What exactly are the differences between Korean dermatology and that in Taiwan and Hong Kong? It wasn’t until I visited that I really understood these differences.

To be honest, before I flew to Seoul for my first skin treatment, I thought, “A dermatology clinic is just a dermatology clinic—what difference does it make where I go?” But when I got there, I was shocked by the differences—from the way consultations are conducted, to the doctors’ attitudes, to the equipment used, and even to the pricing structure. It was so different from what I was used to in Taiwan and Hong Kong that I realized I had never really “ gotten proper skin care” before.

This article is a comparison based on my own experiences and extensive research, and it’s especially suitable for friends in Taiwan and Hong Kong who are still hesitating about whether to go to South Korea for cosmetic treatments.

1. Qualifications of Doctors: In South Korea, only 2% of doctors are specialized in dermatology.

This is what surprised me the most. Many people assume that since cosmetic treatments are so advanced in South Korea, there must be many dermatologists available. However, in reality, the requirements to become a specialized dermatologist in South Korea are quite high—only about 2% of all doctors in the country are formally trained in dermatology.

To obtain this qualification, one must first graduate from medical school, complete a general practice internship at a large hospital, then specialize in dermatology for at least four years, and finally pass a national certification exam to officially earn the title of specialized dermatologist.

Moreover, South Korea has a clear visual distinction: legitimate specialized dermatology clinics are marked with a red sign and are labeled as “OOO Dermatology Hospital”; clinics run by non-specialized doctors can only display “Specialty: Dermatology” in smaller font. This makes it easy for patients to tell at a glance whether a clinic is properly certified.

In contrast, in Taiwan and Hong Kong, the cosmetic industry is relatively more open. Many doctors who perform laser or injection treatments may not have specialized training in dermatology; they may come from backgrounds in family medicine, gynecology, or surgery and later switch to cosmetic medicine. This doesn’t mean their skills are inferior, but overall, the level of transparency around their qualifications is not as high as in South Korea.

2. Equipment: South Korea is often the first in the world to use the latest medical devices.

This is also one of the main reasons why many people are willing to travel to South Korea for cosmetic treatments, even despite the time and cost involved.

South Korea indeed moves much faster than Taiwan and Hong Kong in introducing new cosmetic equipment. Many innovative radiofrequency, laser, and ultrasound devices are first commercially available in South Korea before being approved for use in other regions. Here are some examples:

• Ulthera: It is now available in Taiwan and Hong Kong, but it has been widely used in Korea for many years, and doctors there are more proficient in operating it.
• Thermage FLX: Local clinics in Hong Kong offer this treatment, but the cost is almost 2–3 times higher than in Korea.
• ONDA microwave lipolysis: This treatment was not introduced in Taiwan at that time; many people had to travel to Korea to receive it.
• Juvelook/Healer skin repair injections: These are Korean-made brands, so the quality is better and the prices are lower when purchased directly in Korea.

In the Gangnam area of Seoul, just one street can have over a dozen dermatology clinics, and each one competes with others in terms of equipment and technology. This high-level competition drives up the overall standards of both equipment and medical expertise.

III. Price difference: How much cheaper are similar treatments in Korea?

When it comes to money, this is undoubtedly the most concerning issue for many people. Let’s take a look at some common treatments as examples:

Treatment	Korea (Seoul)	Hong Kong	Taiwan
Thermage FLX (full face)	₩350,000–500,000 (approximately HK$2,100–3,000)	HK$8,000–15,000	NT$30,000–60,000
Ulthera ultrasound therapy (full face)	₩400,000–700,000 (approximately HK$2,400–4,200)	HK$10,000–18,000	NT$35,000–70,000
Hydrofiller injections (full face)	₩80,000–150,000 (approximately HK$480–900)	HK$2,500–5,000	NT$6,000–12,000
Picosecond laser treatment for the entire face	₩100,000–200,000 (approximately HK$600–1,200)	HK$3,000–8,000	NT$8,000–20,000

Just for the Thermage treatment alone, the cost in Hong Kong is 3–5 times that in South Korea and 2–4 times that in Taiwan. If you include airfare and accommodation, many people can still save a significant amount of money. Moreover, it’s also an opportunity to travel and enjoy good food.

With the South Korean won continuing to weaken against the Hong Kong dollar and Taiwanese dollar by the end of 2024, now is actually one of the best times in recent years to get cosmetic procedures.

Fourth, the service philosophy in South Korea is one of “skin care culture,” not “seeking treatment only when something goes wrong.”

This difference may seem subtle when discussed, but it is quite evident when experienced firsthand.

In Taiwan and Hong Kong, most people visit a dermatologist because they have specific issues—acne, allergies, or eczema. The approach in dermatology clinics tends to be more “medical,” with fast appointments, brief consultations, and immediate treatment after the visit.

However, the atmosphere in Korean dermatology clinics—especially those focusing on cosmetic treatments—is completely different. The philosophy there is “regular maintenance and proactive skin care.” Many Koreans start visiting these clinics in their early twenties for regular skin treatments, just like how people in Taiwan go for facials regularly.

So when you enter such a clinic, you won’t be rushed through. The doctor will first use a VISIA skin scanner to carefully assess your skin condition, discuss in detail your goals and budget, and then recommend a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. The whole process is more like creating a customized skincare routine rather than just quickly prescribing medication.

5. Friendliness towards foreigners: Translation services remove language barriers

This is a major concern for many people considering cosmetic treatments in Korea: “I don’t speak Korean, how will I communicate?”

Good news is that the vast majority of reputable dermatology clinics in Seoul have staff who can provide translation services in both Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese. The entire consultation and treatment process can be conducted in Chinese, and even pre- and post-treatment instructions are provided in this language. Some clinics also offer English services.

Another convenient option is to use booking platforms like BeautsGO. These platforms provide detailed information about various clinics in Chinese, including treatment descriptions, actual prices, and doctors’ backgrounds. After making a reservation, Chinese customer service will assist you throughout the process, so you don’t have to rely on Google Translate during your visit.

For first-time visitors, using such platforms to book appointments indeed eliminates a lot of uncertainty. I highly recommend it.

6. Conclusion: Who is best suited for dermatological treatments in Korea?

Having said all that, who would be the most suitable candidates to go to Korea for cosmetic treatments? I’ve categorized them into a few groups:

• 🎯 Those who want to undergo high-end treatments (such as Thermage or ultrasound) but are hesitant due to the prices in Taiwan/Hong Kong—Korea offers much better value for money.
• 🎯 Those who need specific types of equipment or treatments (like ONDA devices or certain skin repair injections) that are not yet available locally or have just been introduced, and where the doctors may not be very experienced with them.
• 🎯 People who plan to travel to Seoul and would like to include some skin care treatments in their itinerary without incurring additional costs.
• 🎯 Those who prefer “full consultation and treatment by a doctor from start to finish”—Korea’s one-on-one doctor consultation system for dermatology is quite comprehensive.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that dermatology clinics in Taiwan or Hong Kong are inferior. Many local doctors are equally skilled, and the convenience of being near home and having easy follow-up appointments are also significant advantages. However, in certain specific treatments and budget considerations, Korea does have its strengths.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How far in advance should I book a cosmetic treatment in Korea?

It is recommended to book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for popular clinics in areas like Gangnam and Hongdae, which tend to fill up quickly on weekends or during holidays. Booking through BeautsGO allows you to confirm the exact time slot without having to communicate in Korean yourself.

Q2: After receiving a treatment in Korea, can I get follow-up care in Taiwan/Hong Kong?

Most treatments, such as laser therapy and hyaluronic acid injections, have a recovery period of 1 to 3 days. Just make sure to plan your schedule accordingly before traveling. For treatments that require closer monitoring, such as thread lifting or fillers, it is recommended to stay in Seoul for an additional 1 to 2 days after the procedure to ensure everything goes well before returning home. If you encounter any issues after the surgery, you can usually consult the clinic via LINE or WhatsApp. Some clinics also offer one-month online follow-up support.

Q3: How can one tell if a dermatology clinic in Korea is a legitimate specialized clinic or just an ordinary one?

Look at the signboard: Legitimate dermatology clinics will display a red certification mark, and their signboards will clearly state “OOO Dermatology.” Non-specialized clinics can only indicate “Treatment Area: Dermatology.” You can also check the qualifications of the doctors on the official website of the Korean Dermatologists Association (akd.or.kr), or choose certified clinics listed on BeautsGO, as the platform has already conducted basic background checks on these clinics.

Q4: What treatment is most recommended for first-time cosmetic procedures in Korea?

It is generally suggested to start with treatments that have a short recovery period and low risk, such as hyaluronic acid injections, picosecond lasers, or skin care treatments (cleansing + hydration). After these procedures, you can usually go out normally the next day, making them ideal for during a trip. More intensive treatments like Thermage or ultrasound knife can be scheduled for a later visit when you have more time.

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If you are considering getting skin care treatments in Seoul or have any questions about cosmetic procedures in Korea, you can get free consultations through BeautsGO. They provide services in Traditional Chinese and are familiar with the features of various clinics, helping you find the best option without having to do all the research yourself 😄