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wants to drink something at fmd_goodTapped
want to meet at fmd_good Corner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
wants to eat something at fmd_goodCorner Diner
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Skin Clinics Seoul - Experiences? Recommendations?
Treatments/ Problems I'm focusing on:
Treating Acne Scars and evening out my Skin Tone (Aqua Peel, Pico Fraxel, Rejuran Healer)
Slimming my Face/ Jawline (Ultherapy, Masseter Botox)
Lips (Filler, Lip Blush Pigmentation)
Mother. Saggy Jowl area/ Marionette Lines/ Saggy Under Eye Bags (Has done Microneedling but doesn't know what else suits her!)
Points to consider:
We are non-korean so english consultation would be great but isn't a must!
Timeframe of a week so treatments should be "effective" after one session
Thank you so much in advance :)
honestly for acne scars and tone in one session, pico fraxel is prob your best option but it hurts like a bitch ngl. i went to Muse in Sinsa and they numbed me well, the english was decent enough. Rejuran is a waste for a week trip, needs at least 3 sessions to see anything.
for the jaw slimming, masseter botox is quick and you'll feel it in a week. i'd avoid the big touristy places in Gangnam, try a smaller clinic like Dayone in Hongdae, they speak english and charge way less, like 300k won for both sides. ultherapy is pointless on a short timeline, save that for next time.
your mom's issues are tough for one session tbh. the marionette lines can get filler but the under eye bags are tricky, thread lifts are common but i've seen mixed results. maybe look into PDO threads at Lienjang, they do combo packages for the lower face. just expect like 1.5 mil won for a full area, that's standard.
Pico Fraxel is the only one on your list that will show anything meaningful in a week for acne scars. I had mine done at ID Hospital in Apgujeong and the redness settled after about 4 days, then the texture improvement was pretty obvious. Aqua Peel is basically a fancy facial, nice for glow but won't touch scarring.
For your mom, look into Sofwave instead of Ultherapy for the jowls. It's newer, less painful, and some clinics like The Clinic in Gangnam claim results show faster, within 2-3 weeks. Under eye fat repositioning surgery is what actually works for bags but that's a 2 week recovery minimum, so she'd be better off with good concealer and a temporary filler like Restylane under the eyes for this trip.
Masseter botox is fine at most dermatology clinics in Hongdae for around 250k won both sides, no need to go to the fancy Gangnam places. Just make sure they inject the masseter muscle and not too high up near your cheekbone, I've seen people get a weird hollow look from that.
I've done masseter botox at a place called Seomyeon in Apgujeong and it was solid, they had a translator on hand for the consult. For your mom, some clinics do a combo of filler and Ultherapy for the jowls, but the eye bags are hit or miss in one go. Just check if they offer a follow-up touch up within a few days, some places include that in the price.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too