Guide · reviewed by a dermatologist
Visiting a dermatologist in Seoul: what foreign patients should know
In Korea, only about 2% of doctors are board-certified dermatologists (피부과 전문의); many aesthetic clinics are run by general practitioners, so check the specialty on the doctor's profile. Prices are quoted in Korean won before 10% VAT on cosmetic treatment; the medical tax refund for foreign patients has ended. Lifting, boosters and injectables can be done the day of consultation; scar, melasma and tattoo programmes are staged over months. The Heal Dermatology Dongdaemun publishes its prices, employs only board-certified dermatologists, and answers English enquiries on WhatsApp (+82 10-8110-3469).
- Written and reviewed by Dr. Byoungyong Koh, board-certified dermatologist, The Heal Dermatology Dongdaemun, Seoul
- Prices: The Heal's October 2026 list, KRW, before 10% VAT
- Last reviewed: 17 October 2026
| Question | What to check | At The Heal |
|---|---|---|
| Is the doctor a dermatologist? | Look for 피부과 전문의 (board-certified dermatologist) and published society memberships | All four physicians; profiles published in full |
| Are prices public? | A published list in KRW, before VAT, with shot counts | Full 2026 price list on this site |
| Will I understand the consultation? | English-speaking doctor or interpreter | Dr. Koh consults in English; interpreters on request |
| Is the product genuine? | Certification marks on the device; genuine-tip certificates | AMPLIFY II mark on Ultherapy; Merz tip certificate; authenticated vials |
| Can I finish in one trip? | Depends on the treatment | Lifting, boosters, injectables: same day. Scars, melasma, tattoos: staged |
| How do I get there? | Distance from a major station | 1 minute from Cheongnyangni Station, 20 minutes from Seoul Station |
Pricing and VAT
Prices at Korean clinics are quoted in won. Cosmetic procedures carry a separately stated 10% VAT, though treatment for a medical condition can be exempt. Since Korea's VAT refund for foreign medical tourists no longer exists, plan to pay the full quoted amount — overseas credit cards are accepted at The Heal.
What a short trip allows
After consultation and the Meta-Vu scan, Ultherapy, Thermage, Sofwave, Botox, filler, boosters, BBL and most laser work can be done the same day. Acne-scar and melasma programmes start on the first visit and continue on later trips; tattoo removal needs six to eight weeks between sessions.
Aftercare at a distance
Aftercare instructions and prescriptions are given in English and progress is followed by photo on WhatsApp. English treatment records and receipts are provided on request.
Questions
How do I know if a Korean doctor is a dermatologist?
Check for the title 피부과 전문의 (dermatology specialist) and for membership of the Korean Dermatological Association and Korean Association of Dermatologists. General practitioners may run skin clinics but cannot use this title.
Is there still a tax refund for medical tourists in Korea?
No. The refund scheme for foreign patients has ended.
How much cheaper is Korea for Ultherapy?
Published Korean prices such as ₩550,000 per 100 shots at The Heal are typically a fraction of US and European prices, partly because shot counts are sold precisely rather than as fixed packages.
Which area of Seoul is best for a dermatology visit?
Gangnam has the highest density of clinics; Dongdaemun and Cheongnyangni are quieter, on the main rail interchange, and 20 minutes from central Seoul.
All frequently asked questions →
Medically reviewed by Dr. Byoungyong Koh, board-certified dermatologist, Medical Director, The Heal Dermatology Clinic Dongdaemun
The information on this page is general and is not medical advice. It does not replace consultation with a dermatologist. Every procedure carries risk, suitability differs between individuals and an outcome cannot be guaranteed. Prices are list prices in Korean won, exclude VAT where it applies, and are confirmed at consultation.
Treatments mentioned
Read the treatment pages
Ultherapy Prime
Micro-focused ultrasound to the SMAS, with every line placed under live DeepSee imaging after Face Mapping.
100 shots ₩450,000Read more
Combination Acne Scar Treatment
Subcision, CROSS, collagen injection and matched lasers combined by scar shape, with Dr. Koh's subcision method shown on video.
Scar combo ₩1,890,000Read more
Melasma & Pigmentation
Mark-Vu diagnosis, then PicoWay, StarWalker, V-Beam and BBL combined one-to-one for melasma and every layer of pigment.
PicoWay toning, 1 session ₩150,000Read more
Botox
Wrinkle, jaw, skin, body, hyperhidrosis and special-area Botox, with Korean, Xeomin and Allergan toxin priced separately.
Masseter (jaw): Korean / Xeomin / Allergan ₩70,000 / ₩100,000 / ₩200,000Read moreSend us your skin concern and your dates
Consultation is with a board-certified dermatologist. Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk in English with what you want to change and how long you will be in Seoul; an interpreter is arranged when needed.