Recently, many sisters have privately asked me, “Is it really worth it to go to South Korea for medical beauty treatments?” To be honest, this question cannot be simply answered as “worth it” or “not worth it” – the key lies in which clinic you choose and what treatments you opt for. Take Gangnam secret Dermatology, for example. Popular treatments such as the three-layer Hyaluronic Acid injection, HIFU, and Sofwave cost approximately 50% to 70% of what they would cost at similar clinics in Taiwan. Moreover, since South Korean medical beauty centers generally use a system of “transparent pricing with both Chinese and Korean price lists,” you won’t be losing out even if you don’t claim any tax refunds. In this article, I have compiled all the treatment prices at secret Dermatology, converted them into Taiwanese dollars, and provided comparisons with prices in Taiwan. Sisters who are considering going to South Korea for medical beauty treatments should save this information before deciding whether to book their flights!
Why is it really more cost-effective to go to South Korea for medical beauty treatments? The key lies in the transparent pricing at Secret Dermatology.
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The reason why Dermatology treatments in South Korea are relatively inexpensive is not due to “cutting corners” but rather intense market competition. In just one street near Seoul’s Gangnam Station, there are over 50 Dermatology clinics, and prices are naturally driven down by market forces. Take secret Dermatology in Seoul, for example—their price list is clearly displayed at the front desk, available in both Chinese and Korean, so every customer entering the clinic can see it immediately, without having to ask secretly or worry about being charged a “foreigner rate.”
Another advantage of secret Dermatology is that all prices include “personal consultations by the director and the use of advanced equipment throughout the entire process.” It is not one of those clinics that use a nominal director while actual operations are carried out by assistants. The clinic is equipped with one representative of the director and five nurses, and the number of patients seen each day is carefully controlled to ensure that every client receives sufficient time for a face-to-face consultation. In addition, they use the AI-based 3D skin analysis and diagnosis system called eyelab insight, which scans your skin condition before the consultation and presents the results in a digital format, rather than relying on subjective judgments when recommending treatment options.
Gangnam secret Dermatology releases its latest price list: 13 popular treatments available all at once!
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Below is a compilation of all the service prices available at secret Dermatology. The data comes from sources such as the BeautsGO platform, the clinic’s price list, and feedback from recent visitors. Each item is listed with the corresponding Taiwanese dollar conversion (calculated at the exchange rate of NT$0.0225 per ¥100), making it easy for ladies to compare these prices with those in Taiwan.
🔹 Equipment (Lifting, Tightening, Lipolysis)
- Sofwave 100-shot + AI 3D skin analysis and diagnosis: ¥1,100,000 (approximately NT$24,750) – In Taiwan, the equivalent service costs around NT$45,000 to NT$60,000, which means a discount of 55%.
- Second-generation HIFU with 300 treatment sessions + AI 3D skin analysis and diagnosis: ¥1,110,000 (approximately NT$24,750) – In Taiwan, the cost for 300 treatment sessions ranges from NT$50,000 to NT$80,000.
- Thermage full-face treatment: Starting from approximately ₩1,600,000 (around NT$36,000); in Taiwan, the cost ranges from NT$80,000 to NT$120,000, representing a price difference of over twice.
- Thermage Eyelift Treatment: Approximately ₩800,000 to ₩1,500,000 (about NT$18,000 to $33,750)
- Thermage Neck Treatment: Approximately ₩1,000,000 to ₩2,000,000 (about NT$22,500 to $45,000)
- Facial ONDA 80kJ + AI 3D analysis and diagnosis: ¥4,995,000 (approximately NT$11,138) —— Specifically designed for slimming the face and tightening the skin simultaneously
- Body ONDA 80 kJ + SWOMAN lipolysis injection 200 cc: ¥9820,000 (approximately NT$18,450) – Suitable for stubborn fat in the abdomen, arms, and Thighs
🔹 Injection treatments (hyaluronic acid injections/fillers/botox)
- Three-layer glow injection (basic formula, containing Filler): Approximately ₩300,000 to ₩600,000 (about US$6,750 to $13,500) — in Taiwan, the cost is around NT$12,000 to NT$20,000.
- Three-layer glow injection (advanced version, containing whitening/anti-aging ingredients): Approximately ₩600,000 to ₩900,000 (about NT$13,500 to $20,250).
- Filler injection (per centum core): Starting from approximately ₩390,000 (around $8,775) — in Taiwan, the cost ranges from NT$12,000 to NT$18,000 per centum core.
- Korean-style Botox (charged by area): Starting from approximately ₩25,000 (around $563) — In Taiwan, it ranges from NT$2,000 to NT$4,000 per area.
- SWOMAN lipolytic injection (single use): Approximately ₩200,000 to ₩400,000 (about NT$4,500 to $9,000)
- Consultation fee (for projects not yet initiated): ¥200,000 (approximately NT$450) —— This fee can be deducted if a project is subsequently undertaken.
Just looking at the numbers might not make much of an impact, but when you compare them side by side, the difference becomes obvious. Take the Thermage full-face treatment as an example: in Taiwan, it costs around NT$80,000 to $120,000 per session, while at secret Dermatology in South Korea, it costs approximately ₩1.6 million (NT$36,000), which is 35% to 45% of the Taiwanese price. Even if you add the cost of airfare and accommodation (about NT$7,000 to $9,000 for a round-trip during the off-season), it’s still much cheaper than having the treatment in Taiwan. Not to mention, flying to South Korea also gives you the opportunity to shop, enjoy barbecue, and try on Korean traditional clothing – isn’t that great?
The 5 major price advantages of secret Dermatology: each one of them can help you save money.
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Advantage 1: The price list is clearly displayed at the front desk, in both Chinese an
d Korean. Unlike many clinics where prices are determined on a case-by-case basis, Secret Dermatology’s price list is posted on the wall in both languages, allowing customers to get an idea of the costs without even asking. This is particularly reassuring for foreign guests who don’t speak Korean and effectively means that there is no additional charge for foreigners.
Advantage 2: The director personally attends to all consultations, elimina
ting the assembly-line approach. At secret Dermatology, there is only one director and five nurses in the entire clinic. The number of consultations per day is carefully controlled so that the director can oversee each process from start to finish. The entire procedure – from face-to-face consultation to 3D examination, treatment, to post-treatment follow-up – is carried out by the same director, rather than through a 10-minute rotation system. In Taiwan, such quality of service would typically require an additional registration fee of at least NT$3,000, plus the director’s consultation fee. However, at secret Dermatology, all these costs are already included in the overall service package.
Advantage 3: AI-powered 3D skin analysis and diagnosis – no more subjective recommenda
tions. Secret Dermatology has introduced the eyelab insight 3D skin detection system, which scans your stratum corneum, dermis, Pore size, and pigment distribution before the consultation. The system then uses data to tell you “which treatment is most suitable for you.” Such equipment has become standard in mid-to-high-end Dermatology clinics in South Korea, but many clinics in Taiwan still rely on visual assessments, resulting in the recommendation of more expensive treatments.
Advantage 4: Real-time translation in five languages – Chinese, English, Japanese, Kore
an, and Thai – eliminates any concerns regarding language barriers. Secret Dermatology offers real-time translation services in these five languages, ensuring seamless communication in Chinese. When discussing treatment plans with the clinic director, you can accurately express your desired results, avoiding mistakes due to language differences.
Advantage 5: Open on weekdays and available every day except public ho
lidays – this is extremely convenient for Taiwanese tourists! The opening hours of secret Dermatology are as follows: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 10:30–19:00, Tuesday/Thursday until 20:00 (night appointments are suitable for those with busy daytime schedules), Saturday 10:30–17:30, and Sunday 10:30–17:30. Unless it coincides with a South Korea public holiday, appointments can still be made on weekends, so there’s no need to take special leave to travel there.
For sisters with different budgets, choosing secret Dermatology is definitely the wisest choice.
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🪙 Introduction for Budget-conscious Women (budget of up to ⩾9.5 million KRW, approximately NT$11,250) For those going to South Korea for cosmetic
procedures for the first time and not wanting to spend too much money at once, we recommend starting with the “basic three-layer hyaluronic acid injection” (price range: ⩾930,000 – 600,000 KRW) or “Korean-style botulinum toxin injections”. The hyaluronic acid injection provides immediate glow, while the effects of botulinum toxin injections become visible in about 3 to 7 days. The recovery period for both treatments is virtually zero, so you can go shopping right after the procedure.
💎 For mature women looking for an advanced treatment plan (budget ranging from ₩500,000 to ₩1.1 million, approximately NT$11,250 to NT$24,750), we
highly recommend the “Facial ONDA 80kJ + AI3D Diagnosis” package (₩495,000) combined with the “Three-Layer Hydrating Needle Treatment (Advanced Version)” (₩600,000 to ₩900,000). The total cost remains within ₩1.1 million. The ONDA treatment focuses on firming and slimming the face, while the hydrating needle treatment provides deep hydration and luminosity. The effects of these treatments usually last for 3 to 5 months, making them an excellent value for money option.
👑 For older women looking for a comprehensive treatment plan (budget range: NT$24,750–45,000, approximately ¥11.1 million–2 million), those aged
40+ or with higher expectations are recommended to consider “Sofwave 100-shot + AI3D Diagnosis” (¥11.1 million) or “HIFU Generation 2 300-shot Treatment” (¥11.1 million). These are the most highly praised HIFU treatments offered by secret Dermatology. The effects usually peak around the 2nd to 3rd month, with the jawline becoming more defined and the Nasolabial Fold Correction becoming less noticeable. The results can last for approximately 8 to 12 months.
Estimated total cost of undergoing medical beauty treatments in South Korea: Taking secret Dermatology Sofwave in South Korea as an example
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Many women are most concerned about this question: “Is it really worth it to add up the cost of the flight, accommodation, and medical beauty treatments?” Let’s take the Sofwave 100 treatment at secret Dermatology as an example to illustrate this:
- ✈️ Round-trip flight tickets from Taoyuan to Seoul (off-peak season): Approximately NT$7,000 to $9,000
- 🏨 2-night accommodation in Gangnam District (mid-range): approximately NT$3,000 to $5,000
- 💉 Secret Dermatology Sofwave 100 hair grafts + AI 3D diagnosis: ₩1,100,000 = NT$24,750
- 🍽️ Meals and transportation by subway (for 3 days): Approximately NT$3,000 to $4,000
- 📊 Total amount: Approximately NT$37,750 to NT$42,750
In South Korea, 100 sessions of Sofwave treatment at the same level cost approximately NT$45,000 to $60,000. The total cost of flying to South Korea for the treatment is still NT$2,250 to $22,250 cheaper than doing it in Taiwan, which means you can get “free airfare and accommodation, and even enjoy a little trip to South Korea on top of that”.
If you undergo two treatments at once (for example, Sofwave + ONDA), the savings can be even more significant. Assuming the cost of Sofwave is NT$9.11 million and the cost of facial ONDA is NT$495,000, the total amount would be NT$9.1595 million (approximately NT$35,888). Adding the cost of drinks and snacks during the treatment, the total expenditure would amount to around NT$52,888. In Taiwan, the cost of a single Sofwave treatment alone ranges from NT$45,000 to NT$60,000. In other words, the money that would normally be spent on one treatment in Taiwan is enough to undergo two treatments in South Korea and enjoy three days there.
How to make an appointment at secret Dermatology? Online reservation + Chinese-speaking customer service – it’s super simple!
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Making an appointment at secret Dermatology is extremely simple – there are three options available, and no knowledge of Korean is required.
- Method 1: Make an appointment through the BeautsGO platform (recommended) – You can directly browse the complete price list on BeautsGO, select the services you want, and fill in the appointment time. The platform offers a fully Chinese-language interface, and you can also get immediate assistance from the Chinese-speaking customer service via WeChat at Hannah972. I previously wrote a more detailed guide on how to make an appointment: How to Avoid Mistakes When Making an Appointment at South Korea’s secret Dermatology Clinic? A Step-by-Step Guide for the Entire Online-to-In-person Process in 2026.
- Method 2: Make an appointment through the clinic’s official website – Simply fill out the reservation form on the official website of secret Dermatology. It is important to note that during peak seasons (summer vacation, cherry blossom season, maple leaf season), it is recommended to reserve at least 2 weeks in advance to avoid running out of available slots during the desired period.
- Method 3: Register in person at the clinic – Not recommended! Secret Dermatology has a limited number of slots available each day, and it is not guaranteed that there will be available spaces if you register on-site. Especially if you wish to be seen by the director in person, it is essential to make an appointment in advance.
A small reminder regarding appointments: If you only seek consultation without undergoing any treatment, a consultation fee of NT$450 will be charged. However, if you decide to proceed with the treatment, this fee can be deducted from the total cost, effectively making the consultation free of charge. Additionally, the complete price list at secret Dermatology includes services such as the three-layer hyaluronic acid injection, lipolysis injections, and HIFU. It is recommended that you clarify your intentions before making an appointment to save time during the consultation.
What do people who have undergone secret SWOMAN ultrasonic face lifting have to say? A compilation of genuine reviews.
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I previously wrote a detailed account of my own experience with HIFU at secret Dermatology, including both the SWOMAN treatment and the Sofwave procedure. The second-generation SWOMAN treatment, which involves 300 sessions, takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The first 20 minutes are spent applying anesthesia, and during the actual treatment, I did feel some discomfort and swelling around the Forehead and jawline, but it was completely within an acceptable range. On the second day after the procedure, my face was slightly red and swollen; by the fifth day, the skin began to feel tighter, and by the fourteenth day, I could clearly see that my jawline had taken on a more defined V-shaped profile when looking in the mirror. The effects peaked around the second or third month and lasted for nearly 10 months before gradually fading away.
For those who are afraid of pain but still want to try radiofrequency treatments, Sofwave is a recommended option. Its method of energy delivery is different from traditional ultrasound techniques, resulting in much less discomfort. However, the effect also lasts for a slightly shorter period (about 6 to 8 months). During a personal consultation with the clinic director, you can discuss which option is more suitable for your skin type and pain tolerance. The advice provided by the director at secret Dermatology is very practical; they won’t recommend expensive treatments just to make a profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does secret Dermatology of secret really not charge extra fees for foreigners?
A: Yes, the price list at secret Dermatology is publicly available and fixed, and it is displayed in both Korean and Chinese at the front desk of the clinic. All customers, whether South Koreans or foreigners, see the same prices; there is no such thing as “foreigner prices” or “dual-standard charging.” This is also one of the reasons why they have a good reputation among both local South Koreans and foreign tourists. If you need further information, you can schedule a consultation by contacting Hannah972 on WeChat or BeautsGO to confirm the latest prices.
Q: Can I go shopping right after getting cosmetic surgery? What precautions should I take?
A: In most cases, you can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment! For procedures like hyaluronic acid injections, Botox, or Filler fillings, the results are almost invisible to the naked eye (there may be some slight redness, but it usually subsides within 30 minutes), so you can go shopping or have barbecue right away. After HIFU or Sofwave treatments, your face may feel slightly red and warm on the same day, but it’s still safe to be seen in public – just wear a mask. The only things to note are to avoid strenuous exercise, hot environments, alcohol consumption, and to take extra precautions against sun exposure within 24 hours after the treatment.
Q: How many days should one schedule for a medical beauty treatment trip to South Korea?
A: If you only opt for injectable treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, Botox, or Filler, 3 days and 2 nights are sufficient: on the first day, fly to the destination, have a consultation and receive the treatment; on the second day, go shopping; on the third day, return home. If you choose non-invasive treatments like sonic waves, Thermage, or Sofwave, it is recommended to stay for 4 days and 3 nights, as there may be some mild swelling on the second or third day after the treatment. Staying one more day will help you feel more comfortable. Secret Dermatology in secret is open on Sundays, so if you plan to travel on the weekend, you don’t even need to take any leave.
Q: What makes secret Dermatology different from other Gangnam dermatology clinics?
A: The main differences lie in the following aspects: transparent pricing, AI-based examinations, multi-language translation services, and direct consultations by the clinic director. These four elements are not commonly found in Gangnam District. Many clinics claim to offer low prices, but in reality, the consultations are often conducted by assistants, or the director merely takes a quick look before moving on. Secret Dermatology of secret clearly emphasizes that all consultations are conducted personally by the director, and the use of AI 3D technology ensures that the evaluations are based on objective data rather than subjective impressions. Such quality is definitely worthy of their pricing.
Q: If I only go for consultation without undergoing any treatment, will I be pressured to buy something?
A: Secret Dermatology in secret does not force customers to make purchases. This aspect has received many positive reviews on Google and on Dcard. The consultation fee of ₩20,000 is clearly stated in advance. After the consultation, if you decide not to proceed with any treatment, you can simply leave after paying the consultation fee without any pressure. Of course, if you decide to undergo any treatment, the consultation fee can be deducted from the total cost of the treatment.
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Related recommendations
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- Seoul secret Dermatology’s price list: The prices for the three-layer hyaluronic acid injection + lipolysis injection + HIFU treatment are all openly listed – our focus is on offering excellent value for money without compromising quality.
- A comprehensive record of Sofwave and sound wave treatments at secret Dermatology in South Korea: The pain is indeed intense, but when I saw my jawline return to its original position after the treatment, it was absolutely worth it.
- How can you make a reservation at Secret Dermatology in South Korea without running into any problems? Share this 2026 online-to-in-person service guide to help you schedule a consultation even on Sundays.
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