Create meetup in Seoulchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
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
wants to drink something at fmd_goodHops Hall
want to meet at fmd_good Local House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to do some sport at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodLocal House
wants to do some sport at fmd_goodLocal House
explore Seoul Guides
bar_chart Trends in Seoul
Affordable Skin Care and Plastic Surgery/Dermatology Clinic Recommendations in Seoul?
I'm planning a three-week trip to Japan and considering spending a couple of days in Seoul for some beauty and wellness services. I'd love your recommendations for affordable, results… Hello everyone!
I'm planning a three-week trip to Japan and considering spending a couple of days in Seoul for some beauty and wellness services. I'd love your recommendations for affordable, results-driven clinics. I'm not looking for luxury, just places that are known for great results, excellent communication, and a well-rounded approach, as I'd like to address multiple concerns in one go.
Here's what I'm hoping to do:
Botox for my forehead, migraines, TMJ, and trapezius. I work 12-hour shifts and suffer from migraines, TMJ, and neck pain, so Botox has been a lifesaver for me in these areas. However, getting it done in Canada is quite costly. I'm hoping to find a clinic in Seoul that offers these treatments at a more affordable rate.
Skincare treatments for acne, acne scars, and pigmentation. I'm thinking of services like Fraxel laser and scar subcision for acne scars, and treatments geared toward managing acne and pigmentation issues.
Ultherapy and Thermage for skin tightening and lifting. I'm also interested in non-invasive treatments like Ultherapy and Thermage to improve skin elasticity and tighten up certain areas.
PrP and hair rejuvenating services for my recieding hairline 😅
If anyone has any recommendations for clinics that offer these services at a good price point, I would greatly appreciate it. Looking for quality over luxury, so no need for fancy places, just effective treatments with clear communication.
Thanks so much in advance!
fwiw i'd skip the big hospital route for botox if you're doing tmj and migraines specifically. there's a smaller clinic called Me Clinic in Sinsa-dong that specializes in therapeutic botox, not just cosmetic. the head doctor there trained in pain management so she knows how to hit the right spots for migraines and clenching. i paid around 150 CAD for trapezius and 200 for jaw last time, and they do the forehead for free if you're already getting those done.
for the acne scars and pigmentation combo, check out Lydian Clinic in Gangnam. they do a thing called "scar shot" which is basically subcision + filler + laser all in one session, runs about 400-500 USD. their english is decent but bring a translator app just in case, the younger staff speak better than the older docs.
hair prp - tbh skip the big clinics for this, go to a skin clinic in Hongdae called Ppeum. they're a bit underground but specialize only in hair restoration. prp there is about 200 USD per session and they use a centrifuge that concentrates the platelets more than standard. only downside is they're cash only and no english at all, so bring a korean-speaking friend or use papago.
honestly for botox and TMJ stuff, Gangnam Severance Hospital's dermatology department is solid and way cheaper than Canada. i paid about 200-300 CAD for full face + trapezius there, versus like 1000+ back home. just book through their international clinic, they speak english fine.
for acne scars and pigmentation, check out ID Hospital in Apgujeong. their scar subcision + fraxel combo is around 500-700 USD for a session, which is a steal compared to what you'd pay here. theyre not fancy but the doctors know what theyre doing. the only catch is theyre busy so book ahead.
Ultherapy and Thermage are gonna run you more, like 1000-1500 USD per session depending on area. try JK Plastic Surgery near Sinsa station, they have good package deals if you bundle with botox. honestly though for skin tightening, some locals prefer RF microneedling over thermage cause its cheaper and works well for mild sagging. ask the doc what theyd recommend for your skin.
prp for hairline - there's a place called Hairline Clinic in Hongdae that specializes in this. they do prp injections with growth factor for about 300-400 USD per session. not the cheapest but theyre known for good results with receding hairlines. just fyi youll prob need 3-4 sessions spaced a month apart to see real
yeah for the migraines and tmj botox id look into the Seoul National University Hospital pain clinic instead of a regular derm. they do therapeutic botox with insurance billing so it comes out way cheaper than cosmetic clinics. just need a referral from your doctor back home
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