Water Glow Injection (물광주사) in Korea 2025: Complete Guide to Prices, Types & Glass Skin Results
Want that coveted Korean "glass skin" look? The Water Glow Injection (물광주사, pronounced "mul-gwang-ju-sa") is Korea's most popular hydration treatment and the secret behind countless K-beauty influencers' dewy, luminous complexions. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting this iconic Korean treatment.
What is Water Glow Injection?
Water Glow Injection, also known as "Skin Booster" or "Hydro Lifting," is a treatment that delivers hyaluronic acid directly into the dermis layer of your skin using specialized micro-injection techniques. Unlike topical skincare that only penetrates the surface, this treatment hydrates your skin from within.
The name "물광" literally translates to "water glow" – describing the luminous, hydrated appearance it creates.
How It Works
- Hyaluronic Acid Delivery: HA molecules are injected into the dermis
- Deep Hydration: Each HA molecule attracts 1,000x its weight in water
- Collagen Stimulation: Micro-injuries trigger natural healing response
- Plumping Effect: Skin becomes fuller, firmer, and more radiant
Key Benefits
- Intense Hydration: Deep moisture that lasts months
- Glass Skin Effect: Dewy, translucent appearance
- Fine Line Reduction: Plumped skin smooths wrinkles
- Improved Texture: Softer, smoother skin surface
- Brightening: More even, radiant complexion
- Pore Minimization: Hydrated skin appears tighter
Water Glow Injection Prices in Korea 2025
Korea offers incredibly competitive pricing for this popular treatment:
| Treatment | Volume | Price (KRW) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Water Glow | 1-2cc | ₩25,000-80,000 | $20-60 |
| Standard (Hironette) | 2.5cc | ₩89,000-120,000 | $70-90 |
| Premium | 5cc | ₩139,000-280,000 | $105-215 |
| Luxury Brands | 2-3cc | ₩200,000-350,000 | $150-270 |
Prices as of November 2025. Average price: ₩80,000-105,000 ($60-80). Exchange rate: ₩1,300 ≈ $1 USD.
Price Factors
- Brand of HA: Korean vs. imported products
- Volume: More cc = higher price
- Clinic Location: Gangnam typically higher
- Additional Ingredients: Vitamins, peptides, etc.
- Injection Method: Manual vs. machine-assisted
Korea vs. Other Countries
| Location | Water Glow (per session) | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Korea | $60-150 | — |
| USA | $300-600 | 60-75% |
| Singapore | $200-400 | 50-65% |
| Japan | $150-350 | 40-55% |
Types of Water Glow Injections
By Ingredient
1. Pure Hyaluronic Acid
- Classic hydration focus
- Best for: Dry, dehydrated skin
- Price: Budget-friendly
2. HA + Vitamins
- Added brightening benefits
- Best for: Dull, tired skin
- Includes: Vitamin C, B complex
3. HA + Peptides
- Anti-aging enhancement
- Best for: Mature skin, fine lines
- Includes: Growth factors, amino acids
4. HA + Salmon DNA (PDRN)
- Regeneration boost
- Best for: Damaged, aging skin
- Similar to Rejuran but lighter
Popular Korean Brands
| Brand | Key Feature | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hironette | Most popular, reliable | ₩89,000-150,000 | All skin types |
| Restylane Vital | Swedish, premium HA | ₩150,000-250,000 | Sensitive skin |
| Teosyal Redensity | Swiss, multi-nutrient | ₩200,000-300,000 | Anti-aging |
| Belotero Hydro | German, smooth results | ₩180,000-280,000 | Natural look |
| Juvederm Volite | Long-lasting | ₩200,000-350,000 | Extended results |
Water Glow vs. Other Skin Boosters
| Treatment | Main Ingredient | Best For | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Glow | Hyaluronic Acid | Hydration, glow | 2-3 months | $60-150 |
| Rejuran | Salmon DNA (PDRN) | Regeneration, texture | 6-12 months | $200-400 |
| Juvelook | PDLLA + HA | Collagen, pores | 12+ months | $250-450 |
| Exosome | Stem cell exosomes | Overall renewal | 6-8 months | $150-250 |
| Profhilo | High-concentration HA | Lifting, hydration | 6 months | $300-500 |
When to Choose Water Glow
Choose Water Glow Injection if you want:
- Quick hydration boost before an event
- Affordable entry into skin boosters
- Minimal downtime treatment
- Regular maintenance hydration
- The classic "glass skin" look
The Treatment Experience
Before Your Appointment
- Come with clean skin (no makeup)
- Avoid blood thinners for 24-48 hours
- Stay hydrated
- No alcohol the night before
During the Procedure
Step 1: Cleansing (5 min) Complete makeup and oil removal
Step 2: Numbing Cream (15-20 min) Topical anesthesia for comfort
Step 3: Injection (15-30 min) Options include:
- Manual injection: Fine needles by hand
- Meso-gun: Automated micro-injections
- Stamp method: Grid-pattern delivery
Step 4: Soothing (5-10 min) Calming mask or LED therapy
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Pain Level
Most patients rate the discomfort at 3-5 out of 10 with numbing cream. The sensation is like tiny pinpricks across the face.
After Treatment
Immediately after:
- Visible "bumps" (embossing effect)
- Mild redness
- Slight swelling
Day 1-3:
- Bumps absorb and flatten
- Redness fades
- Skin starts glowing
Day 7+:
- Full results visible
- Glass skin effect achieved
Results Timeline
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Embossing visible, some redness |
| Day 2-3 | Bumps flatten, skin plumps |
| Week 1 | Initial glow appears |
| Week 2 | Optimal hydration achieved |
| Week 3-4 | Peak results |
| Month 2-3 | Results gradually fade |
How Long Do Results Last?
- Single session: 2-3 months
- With protocol (3 sessions): 4-6 months
- Maintenance schedule: Every 3-4 months
Recommended Treatment Protocol
For best results, Korean dermatologists recommend:
| Phase | Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Initial | Establish hydration base |
| Session 2 | 2-4 weeks | Build on results |
| Session 3 | 2-4 weeks | Consolidate effects |
| Maintenance | Every 3-4 months | Sustain glass skin |
Tip: Many Korean clinics offer package deals for 3 sessions at discounted rates.
Who Should Get Water Glow Injection?
Ideal Candidates
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Dull, tired-looking complexion
- Fine lines and early aging signs
- Those wanting the "glass skin" look
- Pre-event skin prep (weddings, photos)
- All ages (most popular among 30-50s)
Demographics in Korea
According to clinic data:
- 95% female patients
- 44% are in their 50s
- Popular across all age groups for hydration
Not Recommended For
- Active acne or skin infections
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergy to hyaluronic acid
- Autoimmune conditions
- Recent facial surgery
Post-Treatment Care
Do's ✓
- Keep skin hydrated with gentle moisturizer
- Use sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sleep on your back the first night
- Stay hydrated (drink water!)
- Continue gentle skincare routine
Don'ts ✗
- No makeup for 6-12 hours
- Avoid touching/pressing treatment area
- Skip sauna, steam room for 1 week
- No intense exercise for 24-48 hours
- Avoid alcohol for 2-3 days
- No facial massages for 1 week
Top Seoul Clinics for Water Glow Injection
1. Toxnfill Clinics (톡스앤필)
- Location: Multiple Seoul branches
- Specialty: Water glow + combination treatments
- Price Range: ₩80,000-150,000
- Why Choose: Consistent quality, competitive prices
2. VS Line Clinic
- Location: Gangnam
- Specialty: Skin booster programs
- Price Range: ₩100,000-200,000
- Why Choose: Premium products available
3. Oracle Dermatology (오라클피부과)
- Location: Throughout Seoul
- Specialty: Hydration treatments
- Price Range: ₩90,000-180,000
- Why Choose: English support, foreigner-friendly
4. Shine Beam Clinic
- Location: Gangseo-gu
- Specialty: Hironette water glow
- Price Range: ₩89,000-280,000
- Why Choose: Transparent pricing
5. Obliv Dermatology
- Location: Gangnam
- Specialty: Customized skin boosters
- Price Range: ₩100,000-250,000
- Why Choose: Personalized protocols
Maximizing Your Results
Combination Treatments
| Combo | Benefit | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Water Glow + Botox | Hydration + wrinkle prevention | Same session |
| Water Glow + Laser Toning | Hydration + brightening | 1 week apart |
| Water Glow + Rejuran | Hydration + regeneration | Same session |
| Water Glow + LED Therapy | Enhanced absorption | Immediately after |
At-Home Care to Extend Results
- Use hyaluronic acid serums daily
- Sheet mask 2-3 times per week
- Invest in a humidifier
- Drink 2+ liters of water daily
- Avoid harsh, drying products
FAQ
Q: Does Water Glow Injection hurt? A: With numbing cream, most people rate it 3-5/10. It feels like tiny pinpricks.
Q: How soon will I see results? A: Initial glow appears within 3-7 days. Full results at 2 weeks.
Q: Can I wear makeup after? A: Wait 6-12 hours minimum. 24 hours is ideal.
Q: Are the bumps normal? A: Yes! The embossing effect is temporary and absorbs within 2-3 days (up to 1 week for some).
Q: How often should I get it? A: Initially every 2-4 weeks for 3 sessions, then every 3-4 months for maintenance.
Q: Is it safe? A: Yes, hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your body. Side effects are minimal and temporary.
Q: What's the difference between Water Glow and Profhilo? A: Water Glow uses regular HA for hydration. Profhilo uses high-concentration HA for both hydration and lifting. Profhilo is more expensive but lasts longer.
Q: Can men get Water Glow Injection? A: Absolutely! Though 95% of patients are women, it's equally effective for men wanting hydrated, healthy skin.
Conclusion
Water Glow Injection remains Korea's most beloved skin booster for good reason—it delivers visible, immediate hydration results at an affordable price point. Whether you're chasing the coveted "glass skin" look or simply want to combat dryness and dullness, this treatment offers a quick, effective solution with minimal downtime.
At Korean prices of just $60-150 per session (compared to $300-600 abroad), it's one of the best-value treatments for beauty tourists visiting Seoul.
Ready to achieve your glass skin goals? Book a Water Glow Injection at a Seoul dermatology clinic and experience why this treatment has become synonymous with Korean beauty.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Water Glow Injection (물광주사). 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: 9 minutes