Before you go
Gangnam clinics range from high-volume cosmetic centers to specialist dermatology practices. A translator or foreign-patient desk can help with logistics, but it does not replace informed consent with the treating clinician. Send your medical history, allergies, medicines, pregnancy status and desired outcome before paying a deposit. Ask whether the consultation fee is separate and whether the quoted clinician will perform the procedure.
Compare the options
Compare like with like, not a social-media headline price. Injectables depend on brand and units or syringe volume; energy devices depend on model, tip and shot count. Written quotes should show these variables plus VAT and any prescription or aftercare charge.
- Identity: verify the medical institution and practitioner through current official channels.
- Consent: receive benefits, alternatives, downtime and material risks before treatment.
- Payment: distinguish a refundable reservation hold from a non-refundable procedure deposit.
A practical step-by-step plan
- Shortlist registered providers and request itemized quotes for the same treatment specification.
- Book enough recovery time and avoid scheduling an invasive procedure immediately before a flight.
- At consultation, repeat your medical history and decline add-ons you did not research.
- Keep consent forms, receipts, product stickers and the clinic’s emergency contact.
Cosmetic-treatment VAT refunds ended in 2026
| Document | What it records | 2026 use |
|---|---|---|
| Itemized medical receipt | The provider, treatment, amount paid, VAT treatment and any separately charged items | Keep it for billing review, medical records and a possible travel-insurance claim; it is not a retail export-refund voucher |
| Retail tax-refund voucher | Eligible goods bought at a participating tax-refund retailer | Used for the store, downtown or airport retail refund route when the purchase meets current visitor and export conditions |
Ask for the medical bill in writing: “Please give me an itemized medical receipt showing the VAT-inclusive total and every additional charge.”
“부가세가 포함된 총액과 모든 추가 비용이 표시된 세부 진료비 영수증을 주세요.”
Protect your time, money and health
Cosmetic outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Seek urgent medical care for breathing difficulty, loss of vision, severe chest pain, rapidly worsening swelling or neurological symptoms. For unresolved billing or care-navigation questions, use Medical Korea’s official support channel and keep written evidence; do not rely on anonymous reviews as proof of quality.
Official sources
Time-sensitive details were checked against the original sources below on 2026-08-30.