First-Timer's Seoul Beauty Trip: Complete Cost Breakdown & 7-Day Itinerary

Planning your first Seoul beauty trip cost breakdown can feel overwhelming. Between flights, accommodation, skincare treatments, food, and sightseeing, how much should you actually budget? Korea's medical tourism industry surpassed 1.17 million foreign patients in 2024, with quarterly medical spending reaching an all-time high of 353.6 billion won. The reason is simple: world-class treatments at a fraction of Western prices, with flights and hotels included, still come out cheaper than getting the same procedures done at home.

This guide breaks down every expense across three budget tiers so you can plan with confidence, whether you are a backpacker squeezing in a quick Botox session or a luxury traveler booking a full rejuvenation package.

Total Trip Budget Overview

Here is what a 7-day Seoul beauty trip costs across three tiers. All prices use an exchange rate of approximately 1,300 won to 1 US dollar (₩1,300 = $1).

Prices as of February 2026. Actual costs vary by season, booking timing, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Flight Costs to Seoul

Your biggest variable expense is the flight. Incheon International Airport (ICN) is well-connected to most major cities worldwide.

Money-saving tip: Book 2-3 months in advance and fly mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday). Budget carriers like T'way, Jin Air, and Jeju Air offer competitive fares on Asian routes. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and reasonable airfare.

Accommodation Options & Prices

Seoul offers accommodation for every budget. The neighborhood you choose matters: Gangnam and Apgujeong put you closest to top clinics, while Myeongdong and Hongdae offer better value with easy subway access.

Recommended areas for beauty tourists:

• Gangnam/Sinsa -- Walking distance to dozens of dermatology clinics. Business hotels here start around ₩90,000 ($70) per night.
• Apgujeong -- Seoul's premium beauty district. More upscale, with boutique hotels from ₩130,000 ($100) per night.
• Myeongdong -- Great for K-beauty shopping with budget-friendly stays. Hostels from ₩30,000 ($23) per night.

Treatment Budget Examples

This is where Seoul truly shines. Korean dermatology treatments cost a fraction of what you would pay in the US, Europe, or even Japan. Here is a comparison of popular procedures:

Sample treatment packages by budget:

• Budget ($225-$500): Botox + laser toning + mole removal
• Mid-range ($500-$1,200): Shurink lifting + Rejuran + Botox
• Luxury ($1,200-$3,000+): Full-face filler + Shurink + Rejuran + laser course + Botox

Important note: Many Korean clinics offer package discounts when you combine treatments. It is common to save 10-20% by bundling. Some medical tourism-focused clinics also include free consultations and airport pickup for international patients.

7-Day Sample Itinerary with Daily Costs

Here is a realistic day-by-day plan for a mid-range beauty trip. Adjust up or down based on your budget tier.

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

• Arrive at Incheon Airport, take AREX express to Seoul Station (₩9,500 / $7)
• Check into hotel in Gangnam area
• Light dinner at a local restaurant (₩12,000 / $9)
• Evening walk along Gangnam main street
• Daily spend: ~$85 (transport $7, food $18, accommodation $60)

Day 2: Clinic Consultation Day

• Morning consultation at your chosen dermatology clinic (usually free)
• First treatment session: Botox + laser toning (~$250)
• Lunch near clinic: Korean BBQ (₩15,000 / $12)
• Afternoon: rest and recovery at hotel
• Light dinner: convenience store or delivery (₩8,000 / $6)
• Daily spend: ~$328 (treatments $250, food $18, accommodation $60)

Day 3: K-Beauty Shopping & Culture

• Morning: Myeongdong K-beauty shopping (budget ₩50,000-100,000 / $40-$75)
• Lunch: Myeongdong street food (₩10,000 / $8)
• Afternoon: Gyeongbokgung Palace (₩3,000 / $2.30 entry)
• Evening: Bukchon Hanok Village and dinner in Insadong (₩15,000 / $12)
• Daily spend: ~$140 (shopping $50, food $25, sightseeing $5, accommodation $60)

Day 4: Second Treatment & Gangnam Exploration

• Morning: Second clinic visit (Rejuran or Shurink session, ~$400)
• Lunch: Gangnam cafe and light meal (₩13,000 / $10)
• Afternoon: COEX Mall underground shopping and Starfield Library
• Dinner: Korean fried chicken (₩18,000 / $14)
• Daily spend: ~$484 (treatment $400, food $24, accommodation $60)

Day 5: Day Trip or Relaxation

• Option A: DMZ tour (₩65,000 / $50) or Nami Island day trip
• Option B: Jjimjilbang (Korean spa) day, ₩15,000-20,000 ($12-$15)
• Meals throughout the day (₩30,000 / $23)
• Daily spend: ~$133 (activity $50, food $23, accommodation $60)

Day 6: Apgujeong & Final Treatments

• Morning: Follow-up treatment or additional procedure (~$200)
• Lunch: Apgujeong Rodeo Street (₩20,000 / $15)
• Afternoon: Garosugil neighborhood shopping and cafes
• Evening: Hangang River night view and convenience store picnic (₩10,000 / $8)
• Daily spend: ~$283 (treatment $200, food $23, accommodation $60)

Day 7: Departure

• Final skincare product shopping at Olive Young (₩30,000-50,000 / $23-$38)
• Brunch before departure (₩12,000 / $9)
• AREX to Incheon Airport (₩9,500 / $7)
• Daily spend: ~$100 (shopping $30, food $9, transport $7, accommodation $60 -- late checkout)

7-Day Mid-Range Total (excluding flights): approximately $1,553

Food & Transportation Budget

Food Costs

Korean food is both delicious and affordable. Here is what to expect:

Daily food budget: $15-$25 (budget), $25-$40 (mid-range), $40-$80+ (luxury)

Transportation Costs

Seoul's subway system is world-class, clean, and easy to navigate in English.

• T-money card: ₩2,500 ($2) for the card, then ₩1,400 ($1.08) per ride
• Daily transport budget: ₩5,000-₩15,000 ($4-$12)
• Airport transfer (AREX express): ₩9,500 ($7) one way
• Airport limousine bus: ₩17,000 ($13) one way
• Taxi from airport to Gangnam: ₩65,000-₩80,000 ($50-$62)

Pro tip: Get a T-money or WOWPASS card immediately upon arrival. It works on all subways, buses, and even some convenience stores.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Do not let these surprise expenses blow your budget:

1. VAT on treatments -- Many clinic prices listed online are before 10% VAT. Always confirm whether the quoted price includes tax.
2. Consultation fees -- Most clinics offer free initial consultations, but follow-up visits may incur charges of ₩10,000-₩30,000 ($8-$23).
3. Post-treatment skincare -- Clinics often recommend specific products after procedures. Budget ₩50,000-₩150,000 ($38-$115) for recovery creams and serums.
4. Aftercare visits -- Some treatments like fillers may require a touch-up or check-up within the week.
5. Currency exchange fees -- Use WOWPASS or Travellog cards for the best exchange rates. Airport exchange booths charge 2-5% premiums.
6. Data/SIM card -- ₩20,000-₩40,000 ($15-$30) for a 7-day tourist SIM or eSIM.
7. Travel insurance -- $30-$80 for a week of coverage. Some policies specifically cover cosmetic procedures abroad.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Bundle treatments -- Ask clinics about package deals. Combining 2-3 procedures at one clinic often saves 10-20%.
2. Book through medical tourism platforms -- Services like Visit Medical Korea, K-Medical Tours, and individual clinic concierge services can negotiate better rates and include airport pickup.
3. Stay near your clinic -- Choosing accommodation in Gangnam or Sinsa saves on taxi fares, especially important when your face needs rest after treatments.
4. Eat like a local -- Skip tourist restaurants. Kimbap shops, convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven), and market food halls offer incredible meals for $3-$8.
5. Use public transit -- The subway gets you everywhere. A full week of rides costs less than two taxi trips from the airport.
6. Shop at Olive Young and Daiso -- These stores offer the same K-beauty products you see in duty-free shops at significantly lower prices.
7. Visit during shoulder season -- March-April and October-November offer lower flight and hotel prices with comfortable weather.
8. Get your tax refund -- Foreign visitors can claim a VAT refund on purchases over ₩30,000 at participating stores. Look for the "Tax Free" sign.

FAQ

Q: How much does a 7-day Seoul beauty trip cost in total? A: Including flights from North America, expect $1,500-$2,500 for a budget trip, $2,500-$4,000 for mid-range, and $5,000-$10,000+ for luxury. The treatment portion typically makes up 20-35% of your total budget.

Q: Do I need a visa for a medical tourism trip to Korea? A: Citizens of most Western countries (US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia) can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. For extended medical stays, a C-3-3 medical tourism visa is available with processing in as little as 3 days through certified medical institutions.

Q: Is it really cheaper to fly to Korea for treatments than doing them at home? A: Yes. Even with flights and accommodation factored in, many travelers save 30-50% compared to US prices, especially for combinations like Shurink, Rejuran, and Botox. Japanese visitors report savings even more dramatic -- procedures like filler can cost 1/10th of Tokyo prices.

Q: Can I get multiple treatments done in one week? A: Absolutely. Most non-surgical treatments like Botox, fillers, Rejuran, and laser sessions have minimal downtime. A skilled clinic can plan 2-4 different treatments across your stay, spacing them for optimal results.

Q: Do Seoul clinics accept international insurance? A: Most cosmetic procedures are elective and not covered by insurance in any country. You pay out of pocket, but the savings compared to home prices are substantial. Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Q: What is the best area to stay for a beauty-focused trip? A: Gangnam and Sinsa are ideal -- they have the highest concentration of dermatology and aesthetic clinics, plus excellent subway connections. Apgujeong is the premium choice for luxury clinics.

Conclusion

A Seoul beauty trip cost can range from under $1,500 for a budget-conscious traveler to $10,000+ for a full luxury experience, but the sweet spot for most first-timers is the $2,500-$4,000 mid-range tier. At this level, you get comfortable accommodation, 2-3 professional treatments that would cost double or triple back home, plenty of great food, and enough room in your budget for K-beauty shopping and sightseeing.

The numbers do not lie: Korea's medical tourism industry has grown to over a million foreign patients annually because the value proposition is simply unmatched. World-class dermatologists, cutting-edge technology, and prices that make the entire trip -- flights, hotels, and all -- cheaper than a single treatment session in many Western countries.

Ready to plan your Seoul beauty trip? Start by choosing your budget tier, booking flights 2-3 months out, and contacting clinics directly for consultations. Most foreigner-friendly clinics have English-speaking staff and offer free virtual consultations before you even land.

Prices as of February 2026, subject to exchange rate changes and clinic pricing updates. Use ₩1,300 = $1 USD as an approximate conversion. Contact clinics directly for current pricing and availability.

Last Updated: February 13, 2026 Reading Time: 9 minutes