Before flying to South Korea for cosmetic surgery, I made sure to ask all the important questions: a comprehensive guide to booking procedures, language requirements, tax refunds, and payment methods for cosmetic treatments in South Korea in 2026.

A friend of mine went to South Korea last year to have Thermage treatment and came back telling me that “the cost was roughly one-third of what it is in Taiwan.” At first, I didn’t believe it. But after spending three months researching various information and comparing six different clinics, I realized that things weren’t actually that complicated—but they were also not as simple as some agencies claimed.

In this article, I aim to provide a description of the entire process of undergoing medical beauty treatments in South Korea from the perspective of someone who has actually experienced it firsthand – including how to make appointments, how to communicate in different languages, the latest tax refund policies for 2026, and several common mistakes that foreigners often make. If you are considering whether to take this trip, I hope this article can help you save some unnecessary time.

I. Just how much cheaper is medical beauty treatment in South Korea compared to Taiwan?

Let’s start with the price issue, which everyone is most concerned about. I spent three weeks researching a great deal of information and actually checked the real-time quotes of popular clinics in Gangnam on BeautsGO. Here’s the general situation:

• Thermage FLX (900 shots, full treatment protocol): The price in Taiwan is approximately NT$80,000 to NT$120,000, while in South Korea it ranges from ₩1.2 million to ₩1.8 million (equivalent to approximately NT$25,000 to NT$40,000).
• HIFU Ulthera (for the entire face): Approximately 60,000 to 100,000 Taiwan dollars in Taiwan; approximately ₩800,000 to ₩1,400,000 in South Korea.
• iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) (4cc package): Relatively rare in Taiwan; the cost in clinics in Gangnam, South Korea, ranges from approximately ₩250,000 to ₩400,000.
• PicoWay laser treatment: In Taiwan, the cost for a full face treatment ranges from approximately 8,000 to 15,000 yuan; in South Korea, it costs around 150,000 to 300,000 won.

It should be noted that what is mentioned here are merely “reference ranges”; the actual prices may vary depending on the clinic, the doctor performing the treatment, and the number of injections administered. The advantage of South Korea is the high transparency of prices – many clinics directly display the estimated costs for various treatments on their official websites, unlike in Taiwan, where the prices are sometimes only revealed on-site.

II. Is it still possible to get a tax refund for medical beauty treatments in South Korea in 2026?

⚠️ This is the one thing that needs to be clarified above all else in 2026.

Since 2016, South Korea has allowed foreign tourists to get a 10% VAT refund when consuming medical beauty services. However, this preferential policy will officially end by the end of 2025. In other words:

• Those who complete the treatment and obtain a tax refund receipt by December 31, 2025, will still be eligible for this tax refund benefit.
• Effective from January 1, 2026: Foreigners undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea will no longer be issued tax refund receipts; the 10% VAT refund system will thus become history.

In simple terms, if you wait until 2026 to go, you won’t need to consider the tax refund option anymore. But the good news is that – even without the tax refund – the overall cost of medical beauty treatments in South Korea is still significantly lower than that in Taiwan. For popular treatments, you can save approximately 40-60% on the costs.

It should also be noted that there is a minimum amount requirement for tax refunds; a single transaction must reach a certain threshold before a refund can be applied for. The specific requirements may vary slightly between different clinics, so it is recommended to confirm the current tax-refund eligibility directly with the clinic before starting any treatment.

III. How to make an appointment: How should one proceed for the first visit to a Dermatology clinic in South Korea?

Many people give up at the point where they think, “I don’t know how to make an appointment.” In fact, there are several ways to do it, and the difficulty levels vary greatly.

Method 1: Make a direct reservation through platforms such as BeautsGO (highly recommended for beginners)

BeautsGO is a specialized reservation platform for Korean cosmetic procedures, designed specifically for foreign tourists. It supports the Traditional Chinese language interface, allowing users to directly search for real-time quotes and reservation availability at clinics located in areas such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Sinsa. Some clinics even provide Chinese-speaking customer service. The entire process requires no phone calls or the need to send emails in Korean.

The advantages are: transparent pricing, the ability to compare quotes from multiple clinics, online reservation support, and Chinese-language post-treatment follow-up services. For those going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures for the first time, this represents the easiest and most convenient starting point.

Method 2: Contact the institution directly to make an appointment.

Some popular clinics in Gangnam (especially those that only serve foreigners) have their own Line, KakaoTalk, or WhatsApp accounts, and you can directly add them as friends to communicate in Chinese. However, the downside is that you have to search for and ask each one individually, which is relatively inefficient.

Method 3: Hire an agent or local guide

The advantage of using an agent is that they are familiar with the procedures of the relevant institutions and can help arrange transportation and post-operative care for you. However, the fees charged by these agents are usually not cheap, and some are even tied to specific institutions – which means your choice is somewhat limited. If you have a friend who has previously used such services and whom you trust, you might consider their recommendation; but if it’s an unfamiliar agent, be sure to check their reviews first.

IV. Language issues: My English is not good, and I don’t know Korean either. Is it really possible for me to participate?

This is probably the issue that affects the most people. My answer is: In Gangnam, especially in those institutions that receive foreign guests, language barriers have been significantly reduced.

Currently, there are numerous institutions in the Gangnam area that provide Chinese-language services, including:

• Institutions equipped with dedicated Chinese-speaking translators (who accompany patients throughout the entire process, from consultation to post-operative instructions)
• Provide advance communication through WeChat or Line for Chinese-speaking customer service.
• Clinics that provide Chinese-language price lists and consent forms

None of the friends who have been with me to these institutions have ever encountered situations where communication was completely impossible, which would have affected the treatment process. Of course, for more complex surgical procedures, it is still recommended to choose institutions that provide professional translation services to ensure that there are no misunderstandings in the pre-operative explanations and risk disclosures.

Practical tools: Naver Papago (for translation) and Google Translate (with photo translation and price list options) are both included by default.

V. Payment methods: Can cards from Taiwan be used in South Korea?

This question plagues many people who visit there for the first time. The answer is: At mainstream clinics in Gangnam, credit cards are almost universally accepted, and Alipay and WeChat Pay are also very commonly used.

Specifically:

• Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, and JCB are all accepted. The vast majority of clinics support these cards.
• Alipay/WeChat Pay: Almost all institutions in Gangnam that receive foreign guests support these payment methods. For Taiwanese travelers, using these services usually results in more favorable exchange rates than using a credit card (subject to exchange rate fluctuations).
• Cash: Some clinics accept South Korean won in cash, but carrying large amounts of cash poses security risks; it is recommended to use cards instead.
• Remittance/transfer: Some clinics support overseas remittances, which are usually used for expensive surgical treatments.

It is recommended to call the institution before departure to confirm the payment method, in order to avoid discovering on-site that the payment method you use is not supported. This is especially true for surgical procedures, as the costs are relatively high; it is best to clarify the payment details during the reservation process.

VI. What should you prepare before going? A list of tips from those who have been there

I have listed several truly important matters – those that one only realizes the importance of after experiencing them, but which can actually be prepared for in advance:

• 2-3 days before the treatment, avoid consuming health supplements that promote blood circulation (such as ginkgo, CoQ10, vitamin E), alcohol, or high-dose fish oil, as these can increase the risk of bruising after the procedure.
• Moisturization and sun protection after treatment: The climate in South Korea is drier than that in Taiwan, so it is essential to pay extra attention to moisturization after laser treatments; sun protection is, of course, a basic requirement.
• Itinerary arrangement: For injectable treatments (Filler, Rejuran), mild redness usually subsides within 1 to 3 days after the procedure. For laser treatments, depending on the intensity of the energy used, recovery may take 3 to 7 days. It is recommended to schedule any events where you need to appear in public after the 4th day following the treatment.
• Bring your passport: Some institutions require the presentation of a passport for identity verification (especially for foreigners).
• Preparatory work: Put your needs and desired results into written form (in both Chinese and English), as this will be more precise than just stating them verbally to the doctor.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is a visa required to undergo cosmetic procedures in South Korea?

Taiwanese travelers can enter South Korea without a visa provided that they hold a valid passport, and their stay shall not exceed 90 days. Medical beauty treatments are usually completed on the same day; for procedures involving injections or laser treatments alone, no special visa application is required.

Q2: What should I do if there are any problems after the procedure?

In case of any problems occurring immediately after the procedure (such as severe swelling or allergic reactions), please get in touch the clinic immediately. Some clinics offer post-procedure follow-up services; if you have already returned to Taiwan, you can get in touch the Chinese customer service department of the clinic through the BeautsGO platform for assistance.

Q3: Is it necessary to go to Gangnam? Are clinics in Hongdae or other areas also acceptable?

Gangnam (especially the areas around Nonhyeon-dong and Cheongdam-dong) is home to the largest number of high-end medical beauty clinics and offers the most comprehensive language services, making it ideal for foreign tourists. In Hongdae, the prices are relatively more affordable, and there is a larger population of young people, but the availability of English-language services is somewhat limited. It is recommended that first-time visitors start their experience in Gangnam and then make adjustments according to their specific needs.

Q4: Which is more suitable for me, Thermage or HIFU?

The principles of the two are different: Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin; HIFU, on the other hand, focuses ultrasonic waves to target the SMAS layer and lift sagging skin. To determine which option is more suitable for you, it is recommended to consult a doctor at a professional clinic who can assess the condition of your skin before making a decision. Do not rely solely on online recommendations when making such a choice.

Q5: Is it cost-effective to undergo cosmetic procedures in South Korea in 2026?

Even if the tax rebate benefits are abolished, the overall prices of medical beauty treatments in South Korea still have a significant advantage compared to Taiwan (popular treatments can save approximately 40-60%). Additionally, given the extensive experience of South Korean doctors and the state-of-the-art equipment in their clinics, the cost-performance ratio remains very favorable for consumers with specific needs. In 2026, there will be no tax rebates, but the price difference is still considerable, so there is no need to worry too much about it.

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💡 Reminder: Individual differences exist in all medical beauty treatments. Please communicate thoroughly with your doctor before proceeding, so that you can understand the potential risks and side effects before making a decision. The prices listed on this website are for reference only; the actual fees will be subject to the rates quoted by the respective institutions.