As a booming hub for medical tourism, Seoul attracts clients from around the world with its lucrative, luxurious aesthetic treatments.
The term used to describe the unique Korean Beauty sought after by international guests is K-Beauty. This incorporates the vibrant, glowing skin which is the result of skincare, make-up and beauty treatments… and for the most part, this is what international visitors are seeking when they arrive at this major global cosmetic and beauty hub.
The city is also host to the Gangham District which has been called the Plastic Surgery Capital of the World. Visitors to the area can anticipate streets lined with cosmetic treatment centers. At the same time, South Korea’s government is supportive of those seeking cosmetic procedures, offering visas to assist.
We were as enamoured by Seoul as you will be: by its technology and excellence and wide range of beauty and cosmetic innovations. For example, the sought after ‘glass-skin’ look, which is offered at clinics, and is made possible through injections of glutathione, skin boosters and laser toning.
Seeking out Seoul’s ‘Top 5’
Finding the best of the best in a city geared towards medical and cosmetic tourism was no easy feat! However, we had certain guidelines which helped us to find 5 clinics which, by reader reviews, staff qualifications, and range of innovative treatments, stood out from among the rest. Then, we sought the X-factor. In a city where cosmetic centres line the streets, we looked for clinics which offer something unique, all the while remaining safe, and trustworthy havens of transformation for clients.
These are our favourites:
1. Line Esthe Myeongdong
With over 1000 online reviews and a five-star Google Review rating, Line Esthe offers excellence, and it seems ‘Gold’ facials, which are definitely worth noting. The establishment itself is over 30 years old, and operated by trained therapists who have skin and body care know-how.
Treatments are held within private and clean relaxation species, with therapy being delicate and careful. The clinic’s management promises satisfaction, for clients who want to ‘return the tired body and skin to the best condition’. Couldn’t we all use some of that!
We especially liked the Premium Facial, which is given the following description: ‘It is a combination of the vitality, moisture, and radiance effects of 24K gold and HIFU skin tightening.’
The 24K gold is used to brighten and uplift the skin through nourishment. HIFU treatment focuses on ultrasound heat, which creates a firming effect through heating the deeper layers of skin.
Client Annie Sobol wrote in her review: “While in South Korea, a must try is the facials! So many places to choose from and all require advanced reservations. We tried the V LIFT HIFU Gold ANTI-AGING for 110 minutes and it was fantastic. Highly recommended!”
Situated: 4F, 19, Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
2. Cheongdam Circle Clinic
With more than 157 verified patient testimonials on Korean review platforms and a 4.9‑star average across Naver and Gangnam Unni, Cheongdam Circle has earned a reputation for evidence‑based care in Seoul’s luxury beauty district. The clinic is led by board‑certified dermatologist Dr Suh Hee‑won and is recognised by Hydrafacial HQ as Korea’s sole “Center of Excellence”.
Treatments take place in discreet, hotel‑like suites where English‑speaking staff guide visitors through detailed consultations. Management emphasises doctor‑delivered treatment plans designed to “restore skin to its optimal condition while respecting natural facial harmony,” an approach frequently praised by international clients.
A standout on the menu is the Signature Glass‑Skin Programme, described as “a three‑step synergy of Hydrafacial deep cleansing, Ulthera SMAS‑tightening, and LDM ultrasound barrier repair.” The sequence is engineered to clarify pores, lift facial contours, and reinforce the skin barrier in a single sitting—ideal for time‑pressed travellers.
Hydrafacial’s patented vortex fusion removes debris and infuses antioxidants; Ulthera then delivers micro‑focused ultrasound heat to deeper structural layers to induce collagen tightening; finally, LDM ultrasound calms inflammation and seals in hydration for a luminous finish.
One recent visitor, designer Mia Choi, wrote: “Booked the Glass‑Skin package before Fashion Week. Painless, no downtime and my make‑up artist said my texture was the smoothest she’d seen. Worth every won.”
Situated: Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 57-gil, 20
3. May Clinic
Tucked on the 3rd floor of a side‑street building just off the Myeong‑dong shopping drag, May Clinic is fast becoming a tourist favourite despite still being a relative newcomer on Korea’s crowded aesthetics scene. Domestic listings such as Modoodoc and GoodDoc show the clinic’s details but few formal star‑ratings so far, while TikTok reels and the clinic’s own Instagram feed feature a steady stream of overseas visitors impressed by the English, Japanese and Chinese‑speaking front desk.
The brand markets itself with the tagline “지방은 줄이고, 콜라겐은 더한다”—“reduce fat, add collagen”—and focuses squarely on non‑surgical lifting, wrinkle smoothing and elasticity restoration, all performed in private suites five minutes’ walk from the Olive Young flagship.
A design‑industry case study even notes that the interior was built for “foreigners and the 20‑30 generation,” blending neon signage with calming neutrals to encourage social‑media moments.
Star of the menu is the Diamond Lift (다이아 리프팅) package, advertised from ₩399,000 and combining Shurink HIFU with multi‑depth RF and micro‑thread tightening for an instant V‑line.
Situated: Jung District, Myeongdong 8-gil, 14 3층
4. AMOA 640 Skin Clinic
Backed by 4.8‑star Google feedback from well over 900 reviewers and ranked a top‑five dermatologist in Seoul on the independent ratings site Top‑Rated‑Online, Amoa 640 pitches itself as a premium, tourist‑friendly hub for bespoke K‑beauty dermatology.
Situated on Samseong‑ro—five minutes from Cheongdam Station—the clinic is directed by board‑certified dermatologist Dr Richard Kim, whose bilingual team offers WhatsApp, Instagram and line‑messaging pre‑consults for overseas patients.
Therapies take place in bright, oversized treatment rooms—unusual for space‑starved Seoul—and every foreign guest is paired with a dedicated English‑speaking coordinator who remains chair‑side throughout laser passes and injections.
Amoa 640’s headline service is the Skin‑Tightening Package, marketed as a three‑step synergy of BB‑Shine hydrafacial cleansing, Virtue RF deep‑mode microneedling, and the ‘Goddess’ PDRN skin‑booster injection.
Situated: 640 2F Samseong-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul
5. PPEUM Skin Clinic Myeongdong
PPEUM Skin Clinic Myeongdong moved many satisfied clients to give a review of their clinic experience, having over 1,700 online reviews on Google.
Its site reveals a range of specials and non-invasive treatments, for which it is renowned.
The rage at this clinic seems to be its lazer therapies, injectables and skin rejuvenation procedures, of which there are many options – it would seem, at discounted prices.
These non-surgical aesthetic treatments harness the use of cutting-edge technology, with technological innovation forming the backbone of this successful treatment centre.
Affordability, combined with swift results, makes this a must-visit cosmetic stop.
One client wrote: “Overall I was super impressed by the experience and also super happy with the results. I had a burst blood vessel and it was 70% gone with one session of laser and invisible with the 2nd session (pico) and facials overall got my skin really clear and glowy, everyone was making comments on how good it looked when I got back.
Overall I would recommend it. I was really happy with the results I got, the prices are definitely reasonable and comparable to other clinics, especially if you get a package.”
The overall Google Review rating for the centre was 4.8.
Situated: On the 3rd-5th floor, 84, Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Reception : 3rd floor)
6. Glow Clinic
With a 9.4 / 10 satisfaction score drawn from 287 verified reviews on the Gangnam Unni platform, Glow Clinic has become one of the highest‑rated boutique dermatology practices around Gangnam Station. The practice is led by ECFMG‑certified dermatologist Dr Kim Sang‑dae, who personally carries out all injectables and lifting procedures.
Glow Clinic ethos is about “sufficient time, appropriate treatment”. The clinic promises meticulous facial analysis and zero over‑treating. Patients describe spotless facilities, punctual scheduling and English‑friendly staff, noting that even complex sessions run “like clockwork.”
A standout on the menu is the Glow Signature Volumizing Lift, a three‑step programme that layers bespoke filler contouring with InMode RF tightening and a skin‑booster infusion to restore youthful fullness while sharpening jawlines. For profile refinement, the clinic offers a Signature Nose Refinement that elevates the bridge and slims the alar base in a single sitting.
The concierge‑style protocol has earned Glow Clinic recurring mentions in the media as the choice for visitors who want bespoke care rather than conveyor‑belt aesthetics.
Situated: 337, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 11F
7. KR Beauty
KR Beauty offers excellence in plastic surgery; one of the industries which Seoul is renowned for. This is a favorite plastic surgery destination for international clients, and staff are highly professional and offer comprehensive services. It’s this ‘comprehensive’ approach which makes it a trusted destination.
Comprehensive care and consultation services are offered. These include free price evaluations based on state-of-the-art assessments.
The personalised care, and opportunity for clients to make informed decisions makes its services invaluable, and a wide range of services is available. These also include post-operative care services. So from initial assessments and advice, to post-operative care; a holistic package is provided.
Its clients rave about its excellence, with most of them giving it a five-star review on Google Review.
Client Kaeo Saechao wrote: “Thank you very much to the doctors at KR Beauty for making me more beautiful and confident. I had my nose done at a famous hospital in Korea. In the end, it was crooked, damaged, and not beautiful, so I had Kr Beauty, a Korean plastic surgery company, fix it. I really like it.”
Situated: 616 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
8. Toxnfill Myeongdong Skin Clinic
With more than 484 Google-listed reviews and a company-wide footprint of 34 branches, Toxnfill’s Myeong-dong outpost has become the chain’s flagship for foreign visitors, earning many mentions for its quick-turnaround injectables and multilingual front desk.
The clinic sits on the 8th floor of the Apple-Store building off Euljiro-1-ga Station, offering tax-refund processing for tourists and extended evening hours that run to 9 p.m. on week-nights. Treatments unfold in high-volume but orderly suites; patients describe the vibe as “efficient factory-style, yet friendly,” praising the English WhatsApp concierge and clear after-care leaflets.
Prices are aggressively competitive. Masseter Botox was recently advertised at ₩19,000 (≈ £11) and had one Reddit user in and out “in fifteen minutes, elevator time included”. Despite the turnover, each filler or toxin pass is still physician-led, a point underscored in a YouTube interview with medical director Dr Lee Hyun-jeong.
The headline draw is the Jaw-Slim HIFU + Botox Package, billed as a two-step contour solution: 300-shot Shurink HIFU tightens the SMAS layer, then 50 cc of toxin relaxes the masseters for a sharper V-line.
Toxnfill Myeong-dong remains a convenient, budget-friendly stop for travellers seeking fast Botox, filler, or lifting add-ons in central Seoul.
Situated: Seoul, Jung District, Namdaemun-ro, 84
9. Swanny Aesthe
Swanny Aesthe doesn’t just have a five-star Google Review rating, the team behind it stays at the forefront of innovation through ongoing research and development. The result is a hi-tech product and service offering, specialising in skin care and body treatments.
The treatments are popular with both locals, as well as tourists; and for those seeking state-of-the-art treatments which are a little off the beaten track, the clinic offers face-slimming massages, and a ‘small face (skeleton) intensive programme’.
The small face intensive programme has been initiated to enhance the contours of one’s face.
To crown off the facial transformation, guests can also benefit from the centre’s anti-aging treatments, and treatments for whitening, and enhancing skin elasticity and natural glow.
If you’re travelling to Seoul as a cosmetic tourist, you can also be rest-assured you will be able to communicate well with the clinic’s staff, who speak both Japanese and English.
Client Yukachin wrote:
“We booked for two people, and they prepared beds in the same room for us to receive the treatment together. I had read other reviews mentioning that only one therapist was available for two customers, but in our case, each of us had a dedicated therapist. The staff spoke Japanese very well and frequently checked on us, asking if we were warm enough, which made the experience very comfortable and reassuring.”
Situated: 21, Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 4th floor Myeongdong Art Nouveau Centum building.
10. Onul Plastic Surgery
Onul Plastic Surgery covers surgery procedures from consultation, to post-operative care and says its excellence is the result of a collaboration between two great masters in the world of plastic surgery, both contour lifting specialists with extensive experience in facial lifting and contouring. They are Representative Director Ko Kyung-seok and Representative Director Kirk In-soo.
Kyung-seok is a leading authority in Korean plastic surgery, who has been instrumental in elevating Korean plastic surgery to its current world-class status. He is also a leading authority in challenging craniofacial surgeries, such as those focused on correcting facial deformities.
In-soo is a Director of the Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Research Society, who has over 20 years experience in facial lifting and contouring surgeries.
The rest of the management team is as qualified and committed to the industry and using surgery to benefit clients, through personalised treatment.
With these leaders at the helm of the centre, it’s no wonder it has received a five-star Google Review rating.
Client Roseanne C wrote: “Great thanks to Dr. Kirk and all the staff in Onul Plastic Surgery Hospital for my eyelid, face, and neck lift surgery! It was an awesome experience. I was well taken care of, well informed, before, during, and after the procedure. Dr. Kirk is a very experienced, professional, and highly skilled surgeon. He uses the most advanced technology available. I felt 100% comfortable with his suggestions and trusted him. It’s been 12 days post surgery now. I didn’t feel any discomfort or pain. Everything looks fantastic and I already look 10 years younger! Looking forward to the final results in the coming days. Highly recommended!”
Situated: 596, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
A visit to Seoul will give you access to the illusive K-Beauty, the flawless doll facade which has captured the attention of the world’s elite. It will also allow you to visit centres which offer personalised treatment, and consider you and your preferences before continuing with treatment. It’s these qualities which have given Seoul’s Gangham District the prestigious title of Plastic Surgery Capital of the World.
