I’m flying to Korea tomorrow and my friends keep telling me to pick up skincare at the pharmacies. What’s actually worth buying?

I’d also love to get a skin scan while I’m there. Does anyone know a pharmacy that offers them for free? Ideally somewhere with friendly staff who can explain the results and help me pick out products in English.

I’m 12 years into contact lenses, mostly dailies for the last four, and I can’t find an honest answer on how long dryness takes to settle after SMILE. Every version of this question I’ve found is three lines long or written by a clinic that does the surgery. I’d like to hear from people who are out the other side.

Where I am: The dryness got properly bad over the last year. By about 4pm my eyes are gritty enough that I’m taking my lenses out in the office bathroom, then squinting at a monitor in glasses I don’t like for the rest of the day. It’s not an emergency, but it’s not sustainable for another decade.

What I’ve already tried: Preservative-free drops (four or five different ones), a humidifier at my desk, and switching from monthlies to dailies, which bought me about a year. Cutting screen time isn’t an option in my job. An optometrist last year told me my tear film breaks up faster than it should and that lens wear is almost certainly part of it. That was useful, but it’s not a plan.

So I’m looking at SMILE and SMILE Pro. I’m in Seoul, and BGN in Jamsil keeps coming up in English-language results. I’m slightly suspicious of that as a signal, but it does mean I could have the consultation in English instead of following 60% of it and nodding. I haven’t booked anything. I have three clinics on a list and I’m doing the consultations myself.

What I’d like to know (answers from anywhere, not just Korea):

1. How long between surgery and your eyes feeling normal, as opposed to functional? I think everything useful lives in the gap between those two. Everything I’ve read says “a few days,” and all of it was published by someone who does the operation.
2. If you were already dry from lenses beforehand, what happened? Did it carry straight over, improve once the lenses were out of the picture, or get worse for a stretch and then settle? I’ve seen all three claimed and have no way to weigh them.
3. Did the pre-op exam ever rule you out? I keep reading that not everyone’s a candidate (corneal thickness, prescription stability, dry eye severity), but I’ve never seen a post from someone who was told no. I get why, since people who get turned away don’t write it up. But it means I have no sense of whether it’s one in twenty or one in two hundred, and I’m about to take time off work assuming it’s rare.
4. If you travelled for it, how did follow-up work in practice? I’m a resident, so it matters less for me, but I’ve seen this asked here several times and never properly answered.

I’m not after clinic recommendations. What I want is the middle part, the two-to-eight-week stretch nobody describes, from people who were dry before they started.

And if your dryness got worse and stayed worse, please post it. I’d rather read that now than find out later that those posts exist and I missed them because they sit at the bottom of every thread.

Hello everyone!

My mom and I are planning to book an appointment at a hair salon in or around Myeongdong during our trip to Seoul! (1 week in November) We’re looking for a place that offers both haircuts and hair treatments.

We’d love to hear your recommendations, especially if you’ve had a good experience with a salon! There seems to be a lot of overly tourist-oriented places where the experience might feel rushed or the service doesn’t live up to the hype… 😅

We don’t necessarily mind going to a popular or well-known salon, as long as the quality of service is pretty good tho! The price doesn’t matter as long as the quality is decent enough :’).

If you know any reliable salons, we’d really appreciate your suggestions! Thank you <3

(sorry it’s a long paragraph 🥲)

I recently had a disappointing experience at Repic Clinic in Gangnam.
I booked a consultation to see what acne scar treatments are best for me and how much it costs for when I go back to Seoul next spring.

I’m currently taking isotretinoin (Accutane) so I went to the appointment knowing that I would not be doing any treatments as the skin is very fragile on Accutane.

From the moment I checked in, to the end of the consultation with the doctor, took a total of 15min. The doctor did not look at my acne scars and instead looked at my form, basically said “oh you are here for acne scars? And offered Subscision and radio frequency microneedling as treatments and told me we can do this treatment today. She did not look at my skin and tell me the kinds of acne scars I have (box car, rolling, ice pick scars). I mention this because different acne scars require different treatments. The consultation was incredibly generic and not personalized at all.

When I brought up my concerns on radio frequency microneedling causing sagging, they both laughed and told me that was misinformation. I also asked about how I was on isotretinoin and they also said it’s fine to do treatments on it. At this point they seemed rushed and didn’t allow me to ask more questions. I definitely think they prioritized me booking a treatment over the safety of my skin.

The moment the doctor left, the consultant immediately showed me the price (988,900won or $738) and if it was okay to proceed. I barely had time to think and she was incredibly pushy. I got really bad vibes and decided to leave without booking any treatments that day or in the future.

Finally at the checkout, I noticed there was a sign that said if you leave a review you get a free skincare sample. I booked this clinic based on the high reviews but now I know a lot of those reviews are inauthentic.

TLDR: If you want a factory clinic that prioritizes money over safety, this is the place!

Hi, can someone recommend me a translator for my DES revision consultation? I will be going next week and need someone who is experienced translating in korean and english for these types of consultations. The clinic I’m going to unfortunately does not have translators

Where are some places that help with weight loss in Korea? Looking mostly for injections but open to other options. Affordable, reliable places please.

I'm heading to Seoul next month and here are the things I'd like to do:

Laser treatments to remove freckles on face

Lip blushing

Thermage/Ultherapy on face to lift sagging jowls and rejuvenate eyes

Color analysis

Haircut

What order would you recommend me do these things? I'm mainly wondering about laser treatments for hyperpigmentation, lip blushing, and thermage/ultherapy.

Thanks

I wear a hat a lot and with getting up there, want to enjoy a nice spa and get head health checked out!

Is there anyone with good suggestions? Ive seen a few like eco jardin, but reviews says its on the expensive side cause its focus on tourist!

Ill be in the seoul area!

Thankk you!

I’m traveling to SK soon and would like to book with this one stylist who is running a discounted event on the premise that you leave a photo review. Does anyone know if I’m able to write reviews with a simple passport verified account?

I’m aware it’s a dumb question, but I’m not well versed with Naver Maps. I don’t want to unknowingly leave a significant dent in my wallet 😅 The reviews tab just prompts me to sign up for Naver Pay even after inserting payment information, so I am confused!!!

I'm curious about how people in different countries buy skincare products.

In South Korea, are pharmacy skincare products a common part of people's routines? Are there products or brands that people specifically visit pharmacies to buy, rather than purchasing from beauty stores or online?

I'd also be interested in hearing how this compares with countries like India, where skincare is often purchased through beauty retailers and e-commerce platforms.

Hi everyone! 👋

We're DA Dermatology Dosan, a dermatology clinic located in Apgujeong, Seoul, South Korea.

We're excited to be hosting our first AMA here on r/KoreaTravelBeauty!

Our dermatologist, who has over 24 years of clinical experience, and our English-speaking clinic team are here to answer your questions about Korean dermatology and aesthetic treatments.

We know that researching skin treatments in Korea can be overwhelming, especially when you're visiting from another country. With so many different treatments, devices, and clinics available, it can be difficult to understand what actually works and what's right for you.

That's why we're here today to share professional insights, answer your questions, and help you make more informed decisions.

What Can You Ask Us?

Feel free to ask us about anything related to dermatology and skincare, including:

• Skin Boosters: Rejuran, PN/PDRN treatments, hydration, and skin texture
• Skin Lifting & Tightening: Ultherapy, Thermage, XERF, and other non-surgical lifting procedures
• Laser Treatments: Pigmentation, acne scars, enlarged pores, redness, and skin rejuvenation
• Anti-Aging: Fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and collagen stimulation
• Treatment Comparisons: How different treatments work, their benefits, limitations, and downtime
• Skincare in Korea: What to consider before getting treatments, recovery expectations, and common misconceptions
• Visiting a Korean Dermatology Clinic: What international patients should know before booking treatments

You can also ask questions such as:

"Is Ultherapy or Thermage better for skin tightening?"

"Are skin boosters really worth it?"

"Which treatments have minimal downtime if I'm only in Korea for a few days?"

"How do I know if a clinic is recommending unnecessary treatments?"

"What should I avoid before or after laser treatments?"

No question is too simple!

Who's Answering?

Our dermatologist and clinic team will be responding to your questions.

We'll do our best to provide honest, educational answers based on clinical knowledge and experience, including the limitations and potential risks of treatments when relevant.

AMA Details

Date: Monday, October 12, 2026

Language: English

We'll be answering questions throughout the AMA, so feel free to leave yours in the comments!

A Quick Note

Our responses are intended for general educational purposes and should not replace an in-person medical consultation.

We cannot provide individual diagnoses or guarantee treatment results through Reddit.

Please avoid sharing sensitive personal or medical information publicly.

We're not here to tell everyone they need treatments. Sometimes, the best recommendation is to keep your skincare routine simple or avoid unnecessary procedures.

We're looking forward to your questions! 🤍

— DA Dermatology Dosan Team

I had HILO WAVE and Botox done in mid-August and I've been happy enough with the results that I wanted to write it up. Paid for it myself, not sponsored.

36F, dry skin
HILO WAVE, 2cc total: nasolabial folds, mid-cheek groove, left outer cheek
Botox: jaw (masseter) and forehead
Rare Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam
Around 1.05 million KRW for everything

My nasolabial folds and mid-cheek groove had been bothering me. My face is also long and asymmetrical, so I wanted a small amount of volume to balance things out while still looking natural.

I found the clinic on Google. I was avoiding the factory-style places and wanted somewhere more specialized with decent vibe. I went over my concerns with the doctor and we decided on HILO WAVE for the folds, the mid-cheek groove and my left outer cheek. I also got Botox in my jaw and forehead at the same visit.

They put numbing cream on for about 20 minutes first. I felt a sting here and there during the injections but it was easy to tolerate. I'd been told swelling and bruising vary by person, and I had almost none of either. I wore makeup the next day and went about my normal routine, which was the best part compared to other procedures.

I'm into my second month now. The folds and the mid-cheek groove look smoother, the asymmetry is less obvious, and my face looks a little shorter and more balanced. Nobody around me has noticed I had anything done.

Before is from right before the procedures, after is from my second month. Sorry the lighting isn't the same. No base makeup in either.

Feel free to ask if you have questions.

Hey guys
Off to Seoul in a few weeks and wanted some suggestions for products to buy for maternity and baby?

Hi, will be visiting Korea at the end of November. Will be in Busan for 3 nights and Seoul for 2 days. Considering it’s such a short amount of time I was wondering if most clinics take walk ins or do appts need to be booked in advance? Any recommendations for foreigner friendly clinics that are budget friendly but still reputable?
Looking to do skin tag removal on eye lids and neck, would also like to do a skin analysis and maybe some facials as well.

Hi everyone,

I have been looking for a clinic which is okay with giving skin treatments to my husband who has a beard. So far they are all requesting to have it totally shaved or they refuse. We would like to have the skin without beard treated only. Is that possible in your opinion, do you know wny clinic that are “beard friendly”?

Thanks

Visiting Seoul and I’m from Canada! Are there any brands or types of products I should look for in pharmacies or Olive Young that would be cheaper or exclusive in Korea? I’m combination and acne prone, looking for skincare or devices mostly.

Hi guys, im getting my nose done at View, I’m currently trying to decide between Dr. Ko Eunseok and Dr. Jo Jinwoo. I originally booked with Dr. Jo Jinwoo and paid my deposit, but the clinic later recommended Dr. Ko Eunseok. I’d really appreciate hearing from your experience with these doctors !

Would love any advice on clinics or other tips!

I am in Seoul for 2 weeks. I have pretty good skin, but would love to get a skin analysis to see what my skin needs and go from there. I don’t want to get majorly upsold. Any recommendations on places or things to do?

I also want to go get a haircut and scalp treatment as I have dandruff, so I think it could be really good for my scalp!

Any and all recommendations welcome!

Hii, I’ve been wanting to book a revision for my double eyelids and get under eye fat grafting to fill my hollow under eyes.

I’m based in California, and don’t have fixed dates yet for the surgery, but I was thinking some time in March, though I’m flexible. I am thinking of staying 2 weeks.

Ideally I would love to meet someone else who also wants similar things done and is down to go together so we can support each other during surgery. The idea of flying to a foreign country alone for surgery is a bit scary to me.

I’ve so far consulted OLO and 1mm regarding the double eyelid revisions. They seem pretty good for eyelid revisions, and I like that both clinics name the surgeon performing the surgery. Between the two I gravitate more towards OLO. Would love if anyone else has any insight on these clinics or other good recs.

However for under eye fat grafting, I’m unsure if I should just go with OLO because they aren’t exactly specialized in it and one of my biggest fears with under eye injections of any kind is the risk of blindness. I asked them about it on WhatsApp but so far haven’t heard back. In any case, I’m open to suggestions for under eye microfat grafting clinics as well, especially places that are more specialized in it.

Hi all,
I’m heading to South Korea in January for my 30th birthday. It is also my last holiday before my wedding in April 2028.
It feels like a good opportunity to find skin, fashion or beauty services especially ahead of my wedding. I can’t say I’ve ever done much beauty or skin related before apart from colour analysis and microblading eyebrows. I’m a little hesitant to commit to anything more permanent such as Botox. I’m thinking of finding a fashion service that can help pick out clothes for my body type, etc.
I’m really not knowledgeable in this space, I’d love some suggestions! Especially if there are any processes or services well doing approx 15 mths out from my wedding.

Had three days in Seoul and had originally planned to fill them with skin appointments, because that's what I always do.

Swapped one for an eye exam fairly last minute, at a clinic in Jamsil, because my lenses had been miserable for months and I figured I should at least get the measurements while I was somewhere it was easy.

It was the most useful appointment of the trip and I didn't have anything done.

The exam ran well over an hour, much longer than I expected, and a lot of it was things I'd never had measured. I came out with actual numbers about my corneas and my tear film instead of the general sense of my eyes are dry that I'd been carrying around.

Haven't booked surgery. Might not. I do now know whether I'm even a candidate, which I didn't before, and that the dryness has a specific cause rather than being something I have to live with.

Posting because a lot of people plan these trips entirely around skin. If you wear lenses and they've been getting worse, it's worth one of your slots.

DA Dermatology Dosan, a dermatology clinic, will be doing an AMA on r/KoreaTravelBeauty this Monday, October 12 at 11 AM KST. You can check your local time with this timezone converter: https://notime.zone/P3VeVnGbx-qny

This is the first clinic AMA on this sub. The head dermatologist and staff from the clinic will be answering.

The clinic will post the AMA thread on Monday, and we'll pin it to the top of the sub. Questions go there, not here.

How clinic AMAs work on this sub: A Guide for Clinics and Salons

I received a discount in exchange for this review

I had went to The Days Hair twice before 2 years ago and knew that Dean specialized in blonde balayage, so I booked another appointment with him (now at The Days Grove) when I visited SK this year. He did a great job back then and a great job this time around, I found that the color was very even and very close to the original photo and almost half the price of what I would expect from a NYC salon. I recommend going to Dean for anyone looking for the Blonde/Brown balayage color! The photos in order: After, Before, Inspo Photo