Travel Basics
Medical, Clinics & Tax Refunds
Booking English-speaking dermatologists, factory clinics vs private clinics, and claiming tax refunds.
Korea is world-famous for cosmetic procedures and skin care. Prices are 30~50% lower than in many countries while facilities are clean and tech is advanced. 500,000+ foreigners come to Korea annually for medical / cosmetic reasons. The booking system and payment flow can confuse first-timers — here's the orientation.
1. Clinic types — Factory vs Private
Korean dermatology / cosmetic clinics fall into two camps: "factory clinics" (large chains) and private clinics (independent). Neither is universally better — choose based on what you want.
| Aspect | Factory clinic | Private clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Lienjang, Muse, Cheongdam Su, Global Clinic | Independent doctor-run |
| Pros | Cheap (30~50% less), fast booking | Tailored consultation, 1-on-1 |
| Cons | Short consult, repeat procedures | Pricier, harder to book |
| Consult time | 5~10 min | 20~30+ min |
| Foreigner support | Almost always available | Confirm English on booking |
Tip: First time? Factory. Repeat? Private.
For your first Korean procedure, factory clinics are great — affordable with strong foreigner support. Once you know what you like and want a particular doctor, switch to private.
Popular clinic neighborhoods
Foreigner-ready dermatology and plastic surgery clinics in Seoul concentrate in 3~4 Gangnam neighborhoods. Within each, 30~50 clinics cluster — compare based on procedures and budget.
| Neighborhood | Character | How to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Sinnonhyeon (Gangnam) | Factory clinics dense, value-focused | Line 9 Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 4 |
| Cheongdam-dong | Private clinics, high-end procedures | Line 7 Cheongdam Station Exit 13 |
| Apgujeong Rodeo | Plastic surgery hub, strong English support | Suin-Bundang Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 5 |
| Hongdae / Hapjeong | 20s-focused trends, botox / filler heavy | Line 2 Hongik Univ Station Exit 9 |
2. Procedure prices (2026)
Korean cosmetic procedures run 30~50% cheaper than home for many travelers. Prices vary widely by clinic and brand of products used. Below is a typical foreigner-popular range. Always get a written quote in advance via the clinic's English site.
| Procedure | Factory range | Private range | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Botox (forehead/glabella) | 50,000~100,000 KRW | 150,000~250,000 KRW | Immediate (swelling 1~2d) |
| Filler (nose/chin/forehead) | 150,000~300,000 KRW | 400,000~700,000 KRW | 1~3 days (swelling 1 week) |
| Laser toning (skin tone) | 50,000~150,000 KRW / session | 200,000~300,000 KRW / session | Same day (redness 2 days) |
| Ulthera (lifting) | 500,000~1,000,000 KRW | 1,500,000~3,000,000 KRW | Immediate (results over 3 months) |
| Thread lift | 300,000~800,000 KRW | 1,000,000~2,500,000 KRW | 3~7 days (bruising 1~2 weeks) |
| IV vitamin drip | 30,000~100,000 KRW | 150,000~300,000 KRW | Immediate |
Tip: Plan around recovery times
Long-recovery procedures (laser, thread lift) shouldn't be done right before flying out. Schedule them in the first 1~2 days of your trip and let yourself heal. Botox / filler / IV drips are same-day OK for sightseeing.
Watch out: No sun, sauna, or workouts after
After laser, avoid strong sun for 1~2 weeks (SPF 50+ essential). After botox / filler, no sauna / jjimjilbang / intense exercise for 24 hours (the product can migrate). Follow the clinic's aftercare to get the best results.
3. Booking — 3~4 weeks ahead
Popular clinics fill up 3~4 weeks out. Trying to book after arrival rarely works. Book the clinic when you book your flight. Foreigner-ready clinics take English website forms, KakaoTalk channel, LINE, or WhatsApp.
Info to send when booking
- Passport English name and date of birth
- Korea arrival / departure dates (factor in recovery time)
- Procedures of interest (or "consult first" if unsure)
- Medications / allergies
- Payment method (foreign credit card usually OK; some prefer cash)
4. Korea Medical Tourism certification
Korea certifies clinics under "Foreign Patient-Receiving Medical Institution" — those certified have English interpretation, foreigner-only consult rooms, and safety standards. Look for the certification mark on the clinic website.
[Foreigner-friendly clinic street near Gangnam Sinnonhyeon Station]
5. Tax Refund — 7~10% back
Cosmetic medical procedures by foreign tourists qualify for VAT refund (about 7~10% of the 10% VAT). On a 1,000,000 KRW procedure, you get 70,000~100,000 KRW refunded to your home account.
Refund procedure
- Before the procedure, ask the clinic "Tax Refund?" (all certified clinics qualify)
- Bring the actual passport — photos don't count
- After payment, receive a "Medical Tax Refund Slip" from the clinic
- On departure, present slip + passport + card receipt at the Incheon refund counter
- Refund options — auto credit-card refund, or cash at the airport
Watch out: Bring the actual passport
A passport photo or screenshot is not enough — the clinic must see and copy the original. Don't leave it at the hotel; you'll have to come back.
6. Emergency — foreigner-ready hospitals
For sudden illness or injury, go to a "foreigner emergency-ready hospital" — not a small neighborhood clinic. Severance, Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and others operate 24/7 foreign patient centers with English interpreters.
| Hospital | Location | Foreigner desk |
|---|---|---|
| Yonsei Severance Hospital | Sinchon (Line 2 Sinchon Station) | 02-2228-5810 |
| Seoul National University Hospital | Hyehwa (Line 4 Hyehwa Station) | 02-2072-0505 |
| Samsung Medical Center | Irwon (Line 3 Irwon Station) | 02-3410-0200 |
| Asan Medical Center | Pungnap (Line 5 Olympic Park Station) | 1688-7575 |
| Gangnam Severance Hospital | Gangnam (Line 3 Dogok Station) | 1599-6114 |
Tip: 1339 emergency medical line
Instead of jumping straight to 119, call 1339 first — English-capable agents will direct you to the right facility. Mild symptoms → pharmacy or local clinic; serious → nearest ER.
Pharmacies — English-capable locations
Korean pharmacies are everywhere — look for "약" or "Pharmacy" signs. Mild colds, headaches, indigestion can be treated with over-the-counter meds. Pharmacies in foreigner-heavy areas usually have English-speaking pharmacists.
English-capable pharmacies (foreigner zones)
- Myeongdong, Itaewon, Hongdae — high probability of English support
- Gangnam Station Exit 11 area pharmacies (many international workers)
- Pharmacies in/near hotels — concierge can recommend
- Show your phone with words like "ibuprofen", "Tylenol", "cold medicine" — works fine
7. Next steps
Wellness travel code
HEAL travel code — spas, traditional Korean massage, meditation centers, recovery places.
Payment & exchange guide
WOWPASS, credit cards, tax refund — money in Korea covered.