Botox in Korea 2025: Complete Guide to Prices, Types & Why Seoul is the World's Botox Capital
Looking for affordable, high-quality Botox? Korea has become the world's top destination for neurotoxin treatments, offering prices up to 90% lower than Western countries. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting Botox in Korea.
Why Get Botox in Korea?
Korea isn't just about skincare—it's the global hub for aesthetic treatments. Here's why:
- Unbeatable Prices: $10-150 vs. $300-600 in the USA
- Expert Practitioners: Highest per-capita rate of cosmetic procedures
- Premium Products: Access to both Korean and imported brands
- Advanced Techniques: Innovative injection methods developed in Korea
- Convenience: Quick treatments, no downtime
Korea's Botox Market
Korea leads the world in botulinum toxin development and usage:
- Multiple Korean brands: Nabota, Botulax, Meditoxin, Innotox, Coretox
- High competition: Drives prices down, quality up
- Constant innovation: New products and techniques emerge regularly
Botox Prices in Korea 2025
The most compelling reason to get Botox in Korea—the prices:
By Treatment Area
| Area | Korean Brand (KRW) | Korean Brand (USD) | Imported (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead | ₩30,000-80,000 | $23-60 | $80-150 |
| Glabella (Frown) | ₩10,000-50,000 | $8-40 | $60-120 |
| Crow's Feet | ₩30,000-70,000 | $23-55 | $70-130 |
| Jaw Slimming (50U) | ₩89,000-150,000 | $70-115 | $150-250 |
| Jaw Slimming (100U) | ₩150,000-250,000 | $115-190 | $250-400 |
| Neck Bands | ₩100,000-200,000 | $75-155 | $150-300 |
| Shoulder (Trapezius) | ₩150,000-300,000 | $115-230 | $200-400 |
| Calf Slimming | ₩200,000-400,000 | $155-310 | $300-500 |
Prices as of November 2025. Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD.
By Brand Category
| Category | Price Range (KRW) | Price Range (USD) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Korean | ₩10,000-50,000 | $8-40 | Various Korean brands |
| Premium Korean | ₩50,000-100,000 | $40-75 | Nabota, Botulax |
| Imported | ₩100,000-200,000 | $75-155 | Xeomin, Dysport |
| Premium Imported | ₩150,000-300,000 | $115-230 | Allergan Botox |
Skin Botox (Micro-Botox) Pricing
| Area | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Double Chin (2cc) | ₩99,000 | $75 |
| Full Face (4cc) | ₩185,000 | $140 |
| Neck | ₩150,000-200,000 | $115-155 |
Korea vs. World Prices
| Country | Forehead Botox | Jaw Slimming | Savings vs Korea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea | $25-60 | $70-190 | — |
| USA | $200-400 | $400-800 | 75-85% |
| UK | $150-300 | $350-600 | 70-80% |
| Australia | $180-350 | $400-700 | 70-80% |
| Singapore | $150-300 | $300-500 | 60-70% |
Types of Botox Available in Korea
Korean Brands (국산)
1. Nabota (나보타) - Daewoong Pharmaceutical
- Most popular Korean brand globally
- FDA approved (USA)
- Known for: Consistent results, good value
- Price: Mid-range Korean
2. Botulax (보툴렉스) - Hugel
- #1 market share in Korea
- Available in multiple unit sizes (50-300U)
- Known for: Reliability, wide availability
- Price: Budget to mid-range
3. Meditoxin (메디톡신) - Medytox
- Long-established Korean brand
- Known for: Proven track record
- Price: Budget-friendly
4. Innotox (이노톡스) - Medytox
- Liquid form (no reconstitution needed)
- Known for: Convenience, precision
- Price: Mid-range
5. Coretox (코어톡스) - Medytox
- "Pure toxin" - no complexing proteins
- Known for: Reduced resistance risk
- Price: Premium Korean
Imported Brands (수입)
1. Xeomin (제오민) - Merz (Germany)
- "Naked" botulinum toxin - no accessory proteins
- Known for: No resistance development
- Price: Premium
- Best for: Patients with Botox resistance
2. Dysport (디스포트) - Galderma (France/UK)
- Spreads more than Botox
- Known for: Natural-looking results, larger areas
- Price: Premium
3. Allergan Botox (엘러간 보톡스) - USA
- The original "Botox"
- Known for: Gold standard, extensive research
- Price: Most expensive
Korean vs. Imported Botox: How to Choose
| Factor | Korean Brands | Imported Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8-75 | $75-230 |
| Safety Data | Good, growing | Extensive |
| FDA Approval | Some (Nabota) | Most |
| Effectiveness | Comparable | Comparable |
| Duration | 3-4 months | 3-6 months |
| Resistance Risk | Normal | Lower (Xeomin) |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, regular users | First-timers, premium preference |
When to Choose Korean Brands
- You want maximum value
- You get Botox regularly
- You've used Korean brands before with good results
- Budget is a primary concern
When to Choose Imported Brands
- First time getting Botox
- You've developed resistance to other brands
- You prefer extensively tested products
- You want potentially longer-lasting results
Popular Botox Treatment Areas
Face
1. Forehead Lines
- Units: 10-30
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Effect: Smooth horizontal lines
2. Glabella (Frown Lines/11 Lines)
- Units: 15-25
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Effect: Relaxes "angry" appearance
3. Crow's Feet
- Units: 8-16 per side
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Effect: Smooths eye wrinkles
4. Bunny Lines (Nose)
- Units: 4-8
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Effect: Reduces nose scrunching lines
5. Lip Flip
- Units: 4-6
- Duration: 2-3 months
- Effect: Subtle upper lip enhancement
6. Gummy Smile
- Units: 2-4
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Effect: Reduces gum exposure when smiling
Jawline & Contouring
7. Masseter (Jaw Slimming)
- Units: 25-50 per side
- Duration: 4-6 months
- Effect: V-line face shape
- Sessions: 2-3 for optimal results
8. Double Chin (Skin Botox)
- Technique: Micro-injections
- Duration: 3-4 months
- Effect: Tightening, slimming
Body
9. Shoulder (Trapezius)
- Units: 50-100 per side
- Duration: 4-6 months
- Effect: Slimmer shoulders, reduced tension
10. Calf Slimming
- Units: 100-200 per leg
- Duration: 6-12 months
- Effect: Slimmer leg silhouette
The Botox Experience in Korea
Before Treatment
- No blood thinners for 24-48 hours
- Avoid alcohol the night before
- Come with clean skin
- Discuss your goals and concerns
During the Procedure
Step 1: Consultation (5-10 min)
- Assessment of treatment areas
- Discussion of brand preference
- Unit recommendations
Step 2: Marking (2 min)
- Injection points marked on skin
Step 3: Injection (5-15 min)
- Quick injections at marked points
- Minimal discomfort (like tiny pinches)
- No anesthesia needed for most areas
Total time: 15-30 minutes
Pain Level
- Rating: 1-3 out of 10
- Sensation: Tiny pinpricks
- Numbing: Usually not needed (available if requested)
After Treatment
Immediately:
- Tiny red dots at injection sites
- Possible slight swelling
First 24 hours:
- Avoid lying down for 4 hours
- No rubbing or massaging treated areas
- Skip intense exercise
- Avoid alcohol
Days 2-14:
- Results begin appearing (2-3 days)
- Full effect visible (1-2 weeks)
Results Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | No visible change |
| Day 3-5 | Muscles begin relaxing |
| Week 1 | Noticeable improvement |
| Week 2 | Full results visible |
| Month 1-3 | Peak effect maintained |
| Month 3-4 | Gradual return of movement |
| Month 4-6 | Time for touch-up |
Duration by Area
| Area | Duration |
|---|---|
| Forehead/Frown | 3-4 months |
| Crow's Feet | 3-4 months |
| Jaw (Masseter) | 4-6 months |
| Shoulder | 4-6 months |
| Calf | 6-12 months |
Who Should Get Botox?
Ideal Candidates
- Ages 25-65+
- Dynamic wrinkles (appear with expression)
- Desire for jawline slimming
- Muscle-related concerns (grinding, tension)
- Prevention-focused younger patients
Not Recommended For
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Allergy to botulinum toxin
- Infection at injection site
- Certain medications (discuss with doctor)
Potential Side Effects
Common (Temporary)
- Redness at injection sites
- Minor bruising
- Mild headache
- Temporary asymmetry
Rare
- Eyelid drooping (ptosis)
- Eyebrow drooping
- Difficulty swallowing (high doses)
- Flu-like symptoms
Prevention
- Choose experienced practitioners
- Follow aftercare instructions
- Start with conservative doses
- Communicate any concerns immediately
Understanding Botox Resistance
Some patients develop resistance over time. Signs include:
- Shorter duration of results
- Need for higher doses
- Reduced effectiveness
Preventing Resistance
- Don't over-treat: Stick to recommended units
- Space treatments: Wait 3+ months between sessions
- Consider pure toxins: Xeomin, Coretox have no accessory proteins
- Rotate brands: Some doctors recommend switching occasionally
- Limit total units: Under 100 units per session when possible
Top Seoul Clinics for Botox
1. Toxnfill Clinics (톡스앤필)
- Location: Multiple Seoul branches
- Specialty: High-volume Botox center
- Price Range: ₩10,000-200,000
- Why Choose: Competitive prices, multiple brand options
2. Feeline Clinic (필라인클리닉)
- Location: Sinchon
- Specialty: Botox and fillers
- Price Range: ₩49,000-185,000
- Why Choose: Transparent pricing, good packages
3. Atop Clinic (아탑클리닉)
- Location: Gangnam
- Specialty: Xeomin and premium brands
- Price Range: ₩80,000-250,000
- Why Choose: Premium brand focus
4. VandS Clinic
- Location: Guwol
- Specialty: Botox and contouring
- Price Range: ₩50,000-200,000
- Why Choose: Comprehensive contouring programs
5. Oracle Dermatology (오라클피부과)
- Location: Throughout Seoul
- Specialty: All aesthetic treatments
- Price Range: ₩60,000-200,000
- Why Choose: English support, foreigner-friendly
Maximizing Your Botox Results
Combination Treatments
| Combo | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Botox + Filler | Wrinkles + volume loss |
| Botox + Shurink | Expression lines + skin tightening |
| Botox + Skin Booster | Wrinkles + hydration |
| Jaw Botox + HIFU | Slimming + lifting |
Maintenance Schedule
- Wrinkle Botox: Every 3-4 months
- Jaw Slimming: Every 4-6 months (may extend with repeat treatments)
- Shoulder/Calf: Every 6-12 months
FAQ
Q: Is Korean Botox safe? A: Yes, Korean brands like Nabota are FDA-approved and widely used globally. Choose reputable clinics for quality assurance.
Q: How many units do I need? A: Varies by area: Forehead (10-30), Frown (15-25), Jaw (25-50 per side). Your doctor will recommend based on your muscles.
Q: Does Botox hurt? A: Minimal—like tiny pinches. Most patients don't need numbing.
Q: How long does Botox last? A: Typically 3-4 months for facial wrinkles, 4-6 months for jaw, longer for body areas.
Q: Can I get Botox and other treatments the same day? A: Often yes! Botox pairs well with fillers, lasers, and skin boosters.
Q: What's the difference between Botox and "Skin Botox"? A: Regular Botox targets muscles. Skin Botox uses diluted toxin in micro-injections across the skin surface for pore/texture improvement.
Q: Why is Botox so cheap in Korea? A: High competition among many domestic manufacturers, high demand, and clinic competition drive prices down.
Q: Will I look frozen? A: Not with proper technique. Korean practitioners are known for natural-looking results. Communicate your desired outcome.
Conclusion
Korea offers an unbeatable combination of expertise, variety, and value for Botox treatments. Whether you're looking for basic wrinkle prevention at $10 per area or premium jawline contouring, Seoul's clinics deliver world-class results at prices that make regular maintenance actually affordable.
With multiple Korean brands competing alongside premium imports, you have options for every budget and preference. No wonder K-beauty tourists add Botox to their Seoul itineraries!
Ready to experience world-class Botox at Korean prices? Book a consultation at a Seoul dermatology clinic and see why Korea has become the global destination for neurotoxin treatments.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments. It is not intended as medical advice. Results vary by individual, and all medical procedures carry some risk. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.
Last Updated: November 2025 Reading Time: 12 minutes