour for full-face lifting.
- Calming care: masks or soothing steps are often included after lasers and boosters.
- Aftercare products: sunscreen or calming creams are usually optional extras.
For a step-by-step walk-through of the day, read what to expect at a Korean skin clinic.
How much do different visitors typically spend?
These sample plans use approximate 2026 Seoul market ranges. They are examples to help you budget, not recommendations or any clinic's prices.
| Visitor | Example plan | Approx. total (KRW) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-timer on a city break | Aqua peel + forehead Botox (Korean toxin) | 60,000–180,000 | US$45–130 |
| K-beauty glow seeker | Water-glow booster + pico toning | 150,000–450,000 | US$110–320 |
| Anti-aging in your 40s | Shurink Universe 600 + imported frown Botox + Rejuran 2cc | 500,000–1,150,000 | US$360–820 |
| Acne-prone expat | 4 monthly acne care visits | 200,000–600,000 | US$140–430 |
| Lifting splurge | Ultherapy 600 lines | 1,500,000–3,000,000 | US$1,070–2,140 |
The first-timer
If you simply want to try a Korean clinic, an aqua peel plus a small Botox area is low risk and fits any itinerary. Botox results appear in 3–7 days and last about 3–4 months. If you prefer a toxin without complexing proteins, ask about Xeomin in Seoul, which usually costs more than Korean toxins.
The glow seeker
Hydrating boosters and pico toning are the classic combination for brighter, dewier skin. Add exosome treatment with microneedling if your doctor thinks your skin needs recovery support; note that exosome evidence is still developing.
The 40-something anti-aging plan
Shurink lifting in Hongdae is a Korean HIFU device that costs much less than Ultherapy and is often repeated more frequently. Paired with Botox and Rejuran, it covers lift, lines and skin quality in one visit. See more anti-aging treatments in Korea.
The acne-prone expat
Living in Seoul makes regular acne facials in Korea practical. Typical visits combine extraction with calming care or a peel, about KRW 50,000–150,000 each.
What costs do foreigners often forget?
- VAT: about 10% on most cosmetic procedures, sometimes added at checkout.
- Follow-up sessions: boosters, toning and pore treatments usually need a series.
- Downtime days: lasers such as Potenza or CO2 can mean 2–7 days of redness, which may affect your sightseeing plans.
- Payment fees: your home bank may add foreign transaction fees to card payments.
- Promotion conditions: some offers are first-visit-only or limited by day or time.
Is a Korean skin clinic cheaper than at home?
For many visitors from the US, UK, Australia and parts of Europe, Korean skin clinic prices can be noticeably lower, especially for Korean-made toxins, fillers, HIFU and boosters. Imported brands and premium devices narrow the gap. The best comparison is the same product, same dose and same device generation. The Hongdae vs Gangnam price comparison explains how prices also vary within Seoul.
Planning your visit to a skin clinic in Hongdae, Seoul
Hongik Univ. Station in Hongdae is served by Line 2, the Gyeongui–Jungang Line and the AREX Airport Railroad, which runs directly to Incheon and Gimpo airports. Many clinics in the area have English- or Japanese-speaking staff, and most take consultations by WhatsApp or KakaoTalk, so send photos and your travel dates before you book. For booking tips, read how to book a skin clinic in Seoul as a foreigner.
Confirm who performs the treatment, the exact shots, units or cc, and whether VAT is included. Check the current Hongdae clinic price list and any promotions before you go. If you are choosing between options, compare Botox in Seoul with pico laser or skin boosters, and leave a buffer before your flight.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay before or after treatment in Korea?
Most Korean skin clinics ask you to pay after the consultation and before the procedure, once you have agreed on the plan and price. You receive an itemized breakdown. If you change your mind about adding treatments on the day, the clinic will usually adjust the bill before you start.
Is there a consultation fee at Korean skin clinics?
Consultation is often free or low cost in Seoul, though policies differ between clinics. Some charge a small fee that may be deducted if you book a treatment. Ask the clinic when you message them, and use the consultation to confirm doses, sessions and the total price in writing.
How much cash should I bring to a Seoul skin clinic?
You usually do not need much cash, since most Seoul skin clinics accept international credit cards. Bringing some Korean won is useful as a backup. Check with your bank about foreign transaction fees, and confirm accepted payment methods with the clinic if you plan a larger treatment.
Can foreigners get the same prices as Koreans?
Reputable clinics generally list the same treatment prices for everyone. Differences usually come from the treatment specification, such as brand, dose or device generation, rather than nationality. Ask for an itemized quote and compare the exact units, cc, shots or lines between clinics.
What is the minimum I can spend at a Korean skin clinic?
A single aqua peel or laser toning session typically costs about KRW 30,000–100,000 in Seoul, which is one of the cheapest ways to experience a Korean dermatology clinic. These have little downtime, though visible change in pigmentation usually needs several sessions.
Related guides
This guide is general information for international visitors, not medical advice. A doctor confirms suitability, dosage and number of sessions at consultation. Prices are approximate Seoul market ranges and change over time — always check the clinic's current price list. Last updated: October 2026.













