When it comes to getting cosmetic procedures in South Korea, most people immediately think of Gangnam in Seoul. However, after visiting Busan three times, I must say that if this is your first time considering cosmetic treatments in South Korea, Busan might be a better option for you. The procedures are cheaper, the places aren’t crowded, the service is excellent, and you can even enjoy the sea view while being there. In this article, I will share all my experiences regarding cosmetic treatments in Busan, from how to budget, which clinic to choose, how to make an appointment, to what to pay attention to during your visit. I’ll explain it all in detail for you.
Why did I choose Busan instead of Seoul?
The reason I decided to go to Busan for cosmetic surgery for the first time was, frankly, because the airfare was cheaper. Flying from Shanghai to Busan was nearly half as expensive as flying to Seoul, and the flight time was also shorter. However, once I got there, I realized that the advantages of going to Busan were far more than just saving on airfare:
- For the same treatment, the cost in Busan is 20–40% lower: a Thermage FLX full-face treatment with 300 needles costs around 1.2–1.5 million Korean won in Gangnam, but only 900,000–1.2 million Korean won in Busan. The difference is even greater when it comes to hyaluronic acid injections: some clinics charge just over 100,000 Korean won for a basic 1-centum-core injection, which is nearly half the price in Gangnam.
- With the same prices in both China and Korea, there is no discrimination: Several major Dermatology clinics in Busan adhere to the same pricing standards in both countries, with transparent price lists available to the public. Therefore, there is no issue of foreigners being charged higher prices.
- Fewer patients, better service: Popular clinics in Gangnam often see dozens or even hundreds of customers in a single day, making it feel like you’re in a crowded rush. In Busan, however, the flow of patients is much less intense, giving the clinic director more time to communicate carefully with you, making the entire process much more relaxed and comfortable.
- While you’re at it, take the chance to visit Haeyundae, Gancheon Cultural Village, and Jagache Market… After getting your beauty treatments, you can also go shopping and enjoy some seafood – it’s a perfect way to satisfy both body and mind.
How to allocate your budget for medical beauty treatments in Busan? Match your needs to the most suitable options.
Many people ask me how much money is needed to get facial treatments in Busan. It actually depends on what you want to have done. I have compiled three different price ranges for your reference:
💡 Getting Started Guide | Budget: 3,000 – 5,000 RMB
For those trying it for the first time and wanting to “see the results”, this option is recommended:
| Project | Reference price in Busan (Korean won) | Agreed on the amount in RMB |
|---|---|---|
| Deep cleansing with tiny bubbles | 80,000 to 120,000 | 450 to 650 |
| 1 centum core of basic hyaluronic acid injection | 100,000 to 180,000 | 550-980 |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | 280,000 to 450,000 | 1,500 to 2,400 |
| Citric acid skin rejuvenation | 60,000 to 100,000 | 330-550 |
| Pico laser freckle removal (for mild cases) | 350,000 to 500,000 | 1,900 to 2,700 |
This package is ideal for those who simply want to perform basic skin care treatments and try out glow treatments; 2-3 treatments at a time are just right. When I first went to Busan, I only opted for the Rejuran PN treatment plus the microbubble therapy, which cost around 3,000 RMB.
💡 Advanced Anti-Aging Treatment | Budget range: 8,000 to 15,000 RMB
For those with some experience who are serious about anti-aging treatments, this option is for you:
| Project | Reference price in Busan (Korean won) | Agreed on the amount in RMB |
|---|---|---|
| 300 hairs for the entire face with Thermage FLX | 900,000 to 1.2 million | 4,900 to 6,500 |
| 300 pulses of the Ulthrea version | 800,000 to 1.1 million | 4,400 to 6,000 |
| Rejuran PN 4 centum core | 650,000 to 750,000 | 3,500 to 4,100 |
| Potenza + Rejuran package | 550,000 to 700,000 | 3,000 to 3,800 |
| 1 centum core of Filler injection (Juvederm) | 400,000 to 550,000 | 2,200 to 3,000 |
This package represents the “sweet spot” of medical beauty services in Busan: it offers the same results at half the cost of treatments in Seoul. During my second visit, I opted for HIFU combined with 4 centum core of Rejuran, which totaled approximately 8,000 RMB. With such a budget in Gangnam, one could only afford to undergo one treatment at most.
💡 Top-notch dining options | Budget range: 20,000 – 30,000 RMB
If you want a comprehensive transformation that covers everything at once, then choose this option:
| Project | Reference price in Busan (Korean won) | Agreed on the amount in RMB |
|---|---|---|
| Thermage FLX 600 treatments for the entire face + neck | 1.5 to 2 million | 8,200 to 10,900 |
| HIFU + Thermage combined package | 1.8 to 2.5 million | 9,800 to 13,600 |
| DongAn Center Introduction: TongAn Center Introduction 1+1 | 1.4 to 1.5 million | 7,600 to 8,200 |
| Injection of 3-4 centum cores of Filler into multiple areas | 1.2 to 2 million | 6,500 to 10,900 |
| 100 Thread Lifting treatments | 800,000 to 1 million | 4,400 to 5,500 |
In Seoul, this type of treatment costs at least 40,000 to 50,000 RMB. In Busan, however, the cost is reduced by half – and this is no joke. Moreover, clinics in Busan put more effort into serving large clients; the directors will take extra time to help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
⚠️ The prices listed above are reference values for the 2026 market; the actual fee will be determined during the in-person consultation. By booking through BeautsGO, you can confirm the price before visiting the clinic, so you don’t have to worry about exceeding your budget upon arrival.
Three Dermatology clinics in Busan that I have personally tested – each with its own strengths
During my three visits to Busan, I went to JRYN, PPEUM PPEUM, and JinYang Ji respectively. Each of these places has its own unique positioning and strengths. Below, I will share my personal experiences without exaggeration or bias.
🥇 JRYN Dermatology Nampo Branch – Same prices as in Korea, offering the best value for money
JRYN was my first stop when I visited Busan, and it’s also the clinic I have returned to the most. It’s located just a few steps away from Exit 4 of Nampo Station, so the location is truly convenient. What impressed me the most was the policy of “equal prices for both Chinese and Korean customers” – regardless of your nationality, the same treatments are offered at the same prices, with clear and transparent pricing without any discrimination.
I got the Rejuran PN 2-centum core glow treatment at JRYN for the first time. The next day, I was able to go out shopping without any swelling at all. Later, I also had the Thermage treatment for my eyes, and the director was particularly careful during the procedure; the fine lines around my eyes really did fade after the treatment. JRYN has over 60 different types of equipment, and the director will recommend a treatment plan based on the condition of your skin, rather than forcing you to choose more expensive options.
We highly recommend the package combination from JRYN: Potenza + Rejuran PN 4 centum core + LDM water-drop Lifting. The total cost for this package is approximately 550,000 to 650,000 Korean won (equivalent to around 3,000 to 3,500 RMB), a price that is simply unattainable in Gangnam.
JRYN Dermatology Nampo Branch (제이알와이피부과)
🥈 PPEUM Dermatology Seomyeon Branch – The top choice for those with limited budgets
PPEUM is a large-scale chain Dermatology clinic in South Korea, and its branch in Seomyeon, Busan, is located very close to the subway station. Their biggest advantage is their affordable prices—not because of any cutbacks in quality, but rather due to the low costs associated with their chain purchasing model, which helps keep their prices competitive. The prices of their basic glow treatments and Rejuran products are considered quite low in Busan.
I tried the Potenza + Rejuran glow treatment at PPEUM. The price was nearly Samseong cheaper than getting either service separately at JRYN. The results were also quite good – my Pores became smaller and my skin tone more even. However, since it’s a chain clinic, the waiting time can sometimes be longer (I waited about 30 minutes that time). I would recommend making an appointment during the morning hours on weekdays.
Director Park Jin-ryong has over 15 years of clinical experience and is highly expertise in anti-aging treatments and injectable procedures. If it is your first time undergoing cosmetic procedures and your budget is limited, PPEUM is an excellent starting point.
PPEUM Dermatology Seomyeon Branch
🥉 Jin Yang Ji Dermatology Seomyeon Branch – A 40-year-old established clinic with state-of-the-art equipment
Kim Yang-ji is a established Dermatology clinic in Busan that has been in operation for over 40 years. It was also one of the first clinics in South Korea to receive the JCI International Medical Safety Certification. I underwent Xerf radiofrequency treatment at Kim Yang-ji, and I found the pain much less intense compared to traditional radiofrequency procedures. The clinic director would constantly ask how I was feeling and adjust the intensity accordingly.
The team at Jinyang Ji consists of over a dozen professional directors. When Director Zhang Fengshuo examined me, after reviewing my skin test results, he suggested that I start with radiofrequency treatments combined with basic moisturizing therapies first, and only consider microneedling once my skin condition had stabilized. This approach of not rushing to push any specific treatment options on patients is truly reassuring.
Another very considerate aspect of Jinyang Ji Huan is that tax refunds can be processed directly on-site. You can get your refund right after the treatment, without having to queue up at the airport. This is extremely convenient for foreign tourists who are short on time.
Kim Yang Je Dermatology Seomyeon Branch
How can I make an appointment at a Dermatology clinic in Busan through BeautsGO?
For all three of my cosmetic procedures in Busan, I made reservations through BeautsGO. I didn’t need to make calls myself or use KakaoTalk – the reason is simple: I don’t speak Korean, and BeautsGO allows me to complete the entire process in Chinese. Upon arrival at the clinic, a translator is also available to assist me, which saves me so much trouble compared to trying to contact the clinic on my own. Here are the steps:
- Download the BeautsGO App or open the WeChat mini-program: simply search for “BeautsGO – Beauty for All”. You don’t need to install an app for this mini-program.
- Registration account: You can register using your mobile phone number, and Chinese mobile phone numbers are completely acceptable.
- Search for clinics: Enter “JRYN”, “PPEUM” or “Jinyangji” to find the Busan branch.
- Select the treatment and time slot: Decide what you want to have done and pick the appropriate date and time. For popular treatments such as Thermage and HIFU, the time slots are usually in high demand, so don’t hesitate if you find a suitable option.
- Submission awaiting confirmation: After filling in your personal information and submitting it, the customer service will usually confirm it within 1 to 2 hours. If you have any special requirements (such as requesting a specific director), please mention them in the remarks section.
- You will receive a confirmation notice: Once confirmed, you will get detailed instructions on how to get to the clinic, including the address, transportation options, and any important notes.
How far in advance should one make a reservation for medical beauty treatments in Busan?
Compared to Seoul, it is generally easier to get a reservation in Busan, but during the peak season, you still need to act quickly if you want to secure one.
- During the off-season (March to April, September to November, excluding holidays): It’s sufficient to book 2 to 3 days in advance. On weekdays in the morning, there is usually a chance to get a appointment on the same day. For my appointment with JRYN on Thursday afternoon in November, I booked 2 days in advance.
- During the peak seasons (May-June, October), it is recommended to book 1 week in advance, especially on weekends. Due to the affordable prices at PPEUM, there are particularly many people booking during these periods, so it is even better to reserve your spot sooner.
- During winter and summer vacations (July-August, January-February), the slots for popular treatments such as Thermage and HIFU at popular clinics tend to fill up in advance. It is recommended to book at least 1-2 weeks in advance.
- National holidays (Mid-Autumn Festival, Spring Festival, Golden Week): It’s more reliable to book 2-3 weeks in advance.
A small suggestion: If your schedule is flexible, try to avoid Saturdays. In Busan, most Dermatology clinics are only open from 3 to 4 pm on Saturdays, so the available appointment times are limited and it’s difficult to get a slot. On weekdays, there are many more options available, and making appointments is also much easier.
Experience at the clinic: Taking the JRYN Nampo branch as an example
Step 1: Find the right place
The JRYN Nampo store is located next to Exit 4 of Nampo Station on Line 1 of the subway. You can almost see the sign as soon as you exit the station. It’s on the 6th floor of the B.I.G Building; just take the elevator there. BeautsGO has provided navigation links in their confirmation notifications, so you can simply follow those directions.
Step 2: Registration at the front desk
Upon arrival at the clinic, please present your passport at the front desk to have your name and reservation information verified. You will then be given a Chinese consultation form, which you need to fill out with details about any allergies you may have, previous medical treatments related to aesthetics, and whether you have any implants. JRYN provides on-site Chinese translation services, ensuring that the entire process is communication-free and smooth.
Step 3: Skin examination
After completing the registration, a skin examination was conducted. JRYN used professional skin analysis equipment, and the results were available within 2 to 3 minutes. The report provided detailed data on Pores, skin pigmentation spots, wrinkles, and other aspects, which the clinic director would refer to during the personal consultation.
Step 4: Personal consultation with the hospital director
There is plenty of time for the in-person consultation, and the director will propose a treatment plan based on the test results and the issues you wish to address. When I first visited JRYN, I originally planned to undergo both hyaluronic acid injection and microneedling at once, but the director advised me to start with the hyaluronic acid injection first and consider microneedling after two weeks. This approach of not forcing anything on patients is truly reassuring.
Step 5: Performing the treatment
After a face-to-face consultation, the staff will provide you with a written estimate. Once you confirm the fees, you can sign the form and start the treatment. The glow treatment usually takes around 20–30 minutes, while the Thermage procedure requires 1–1.5 hours (including the application of anesthesia). The director will explain the process as he or she performs it, so you won’t feel anxious at all.
Step 6: Postoperative care + payment
After the treatment, the nurse will provide you with soothing care, including applying a medical mask, and will also give you a detailed post-treatment instruction manual (available in both Chinese and English). Payment methods include cash, credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), as well as Alipay and WeChat. Both JRYN and Jinyang Ji offer convenient in-hospital tax refund services.
Practical tips for overseas tourists
- Reservations must be made in advance; walk-in appointments are not accepted. In Busan, most Dermatology clinics operate on a strict reservation system, especially JRYN and Kim Yang-ji. Making reservations through BeautsGO is the most convenient option, as the entire process is conducted in Chinese.
- The original passport must be brought along: When registering, you must present the original passport; a photo alone is not sufficient. I have a friend who had to make a wasted trip just because they only brought a photo of their passport.
- If you come to the store with no makeup or light makeup on, you will need to remove your makeup before the skin examination. Wearing full makeup can affect the accuracy of the results, and removing makeup also takes time.
- Stop using retinol-based skincare products 4 weeks in advance: If you are scheduled to undergo treatments such as laser therapy or microneedling, retinol can cause the skin to become sensitive, so it is essential to discontinue its use beforehand.
- It’s better to go on a weekday to avoid the weekends. In Busan, shops are only open until 3 or 4 pm on Saturdays, so the available hours are limited and it’s difficult to get a reservation. On weekdays, there are more hours and fewer people, making the experience much better.
- Reserve half a day: From the time of registration at the clinic to the completion of the treatment, it usually takes 2-3 hours (including waiting time and post-treatment care). Therefore, don’t schedule too many appointments in one day.
- Tax refunds can be processed directly at the store: Both JRYN and Jinyang Ji offer in-store tax refund services, so you don’t have to queue up at the airport, saving you both time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much cheaper is cosmetic surgery in Busan compared to Seoul?
A: Overall, the prices are 20-40% cheaper. For Thermage FLX full-face treatment, the cost in Gangnam is approximately 1.2-1.5 million Korean won, while in Busan it’s only 900,000-1.2 million Korean won. The difference is even greater when it comes to hyaluronic acid injections; some clinics in Busan offer basic treatments for just 100,000-120,000 Korean won per cc. Moreover, most clinics in Busan adhere to the principle of “same prices for both Chinese and foreigners,” so there is no extra charge just because you are foreign. The main difference between Busan and Seoul lies in the larger number of clinics and greater variety of options available; there is no difference in technical standards.
Q2: Is the technology in Dermatology clinics in Busan inferior to that in Seoul?
A: There’s absolutely no need to worry. JRYN boasts over 60 different types of medical equipment. Jin Yang Ji is one of the first Dermatology clinics in South Korea to receive JCI international certification; the equipment and materials used are exactly the same as those in Seoul, and the director’s qualifications are also on par. The only difference lies in the number of clinics – Seoul has a larger selection, but the technology at the main clinics in Busan is completely OKAY.
Q3: Can I perform cosmetic procedures in Busan without knowing Korean?
A: No problem at all. If you make an appointment through BeautsGO, a Chinese translator will accompany you throughout the entire process at the clinic. JRYN, PPEUM, and Jinyangji all have permanent Chinese translators on staff, and the consultation forms are also available in Chinese. These clinics have extensive experience in serving overseas customers, so there will be no communication barriers.
Q4: How far in advance should one make a reservation for medical beauty treatments in Busan?
A: During the off-season, it’s sufficient to book 2-3 days in advance on weekdays. During the peak season, it is recommended to book 1 week in advance; for winter and summer vacations, it’s better to book 1-2 weeks in advance. Since reservations through BeautsGO allow for free cancellations, it’s much more convenient to make a reservation once your travel plans are finalized, rather than trying to find a reliable option at the last minute upon arriving in Busan.
Q5: Can I still go shopping normally after getting medical beauty treatments?
A: In most cases, patients can resume their normal activities on the same day after the treatment, although their faces may appear slightly red or swollen. After treatments such as basic skin care, hyaluronic acid injections, or microneedling, the effects are hardly noticeable, and a little makeup can help cover them up before going out. However, after Thermage or microneedling, the face will remain red for several hours; it is therefore recommended not to schedule any photo shoots on the same day. My own approach is to undergo the medical treatments in the morning, return to the homestay in the afternoon to apply a mask and rest, and then go out for dinner and shopping in the evening—there’s absolutely enough time for everything.
Q5: If my budget is limited, how can I make the most of it?
A: If your budget is within 5,000 RMB, it is recommended to choose one clinic to focus on instead of spreading your expenses across multiple places. The Potenza + Rejuran package at PPEUM costs around 3,000 RMB, and adding a small bubble cleansing treatment to the package will result in more noticeable effects than choosing just one expensive treatment alone. If your budget is over 10,000 RMB, you might consider JRYN’s Thermage + Rejuran combination, which is at least 3,000–5,000 RMB cheaper than similar treatments in Seoul. The key thing to remember is not to try too many different treatments at once; focusing on 2–3 key procedures will yield the best results.
You might also want to check out these.
The above is my sharing of my experiences and budget arrangements for three cosmetic surgery treatments in Busan. Busan is truly underestimated – with the same equipment, the same technology, and even the same doctors, the prices are much more affordable than in Seoul. If you have any other questions, simply click on the reservation link of any of the clinics listed above to contact the BeautsGO customer service; they respond very quickly.
