Experiencing Beauty Tourism in Korea as an American
Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Erin Donahue
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “You’re not ugly, you’re just poor,” that doesn’t apply in South Korea, the plastic surgery capital of the world. It’s no secret that procedures in the U.S. are dumb expensive, so beauty tourism in Korea has become increasingly popular. And for good reason!
After my positive experience with medical tourism in Taiwan, I hopped on another flight back to Asia because I wanted to explore Korea’s renowned beauty scene. Innovation and efficiency are everything in Korea. I experienced this right away and previously wrote about taking a nap at a secret spa in Incheon Airport before heading into the city.
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy (at no additional cost to you).
My 6 Month Update After Experiencing Beauty Tourism in Korea
Not to be dramatic, but I may have ruined my skin getting five cosmetic procedures in one day. Six months later, here’s the reality: some treatments exceeded expectations, while others completely backfired. I’m breaking down exactly what happened with each procedure below, plus the lessons I learned about choosing clinics in Korea.
Quick results:
- Excel V Laser – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Winner
- Microneedling – ⭐ Disaster
- Lip Filler – ⭐⭐ Disappointing
- Botox – ⭐⭐⭐ Mixed
Which Beauty Clinic in Korea I Chose (And Why)
I chose Abijou Clinic‘s Myeongdong location as the destination of my beauty tourism in Korea because it came through a word-of-mouth referral. I didn’t trust the countless clinics you see promoted on social media with undisclosed partnerships. With this type of stuff, I’d rather pay out of pocket because if they mess up my face, I can say so. Plus, they’re foreigner-friendly!
A word of caution: If you do need to speak up about a bad experience, be aware that Korea has stricter defamation laws than the United States. Even true statements can be considered defamatory in Korea if they damage someone’s reputation.
In the end, I decided to do five treatments, which is a typical amount at these clinics, and I scheduled my appointment at the end of my trip so that I didn’t have a busted face the whole time. When I arrived at opening time, the clinic was already buzzing with activity. Consultants and translators moved efficiently between rooms, serving a diverse clientele of both locals and tourists, young and old, men and women.
I’ll be honest, I have a low pain threshold. So for my first serious venture into advanced skincare, I decided to start relatively conservatively.
How to Get to Abijou Myeongdong
Take the subway to Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 8. The clinic is a 3-minute walk.
Should you book Korean beauty appointments in advance?
While some clinics may accept walk-ins, I recommend contacting the clinic via WhatsApp, Kakao Talk, or Instagram, 2-4 weeks before your trip. This guarantees your preferred date and gives you time to ask questions about procedures.
Beauty Procedures I Got in Korea
1. Preparatory Facial
My appointment began with a preparatory facial to prep my skin before the laser and microneedling. It was gentle, relaxing, and completely pain-free – though it did cost a small additional fee since it wasn’t included in the package.
- Purpose: To prep the skin before laser and microneedling
- Experience: Gentle and relaxing
- Pain Level: 0/10
- Included in package? No – small additional cost
2. Excel V Laser Treatment: $115
Next came the Excel V laser to tackle my freckles from sun damage. I’d rate the pain a manageable 4 out of 10, and they immediately soothed it with a cooling mask.
- Purpose: Target sun damage and freckles. Needs three sessions, but big difference even after one
- Pain Level: 4/10
- Post-care: A cooling mask is provided immediately after
- Result: Fading of dark spots; wish they’d treated more areas. They only did the darkest ones on my cheeks.
3. Microneedling: $383
After a few minutes, they slathered numbing cream for microneedling. While Rejuran, the injection of salmon sperm, is all the rage in Korea for skin collagen production, I opted for the less intense option this time. I’ve seen tons of reviews that Rejuran is excruciatingly painful, even with numbing cream, so that will be a journey for another day, preferably at a plastic surgeon’s office where they can put me to sleep!
- Purpose: Boost collagen and skin texture
- Why I chose it: Boost collagen
- Pain Level: Low, thanks to numbing cream, but when it wore off, it was medium
- Result: Months of breakouts and discoloration
4. Lip Filler (Restylane Kyss): $286
Then came my first lip filler experience. My one non-negotiable was no duck lips. I wanted natural-looking results, and they relieved me by showing me their use of Restylane Kyss, a softer filler specifically designed for lips. In the U.S., clinics and medspas often use harder fillers such as Juvederm, which frequently migrate.
- Purpose: Specifically made for lips with natural-looking results
- Why this filler: Softer than Juvederm; less likely to migrate
5. Botox (U.S. Brand): $84 ($40 per area)
My session ended with some “preventative” Botox, and while I know I might not need it yet, the prices here made it too good to pass up.
- Purpose: Smoothing of fine lines
The whole experience took about three hours, and they thought of everything. From the robot serving drinks afterward to providing prescriptions for needed aftercare. Seoul has pharmacies on every corner; your prescription will work at any of them. The coolest part is that these beauty services are tax-refundable!
How Much Does Beauty Tourism in Korea Actually Cost?
These procedures cost significantly more in the U.S., even when factoring in flights and accommodations. I’ve laid out a basic price comparison of what I paid in Korea vs. general NYC MedSpa pricing. For the price of what you get in the States, you can get a two-for-one vacation included.
6-Month Korean Beauty Update
What Worked: Excel V Laser for Freckles
Out of all my experiences with beauty tourism in Korea, getting Excel V was the highlight. I wanted to remove my freckles I developed from sun damage over the years, so I got the Excel V laser because it’s less painful than other options like Fraxel. I’ve been wanting Fraxel, but I simply can’t commit to the pain!
I know some people want to look like they get punched in the face when they go to Korea, because it’s literally halfway around the world, but I travel to Asia regularly, especially for medical tourism, so I wasn’t in a rush to go extreme my first time. I want gradual improvement. While I wish they had been more aggressive across the entire face, the pain was manageable, and downtime was minimal. I was happy with the results!
A month later in Taiwan, I got a second round of laser, this time an ND laser at a local dermatologist in Hsinchu. Unlike the Excel V laser, this time I got numbing cream, I guess because that treatment was stronger. With the numbing cream, though, it just felt like a tingle when your limbs lose circulation. While the ND laser was a more aggressive procedure, targeting over 100 freckles on my face, it came with nearly two months of unplanned downtime! It was supposed to only be two weeks, though, so that was initially alarming. I looked like a leper the whole time. If you’re debating between mild vs. aggressive, know your threshold and travel schedule.
What Went Wrong: Microneedling Regret
Now, here’s where things get messy. I chose to get microneedling because collagen-boosting is all the rage these days. However, I’m only in my early thirties, and not to toot my own horn, but naturally have fabulous skin. It’s literally my biggest flex that everyone compliments me on, but this part of my beauty tourism in Korea journey completely backfired. I’m being a little dramatic, but I did have the worst acne I’ve ever had in my life. While it was siloed to just my right temple, I developed some comedonal acne that took months to clear. Initially, it was extracted by the dermatologist in Taiwan, only to come back discolored with a hard cyst feeling under my skin. I’ve been treating the lingering dark spots with Hero Micropoint for Dark Spots, which worked for a bit… until I re-aggravated it, and the cycle started again.
Even six months later, I’m still treating the aftermath, and I had to go to another dermatologist in NYC. This experience taught me that just because a procedure is trendy doesn’t mean it’s worth doing at a high-turnover clinic. I’ve never had my skin take so long to rebound!
What Disappeared Fast: Lip Filler That Didn’t Last
Getting lip filler is what had me the most excited… and the most disappointed. For about three weeks, I was still getting used to the feeling, and my lips felt like puffy bricks. Then, literally overnight, it just disappeared and felt like nothing was there anymore. For something that’s supposed to last a year, that felt like a massive letdown.
I was pretty conservative since it was my first time, and I don’t know how much I got if I’m being honest. (I had two syringes, but no idea how much went into my lips.) A core memory, though, was when the first needle broke in my face while I was being injected lol. Or, maybe my body metabolized it way too quickly. Either way, I’m getting more CC’s next time!
What Half-Worked: Botox in Korea
I also got Botox in two areas: my crow’s feet and forehead. The crow’s feet treatment worked well, smooth and natural. But they only injected the upper half of my forehead, which didn’t give me the full lift I expected. Later, that same dermatologist in Taiwan told me it’s better to do small doses over time to avoid eyebrow drooping. It was a good reminder that for long-term injectables like Botox is best done by someone you can see regularly, not a one-and-done while on vacation.
Would I Do Korean Beauty Tourism Again?
You’re probably wondering, would I go back for beauty tourism in Korea? The answer: hell yes! While this post might sound like a disaster, it wasn’t all bad. Even though some things didn’t go as planned, I have no complaints about pricing. I would go back to Abijou for superficial procedures. I was already careful not to do anything too invasive and stuck to treatments with a low risk profile. That decision saved me from potential issues, especially after hearing horror stories like the woman who went blind from a botched Juvelook procedure at an unnamed clinic.
Next time, I plan to opt for a clinic that offers real consultations with a dermatologist for more complex treatments like Rejuran, where salmon DNA (read: sperm) is injected into your face 600 times. Even with a few flops, it’s still a value. Just be intentional with where you go and what you get done.
Protect Your Trip To Korea With Travel Insurance
When I travel internationally, I always purchase travel insurance. I use SafetyWing for travel to Asia because I can purchase it even after my trip starts. While it doesn’t cover elective cosmetic procedures themselves, it does cover complications and travel disruptions.
- Flight delays when you need extra healing time
- Lost luggage with your aftercare products
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Medical emergencies unrelated to your procedures
Non-Invasive Beauty Treatments in Korea Worth Experiencing
While medical beauty treatments might steal the spotlight for beauty tourism in Korea, these are all the non-invasive pampering experiences I indulged in at a fraction of what it would’ve cost me in the U.S.
I used Seoul’s subway system to get to all of my appointments. Buy a T-Money card at any convenience store (5,000 won + however much you want to load). The subway costs 1,250-2,050 won per ride, depending on distance.
Can’t read Korean signs? Download Kakao Maps or Naver before your trip. They work better than Google Maps in Seoul.
Facial at Cellenique
The day after arriving, I went to Cellenique Yongsan to get a collagen facial. I found them on TikTok because I was specifically looking for affordable facials at Korean prices rather than U.S. prices. If I want to pay U.S. prices, I’ll just get a facial in the States. You’ll find it in Yongsan’s The Prime Apartment complex, just steps from Namyeong Station’s Exit 1. The service was $60 (90,000 won), but if you use a credit card, it includes an additional hefty fee of 9,000 won.
K-Pop Makeover and Haircut at Eco Jardin
Next was getting a haircut at Eco Jardin. I hadn’t cut my hair in a year because a simple haircut runs around $100 in NYC. Here, they gave me a fresh cut and provided a color analysis service, helping me understand which tones suit my complexion best. After the evaluation, it turns out my personal color is Summer Light!
A few days afterward, I also returned to Eco Jardin for a K-pop makeover. I wanted to see firsthand how Korean makeup artists would interpret my features and transform my look. It was fascinating to see their techniques and approach to glamour.
Full Body Massage at Spa Gogyeol
The pinnacle of my pampering was at Spa Gogyeol. Experiencing this traditional Korean full-body massage was the biggest splurge of my trip. The techniques were unlike anything I’d experienced before, combining centuries-old traditions with modern wellness practices. It was pretty obvious I’m no longer as spry as I used to be, as the note card they gave me stated I have knots in my traps and a lack of hip mobility.
Gel Manicure at Nail Wizard Gangnam
And what’s a beauty tour without some nail art? I couldn’t resist getting a Korean gel manicure at Nail Wizard’s Gangnam branch. They don’t communicate in English at all, and require a deposit from a bank account, so I had to ask a Korean friend to help me book the reservation. Korea is known for its quirky and creative designs, and my Korean nail artist didn’t disappoint. The best part is my nail art only set me back $40 – a price that would easily be tripled back home.
Each service offered a unique glimpse into Korean beauty culture, proving that sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t things you can pack in your suitcase.
Reflections After Splurging on Korean Beauty Tourism
Even with Korea’s relatively affordable beauty prices, not every treatment deserves a spot on your itinerary. After getting carried away and trying more services than I’d like to admit, I’m breaking down what I’d skip next time – and more importantly, what treatments deserve your time and money in the beauty capital of the world.
Let’s start with Spa Gogyeol. At $150 for a traditional Korean massage, it was the biggest splurge of my trip. While the experience was undeniably nice and relaxing, and yes, quite luxurious, I found myself thinking about all the other treatments I could have explored with that budget. In a city brimming with tons of cheap beauty services (for an American), this is just something I could have passed on.
Then there’s the K-pop makeover. Don’t get me wrong, it was fun and surprisingly affordable at under $100, but it was purely for the novelty factor. In retrospect, I probably could have achieved similar results by following some YouTube tutorials. Still, I can’t say I regret it entirely – it was a quintessential Korean experience. It’s worth doing if you’re curious about K-pop styling techniques, but it’s not something I’d prioritize on future visits.
As for the color analysis and gel manicure, both fall into the category of services better done elsewhere. The color analysis was valuable for understanding my personal color palette, but it’s obviously a one-time need. Meanwhile, the gel manicure, though beautifully done, wasn’t unique enough to justify the scheduling effort at Nail Wizard, especially since I do gel-x at home and stocked up on supplies at the Nail Mall, a wholesale warehouse for salons. I later discovered plenty of nail salons in places like Hongdae that would have been just as good without the hassle of reservations.
Beauty Tourism In Korea That IS Worth the Splurge
It’s not all about what I wouldn’t do again. Some services have earned a spot on my must-visit list! The first is the facial at Cellenique – a great facial and massage in one, and budget-friendly. And while I tried Spa on Air for the jjimjilbang experience, next time I’m excited to explore other locations for this quintessentially Korean form of relaxation.
Obviously, I’ll be going back for more advanced skincare at a clinic, but I plan to visit a plastic surgeon’s office so they can put me under for more painful treatments like Rejuran. At the end of the day, Korea’s beauty scene is like a massive buffet – it’s tempting to try everything, but you’ll enjoy the experience more if you choose wisely.
Planning your own Korean beauty trip? Budget a minimum of one week since you’re traveling to Asia. Schedule procedures toward the end of your trip so you can enjoy sightseeing first, and factor in 2-3 days of downtime for recovery, depending on what you get done.
Where to stay: Myeongdong or Gangnam neighborhoods put you close to most clinics, with easy subway access and pharmacies on every corner for aftercare products.
Korean Beauty Tourism FAQ
Q: How much does beauty tourism cost in Korea?
A: Budget $500-2,000 for procedures depending on what you get, plus $1,200-1,500 for flights and accommodation. My total trip cost about $2,300, including everything.
Q: Is Korean beauty tourism safe?
A: With this kind of stuff, there’s always a risk, so research clinics carefully. Avoid heavily promoted clinics on social media with undisclosed partnerships. Always ask questions before any procedure to thoroughly vet the clinic and understand risks.
Q: Should I book beauty appointments in advance?
A: Yes. Contact the clinic via WhatsApp, Kakao Talk, or Instagram 2-4 weeks before your trip. This guarantees your preferred date and gives you time to ask questions about procedures, risks, and aftercare.
Q: What should I do if something goes wrong with my procedure?
A: Ask your clinic about their complication protocol. Consider travel insurance that covers medical complications (not the procedure itself, but emergencies that arise from it).
Q: How long should I stay in Korea for beauty tourism?
A: A minimum of one week is recommended since you’re traveling to Asia. Factor in 2-3 days of downtime for recovery, depending on how complicated the procedure is.
Q: What’s the best neighborhood to stay in for beauty tourism in Korea?
A: Myeongdong or Gangnam. Both have tons of clinics, easy subway access, and pharmacies on every corner for aftercare products.
Q: Can I get my prescription filled at any pharmacy in Seoul?
A: Yes. Your clinic prescription works at any Korean pharmacy. Seoul has pharmacies on every corner.
If you’re considering beauty tourism in Korea, take the time to research and map out your skincare goals. Know your budget, your downtime tolerance, and your risk level. To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media and read up on what camera gear I use when I travel.
Would like your input on treatments as I am going to Korea in September.