Korean beauty pricing decoded: event prices, VAT, same-price policy

Why the advertised price differs from your bill - and how to never overpay.

Korean clinics publish prices on their sites and Instagram. It looks transparent - but a few rules trip up foreigners.

Rule 1 - VAT excluded: many event prices note 'VAT excluded'. A ₩88,000 deal means ₩96,800 at checkout. Know it beforehand and it's a non-issue.

Rule 2 - first-visit pricing: those rock-bottom advertised prices are usually first-visit only. Return visits are regular price.

Rule 3 - same-price clinics: some clinics publicly commit to 'same price for foreigners' - no separate foreigner price list. Busan has quite a few, and we badge them on the map.

Pro move: screenshot the published price before you go. If the consult quote differs, show the screenshot - it usually settles things. And walking out after a consult is completely acceptable.