Korea medical tourism — pricing reference

This page is the pricing reference for Korea medical-tourism treatment, structured around the platforms most international visitors actually book. KRW figures are gathered from public clinic price lists across the Gangnam, Myeongdong, Incheon Airport, Busan, and Jeju markets, refreshed quarterly. USD, CNY, JPY, and EUR conversions are calculated against published reference rates and are approximate; the actual KRW figure quoted by the clinic at consultation is the figure that will be charged. Pricing transparency is a baseline editorial filter for serious clinics; a clinic that quotes 'package' pricing without specifying platform, line count, or treatment areas is not running a transparent price disclosure. The figures below are typical ranges, not guarantees. Confirm written pricing at consultation.

Stem cell, exosomes, and regenerative protocols

A single regenerative session in Gangnam typically lands between KRW 400,000 and KRW 1,500,000 (USD ~300–1,125, CNY ~2,150–8,070, JPY ~46,000–172,000, EUR ~280–1,050), depending on the bio-active class (basic exosomes vs named-factor concentrates), the delivery modality (microneedling vs RF-assisted micro-channelling), and the clinic's positioning. A first regenerative programme of three sessions typically lands between KRW 1,200,000 and KRW 4,500,000 (USD ~900–3,375). Myeongdong and Busan pricing typically runs 15–25 percent below Gangnam. Materially higher prices are not necessarily materially better outcomes; materially lower prices often signal compromise on bio-active sourcing or operator experience. See [the stem cell guide](/treatments/stem-cell/) for platform context.

Ultherapy and Ultherapy PRIME

A full-face Ultherapy PRIME session in Gangnam typically lands between KRW 1,800,000 and KRW 4,500,000 (USD ~1,350–3,375, CNY ~9,690–24,200, JPY ~206,000–516,000, EUR ~1,260–3,150), depending on line count (300, 600, 900) and clinic positioning. The 900-line full-face protocol is the standard premium positioning; 300-line packages are common as 'starter' offerings but cover only specific areas. Older Ultherapy systems (pre-PRIME generation) may price somewhat lower at clinics that have not upgraded; confirm generation at consultation. Myeongdong full-face typically runs KRW 1,500,000–3,500,000. Busan full-face typically KRW 1,300,000–3,000,000. See [the Ultherapy PRIME guide](/treatments/ultherapy-prime/) for platform context.

Thermage FLX

A full-face Thermage FLX session in Gangnam typically lands between KRW 1,500,000 and KRW 3,500,000 (USD ~1,125–2,625, CNY ~8,070–18,830, JPY ~172,000–401,000, EUR ~1,050–2,450). Tip count (900-shot tip is the standard full-face) and clinic positioning drive the variance. Body indications (abdomen, arms, thighs) priced separately, typically KRW 1,500,000–4,000,000 per area. Myeongdong full-face typically KRW 1,200,000–2,800,000. Busan full-face typically KRW 1,000,000–2,500,000. Confirm written tip count and named generation (FLX vs CPT) before booking. See [the Thermage FLX guide](/treatments/thermage-flx/).

Sofwave

A full-face Sofwave session in Gangnam typically lands between KRW 1,500,000 and KRW 3,000,000 (USD ~1,125–2,250, CNY ~8,070–16,140, JPY ~172,000–344,000, EUR ~1,050–2,100). Pricing is somewhat lower than Ultherapy PRIME at most clinics, reflecting both the shorter session time and the platform's positioning. Myeongdong full-face typically KRW 1,200,000–2,500,000. Busan full-face typically KRW 1,000,000–2,200,000. See [the Sofwave guide](/treatments/sofwave/).

MFU/HIFU alternative platforms

Korean-manufactured HIFU platforms (Ultraformer III, Shurink Universe, Liftera, Hifu-Y, Doublo) typically price at a meaningful discount to the branded international platforms. Full-face on Ultraformer III in Gangnam typically lands KRW 800,000–2,000,000 (USD ~600–1,500). Shurink Universe full-face typically KRW 1,000,000–2,200,000. Liftera full-face KRW 1,200,000–2,500,000. Pricing differential reflects platform branding, manufacturer cost-of-supply, and the somewhat lower consistency-of-protocol versus international platforms. See [the MFU/HIFU guide](/treatments/mfu/).

Thread lift

Thread lift pricing is structured per thread, with full-face packages using 8–24 threads. Full-face PDO packages in Gangnam typically run KRW 1,000,000–3,500,000 (USD ~750–2,625). Full-face PLLA packages KRW 3,000,000–8,000,000 (USD ~2,250–6,000). Full-face PCL packages KRW 2,500,000–6,500,000. Per-thread pricing varies materially across material category — confirm thread count, material, and treatment vectors in writing. See [the thread lift guide](/treatments/thread-lift/).

Multi-platform trip pricing context

Most international visitors on a four-to-seven-day trip combine two or three platforms. A typical multi-platform trip — Ultherapy PRIME plus regenerative boosters plus light maintenance work — lands in the KRW 3,000,000–7,000,000 range in Gangnam (USD ~2,250–5,250). A heavier multi-platform trip including thread lift can land KRW 7,000,000–15,000,000 (USD ~5,250–11,250). Hotel costs run KRW 200,000–500,000 per night for visitor-friendly hotels in Gangnam or Myeongdong; flight costs vary by origin. Total budget for a four-day Gangnam medical trip excluding flights typically runs KRW 4,000,000–10,000,000 (USD ~3,000–7,500).

Frequently asked questions

Are these prices guaranteed?

No. The figures are typical ranges based on quarterly review of public clinic price lists. The clinic's quote at consultation is the figure that applies. Where you find a meaningful divergence between the published range and a specific clinic's quote, ask the clinic to explain — sometimes there is a legitimate reason (package pricing, package treatment areas, clinic-specific positioning) and sometimes the divergence signals lack of transparency.

Why do prices vary so much between clinics?

Multiple factors. Clinic positioning (premium Cheongdam vs mid-tier Myeongdong), platform generation (Ultherapy PRIME vs older Ultherapy), line/shot count (300 vs 900 lines for Ultherapy), operator experience (senior physician vs nurse-delivered), and aftercare structure (full coordinator-channel vs minimal aftercare). The range is a reflection of these variances, not arbitrary.

Should I negotiate on price?

Korean medical-tourism pricing is generally not negotiated. Some clinics offer package pricing for multi-platform combinations or for second-trip return visitors. Asking 'what is your best price for [specific platform]' is reasonable; haggling beyond that is not the local convention and may signal the wrong kind of customer.

What does the visitor budget total look like?

Including flight, hotel, treatment, and incidentals, a four-day Gangnam aesthetic trip with one mid-range platform typically runs USD 4,000–8,000 from East Asia origins, USD 6,000–12,000 from Europe or the Americas. Multi-platform trips at the premium end push USD 10,000–20,000. Lower-cost variants (Myeongdong or Busan, single platform, mid-tier hotel) can run USD 2,500–5,000 from East Asia.

What are the conversion rates you used?

Approximate rates as of this page's last revision: USD 1 ≈ KRW 1,335; CNY 1 ≈ KRW 186; JPY 1 ≈ KRW 8.7; EUR 1 ≈ KRW 1,430. Live rates fluctuate daily; check published reference rates for current figures. The KRW figure is what the clinic charges; the conversion is for budget context.

Do clinics accept credit cards?

Most international-patient-attracting clinics accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex). Some clinics offer a small discount for cash or wire transfer. Foreign-currency cards may incur conversion fees from the issuing bank. Confirm payment method at booking.