By 變美體驗官 
I’m someone who really cares about looking good and always compares prices. Previously, because of some sagging skin and fine lines on my face, I visited several dermatology clinics in Gwangjang-gu, Seoul. Honestly, each clinic had a five-star hotel-like atmosphere and very friendly service, but when I saw the prices, my wallet really shook. Later, a junior from Busan suggested, “Why don’t you get treatment in Busan? It’s much cheaper!” Half-believing her, I booked a KTX ticket. The two-hour journey was absolutely amazing.
The money you save could even cover another round-trip flight ticket.
For Ultherapy treatments in Gwangjang-gu, Seoul, the total cost for the whole face and neck ranged from 2.5 to 3 million Korean won (about NT$60,000 to NT$75,000). Meanwhile, at a dermatology clinic near Busan’s Seomyeon Station or Haeundae, the cheapest option was 1.8 million Korean won—a difference of nearly 30%.
It gets even more extreme with Thermage FLX. In Gwangjang-gu, Seoul, prices usually ranged from 4 to 5.5 million Korean won (about NT$100,000 to NT$140,000), and some clinics even charged up to 6 million. But in a clinic in Busan, where the doctor performed the treatment personally, 900 sessions only cost 3.2 million Korean won (about NT$80,000). At that moment, I seriously wondered if what I experienced in Seoul was just… a form of exploitation?
Why are prices so much lower in Busan?
It’s not because the technology there is inferior; it’s simply due to lower rent costs and greater competition.
Rent prices in Gwangjang-gu (especially in areas like Apgujeong, Sinsa, and Nonhyang-dong) are exorbitantly high. I visited a clinic where the reception area on the first floor was even bigger than my apartment. All these fancy decorations, luxury furniture, and handsome receptionists—who ultimately pays for all this? Of course, it’s us consumers.
Busan is different. Although places like Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Napodong are also busy, overall rent levels are much lower than in Gwangjang-gu, Seoul. Many dermatology clinics in Busan focus on serving local residents, so their prices are more reasonable. They rely on word-of-mouth and repeat customers, not on attracting one-time visitors through social media ads.
And how effective are these treatments? Let me show you the results firsthand.
I have been using Perfect Sound Wave for six months now, and the results are very noticeable. The skin around my mouth, which used to sag, has tightened up, and my jawline has become more defined. Friends often ask me, “Have you lost weight?” Hearing that makes me realize that the investment was worth it.
As for Thermage, about three months after the treatment, I noticed a significant decrease in the firmness of my cheeks. The collagen stimulation was no joke. During the pre-treatment consultation, the director at the clinic in Busan explained everything in detail—about the number of treatments, the energy level, and how to identify genuine devices. They even showed me the original packaging of the device and let me scan the QR code to verify its authenticity. Honestly, their level of professionalism was even better than what I experienced at a chain clinic in Seoul.
Don’t worry about language barriers.
Many people might worry, “I don’t speak Korean—will it be difficult to go to Busan?”
Nowadays, many dermatology clinics in Busan have staff who speak Chinese or English, especially in popular tourist areas like Haeundae, Seomyeon, and Napodong. You can book an appointment through Instagram or Naver, and Google Translate can also help. I once encountered a clinic that even provided me with detailed Chinese instructions before and after the treatment.
If you’re really concerned, look for clinics certified for “medical tourism.” These clinics usually offer foreign-language services and have transparent pricing.
Some tips for getting cosmetic treatments in Busan.
- Make use of Naver Maps—it’s not just limited to Google. Naver Maps contains many real reviews from Koreans, and you can use Papago to translate them. Look for keywords like “cheap”, “great value for money”, or “kind director” and add those clinics to your list.
- Get a preliminary consultation online: Many clinics allow you to ask about prices via private messages on Instagram or their official websites. I asked at least five clinics before making a decision. Don’t be shy—saving money is important.
- Avoid weekends: On Saturdays, dermatology clinics in Busan are as crowded as battlefields, with both locals and tourists forming long queues that seem endless. It’s better to schedule appointments on weekdays in the morning when there are fewer people and the service quality is better.
- Plan your cosmetic procedures on the first or second day of your trip. This way, any minor redness will have subsided by the time you return home. Also, since you shouldn’t expose your skin to the sun after treatment, you can take advantage of indoor activities like visiting cafes, museums, or steam saunas in Busan.
- Busan is really fun to explore even after cosmetic procedures. You can enjoy the breeze at Haeundae Beach, take photos in Gancheon-dong, or shop and dine in Napo-dong. The extra money you save can be used to treat yourself to more seafood or stay at a beachfront hotel for an extra night.
Finally, I need to tell you something honest…
It’s not that dermatology clinics in Seoul are bad. Doctors in Seoul have top-notch skills, and many clinic directors are international experts. The latest equipment is also often introduced first in Seoul. If you have special needs or complex skin issues that require the expertise of a renowned doctor, then Seoul might be the better option.
But if you’re just looking to get relatively common treatments like Thermage, Ultherapy, Botox, fillers, or lasers, and you’re concerned about budgeting—please, spend your money in Busan. The savings you’ll make there will allow you to enjoy three more days in Busan, eat five more meals of barbecue, or buy an extra pair of shoes. And your skin will thank you too.
The money you save in Busan can help you extend your stay by three days, enjoy five more meals of barbecue, or buy an extra pair of shoes. And your skin will definitely appreciate it too.
I truly recommend dermatology clinics in Busan—it’s absolutely worth taking the extra two hours by KTX.
