Since May 2026, the question that friends around me have been asking me most frequently has become: “Just how much can I actually save by going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures nowadays?” The answer is quite simple: 1 Chinese yuan is currently equivalent to 226 South Korean won, which represents the lowest exchange rate in nearly 17 years. In other words, all cosmetic treatments in South Korea are now available at a discount of 11.2%. I’m not joking—this is the truth.
Let me start with some concrete numbers: Last year, the cost of 300 treatments with the Ulthrea was approximately 8,100 RMB, but now it’s only 6,600 RMB – that means you can save 1,500 RMB per treatment. If you are considering any high-cost anti-aging treatments, you really should take advantage of this current exchange rate trend; otherwise, you might regret it later. Moreover, the article also recommends the highly cost-effective Gangnam Dermatology for such treatments!
I. Just how exaggerated is the claim that the Korean won will plummet in 2026? Let me break it down for you.
According to the latest exchange rates in June 2026, 1 Chinese yuan is approximately equivalent to 226 South Korean won, while 1 South Korean won is only worth about 0.0044 Chinese yuan. Since mid-May, the exchange rate between the Chinese yuan and the South Korean won has remained relatively stable in the range of 1:220 to 1:226. In the same period of 2025, this ratio was around 1:185.
For medical beauty treatments that also cost 1 million Korean won, the price in 2025 was approximately 5,400 yuan, while in 2026 it dropped to around 4,400 yuan, saving a direct difference of 1,000 yuan. This is still a conservative estimate; if you choose more expensive anti-aging treatments, the savings will be even greater, since the higher the cost of a treatment, the more money you can save.
Moreover, financial analysts generally believe that the Korean won is unlikely to experience a significant rebound in the short term, and this window of opportunity still exists. If you want to lock in the most favorable price, it’s time to take action now.
II. Price comparison of popular medical beauty treatments in South Korea in 2026 (How much did the prices change before and after the sharp decline in the Korean won?)
| Popular treatments | Reference: Korean won price | Around RMB 2025 | Around RMB 2026 | Current province |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ulthrea model comes with 300 HIFU treatments. | 15 million yen | Around 8,100 yuan | Around 6,600 yuan | Save 1,500 yuan |
| Thermage FLX 600 treatments | 19.25 million yuan | Around 13,500 yuan | Around 11,000 yuan | Save 2,500 yuan |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | 3.35 million yen | Around 1,900 yuan | Around 1,550 yuan | Save 350 yuan |
| Korean version of HIFU: 300 treatments | ₩690,000 | Approximately 3,730 yuan | Around 3,050 yuan | Save 680 yuan |
| Inmode FX Full Face Treatment | 5.55 million yen | Approximately 2,970 yuan | Approximately 2,430 yuan | Save 540 yuan |
| Thermage Titanium Lifting | 18 million yen | Approximately 9,730 yuan | Approximately 7,960 yuan | Save 1,770 yuan |
💡 In a nutshell: For basic treatments costing less than 300,000 Korean won, the difference in exchange rates is not very significant; however, for anti-aging treatments costing over 1.5 million Korean won, the price difference can range from 1,500 to 2,500 yuan, which is equivalent to getting an additional hyaluronic acid injection for free.
If you want to compare the price differences among more Dermatology clinics, you can refer to this comprehensive comparison of 6 popular Dermatology practices in Seocho, South Korea, recommended by a Dcard user. The information includes actual details about clinics such as ALIVE, Galleria, and Dayone.
III. During the exchange rate dividend period in 2026, these 5 Dermatology clinics in Gangnam, Seoul are particularly worth visiting.
The following 5 Dermatology clinics in Gangnam are carefully selected based on data from the BeautsGO platform, the repurchase rates of local South Koreans, and my own on-site inspections. All of them possess legitimate qualifications as specialized Dermatology clinics in South Korea, and their prices are the same as those in China without any additional surcharges for tourists. Taking advantage of the current favorable exchange rate, the cost-performance ratio of these clinics is simply outstanding.
① South Korea’s Galleria galleria Dermatology | A team of highly skilled specialists in various medical fields, consisting of 7 specialists from Yonsei University
Galleria is undoubtedly the most impressive clinic I have visited recently. Located in the Banpo business district of Silwon-dong, it is surrounded by high-end apartments and a dense cluster of medical facilities. All three directors of the clinic are officially certified Dermatology specialists from Yonsei University – a rarity in the Seoul Dermatology community.
Director Qin is an officially certified instructor by Thermage (having participated in the development of related equipment). Director Cui is renowned for her detailed, teaching-style facial consultations, while Director Li is known for her gentle injection techniques that leave almost no bruising. Reservations for these designated directors must be made 14 days in advance, as the schedules are always very popular during peak seasons. The clinic’s top treatments include the Super Pulse Matrix King (the leading treatment for acne scars), Pores Management based on different skin types, and the Pure Face DongAn Center Introduction Needle Filling procedure.
Want to learn more about galleria’s team of specialist physicians from Yonsei University, the complete treatment process, and the actual results of their 12-week comprehensive treatment for acne scars? Read this article: Recommendations from Gangnam Dermatology | Personal Experience at galleria’s Banpo Silk Farm Branch in South Korea.
② Cheongdam NEWYOUNG Dermatology | The Natural Anti-aging Philosophy of Physicians Who Have Transitioned from Internal Medicine to Cosmetic Medicine
NEWYOUNG can be considered an “outsider” within the Cheongdam community of the medical aesthetics industry. Her founder, who initially trained as an internist before turning to medical aesthetics, possesses a deeper understanding of the human body’s metabolic processes and aging mechanisms than most Dermatology specialists. This interdisciplinary background enables her to focus on a “whole-body” approach to anti-aging treatments, rather than simply treating individual symptoms.
She adheres to the philosophy of “natural anti-aging” – after completing a treatment, colleagues and friends will only notice that your complexion has improved and your skin has become tighter, but they won’t be able to tell what specific treatments you have undergone. This is precisely the effect that many people strive for: to look better without any visible signs of intervention. The clinic is located just 1 minute’s walk away from Exit 3 of Roda Station in Apgujeong, making it extremely convenient to access.
Want to read the full review? “A colleague asked me if I had changed my skincare products” – A detailed review of Cheongdam NEWYOUNG Dermatology
③ Gangnam diar Dermatology | 3 directors with a combined experience of 74 years – the perfect choice for those who fear pain treatments
Located in the heart of Gangnam, DIar boasts three directors with a combined clinical experience of 74 years—a combination of qualifications that is truly rare throughout the entire Gangnam area. The clinic adheres to the principle of “safety first, stable results” and is particularly considerate of patients who are apprehensive about pain. The pre-operative anesthesia process is carried out with great care, and the treatment techniques are known for their gentleness.
The star product is the Ulthrea HIFU. DIar is one of the few clinics authorized by the manufacturer to use this device; the energy output is precise, so there is no risk of undesirable results such as uneven face contours after the procedure. After the treatment, a friend asked me if I had lost weight (in fact, my face just looked tighter), and the results were truly natural.
Want to read real reviews of the Ulthrea from DIAR? Too scared of pain to try it? Real experiences with the Ulthrea from Gangnam DIAR Dermatology.
④ Seongsu iris Dermatology | Dual treatments to effectively remove pigmented spots and scars in one go
In recent years, Seongsu-dong has become the new favorite of young people in Seoul – with numerous cafes, boutiques, and exhibition spaces. The Iris Dermatology clinic is located right at the heart of this trendy area, just a 1-minute walk from Exit 5 of Dongnae Station.
The biggest selling point of this clinic is its combination of the Ulthera HIFU and PicoPlus Pico lasers – one visit allows you to undergo both anti-aging treatments and address issues such as pigmentation and acne scars, resulting in high efficiency. For tourists with tight schedules, this “one-stop solution” is particularly attractive.
Want to see the complete test results of iris? Just take exit 5 at Seongsu Dodok Island Station and it will only take you 1 minute! My experience with South Korea’s Seongsu iris Dermatology.
⑤ Chang Dermatology in South Korea | Personal consultation by Dr. Hye-Mee Ra, an academic expert in Thermage treatment
Chang Dermatology is located near Gangnam Samseong Station and is a clinic renowned for its academic research and clinical expertise. The director specializes in Thermage treatment; he is not only an officially certified physician but also frequently gives lectures at domestic and international cosmetic medicine conferences and participates in equipment training programs. His academic background enables him to possess an advanced understanding of energy control, radiation distribution, and treatment depth, surpassing the standards of conventional practitioners.
If you particularly care about the results of Thermage treatment (after all, it costs ¥9.25 million per session, so you definitely don’t want to waste your money), going to Chang Dermatology and seeing this academicly accomplished dean in person is the safest choice. Thermage treatments start from ¥9.99 million, making it extremely cost-effective in the Gangnam area.
Want to see the detailed results of Thermage treatments at Dermatology Chang in South Korea? After the treatment, when I returned to the office, my colleagues asked if I had secretly gone under plastic surgery… A firsthand account of Thermage treatments at Dermatology Chang in South Korea.
IV. Summary of Basic Information on 5 Dermatology Clinics in Gangnam
| clinic | region | Core Features | Main products |
|---|---|---|---|
| galleria galleria凯麗雅 | Silkworm Farm/Banpo | Yonsei College of Medical Sciences x3 | The King of Ultra-Pulse Dot Matrix Technologies |
| Cheongdam NEWYOUNG | Apgujeong/Cheongdam | From internal medicine to medical aesthetics: natural anti-aging approaches | Total facial rejuvenation |
| Gangnam diar | Gangnam | The dean has 74 years of experience in this field. | Ulthrea |
| Seongsu iris SWOMAN | Seongsu Cave | Both machines are launched simultaneously | HIFU + Pico |
| Chang Dermatology | Samseong Station | Academic-grade Thermage | Thermage FLX |
V. Comparison of Groups Suitable and Not Suitable for Medical Aesthetics Treatments
| ✅ Suitable for medical beauty treatments in South Korea | ❌ It is not recommended to proceed rashly. |
|---|---|
| If you want to opt for high-value anti-aging treatments such as HIFU or Thermage, it can save you a significant amount of money. | I have a severe fear of injections that I simply cannot overcome. |
| With a budget of over ¥10 million, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations is quite significant. | Recently, I have had wounds, sunburns, or rashes on my skin. |
| If you have a trip plan to Seoul, why not take the opportunity to undergo some treatment? | During pregnancy or breastfeeding |
| Striving for the expertise of a Dermatology specialist (as opposed to a general practitioner) | There are important events such as weddings in the near future (recovery time is required after the procedure). |
💡 A little reminder: The suggestions above are for reference only. Since everyone’s skin type and needs vary, it is recommended to consult through LINE first to determine which treatments and clinics are suitable for you.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions about Medical Beauty Treatments in Korea
Q1: Will the Korean won continue to decline? When is the best time to proceed? Financial analysts genera
lly believe that it is unlikely for the Korean won to experience a significant rebound in the short term; May or June would be the optimal times of the year. Coupled with the various summer promotions offered by Dermatology clinics and the 20% exchange rate discount, consumers with the same budget can actually undergo 1-2 more treatments.
Q2: With the depreciation of the exchange rate, will clinics in South Korea take the opportunity to raise their
prices? The 5 recommended legitimate Dermatology clinics all strictly adhere to the principle of equal prices between China and South Korea, with transparent price listings. They will not temporarily increase their prices due to exchange rate fluctuations. By booking through BeautsGO, you can ensure that you pay the official original price.
Q3: What are the differences between going to South Korea on your own and booking through BeautsGO? Going to South Korea on your o
wn can lead to issues such as language barriers, inflated prices for tourists, schedule conflicts, and difficulty in identifying the authenticity of medical equipment. BeautsGO offers 24-hour one-on-one Chinese service, emergency appointment reservations, and free personalized planning options – all of which make the process more convenient, cost-effective, and secure.
Q4: How far in advance should one book a appointment during the peak season? Is it possible to request a specific
doctor? During the peak season of May and June, it is recommended to book basic treatments 3 to 7 days in advance. For services involving a designated doctor, sleep anesthesia, or advanced anti-aging treatments, it is necessary to book 14 days in advance. Through the BeautsGO priority reservation channel, you can secure a schedule with priority.
Q5: Can I return to my home country immediately after undergoing co
smetic procedures? For most non-invasive treatments (such as HIFU, Thermage, and hyaluronic acid injections), you can resume your normal activities on the same day and take a flight the next day. However, for invasive procedures (such as thread lifting or surgeries), it is recommended to allow 3–7 days for recovery. For more detailed information on post-treatment care, please refer to the post-operative guidelines listed in the 2026 Naver High-Rating South Korean Dermatology Institutions Red List.
Q6: How can I communicate if I don’t know Kore
an? All of the above 5 clinics can arrange Chinese translation services through BeautsGO. Some clinics, such as Galleria, have staff who can speak Chinese. It is recommended to contact the LINE customer service in advance to confirm the translation arrangements before your trip.
VII. How to make an appointment at Gangnam Dermatology
All recommended clinics can be reserved through the following three methods. It is recommended to use the LINE customer service for exclusive services.
- ☑ Confirm that the clinic accepts appointments from foreigners (all of the above 5 clinics do so).
- ☑ Please confirm in advance whether Chinese translation services are available.
- ☑ Understand the policies regarding the cancellation or modification of appointments (it is recommended to notify at least 24 hours in advance).
- ☑ Make sure you have your passport or foreigner registration certificate ready.
- ☑ It is prohibited to consume alcohol before the procedure, and certain medications (such as aspirin) should be avoided.
VIII. Recommended Reading
📌 Recommended Similar Treatments
- Too afraid of pain to undergo treatment? Practical experience with the Ulthrea from Gangnam diar Dermatology.
- Record of a personal consultation by Dr. Hae-Margie, Academic Dean | Dermatology Chang, South Korea
- Prices at Jeju THE MIIN Dermatology are fully disclosed – Rejuran starts from 911,000 won.
📍 Recommended clinics in Gangnam/Seocho districts
- Personal experiences at the main branch of South Korea’s galleria Dermatology Banpo Silkworm Farm
- Cheongdam NEWYOUNG Dermatology: The Philosophy of Natural Anti-aging
- Netizens on Dcard recommend a comprehensive comparison of 6 popular Dermatology clinics in the Seocho area.