Paying for Korean Skincare: Credit Cards, Cash, Refunds & Tax-Free Shopping

Planning to visit a Korean dermatology clinic or skincare center can be exciting, but understanding payment methods, refund policies, and tax-free shopping options is essential for a smooth experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything international visitors need to know about paying for skincare treatments in Korea, from which credit cards work best to how to claim tax refunds and what documentation you'll need for insurance claims.

Credit card payment transaction

Why Payment Planning Matters for Korean Skincare

Korea's payment infrastructure has some unique characteristics that differ from Western countries. While the country is highly digitized and card-friendly, there are specific nuances around foreign card acceptance, currency conversion, and refund procedures that can save you money and hassle. Understanding these details before your clinic visit ensures you're prepared and can focus on your skincare goals rather than payment complications.

Accepted Payment Methods at Korean Skincare Clinics

Credit Cards: What Works and What Doesn't

Widely Accepted International Cards: Korean skincare clinics, especially those in major medical tourism districts like Gangnam and Apgujeong, accept most major international credit cards:

Visa: Widely accepted at 95%+ of clinics
MasterCard: Equally accepted as Visa
American Express (Amex): Accepted at most foreigner-friendly clinics
JCB: Popular among Japanese visitors, accepted at many locations
UnionPay: Increasingly accepted for Chinese visitors
Diners Club: Less common but accepted at premium clinics

Contactless Payment Options: Many Korean payment terminals support contactless payments. If your card has the contactless payment logo (usually a Wi-Fi-like symbol), you can tap to pay. Apple Pay and Samsung Pay also work at terminals with NFC capability, though acceptance isn't universal.

Important Note About Korean Card Networks: Korea's domestic card payment system is unique—it doesn't route through the standard Visa/MasterCard/Amex networks for domestic transactions. This can occasionally cause compatibility issues with certain foreign cards, even if they carry these logos. Major clinics in tourist areas have systems configured for international cards, but it's worth confirming when booking.

Cash: Still Important in Korea

Despite Korea's high card penetration, carrying some Korean won (₩) in cash remains important for several reasons:

When You'll Need Cash:

Small neighborhood clinics: Some smaller, local dermatology offices may prefer or only accept cash
Backup payment: If your foreign card is declined due to technical issues
Taxi rides: After your clinic visit, cash ensures you can get back to your hotel
Small purchases: Nearby pharmacies for post-treatment products
Emergency situations: Always good to have ₩50,000-100,000 ($40-80) on hand

Cash vs. Card Price Differences: Some clinics may offer slight discounts for cash payments (typically 3-5%) because they avoid card processing fees. Always ask if there's a cash discount, especially for expensive treatments like Shurink or multiple sessions.

The DCC Trap: How to Avoid Paying Extra

What is DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)?

One of the most important things to understand about using foreign credit cards in Korea is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This is when the payment terminal offers to charge you in your home currency instead of Korean won.

Example Scenario: Your treatment costs ₩500,000. The terminal may display two options:

Option A: Pay ₩500,000 (Korean won)
Option B: Pay $395 USD (your home currency)

Always Choose Korean Won (Option A)!

Here's why: When you select your home currency (Option B), you're accepting the terminal's exchange rate, which typically includes a 3-7% markup. Your credit card company's exchange rate is almost always better.

How Much DCC Costs You: On a ₩1,000,000 ($770) treatment, choosing DCC could cost you an extra $20-50 compared to letting your bank handle the conversion. Over multiple treatments, this adds up significantly.

How to Refuse DCC:

When the terminal asks, look for buttons labeled "원" (won) or "KRW"
Say to the staff: "원화로 결제할게요" (Won-hwa-ro gyul-je-hal-ge-yo) - "I'll pay in won"
Or simply in English: "Korean won, please, not my currency"

Tax-Free Shopping: What You Can (and Can't) Claim

Basic Tax Refund Eligibility

Korea offers a tax refund system for foreign visitors, but medical and skincare services have special rules:

General Tax Refund Requirements:

Who qualifies: Foreign tourists staying in Korea less than 6 months, or Korean nationals who've lived abroad 2+ years and visiting for less than 3 months
Minimum purchase: ₩30,000 ($23) per transaction at tax-free registered stores
Timing: Must exit Korea within 3 months of purchase
Refund rate: Approximately 7-10% of purchase price

Who Does NOT Qualify:

US military personnel stationed in Korea
Foreign diplomats
Foreign nationals working in Korea

Can You Get Tax Refunds on Skincare Treatments?

This is where it gets complicated. Generally, medical and skincare services are NOT eligible for tax refunds because tax-free shopping applies to physical goods, not services.

The Official Rule: According to Korea's tax refund operators (Nice Tax Free, Easy Tax Refund, Global Tax Free), services including hospital treatments, hotel stays, and restaurant meals are excluded. Tax refunds only apply to tangible goods that can be visually verified and taken out of the country.

The Exception: However, some dermatology and plastic surgery clinics in foreigner-heavy areas like Apgujeong have registered as tax-free merchants and can offer refunds. This seems to apply when:

The clinic charges "foreigner prices" (which may be higher than local prices)
The treatment is packaged as a retail service
The clinic is specifically registered for medical tourism

Clinics Known to Offer Tax-Free: Some clinics in Apgujeong, Gangnam, and Cheongdam-dong areas offer tax refund services. Examples mentioned in Korean forums include certain plastic surgery and dermatology clinics, but this changes frequently.

Critical Advice:

Always ask before treatment: "텍스프리 되나요?" (Tax-free doe-na-yo?) - "Is tax-free available?"
Don't assume: Even if a clinic offered it last year, policies change
Get it in writing: Confirm tax-free availability when booking
Bring your passport: Required for tax-free processing

The Reality Check: Most standard dermatology clinics and skincare centers do not offer tax refunds. Budget accordingly and consider any tax refund a bonus rather than an expectation.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

Understanding Korean Clinic Refund Rules

Korean consumer protection laws do provide some refund rights, but medical and cosmetic services have different rules than retail products:

Standard Refund Windows:

Before service: Most clinics allow cancellations 24-48 hours before your appointment with full refund
Within 7 days: General consumer products can be refunded within 7 days, but this typically doesn't apply to administered treatments
After service: Very difficult to get refunds once a treatment is completed

What You Can Realistically Get Refunded:

✅ Prepaid treatment packages: If you bought a package of 5 sessions and used only 2, you may get a partial refund for unused sessions
✅ Cancelled appointments: With proper notice (usually 24-48 hours)
✅ Product purchases: Unopened skincare products bought at the clinic
❌ Completed treatments: Almost never refundable
❌ Dissatisfaction with results: Not grounds for refund unless medical negligence

Documentation Is Key:

Always get receipts in both Korean and English if available
Take before/after photos with timestamps
Keep all treatment records and consent forms
Document any complications immediately

Chargeback Rights for Foreign Credit Cards

If you paid with a foreign credit card, you have chargeback protection that can be more powerful than local Korean refund policies:

Chargeback Timeline:

Domestic Korean policy: 7 days for most products
International chargeback: Up to 120 days from the transaction date

When Chargeback Works:

Services not rendered as promised
Charged incorrect amount
Fraudulent charges
Significant medical complications due to negligence

When Chargeback Doesn't Work:

Simply unhappy with aesthetic results
Changed your mind after service
Normal side effects that were explained beforehand

How to File a Chargeback:

Contact your credit card company immediately
Provide all documentation (receipts, photos, communications)
Explain the dispute clearly
The clinic will be asked to provide evidence the service was legitimate
Card company will investigate and make a decision

Important: Use chargebacks responsibly. Filing a fraudulent chargeback can get you blacklisted from the clinic and potentially affect your credit.

Currency Exchange Tips

Best Ways to Get Korean Won

Recommended Methods (Best to Worst Rates):

Korean bank ATMs with your debit card
- Typically 1-2% fee from your bank + small ATM fee (₩3,000-5,000)
- Best exchange rates
- Convenient and available 24/7
Private exchange booths in Myeongdong, Gangnam
- Competitive rates, no commission
- Bring US dollars, euros, or Japanese yen for best rates
- Compare rates at multiple booths
Korean bank branches
- Good rates but may require paperwork
- Better for large amounts (over $1,000)
Airport exchange counters
- Convenient but worst rates (3-5% markup)
- Only use for small emergency amounts
Hotel exchange services
- Usually the worst rates
- Avoid unless absolutely necessary

How Much to Exchange: For a typical skincare visit:

Budget clinic visit: ₩200,000-500,000 ($150-400)
Mid-range treatments: ₩500,000-1,500,000 ($400-1,150)
Premium multiple treatments: ₩2,000,000+ ($1,500+)

Consider bringing 20-30% in cash and paying the rest by card for the best balance of security and flexibility.

Getting Receipts for Insurance Claims

Documentation for Medical Insurance

If you have travel insurance or health insurance that covers cosmetic or medical procedures abroad, proper documentation is critical:

Essential Documents to Request:

Itemized Receipt (진료비 세부내역서)
- Korean: "진료비 세부내역서 주세요" (Jin-ryo-bi se-bu nae-yeok-seo ju-se-yo)
- English: "Detailed medical receipt, please"
- Should list each treatment, medication, and cost separately
Medical Certificate (소견서)
- Korean: "소견서 주세요" (So-gyeon-seo ju-se-yo)
- English: "Medical certificate/opinion letter, please"
- Explains the treatment purpose (important for distinguishing medical vs. cosmetic)
Standard Receipt (영수증)
- Basic payment proof
- Usually provided automatically
Diagnosis (진단서)
- For insurance purposes if claiming medical necessity
- May cost extra (₩10,000-30,000 / $8-23)

What Your Insurance Needs:

Treatment purpose: "Medical" treatments (acne, rosacea, dermatitis) are more likely covered than purely cosmetic ones
Doctor's recommendation: A doctor's note stating medical necessity helps claims
Before/after evidence: Photos showing medical condition improvement
Translation: Some insurers require English translation (clinics can often provide this for a fee)

Important Distinctions: Korean insurance rules distinguish between:

Treatment (치료): Medically necessary, potentially covered
Cosmetic (미용): Aesthetic improvement, rarely covered

Examples:

✅ Likely claimable: Severe acne laser treatment, rosacea management, dermatitis treatment, keloid removal
❌ Unlikely claimable: Wrinkle reduction, skin brightening, preventive anti-aging treatments, cosmetic fillers

Insurance Receipt Requirements:

For claims under $50-100, often just a receipt is needed
For larger claims, detailed documentation becomes critical
Korean clinics are familiar with insurance documentation requests—don't hesitate to ask

Current Cash Receipt (현금영수증) System

If you pay cash, you can request a Cash Receipt (현금영수증), which is reported to Korean tax authorities. This provides:

Official proof of payment
Consumer protection
Can be retrieved later if you lose the original

How to Request: Tell the clinic staff your:

Mobile phone number (if you have a Korean number)
Passport number (for foreigners)

The receipt will be registered and can be verified through the Korean National Tax Service website.

Practical Payment Scenarios

Scenario 1: First-Time Visitor, Single Treatment

Situation: Visiting Seoul for a week, planning one laser treatment (₩300,000 / $230)

Best Approach:

Pay with foreign credit card (Visa/MasterCard)
Refuse DCC, pay in Korean won
Bring ₩50,000 ($40) cash as backup
Request itemized receipt and medical certificate for insurance
Ask about tax-free (unlikely but worth checking)

Scenario 2: Multiple Treatments, Package Deal

Situation: Buying a 5-session treatment package (₩2,000,000 / $1,540)

Best Approach:

Ask if cash payment gets a discount
If yes, exchange $1,600-1,700 at a Myeongdong money changer
If no discount, split payment: ₩1,000,000 card, ₩1,000,000 cash to avoid carrying too much
Get detailed contract stating refund policy for unused sessions
Document everything for potential insurance claims

Scenario 3: Medical Tourism, Major Procedure

Situation: Rhinoplasty or multiple cosmetic procedures (₩5,000,000+ / $3,850+)

Best Approach:

Confirm payment methods when booking (wire transfer may be required)
Check if clinic offers tax-free (more likely for high-value procedures)
Use credit card if possible for chargeback protection
Verify refund/cancellation policy in writing
Get comprehensive medical documentation
Consider travel insurance that covers medical procedures

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Be cautious if a clinic:

❌ Refuses to provide written receipts or documentation
❌ Only accepts cash with no electronic payment option
❌ Won't explain costs clearly or itemize charges
❌ Pressures you to pay immediately without time to consider
❌ Offers "special discount if you pay now" without legitimate reason
❌ Has no clear refund/cancellation policy in writing

These can indicate unregistered or questionable practices.

Quick Reference: Payment Checklist

Before Your Appointment:

Notify your bank you'll be using your card in Korea (prevent fraud blocks)
Confirm clinic's accepted payment methods
Ask about tax-free eligibility
Clarify cancellation/refund policy
Bring passport (required for tax-free and foreign patient documentation)

At Payment Time:

Refuse DCC—always pay in Korean won
Request itemized receipt (진료비 세부내역서)
Get medical certificate/opinion if needed for insurance
Save all receipts and take photos as backup
Confirm tax-free processing (if applicable)

After Treatment:

Keep all documentation organized
Take photos of receipts (in case originals are lost)
File insurance claims within required timeframe
Process tax refund at airport (if applicable)

Conclusion

Understanding payment methods, refund policies, and tax-free shopping for Korean skincare treatments can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent frustrating complications. The key takeaways: always refuse DCC and pay in Korean won, don't expect tax refunds on services (but ask anyway), document everything for insurance, and know your chargeback rights with foreign credit cards.

Korean skincare clinics are increasingly foreigner-friendly, with most major establishments in Gangnam, Apgujeong, and medical tourism districts accepting international credit cards smoothly. By following this guide and preparing your payment strategy in advance, you can focus on what really matters: achieving your skincare goals in the world capital of dermatology innovation.

Ready to plan your Korean skincare journey? With proper payment preparation, your clinic experience will be smooth, transparent, and stress-free.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Payment policies, tax-free regulations, and insurance rules change frequently. Always verify current policies directly with clinics, banks, and official tax refund operators. Exchange rates fluctuate daily. This article provides general guidance and is not financial or legal advice.

Last Updated: January 5, 2026 Reading Time: 12 minutes