🇰🇷 South Korea · Dermatology
Skin Treatment & Dermatology in South Korea
Non-surgical dermatological treatments — lasers, peels, injectables and rejuvenation — to improve skin texture, tone and ageing.
Researched & fact-checked by the MedTraveling editorial teamLast reviewed 21 June 202621 sourced referencesNo rankings or leads sold
stevenroth2 / flickr · PDM- Typical price
- $145–$1,750
- Clinics tracked
- 16
- Recovery
- 0–7 days
- Final results
- Days to weeks
Why South Korea for skin treatment & dermatology
South Korea has the highest rate of cosmetic surgery per capita in the world, and Seoul's Gangnam district is the densest concentration of plastic surgery and dermatology clinics anywhere. The country is the global reference point for rhinoplasty, facial contouring, double-eyelid surgery and advanced skin treatment, backed by heavy investment in technology and a deep specialist workforce — supported by dedicated international patient centres at the larger hospitals.
World-leading cosmetic expertise
Unrivalled volume and specialisation in rhinoplasty, facial contouring and double-eyelid surgery.
Technology and precision
Heavy investment in advanced imaging, lasers and surgical technology, especially in dermatology and plastics.
International patient infrastructure
Larger hospitals run dedicated international healthcare centres with English-language coordination.
Aesthetic specialisation
A refined, detail-oriented aesthetic culture that many patients travel specifically to access.
Is skin treatment & dermatology in South Korea safe?
The single most-asked question — answered straight, with what to verify rather than reassurance.
Skin Treatment & Dermatology carries the same core medical risks wherever it's performed — the variable that matters most is the provider, not the country. Confirm the clinic is a KHIDI-registered international healthcare provider and that the operating surgeon is a board-certified specialist (e.g. KSPRS for plastic surgery). Insist on a written guarantee that the named surgeon operates. Verify the surgeon on the national medical register, confirm accreditation in the issuer's public registry (we link it on every clinic profile), and get the complication and revision policy in writing. We flag what each clinic does and doesn't disclose.
What skin treatment & dermatology involves
Dermatological and aesthetic skin treatments cover a broad range of non-surgical procedures — laser resurfacing, chemical peels, injectables (botulinum toxin and fillers), and skin-tightening technologies — aimed at improving texture, pigmentation, acne scarring and signs of ageing. South Korea, the home of 'K-beauty,' is a leading destination, with advanced devices and dermatology clinics concentrated in Seoul.
These treatments are generally low-risk and require little to no downtime, but results are often gradual and maintenance-based rather than permanent. The main considerations when travelling are matching the treatment to your skin type (especially for laser work on darker skin), and that procedures are performed by, or under, a qualified dermatologist.
Why people seek it
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Reduced pigmentation and acne scars
- Anti-ageing rejuvenation
- Access to advanced K-beauty technology
Techniques & options
Laser resurfacing
Fractional and other lasers to improve texture, scarring and pigmentation.
Injectables
Botulinum toxin for lines and dermal fillers for volume and contour.
Skin tightening (HIFU/RF)
Ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to firm and lift without surgery.
Chemical peels
Controlled exfoliation to brighten tone and smooth texture.
The treatment process
- 1Dermatology consultation and skin analysis
- 2Selection of treatment(s) for your skin type and goals
- 3In-clinic treatment, usually without anaesthesia
- 4Aftercare and sun-protection guidance
- 5Maintenance or course of sessions as needed
Recovery timeline
Same day
Redness or mild swelling depending on intensity; most return to normal activity.
Days 1–7
Peeling or flaking with resurfacing; injectables settle over days.
Weeks 2–8
Gradual improvement; collagen-based results build over time.
Skin Treatment & Dermatology cost in South Korea
Published provider prices vary with technique, surgeon and what each package includes. Use these as a starting range — not a personalised quote.
Typical price range
$145–$1,750
Full spread $50–$2,300 across 6 provider quotes
Prices are published provider figures, not personalised quotes. Confirm inclusions directly.
South Korea (typical)
$950
$50–$2,300
Home (indicative)
$1,200
typical private price
You could save
$250
≈ 21% less
Home-country figures are indicative typical private list prices, not quotes. Destination figures are published provider prices we track. Add travel, accommodation and any revision cost before comparing — a low headline is not the full bill. Currency conversions are approximate.
| Provider | Published price (USD) | Typically includes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lienjang Clinic (Dermatology) | $50–$2,300 | single session (laser/booster/lifting) | Reported |
| Forena Clinic | $64–$2,072 | session | Corroborated |
| Maylin Cheongdam Clinic | $140–$1,500 | single session | Reported |
| Dream Dermatology Clinic | $150–$1,500 | single session | Reported |
| Banobagi Clinic Dermatology | $200–$2,000 | single session | Reported |
| Seoul Miz Hospital | $300–$1,000 | session | Corroborated |
What drives the price: Type and number of treatments · Device/technology used · Practitioner expertise · Course vs single session · Country and clinic tier. See the full cost guide →
What's included in South Korea skin treatment & dermatology packages
Most providers quote all-inclusive packages — but inclusions vary. Here's what tracked clinics typically cover, and what to budget separately.
Typically included
- ✓single session
- ✓single session (laser/booster/lifting)
- ✓session
Usually excluded
- ×flights
- ×accommodation
- ×Flights
Always confirm the exact inclusions in writing — a low headline price often excludes hospital stay, medication, aftercare or revision.
Clinics offering skin treatment & dermatology in South Korea
16 tracked providers. Profiles list accreditation, named surgeons and sources.
Wonjin Plastic Surgery (Wonjin Beauty Medical Group)
seoul
Wonjin is a well-known Gangnam plastic surgery and beauty medical group operating since around 1999, with a multi-department staff spanning plastic surgery, dermatology and anesthesiology. It is widely recognized for facial contouring, eyelid surgery and body contouring.
Dream Medical Group (Dream Plastic Surgery)
seoul
Dream Medical Group is an Apgujeong/Gangnam plastic surgery group founded in 1999 by Dr. Park Yang-Soo and built around surgeons trained at Seoul National University. It has grown into a multi-surgeon practice that added dermatology and aesthetic dentistry, and is known for eyelid surgery, fat grafting and body contouring.
Nana Plastic Surgery Hospital
seoul
Nana Plastic Surgery Hospital offers face and body plastic surgery plus dermatology, reported to have around 15 specialist doctors and in-house anesthesiologists. It serves a multilingual international clientele in Seoul.
RNWOOD Plastic Surgery
seoul
RNWOOD is a Gangnam-gu plastic surgery clinic noted for advanced facial rejuvenation, including deep plane facelift and neck lift procedures, led by surgeon Dr. Minhee Ryu. It carries strong verified review scores on aggregator platforms.
Cinderella Plastic Surgery Clinic
seoul
Cinderella is a cosmetic clinic near Gangnam Station (Seocho-gu, Seoul) offering facial contouring, eyelid surgery and other aesthetic procedures.
Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology Clinic
seoul
Oracle Dermatology is Korea's largest dermatology network clinic, first opened in 2004, with its head office in Cheongdam, Gangnam, Seoul. It provides laser skin treatments, anti-aging, body contouring and scalp/hair therapy across many branches.
Renewme Skin Clinic
seoul
Renewme is a dermatology network founded around 2011 with multiple branches across Seoul (including Gangnam/Seocho, Dongdaemun and Jamsil) plus one in Busan Seomyeon, staffed by board-certified dermatologists. It treats aesthetic concerns and medical skin conditions, with English and Chinese interpretation for foreign patients.
- Korean Dermatological Association certified specialists
MOAMAN Hair Transplant Clinic
seoul
MOAMAN is a Gangnam clinic specializing exclusively in hair-loss treatment and transplantation, with a team of several surgeons and a Bookimed 2019 award for best hair transplant clinic. It offers FUE, DHI, FUT and no-shave techniques plus PRP and stem-cell hair treatments.
- KOIHA accreditation
- ISHRS membership
Banobagi Clinic Dermatology
seoul
A large dermatology arm of the Banobagi group in Gangnam, Seoul, operating with over 40 advanced devices for combined skin treatments. It offers lifting, tightening, pigment and filler procedures including Ulthera Core, Thermage FLX, PicoSure and Shurink. Global consultations are available for international patients.
from $200–$2,000
Lienjang Clinic (Dermatology)
seoul
A multi-branch aesthetic and dermatology clinic founded in 2004 in Gangnam, Seoul, with additional locations in Hongdae, Myeongdong and overseas in Japan. It offers botox, fillers, Pico and CO2 lasers, skin boosters such as Rejuran, and lifting devices including Ultherapy, Thermage FLX and Oligio, with transparent price lists.
from $50–$2,300
Maylin Cheongdam Clinic
seoul
A dermatology and anti-aging clinic on Apgujeong-ro in Gangnam, Seoul, focused on skin revitalization, anti-aging and stem cell therapy. It runs a signature membership program combining anti-aging treatments with skincare management, with English, Indonesian and Russian support and tax-free options for tourists.
from $140–$1,500
Dream Dermatology Clinic
seoul
A laser and cosmetic dermatology center in the Gangnam district of Seoul, founded in 2000. It is described as one of Seoul's leading laser centers with board-certified dermatologists serving an international clientele, providing multilingual support including fluent English-speaking staff.
from $150–$1,500
ME Clinic
seoul
ME Clinic is a government-approved aesthetic and plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, specializing in foreigner-oriented skincare alongside non-surgical rhinoplasty, double eyelid and select eye surgeries. The clinic provides translators and online consultants for international patients.
Seoul Miz Hospital
seoul
A private multi-specialty hospital in Gangdong-gu (OB/GYN, aesthetic medicine, mammology, medical check-ups) serving roughly 200,000 patients annually, equipped with a Da Vinci surgical system. Aesthetic dermatology and eyelid surgery sit alongside women's health, with multilingual support for international patients.
- Seoul Mayor healthcare-provider certificate
from $300–$1,000
The Boom Clinic
busan
A Seomyeon (Busanjin-gu) aesthetic clinic focused on non-surgical facial contouring, lifting, fillers, body contouring, and skin treatments. It publishes per-unit USD pricing on the Unni platform and offers global consultations for international patients.
Forena Clinic
seoul
A Hongdae (Mapo) skin and aesthetic clinic combining laser dermatology, lifting and regenerative treatments with a luxury-care model aimed at international visitors. Its lead dermatologist reports over a decade of experience and a high volume of laser treatments.
- AAD member
from $64–$2,072
Surgeons & specialists
Named clinicians associated with this procedure, drawn from clinic and registry sources.
Skin Treatment & Dermatology by city
What to verify before you book
Travelling shifts the burden of due diligence onto you. These are the checkable signals that matter most.
For this destination
- Premium pricing. Korea is a premium market; expect to pay more than in Turkey or Mexico for comparable cosmetic procedures.
- Broker and 'ghost surgery' risk. Confirm in writing that your named surgeon performs the operation — Korea has had documented 'ghost surgery' cases.
- Language and logistics. Outside international centres, English support varies; use clinics with formal international patient services.
Questions to ask
- ›Is this treatment suitable and safe for my skin type?
- ›Is it performed by, or supervised by, a qualified dermatologist?
- ›How many sessions will I need and how long do results last?
- ›What aftercare and maintenance does it require?
Accreditation context. Confirm the clinic is a KHIDI-registered international healthcare provider and that the operating surgeon is a board-certified specialist (e.g. KSPRS for plastic surgery). Insist on a written guarantee that the named surgeon operates.
Risks & complications
- Pigmentation changes (especially darker skin)
- Burns or blistering from lasers
- Bruising from injectables
- Temporary redness/swelling
- Under-whelming results without maintenance
Take this with you
Everything to carry into a consultation — yours to print, no sign-up.
Patient decision kit
Skin Treatment & Dermatology in South Korea — take this with you
Yours to keep. No sign-up, no contact details, nothing sold.
Questions to ask
- Is this treatment suitable and safe for my skin type?
- Is it performed by, or supervised by, a qualified dermatologist?
- How many sessions will I need and how long do results last?
- What aftercare and maintenance does it require?
Get these in writing
- The exact named surgeon who will operate — and their registration number
- A full itemised quote: what is and isn't included, in your currency
- The complication and revision policy, including who pays if something goes wrong
- The aftercare plan once you are home, and how follow-up is handled remotely
- Accreditation certificates and their expiry dates
Walk away if you see
- The surgeon who operates won't be named or confirmed in writing
- Pressure to pay a large deposit fast, or a 'today only' price
- No written complication or revision policy
- Accreditation claimed but no certificate or registry you can check
- Reviews only on the clinic's own site, none independent
- A quote far below every other provider with no explanation of what's excluded
How to verify claims
- Confirm the clinic is a KHIDI-registered international healthcare provider and that the operating surgeon is a board-certified specialist (e.g. KSPRS for plastic surgery). Insist on a written guarantee that the named surgeon operates.
- Cross-check the surgeon on the national medical register, not just the clinic page
- Confirm accreditation currency in the issuer's public registry (we link to it on each profile)
- Ask for independent reviews and the source — not screenshots
MedTraveling is independent: we don't sell rankings or your details, and listing a provider is not an endorsement. This kit is decision support, not medical advice — confirm everything directly with a qualified clinician before treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Korean skin treatment cost in Korea?
Across 6 published quotes we track, skin treatment & dermatology in South Korea runs $50–$2,300, with a typical range of $145–$1,750 — roughly 21% below an indicative US private price of about $1,200. Always confirm what a quote includes — the headline figure rarely covers everything.
Is South Korea good for skin treatment?
"Good" depends on the specific clinic and surgeon, not the destination. South Korea has highly experienced dermatology providers, but quality varies widely — which is why we score every clinic on a published transparency index and show what's verifiable (accreditation, named surgeons, sources) and what's missing, so you judge a provider rather than a country.
Which country is best for skin treatment dermatologist?
We don't crown a single "best" or "cheapest" country — quality lives at the clinic level, not the border. For skin treatment & dermatology, South Korea is a major destination with tracked prices of $145–$1,750; compare it head-to-head with other destinations on our comparison pages and rank individual clinics by the MedTraveling Transparency Index rather than trusting a national reputation.
Are results permanent?
Most skin treatments improve the skin temporarily and need maintenance; some, like certain laser resurfacing, give longer-lasting results but never stop ongoing ageing.
Is laser safe for darker skin?
Some lasers carry a higher risk of pigmentation changes on darker skin. A practitioner should select a device and settings matched to your skin type.