Why are so many people heading to Busan for cosmetic procedures?
When it comes to medical aesthetics in South Korea, Seoul’s Gangnam is usually the first place that comes to mind. Yet in the past couple of years, Busan has quietly become a new favorite among Taiwanese people looking to enhance their beauty by traveling to South Korea. With cheaper flight tickets and lower accommodation costs, and most importantly, the same hospitals and treatment programs offering even more attractive prices at their Busan branches, it’s no wonder Busan has gained such popularity. Among them, the most talked-about is undoubtedly the Busan branch of Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic, widely regarded as the “national team” of South Korea’s plastic surgery industry.
Founded in 2000 by four board-certified plastic surgeons from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic is one of the few top-tier medical institutions in South Korea that offers triple guarantees: on-site anesthesiologists, named surgeon systems, and JCI international medical certification. While its Busan branch maintains the same high standard of care as the Seoul facility, it offers significantly lower treatment costs due to differences in location-related expenses. This article reveals Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic’s full price list for Busan treatments, helping you calculate exactly how much you can save by undergoing cosmetic procedures there.
Basic Information on Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic’s Busan Branch
| 🏥 Hospital Name | Banobagi Dermatology Busan Branch |
| 📍 Address | Seomyeon-ro, Busan Town, Busan Metropolitan City (near Seomyeon Station) |
| 🚇 Transportation | Approximately 5-minute walk from Seomyeon Station on Busan Subway Lines 1 and 2 |
| 🕐 Business Hours | Monday to Friday: 10:00–19:00, Saturday: 10:00–16:00, closed on Sundays |
| 🌐 Language Services | Chinese translation provides full accompaniment throughout |
| ⭐ represents the treatment course | HIFU, Thermage radio waves, Pico laser, Botox, Filler, Rejuran, hyaluronic acid injections |
Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic is renowned in South Korea’s plastic surgery industry as the “philosophy of perfection in detail.” From consultation and anesthesia to post-operative care, every step is handled personally by specialized doctors. In addition to maintaining this high standard of expertise, its branch in Busan takes advantage of its strategic location that combines medical treatments with sightseeing—after completing your treatment, you can easily stroll through the Seomyeon shopping district and enjoy local cuisine without having to endure the hassle of long commutes like in Seoul.
Complete Price List of Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan (KRW/TWD Comparison)
The price list below is based on a single treatment. The prices in Korean won represent the official pricing range set by Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan. The conversion rate of 1 TWD ≈ 42 KRW is provided for reference only; please consult on-site for the actual price.
I. Laser/Photoelectric Technologies
| Project | Price in South Korea (₩) | Approximate NT$ amount | Taiwan reference price (NT$) | How much can you save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico Laser Treatment (Full Face) | ₩250,000 – 350,000 | NT$5,900 – 8,300 | NT$8,000 – 15,000 | Save NT$2,100-6,700 |
| IPL Pulse Light (Full Face) | ₩120,000 – 180,000 | NT$2,800 – 4,200 | NT$4,000 – 8,000 | Save NT$1,200-3,800 |
| Fraxel Laser (Full Face) | ₩350,000 – 500,000 | NT$8,300 – 11,900 | NT$12,000 – 20,000 | Save NT$3,700-8,100 |
| Laser Hair Removal (Armpits/Session) | ₩50,000 – 80,000 | NT$1,200 – 1,900 | NT$2,000 – 3,500 | Save NT$800-1,600 |
| Laser Hair Removal (Whole Legs/Session) | ₩150,000 – 250,000 | NT$3,500 – 5,900 | NT$6,000 – 10,000 | Save NT$2,500-4,100 |
Project Breakdown | Pico Laser Treatment: Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic uses PicoSure or PicoWay devices, which are ideal for addressing spots, uneven skin tone, and enlarged Pores. In South Korea, the cost per session ranges from NT$6,000 to NT$8,000, while in Taiwan it typically exceeds NT$10,000. Completing 5 sessions can even save you the cost of a flight ticket. IPL pulsed light is perfect for those trying medical aesthetics for the first time, offering affordable prices and a short recovery time—allowing you to go shopping right after the treatment.
II. Injection/Filling Procedures
| Project | Price in South Korea (₩) | Approximate NT$ amount | Taiwan reference price (NT$) | How much can you save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botulinum Toxin (Masseter/Single Dose) | ₩150,000 – 250,000 | NT$3,500 – 5,900 | NT$6,000 – 12,000 | Save NT$2,500-6,100 |
| Botulinum Toxin (Full Face Wrinkle Reduction) | ₩300,000 – 500,000 | NT$7,100 – 11,900 | NT$12,000 – 20,000 | Save NT$4,900-8,100 |
| Filler (1 centum core per vial) | ₩400,000 – 700,000 | NT$9,500 – 16,600 | NT$15,000 – 28,000 | Save NT$5,500-11,400 |
| Juvederm (1 centum core) | ₩500,000 – 800,000 | NT$11,900 – 19,000 | NT$18,000 – 30,000 | Save NT$6,100-11,000 |
| Rejuran (Full Face) | ₩250,000 – 400,000 | NT$5,900 – 9,500 | NT$12,000 – 20,000 | Save NT$6,100-10,500 |
| Sculptra for Facial Contouring (1 vial) | ₩700,000 – 1,000,000 | NT$16,600 – 23,800 | NT$30,000 – 45,000 | Save NT$13,400-21,200 |
Project Overview | Filler Injections: South Korea is one of the birthplaces of Filler and Botox. Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic uses only original products from reputable manufacturers such as Allergan, Galderma, and Hugel, eliminating the extra costs associated with middlemen. Rejuran, also known as “baby needles,” is a locally produced brand in South Korea. The cost of getting it injected there is almost half that of Taiwan, making it the top choice for many Taiwanese clients looking to start their beauty treatment journey. The price difference between Sculptra and its South Korean version is even more striking—you can save over 10,000 TWD just by choosing the local version.
III. Ultrasound / Radiofrequency Lifting Treatments
| Project | Price in South Korea (₩) | Approximate NT$ amount | Taiwan reference price (NT$) | How much can you save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultherapy HIFU (300 entries) | ₩1,200,000 – 1,500,000 | NT$28,500 – 35,700 | NT$60,000 – 80,000 | Save NT$31,500-44,300 |
| Thermage FLX Radiofrequency (600 shots) | ₩1,800,000 – 2,200,000 | NT$42,800 – 52,300 | NT$80,000 – 120,000 | Save NT$37,200-67,700 |
| Shurink South Korea Ultrasound (Full Face) Treatment | ₩400,000 – 600,000 | NT$9,500 – 14,200 | NT$18,000 – 30,000 | Save NT$8,500-15,800 |
| Oligio Korean Radio Waves (Full Face) | ₩600,000 – 900,000 | NT$14,200 – 21,400 | NT$25,000 – 40,000 | Save NT$10,800-18,600 |
Project Breakdown | Ultrasound and Radiofrequency: These two treatment categories exhibit the widest price gap between Taiwan and South Korea. Ultherapy, the original U.S.-made ultrasound therapy, starts at around NT$60,000 in Taiwan, but can be obtained for as little as NT$30,000 in South Korea. The difference for Thermage FLX is even more striking—its price in South Korea is almost one-third of that in Taiwan. What’s more, Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic uses genuine original equipment, not knockoff or second-hand machines, ensuring both safety and optimal results.
IV. Skin Care Category
| Project | Price in South Korea (₩) | Approximate NT$ amount | Taiwan reference price (NT$) | How much can you save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrating Injection (Full Face/Session) | ₩300,000 – 500,000 | NT$7,100 – 11,900 | NT$12,000 – 20,000 | Save NT$4,900-8,100 |
| PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Autologous Serum Injection (Full Face) | ₩400,000 – 600,000 | NT$9,500 – 14,200 | NT$15,000 – 25,000 | Save NT$5,500-10,800 |
| Aqua Peel Water Jet (Full Face) | ₩80,000 – 150,000 | NT$1,900 – 3,500 | NT$3,000 – 5,000 | Save NT$1,100-1,500 |
| Whitening Drops (Single Use) | ₩50,000 – 100,000 | NT$1,200 – 2,300 | NT$2,000 – 4,000 | Save NT$800-1,700 |
| Chemical peeling (fruit acids/AHA) | ₩80,000 – 150,000 | NT$1,900 – 3,500 | NT$3,000 – 6,000 | Save NT$1,100-2,500 |
Project Breakdown | Skin Care: Hyaluronic acid injections are considered the “national treatment” in South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry, with many Korean women getting them regularly every month as part of their daily skincare routine. Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic offers customized formulations based on individual skin conditions, incorporating ingredients for whitening, anti-aging, and hydration. The cost per treatment is less than NT$10,000, and even when including flight costs to Busan, it’s still more affordable than having the procedure done in Taiwan.
V. Micro-plastic Surgery / Thread Lifting
| Project | Price in South Korea (₩) | Approximate NT$ amount | Taiwan reference price (NT$) | How much can you save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thread Lifting (Full Face/8-10 Threads) | ₩800,000 – 1,200,000 | NT$19,000 – 28,500 | NT$30,000 – 50,000 | Save NT$11,000-21,500 |
| Fat transfer (autologous fat for the entire face) | ₩2,500,000 – 4,000,000 | NT$59,500 – 95,200 | NT$80,000 – 150,000 | Save NT$20,500-54,800 |
Project Breakdown | Thread Lifting: Utilizing PDO threads produced in South Korea, there are no import tariffs added, so the cost is directly reflected in the price. Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic is renowned for its precise layer-targeting thread lifting technique, resulting in natural-looking outcomes without any stiffness. Autologous fat transplantation is a signature procedure in South Korean plastic surgery, and at Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic, it’s performed by specialized plastic surgeons who handle the entire process—from extraction and purification to reinsertion—delivering a much higher standard of expertise compared to regular cosmetic clinics.
🔥 Unveiling the Top 3 Cosmetics with the Biggest Price Gap Between Taiwan and South Korea
Based on the above price list, these three items rank among the top three with the widest price gap between Taiwan and South Korea—the savings from them could almost cover the cost of another round-trip flight.
🥇 Top 1: Thermage FLX Radiofrequency Therapy (600 shots)
| 🇰🇷 Prices in South Korea | ₩1,800,000 – 2,200,000 (approximately NT$42,800 – 52,300) |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan prices | NT$80,000 – 120,000 |
| 💰 Price difference | Up to NT$67,700 in savings (about 56% off) |
Thermage FLX (also known as “Phoenix Radio Waves”) is currently the most popular non-invasive skin tightening treatment available. It works by using monopolar radio frequency to heat the dermal layer, thereby stimulating the production of new Collagen. In Taiwan, the cost for a single session starts at around 80,000 New Taiwan Dollars, whereas in South Korea it’s only 40,000 to 50,000 — saving you not only the cost of round-trip flights to Busan and three nights’ accommodation but also extra expenses. Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic uses authentic FLX devices manufactured by Solta Medical in the United States, with all probes being disposable original consumables to completely eliminate the risks associated with counterfeit machines or reused probes.
🥈 Top 2: Ultherapy HIFU (300 reviews)
| 🇰🇷 Prices in South Korea | ₩1,200,000 – 1,500,000 (approximately NT$28,500 – 35,700) |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan prices | NT$60,000 – 80,000 |
| 💰 Price difference | Save up to NT$44,300 (about 55% off) |
Ultherapy, also known as American UltraSound HIFU, is a FDA-approved non-invasive lifting treatment that uses high-energy focused ultrasound to target the SMAS fascia layer directly. In Taiwan, its price has remained consistently high, whereas in South Korea—thanks to fierce market competition and the manufacturer’s strategic pricing—the cost is only half of that in Taiwan. The physicians at Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic possess extensive experience in performing Ultherapy procedures, enabling them to precisely determine the optimal depth of treatment for different face shapes, resulting in natural-looking results without any stiffness.
🥉 Top 3: Sculptra from DongAn Center Introduction – 1 vial of DongAn Center Introduction facial filler
| 🇰🇷 Prices in South Korea | ₩700,000 – 1,000,000 (approximately NT$16,600 – 23,800) |
| 🇹🇼 Taiwan prices | NT$30,000 – 45,000 |
| 💰 Price difference | Up to NT$21,200 off (saving about 47%) |
Sculptra, also known as the “DongAn Center Introduction” injection, is a PLLA-based filler that gradually stimulates the production of natural Collagen, with effects lasting over two years. In Taiwan, a single vial costs at least 30,000 New Taiwan Dollars, whereas in South Korea it costs less than 20,000. If you opt for a full treatment of three vials for the entire face, you can save up to 60,000 dollars by getting it done in South Korea — enough to cover the expenses of a luxury trip to Busan.
Why Is Medical Aesthetics in South Korea So Affordable? Unpacking 3 Common Misconceptions Among Taiwanese Customers
Many Taiwanese people’s first reaction upon seeing the prices of medical beauty treatments in South Korea is, “It’s so cheap—could the quality be an issue?” The answer is definitely not. Here are three key reasons why.
- Differences in market size: The size of South Korea’s medical aesthetics market is more than 10 times that of Taiwan, leading to fierce competition among clinics, which naturally drives down prices. For the same Thermage FLX device, a clinic in South Korea might treat 10 patients per day, while one in Taiwan might only treat 2–3 patients—pricing based on volume is the core principle here.
- Advantages of direct sourcing from manufacturers: South Korea is the world’s leading producer of medical aesthetics equipment and supplies (brands like Hugel, Medytox, Lutronic, and CLASSYS are all Korean-made). Hospitals can purchase these products directly from the manufacturers, avoiding the triple markup imposed by agents, distributors, and clinics in Taiwan.
- Regulations and Tax System: The import tariffs and value-added tax structure for medical devices in South Korea differ from those in Taiwan. Additionally, since the South Korean government considers the medical aesthetics industry a “tourism strategic industry,” it offers tax incentives that indirectly reduce the final prices.
In short: It’s not that South Korea is cheap—it’s Taiwan that’s too expensive.
🏥 Official Booking Card for Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan
👆 Click the button above to access Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic’s official booking page. You can get consultations in Chinese, receive online quotes, and make reservations without needing a South Korea phone number.
🚇 How to get to the Busan branch of Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic?
| Method | Explanation |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Departing from Taiwan | There are direct flights from Taipei or Kaohsiung to Busan Gimhae International Airport (PUS), with a flight time of around 2.5 hours. Round-trip tickets from budget airlines such as Busan Air and Jeju Air cost approximately NT$4,000–8,000. |
| 🚇 Subway | From Gimhae Airport, take the Busan Gimhae Light Rail to Sasang Station, then transfer to Subway Line 2 and get off at Seomyeon Station. It’s only about a 5-minute walk from there. |
| 🚕 Taxi | It takes about 30–40 minutes to get to Seomyeon from the airport, with fares ranging from ₩25,000 to ₩30,000 (approximately NT$600–700). |
| 🏨 Recommended Accommodations | There are plenty of hotel options around Seomyeon Station, ranging from budget guesthouses to Lotte Hotels, with prices around NT$1,500–4,000 per night. |
📋 Common Questions about Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan FAQ
Q1: Can I visit Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan if I don’t know Korean?
Absolutely. The Busan branch of Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic employs full-time Chinese translators who provide support throughout the entire process—from consultation and treatment planning to post-operative care—so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. Moreover, many Chinese translators at medical aesthetics clinics in South Korea are actually Taiwanese or Chinese students, ensuring seamless communication.
Q2: Are the prices at Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic’s clinics in Busan and Seoul the same?
It’s different. Due to lower rent and operating costs, the Busan branch offers some treatment packages at 10-20% cheaper than those at the Seoul headquarters. Yet the medical team and equipment standards remain exactly the same, meaning you can enjoy the same high-quality care at a reduced price.
Q3: How many days does it take to complete the entire treatment? Is it possible to go and return on the same day?
For most non-invasive treatments such as Pico therapy, Botox injections, Filler applications, and hyaluronic acid injections, patients can return to Taiwan on the same day without needing to stay overnight. However, if more in-depth treatments like ultrasound or radiofrequency therapy are performed, it’s recommended to stay for 2–3 days to allow the skin to stabilize, giving you the chance to enjoy attractions in Busan such as Haeundae Beach and Gangchon-dong Cultural Village.
Q4: What are the payment options? Can I pay by card?
Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic accepts international credit cards (VISA/Mastercard), local South Korea cards, and cash in Korean won. Some treatments allow for installment payments via card. It’s recommended to bring sufficient cash in Korean won or check your credit card’s overseas spending limit, as you can save even more after getting a tax refund in South Korea.
Q5: How should I take care of my skin after the procedure? Can I travel?
Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic provides detailed post-treatment care guides (in Chinese) along with the necessary recovery products. With non-invasive treatments, patients can resume normal activities and go shopping right on the day of the procedure. The commercial districts in Seomyeon, Busan, are within walking distance, making it perfect to shop for Korean products right after your treatment. However, it’s recommended to avoid drinking alcohol, saunas, and strenuous exercise for 24 hours after the procedure.
Q6: What are the advantages of Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan over other Dermatology clinics in South Korea?
Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic’s biggest competitive advantage lies in its “Dermatology service on the level of plastic surgery” — backed by a team of specialist surgeons from Seoul National University, with an on-site anesthesiologist available at all times, ensuring medical safety standards that far exceed those of ordinary dermatology clinics. The clinic also holds JCI international medical certification, providing foreign patients with additional assurance regarding treatment safety. Although its prices aren’t the lowest in Busan, its value for money is definitely top-notch.
✈️ The money you save is enough for another trip to Busan
Let’s do some honest math:
| Cost breakdown | Done in Taiwan | Flying to South Korea for medical treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Thermage FLX Radiofrequency | NT$100,000 | NT$48,000 |
| Round-trip flight ticket (Busan) | – | NT$6,000 |
| 3-night stay | – | NT$6,000 |
| Food & Transportation | – | NT$5,000 |
| Total | NT$100,000 | NT$65,000 |
Getting the same Thermage FLX treatment in South Korea not only includes a two-day, three-night trip to Busan as a bonus, but the total cost is actually NT$35,000 less than having it done in Taiwan. This is why more and more Taiwanese are choosing “medical tourism” — using the money saved on cosmetic procedures to fund their trips abroad.
If you’re interested in the treatment options offered by Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic in Busan, there’s no need to make a decision right away. Just click the booking button below to schedule an online consultation and get a quote. Our Chinese-speaking customer service team will provide you with a customized price based on your specific needs—completely free of charge and stress-free. You can always decide after gathering more information.
※ The prices mentioned in this article are based on market research data from 2025. Actual prices may vary due to exchange rate fluctuations or promotional offers by the clinics; please refer to Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic’s official quotes for accurate pricing.