Medical Tourism Blog
Korean vs. International Acne Treatment Costs: Is Korean Skincare the Superior Choice?
Table of contents
- Best Clinics in Korea for Acne Treatment
- Cost of Acne Treatment in Korea
- What Is Usually Included in Cost of Acne Treatment in Korea
- Factors Influencing the Cost of Acne Treatment in Korea
- Comparing the Cost of Acne Treatment: Korea vs the Rest of the World
- Cost of Coming To Korea for Acne Treatment
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Have you considered traveling abroad for specialized skincare treatments? Korea has emerged as a sought-after destination for acne treatment, offering advanced procedures at competitive prices. With costs ranging from 150,000 KRW to over 2,900,000 KRW, Korea provides tailored solutions for every severity of acne, leveraging cutting-edge technology and expertise that draws patients from around the globe. Before booking your trip, explore how these treatments compare to options worldwide, and discover why Korea might be the ideal choice for your skincare journey.
Best Clinics in Korea for Acne Treatment
Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for acne treatment:
| Clinic Name | Key Features | Special Techniques |
|---|---|---|
| Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong | Three Wishes Clinic in Myeongdong offers personalized, advanced medical beauty care where safety and satisfaction come first—an ideal setting for those seeking effective acne solutions in Korea. With a patient-centered approach, the clinic guides you through a clear treatment journey designed to restore clarity, comfort, and confidence. | PDT Acne Treatment; CO2 laser; facial peels; customized skin care treatments; Rejuran Healer; Shurink; Botox; fillers; fat-dissolving injections; thread lifting; semi-permanent makeup services |
| Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinic Website | Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seolleung is a standout choice for cost-conscious acne treatment in Korea because it delivers comprehensive, personalized care with a full spectrum of proven skin procedures under one roof. The clinic’s advanced skin treatments directly target acne and its aftermath: laser resurfacing refines texture and softens scars and blemishes by promoting collagen and new skin growth; chemical peels exfoliate to reveal smoother skin while improving pigmentation and mild scarring; microneedling stimulates the body’s natural healing to enhance firmness and texture; and HydraFacial cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates to support overall skin health. Guided by individualized treatment plans and the highest standards of care, Cheongdam Oracle tailors the right modality or combination for each patient’s specific concerns, helping achieve clearer, more even skin efficiently and effectively—making it an excellent value destination for acne and post-acne correction in Korea. | Laser resurfacing; chemical peels; microneedling; HydraFacial |
| Girin Plastic Surgery Website | Girin Plastic Surgery, conveniently located at Gangnam Station, is a comprehensive aesthetic destination offering a wide spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures delivered by some of Korea’s most prestigious plastic surgeons. With a commitment to safety, professionalism, and results tailored to each individual’s goals, Girin provides the kind of meticulous care and breadth of options that make it a standout choice for patients planning acne-related skin improvement as part of their overall aesthetic journey in Korea. | Led by prestigious plastic surgeons who prioritize safe, professional, and satisfactory results; Broad non-surgical skin offerings—such as Skin Booster, Botox, and Filler—to refine skin texture, hydration, and overall radiance, supporting complexion improvement after acne; Advanced device-based rejuvenation options—including Ulthera, AirJet, Inmode, and Oligio—for non-invasive tightening and skin quality enhancement with minimal downtime; Comprehensive menu across face and body, enabling stepwise and customized plans that can integrate skin-focused treatments with other aesthetic goals; Tailored care for subtle enhancements or more dramatic changes, aligning with each patient’s timeline and treatment preferences; Proven expertise in precision eye and nose procedures, facial contouring, and lifting—reflecting high technical standards across all treatments; Convenient Gangnam Station location for easy access during multi-session skin programs; A patient-centered approach that emphasizes individualized planning, making it an excellent clinic to consult when mapping out acne-related skin treatments in Korea |
Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong
Three Wishes Clinic in Myeongdong offers personalized, advanced medical beauty care where safety and satisfaction come first—an ideal setting for those seeking effective acne solutions in Korea. With a patient-centered approach, the clinic guides you through a clear treatment journey designed to restore clarity, comfort, and confidence.
For acne and post-acne concerns, the clinic provides a comprehensive menu: PDT Acne Treatment to target bacteria and calm inflammation, CO2 laser to resurface and refine acne-scarred skin, facial peels for smoother tone and texture, and customized skin care treatments to maintain results. Skin rejuvenators like Rejuran Healer support regeneration, while Shurink enhances firmness and elasticity. To complement skin clarity with balanced facial aesthetics, Three Wishes also offers petite procedures including Botox, fillers, fat-dissolving injections, and thread lifting, as well as semi-permanent makeup services. Whether you’re tackling active breakouts or refining scars, Three Wishes Clinic helps you achieve clearer, smoother skin with minimal downtime.
You can check out their website here: Three Wishes Clinic - Myeongdong Website
Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinic
Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinic in Seolleung is a standout choice for cost-conscious acne treatment in Korea because it delivers comprehensive, personalized care with a full spectrum of proven skin procedures under one roof. The clinic’s advanced skin treatments directly target acne and its aftermath: laser resurfacing refines texture and softens scars and blemishes by promoting collagen and new skin growth; chemical peels exfoliate to reveal smoother skin while improving pigmentation and mild scarring; microneedling stimulates the body’s natural healing to enhance firmness and texture; and HydraFacial cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates to support overall skin health. Guided by individualized treatment plans and the highest standards of care, Cheongdam Oracle tailors the right modality or combination for each patient’s specific concerns, helping achieve clearer, more even skin efficiently and effectively—making it an excellent value destination for acne and post-acne correction in Korea.
Find more about this clinic here: Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Clinic Website
Girin Plastic Surgery
Girin Plastic Surgery, conveniently located at Gangnam Station, is a comprehensive aesthetic destination offering a wide spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures delivered by some of Korea’s most prestigious plastic surgeons. With a commitment to safety, professionalism, and results tailored to each individual’s goals, Girin provides the kind of meticulous care and breadth of options that make it a standout choice for patients planning acne-related skin improvement as part of their overall aesthetic journey in Korea.
- Led by prestigious plastic surgeons who prioritize safe, professional, and satisfactory results
- Broad non-surgical skin offerings—such as Skin Booster, Botox, and Filler—to refine skin texture, hydration, and overall radiance, supporting complexion improvement after acne
- Advanced device-based rejuvenation options—including Ulthera, AirJet, Inmode, and Oligio—for non-invasive tightening and skin quality enhancement with minimal downtime
- Comprehensive menu across face and body, enabling stepwise and customized plans that can integrate skin-focused treatments with other aesthetic goals
- Tailored care for subtle enhancements or more dramatic changes, aligning with each patient’s timeline and treatment preferences
- Proven expertise in precision eye and nose procedures, facial contouring, and lifting—reflecting high technical standards across all treatments
- Convenient Gangnam Station location for easy access during multi-session skin programs
- A patient-centered approach that emphasizes individualized planning, making it an excellent clinic to consult when mapping out acne-related skin treatments in Korea
Find more about this clinic here: Girin Plastic Surgery Website
Cost of Acne Treatment in Korea
Acne treatment in Korea offers a variety of procedures tailored to different levels of severity, with prices varying based on the type of treatment. Below, we explore the cost of several common acne treatment procedures in both Korean Won (KRW) and United States Dollars (USD), providing a comprehensive range thanks to the fluctuating currency exchange rate (1 KRW = 0.000689 USD). Please note that securing your procedure typically requires a 10% upfront deposit.
-
Simple Acne Care:
- Cost in KRW: Approximately 150,000 KRW
- Cost in USD: Roughly 103 USD
-
Severe Acne Cases (PDT Procedure):
- Cost in KRW: Approximately 430,000 KRW
- Cost in USD: Roughly 296 USD
-
Acne Treatment:
- Cost in USD: Ranges from 1,000 USD to 2,000 USD
- Cost in KRW: Approximately 1,450,000 KRW to 2,900,000 KRW
-
Chemical Peel:
- Cost in USD: Ranges from 300 USD to 700 USD
- Cost in KRW: Approximately 436,000 KRW to 1,016,000 KRW
-
Laser Therapy:
- Cost in USD: Ranges from 900 USD to 1,500 USD
- Cost in KRW: Approximately 1,305,000 KRW to 2,175,000 KRW
Each treatment is priced to reflect the level of care, expertise, and advanced technology provided in Korean dermatological clinics. Keep in mind that the actual cost may vary based on the clinic and individual treatment plan.
What Is Usually Included in Cost of Acne Treatment in Korea
When considering acne treatment in Korea, understanding what is typically included in the cost is crucial for prospective patients. This overview will provide insights into what's generally covered in the price and what additional expenses patients might incur.
-
Simple Acne Care
- The cost typically does not include prescription medication. Patients are responsible for purchasing any prescribed medications at a local Korean pharmacy with a prescription provided by the clinic.
-
Severe Acne Cases (PDT Procedure)
- Similar to simple acne care, the cost for treating severe acne cases typically excludes prescription medicines. Again, patients will need to procure their medications from a pharmacy using a prescription issued by the clinic.
-
General Acne Treatment
- In certain cases, the cost of acne treatment might include considerations for overnight stays if required. Additionally, clinics may recommend skincare products to support the treatment process, which are not included in the initial treatment cost and would be an additional expense.
-
Chemical Peel
- The treatment may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. The cost often does not cover these sessions at once, meaning additional costs can accrue over time. Post-treatment skincare products are usually recommended to aid recovery and enhance results, representing another potential cost not included in the initial price.
-
Laser Therapy
- Similar to chemical peels, laser therapy might necessitate multiple sessions to be effective, which could mean further costs beyond the initial treatment. Clinics may also suggest specific skincare products to maintain skin health post-treatment, which would be an extra expense not included in the session pricing.
Overall, while the initial cost of acne treatment in Korea might cover the procedure itself, additional expenses such as prescription medicines, skincare products, and possibly the necessity for multiple sessions can increase the overall financial commitment. Patients should consult their provider for a detailed cost breakdown and understand precisely what the initial payment covers.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Acne Treatment in Korea
The cost of acne treatment in Korea varies based on several factors related to the procedure and clinic specifics. For procedures like Simple Acne Care and Severe Acne Cases (PDT Procedure), the severity of the acne plays a significant role in determining the cost. More complex or severe cases typically require more intensive treatment, thus increasing the expense. For general Acne Treatment, factors such as the clinic's location, the dermatologist's experience, and the type of treatment (e.g., laser, chemical peel) greatly impact the overall price. The Chemical Peel procedure sees its costs influenced by the type of chemical used and the clinic's reputation, while Laser Therapy costs are dependent on the type of laser technology employed and the quality of the clinic's equipment. These elements collectively shape the financial considerations for individuals seeking acne treatment in Korea.
Comparing the Cost of Acne Treatment: Korea vs the Rest of the World
When it comes to acne treatment, costs can vary significantly depending on the location and the specific services included in the procedure. In Korea, the price range for acne treatment is approximately $1,000 to $2,000 USD. Below, we compare the costs in several other countries.
Cost of Procedure in USA
In the United States, acne treatment costs range from $1,500 to $5,000 USD. This high range is often attributed to factors like consultation fees, follow-up visits, and the cost of medication.
Cost of Procedure in Mexico
The cost of acne treatment in Mexico can be surprisingly low, with prices stated around 96,629 KRW, which is approximately $67 USD. Be cautious as this may entail limited services, and additional costs might be necessary for treatments like acne scar therapy.
Cost of Procedure in Turkey
For Turkey, the price for acne treatment ranges between $500 and $1,500 USD. However, individuals should be aware of potential risks, particularly the variation in quality of care and additional fees that may not be included in the initial quote.
Cost of Procedure in Thailand
In Thailand, acne treatment costs vary from $1,200 to $4,500 USD. Potential dangers include differences in healthcare standards and the necessity for multiple sessions to achieve desired results. Additionally, expenses related to the use of prescribed creams and other medications should be considered.
Cost of Procedure in India
Acne treatment in India is priced from $1,000 to $4,000 USD. Costs can fluctuate based on the clinic's reputation and included services, such as consultation fees and necessary medications.
Cost of Procedure in Australia
While not directly comparable to traditional acne treatments, various skincare treatments in Australia (e.g., Medlite Q-Switched Laser Treatment) can cost between $140 and $370 AUD (about $97 to $256 USD). Considerations include deposit requirements and the availability of complementary procedures such as BioRePeel Treatment.
Overall, individuals should thoroughly research and consult with medical professionals when considering acne treatment abroad to assess both the financial and potential health implications.
Cost of Coming To Korea for Acne Treatment
Traveling to Korea for acne treatment can be a significant yet worthwhile investment for those looking to benefit from the country's advanced dermatological care. Here’s a breakdown of the travel costs you might incur:
Flight Expenses
One of the primary costs will be your airfare. Depending on your location, round-trip flights to South Korea can vary significantly. For instance, flights from the United States or Europe typically range from $600 to $1,200, though prices can fluctuate based on season, advance booking, and airline choice. Travelers from closer countries in Asia might find cheaper options, with fares starting from $300.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in Korea offers a spectrum of choices to fit different budgets. For those looking to save, hostels or guesthouses can cost as little as $20-$40 per night. Mid-range hotels may range from $60 to $150 per night, depending on location and amenities. For a more luxurious stay, high-end hotels can cost $200 or more per night. Booking well in advance or staying during off-peak seasons might yield discounts.
Local Transportation
Korea boasts an extensive and efficient public transportation system. A single bus or subway fare in Seoul costs approximately $1 to $1.50, making it easy to get around the city affordably. Taxis are also an option, with starting fares at around $3 and reasonable rates per kilometer. For longer stays, purchasing a T-money card for convenient access to multiple forms of public transport is advisable.
Daily Expenses
Eating out in Korea can range from budget-friendly to luxurious. Street food or a meal at an inexpensive restaurant might only cost $5-$10, while dining at a mid-range establishment could run $15-$30 per person. Additionally, there are various convenience stores and supermarkets where you can purchase food and supplies.
Health and Travel Insurance
Before you travel, take into consideration the cost of health and travel insurance. Policies will vary based on your home country and coverage level, but average costs might range from $50 to $200 for a short-term stay. This insurance could cover unexpected medical expenses beyond your acne treatment, as well as trip cancellations or interruptions.
Overall, while coming to Korea for acne treatment involves several travel-related expenses, the potential for high-quality care and positive outcomes can make it a compelling option for individuals seeking specialized dermatological services.
