Korean vs US Dermatology: Cost, Doctors, Booking

If you are used to seeing a dermatologist in the United States and are planning skin treatment during a trip to Seoul, a few things will work differently: how you book, who performs the treatment, how doctors are trained and titled, and how prices are shown. This guide compares the two systems side by side so you know what to check before you go.

The biggest practical differences are in booking, who performs treatment and how prices are shown. In the US, a new patient waits an average of 36.5 days for a dermatologist appointment, while private clinics in Korea can be booked directly without a referral. In Korea, procedures such as laser treatments must be performed by a licensed doctor, while at US medical spas they may be performed by non-physicians depending on state law. Korean clinics must post or disclose their fees for non-insured treatments, and prices vary by clinic and treatment plan.

In 2025, the average wait for a new-patient dermatologist appointment across 15 major US metro areas was 36.5 days, according to AMN Healthcare's physician wait-time survey. The average across all specialties surveyed was 31 days.

In Korea, private clinics can be booked directly, without a referral. Availability still varies by clinic and season, so if you are visiting, contact the clinic before your trip and book your consultation early in your stay.

In Korea, procedures such as laser treatments are medical acts, so they must be performed by a licensed doctor.

In the US, treatments at medical spas may be performed by nurses, physician assistants or aestheticians, depending on state law. The American Academy of Dermatology advises patients to ask who will perform the procedure. That question is worth asking in either country.

In the US, dermatologists complete medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year dermatology residency, and may then become board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology.

In Korea, dermatology specialists complete medical school, a one-year internship and a four-year dermatology residency, then pass a national specialist exam. Any licensed doctor in Korea may provide skin treatments. Under Korea's Medical Service Act, only clinics run by dermatology specialists may use "dermatology" in the clinic name; other doctors may list dermatology as a treatment field.

Wherever you are treated, you can ask the clinic about the doctor's training and experience with the treatment you are considering.

In the US, cosmetic skin treatments are generally not covered by health insurance. As one reference point, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists an average fee of $1,829 for skin resurfacing procedures such as laser skin resurfacing. That figure does not include facility, anesthesia or prescription costs.

In Korea, cosmetic treatments are also paid out of pocket. Clinics must post or disclose their fees for non-insured treatments, and prices vary by clinic and by treatment plan. Ask for the total price of your plan at the consultation, before treatment begins.

Korea previously offered a special VAT refund on cosmetic procedures for foreign patients. That provision ended, and a bill to reinstate it was still pending as of July 2026, so ask the clinic about the current rules rather than counting on a refund.

• Book your consultation early in your stay
• Bring a list of your medications and past treatments
• Ask who will perform the treatment
• Ask for the total price of your treatment plan
• Plan treatment around your flight home

See when to book treatment before your flight home.

If you are coming for pigment or melasma, see how to plan melasma and pigment treatment as a visitor.

At Dami Skin Clinic in Yeouido, the doctor examines your skin and performs the treatment directly. English-fluent coordinators and interpretation support explain the plan, the price and the aftercare in a language you are comfortable with. You can book through the consultation page or by WhatsApp.

New to the clinic? Read the first visit guide.

To plan your visit, request a consultation through the consultation page or message the clinic on WhatsApp.

Working Hours:
Monday/Wednesday/Thursday : 10:00 – 19:00
Tuesday/Friday : 10:00 – 21:00
Saturday : 10:00 – 15:00
Lunch Break : 13:00 – 14:00
Last appointment is one hour before closing.

When using the subway
From Saetgang Station (Line 9 or Sillim Line)
Walk straight out of Exit 2 until you reach a corner. It is the building on the other side of the street on your left. Got to the black door on the left of the Mammoth Coffee place and go up to 9TH FLOOR.