Gangnam Station Beauty District: Your 2026 Guide to Seoul's Skincare Capital

Gangnam Station is not just a subway stop -- it is the beating heart of Seoul's beauty industry. With over 130 dermatology clinics clustered within walking distance and flagship K-beauty megastores lining Gangnam-daero, this district draws thousands of international visitors each year seeking world-class skincare treatments at a fraction of Western prices. Whether you are planning your first Botox session or hunting for the latest Korean serums, this guide will help you navigate the Gangnam Station beauty district like a seasoned local.

Why Gangnam Station Is Seoul's Skincare Capital

Gangnam-gu alone is home to more than 800 dermatology clinics, and the highest concentration sits within a few blocks of Gangnam Station on Line 2 and the Sinbundang Line. The sheer competition between clinics keeps prices low and quality high. Clinics here invest heavily in the latest equipment -- Thermage FLX, Ulthera, Shurink HIFU, and Pico lasers are standard offerings, not premium add-ons.

For international visitors, Gangnam Station also wins on convenience. The underground shopping mall connects multiple exits, English signage is common, and many clinics now staff bilingual coordinators specifically to serve foreign patients. Several clinics even provide tax refund receipts for non-Korean passport holders, saving you an additional percentage on your treatment bill.

Subway Exit Guide: Where to Go for What

Knowing which exit to use at Gangnam Station will save you time and confusion. Here is your cheat sheet:

Exit 10 -- The Clinic Corridor This is the most important exit for skincare visitors. Turn left out of Exit 10 and you will find yourself on Gangnam-daero, where the highest density of dermatology clinics is located. Clean Up Dermatology, Tox & Fill, and dozens of other clinics line the upper floors of buildings along this stretch. The new Olive Young Central Gangnam Town flagship store (350 pyeong / roughly 11,500 sq ft) is also right at this exit.

Exit 11 -- K-Beauty Shopping Hub Exit 11 puts you on the opposite side of Gangnam-daero. CHICOR Gangnam (Shinsegae's premium beauty edit shop) opened here in mid-2025 and has quickly become a destination for K-beauty enthusiasts. You will also find Innisfree, The Face Shop, and several multi-brand beauty retailers nearby.

Exit 5 -- Gangnam Underground Shopping Center If you want to browse affordable Korean cosmetics and accessories out of the rain or heat, Exit 5 leads directly into the Gangnam Underground Shopping Center, a sprawling maze of small shops selling skincare products, makeup, and fashion at local prices.

Top Dermatology Clinics Near Gangnam Station

Here are some of the most reputable and foreigner-friendly clinics in the district. All are within a 5-minute walk of Gangnam Station.

1. Tox & Fill Gangnam (톡스앤필 강남본점)

• Location: Exit 10, 50 meters straight ahead (Daedong Building, 10F-11F)
• Specialties: Botox (toxin), dermal fillers, Shurink, Thermage FLX, Ulthera, InMode
• Price Range: Botox from $75-$150, fillers from $250-$500
• Why Visit: Known for their "genuine product, proper dosage, sincere care" philosophy. High volume means competitive pricing.
• English Support: Available via coordinator

2. Clean Up Dermatology Gangnam (클린업피부과 강남점)

• Location: Exit 10, Gangnam-daero
• Specialties: Acne treatment, pore/scar repair, tattoo removal, pigmentation, lifting, vitiligo
• Price Range: Laser toning from $75-$150 per session, lifting from $400-$800
• Why Visit: Board-certified dermatologists (not cosmetic surgeons) handle all consultations. Strong reputation for medical-grade skin treatments.
• English Support: Limited, bring a translation app

3. Muse Clinic Gangnam (뮤즈클리닉 강남점)

• Location: Between Gangnam Station and Sinnonhyeon Station
• Specialties: Potenza RF microneedling, Thermage, Rejuran, HIFU, Botox, fillers
• Price Range: Rejuran from $250-$400, Potenza from $300-$600
• Why Visit: Highly rated on Korean review platforms, offers Sunday appointments, and has an English-language website.
• English Support: Yes, English consultations available

4. Beauty Lounge Clinic Gangnam (뷰티라운지의원 강남점)

• Location: Near Gangnam Station
• Specialties: Skin management, laser treatments, Botox, fillers, lifting, body contouring, hair removal
• Price Range: Botox from $100-$200, laser hair removal packages from $150-$400
• Why Visit: Extended hours (open until 8:30 PM weekdays, 6:00 PM weekends including Sunday) make it easy to fit into a travel schedule.
• English Support: Basic English available

5. Tones Clinic Gangnam (톤즈의원 강남역점)

• Location: Near Gangnam Station
• Specialties: Pico laser toning, skin brightening, acne scarring
• Price Range: Pico toning from $80-$150 per session
• Why Visit: Transparent pricing posted on their website, which is rare among Korean clinics. Good for budget-conscious visitors who want to know costs upfront.
• English Support: Limited

Treatment Price Overview (Gangnam Station Area)

Prices as of February 2026. Actual costs vary by clinic, treatment area, and dosage. Exchange rate: approximately 1,350 KRW = 1 USD. Contact clinics directly for current pricing.

K-Beauty Shopping: Flagship Stores You Cannot Miss

The Gangnam Station beauty district is not only about clinics. The area has transformed into a K-beauty retail battleground, with major brands opening their largest stores here.

Olive Young Central Gangnam Town (Exit 10)

CJ Olive Young opened this massive flagship in July 2025. Spanning five floors and roughly 350 pyeong (about 11,500 sq ft), it is one of the largest Olive Young locations in Seoul. The second floor features a dedicated K-beauty zone alongside a premium "Luxe Edit" section carrying brands like Lancome, Kiehl's, and Hera. Wide aisles are designed with suitcase-carrying tourists in mind, so you can browse comfortably even with luggage.

CHICOR Gangnam (Exit 11)

Shinsegae's answer to Sephora reopened with a K-beauty-first strategy in 2025. About 60% of the store's inventory is Korean brands -- nearly double the K-beauty ratio of other CHICOR locations. A standout feature is the "Beauty Lab" station where AI-powered devices scan your scalp and skin, analyzing oil distribution, dead skin cells, and follicle density for free. Foreign visitors make up roughly half the store's traffic, and staff are accustomed to serving international customers.

Other Notable Shops

• Innisfree Gangnam Flagship: Multi-level store with testers for nearly every product
• The Face Shop: Budget-friendly Korean skincare essentials
• LOHB's (Lotte Health & Beauty): Another multi-brand drugstore chain with competitive prices
• Gangnam Underground Shopping Center (Exit 5): Dozens of small vendors selling sheet masks, serums, and cosmetics at local prices -- perfect for bulk buying souvenirs

Practical Tips for International Visitors

Tax Refunds: Foreign passport holders can claim a tax refund on both clinic treatments and retail purchases at many Gangnam locations. Ask the clinic or store for a "Tax Free" receipt before you pay. Refund kiosks are available at Incheon Airport.

Booking Appointments: Popular clinics book up fast. Use platforms like Gangnam Unni (gangnamunni.com) or Modoodoc (modoodoc.com) to compare prices and read reviews, then call or message ahead. Some clinics accept bookings through KakaoTalk.

Timing Your Visit: Weekday mornings tend to be quietest at clinics. Avoid Saturday afternoons, which are peak hours. Most clinics close on national holidays.

Language: While several clinics offer English-speaking coordinators, do not assume it is universal. Download Papago or Google Translate with the Korean offline language pack before you go.

Payment: Most clinics accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Some smaller shops in the underground center may be cash-only, so carry some Korean won.

FAQ

Q: Which Gangnam Station exit is best for dermatology clinics? A: Exit 10 is the main hub. Most major clinics are along Gangnam-daero, directly accessible from this exit. Walk straight and look up -- clinics occupy the upper floors of nearly every building.

Q: Do Gangnam clinics offer consultations in English? A: Many do, especially larger clinics like Muse Clinic and Tox & Fill. Always confirm English support when booking your appointment. Smaller clinics may rely on translation apps.

Q: How much can I save on skincare treatments compared to the US? A: Most visitors save 50-70% on common treatments. Botox runs $75-$200 versus $300-$600 in the US, and Rejuran (which is hard to find in the West) costs just $250-$400 per session.

Q: Can I get a tax refund on clinic treatments? A: Yes. Many clinics issue tax-free receipts for foreign passport holders. Bring your passport to every appointment and ask before paying.

Q: Is Gangnam Station safe to visit alone? A: Absolutely. Gangnam is one of Seoul's safest districts, well-lit around the clock with heavy foot traffic. The subway runs until midnight, and taxis are readily available after hours.

Final Thoughts

The Gangnam Station beauty district packs an extraordinary concentration of skincare expertise, competitive pricing, and K-beauty retail into a few walkable blocks. Start at Exit 10 for clinics, hop over to Exit 11 for flagship beauty shopping, and duck into the underground center at Exit 5 for deals. With a little planning, you can book a consultation, get treated, and leave with a suitcase full of serums -- all in a single afternoon.

Ready to plan your Gangnam skincare trip? Bookmark this guide, compare clinic prices on platforms like Modoodoc and Gangnam Unni, and book your appointment at least a week in advance for the best availability.

Prices as of February 2026, subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Contact clinics directly for the most current pricing and availability.

Last Updated: February 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes