Plastic Surgery
Korea Filler Cost 2025 - Seoul Clinics, Prices & Safety Guide for Foreign Patients
If you’ve ever scrolled through before-and-after filler posts on Instagram and wondered why so many are tagged #Gangnam or #Seoul, you’re not imagining things. Korea has become a global hotspot for cosmetic fillers, combining competitive prices and highly skilled injectors.
But how much do fillers cost in Korea? Which brands are used? And is it safe to fly home right after your appointment? This guide breaks it all down for you.
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Why Choose Korea for Fillers?
The Pros
Price-to-quality advantage: Fillers in Seoul cost less than in the U.S. or Europe, often at half the price for the same brands.
Dense cluster of experts: Seoul’s Gangnam and Apgujeong neighborhoods are home to hundreds of dermatology clinics and plastic surgery centers, many catering to international patients.
Brand options: You’ll find FDA-approved imports like Juvederm and Restylane, plus locally approved fillers like Yvoire (LG Chem) and Neuramis (Medytox), which have excellent reputations in Asia.
The Cons
Follow-up logistics: If you need a touch-up or dissolving after you fly home, it’s harder to coordinate.
Regulatory differences: Some Korean fillers aren’t FDA-approved, so if you prefer only U.S.-approved brands, you’ll need to request that explicitly (and pay more).
High-risk zones: Fillers in the nose, glabella, or forehead are technically demanding and carry higher complication risks. Choose injectors with proven safety protocols.
What Fillers Are Used in Korea?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): The most common, reversible with hyaluronidase, and generally lasts 6–18 months. Popular brands: Juvederm, Restylane, Yvoire, Neuramis.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA - Radiesse): Stimulates collagen, lasts longer, but not reversible. Not used in lips/tear troughs.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA - Sculptra): Works gradually, boosts skin quality, not reversible, used for volume restoration.
💡 For travelers, HA fillers are the safest bet since they can be dissolved if needed.
How to Pick a Clinic & Injector in Seoul
Non-Negotiables
Licensed physician injector (dermatologist or plastic surgeon).
Hyaluronidase on-site for emergencies.
Clear English consent forms and aftercare instructions.
Willingness to provide brand & lot number in your medical records.
Good-to-Haves
Ultrasound-guided injections, especially for complex areas.
Cannula technique when safer than needles.
Transparent pricing with no pushy upselling.
An international patient desk (common in Gangnam clinics).
Red Flags
Vague credentials.
No dissolving enzyme in stock.
No written aftercare.
Heavy pressure to add unnecessary treatments.
💡 Tip for finding clinics in Seoul: Most locals use Naver Map (rather than Google Maps) to search for dermatology and plastic surgery clinics. Many Gangnam and Apgujeong clinics publish prices, photos, and reviews there. You can switch the app to English, but note that some listings are still only in Korean. Copy-pasting the clinic name into Google Translate usually helps.
Pricing in Korea: Typical Ranges
The cost of filler in Seoul doesn’t just depend on the injector’s skill, experience, or technique. It can also vary based on the level of care you receive at the clinic.
Lower-priced places often run more like “factories,” focusing on quick, standardized procedures, while higher-end clinics may offer more personalized consultations, attentive aftercare, and extra services.
Instead of choosing solely by price, it’s a good idea to check in advance what kind of care and support are actually included.
KRW pricing (per 1cc unless noted):
Area | Korean Brands | Imported Brands |
|---|---|---|
Lips | ₩50,000 – ₩700,000 | ₩390,000 – ₩1,000,000 |
Forehead | ₩64,000 – ₩150,000 | ₩163,000 – ₩538,000 |
Under-eye | ₩76,000 – ₩355,000 | ₩209,000 – ₩627,000 |
Earlobe filler (per session) | ₩49,000 – ₩2,500,000 | |
Nose | ₩50,000 – ₩709,000 | ₩150,000 – ₩890,000 |
Chin | ₩50,000 – ₩200,000 | ₩250,000 – ₩670,000 |
(as of Sept 12, 2025, based on GangnamUnni listings - event prices excluded, VAT not included)
💡 Conversion check (2025): ₩50,000 ≈ $36 USD.
Planning Your Seoul Filler Trip
If you’re flying to Seoul for fillers, plan a short buffer in your trip. Many people do the consult and treatment the same day, then stay 2-3 days to let swelling settle and for any quick clinic check-ins. A full week is ideal if you want a follow-up. Give yourself at least 48 hours before flying home, and avoid dental work for two weeks before and after.
Aftercare is simple: ice if needed, skip heat, alcohol, and hard workouts for 48 hours, and don’t touch the area unless your injector says so.
What to Expect on the Day
Consultation: Goals, risks, product choice, photos, consent forms in English.
Procedure (15–45 mins): Numbing cream, needle/cannula, possible ultrasound.
After injection: Mirror check, mild swelling or bruising.
Aftercare kit: Written instructions + emergency contact info.
Follow-up: Some clinics include a free review after 1–2 weeks.
Risks & Safety: What You Need to Know
Common (temporary): redness, swelling, bruising.
Rare but serious: vascular occlusion → skin blanching, severe pain, or vision changes.
High-risk areas: nose, glabella, forehead.
Clinic must-haves: hyaluronidase, emergency protocol, ideally ultrasound guidance.
VAT Refunds for Foreign Patients
For years, foreign patients could get a VAT (consumption tax) refund at participating clinics by showing their passport and claiming before departure.
But as of September 2025, the Korean government announced the program will end on December 31, 2025, unless extended. Some reports hint at possible continuation, but don’t rely on it.
💡 Tip: Always check if your clinic is VAT-refund–affiliated before booking.
FAQ: Quick Answers
Q1. How much does filler cost in Seoul?
A: Prices vary by injector skill and clinic style. Budget spots often feel like “factory lines,” while pricier clinics tend to include more personalized care and aftercare.
Q2. Which brands are available?
A: You’ll see big international names like Juvederm and Restylane, plus trusted local brands such as Yvoire and Neuramis.
Q3. How long should I stay before flying home?
A: Give yourself at least 48 hours post-treatment, but 5-7 days is best if you want time to heal and maybe fit in a review visit.
Q4. Can I get a VAT refund?
A: Yes, until Dec 31, 2025 (unless extended). Just confirm your clinic is VAT-refund registered before booking.
Q5. What records should I keep?
A: Ask for the product name, batch number, amount used, your injector’s details, and snap some before/after photos for reference.
Conclusion
Getting fillers in Seoul can be a smart move: you’ll save money, access a wide range of products, and work with some of the world’s most experienced injectors.
Just make sure you:
Budget at least 2-7 days in Seoul for treatment and aftercare.
Confirm brand and injector details.
Double-check the VAT refund policy before booking.
✨ If you’re considering cosmetic fillers in Korea in 2025, this guide should give you a clear picture of costs, safety, and trip planning. Share it with anyone thinking about flying to Seoul for a little beauty boost!
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