Visa, Translation & Tax Refund: A Guide to Beauty Tourism in Korea
South Korea is a global hotspot for aesthetic treatments — offering advanced technology, skilled doctors, and competitive prices. From skin tightening to injectables and laser facials, thousands of beauty tourists visit Korea each year. If you’re planning your own glow-up trip, here’s what you need to know about visa entry, language support, and tax refunds for non-surgical beauty treatments.
Do I Need a Visa for Medical Treatments in Korea?
For most non-invasive procedures (like Botox, filler, lasers, etc.), you can visit Korea on a tourist visa or visa-free entry.
Visa-free stays are available to visitors from countries such as:
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇦 Canada
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇦🇪 UAE
🇯🇵 Japan
🇪🇺 Most EU nations
Planning to stay longer or have surgery? You may need to apply for:
C-3-3 Medical Visa (short-term)
G-1-10 Visa (for long-term treatments or recovery)
Most non-surgical aesthetic procedures do not require a special visa.
Can I Get Treated Without Speaking Korean?
Yes. Many clinics, especially in Seoul, offer multilingual services to accommodate foreign patients. At Forena Clinic, we offer in-clinic and online support in:
English
Chinese
Japanese
Thai
Indonesian
Our coordinators will guide you through consultation, treatment, and post-care — all in your language.
Please note that we do not provide visa documents assistance.
Can I Get a Tax Refund for Aesthetic Treatments?
In some cases, yes — foreign patients who do not live in Korea may be eligible for a partial VAT refund (Korea’s value-added tax is 10%).
However:
The refund does not always amount to a full 10% after fees/deductions.
Only certain clinics are registered under Korea’s medical VAT refund program.
You must present your passport at the clinic during your visit.
The clinic issues a tax refund receipt, which you submit at the airport refund counter or self-kiosk upon departure.
We recommend confirming refund eligibility with your clinic before treatment, as not all procedures or patients qualify.
Tips Before Booking
Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (spring & fall).
Choose certified clinics with licensed doctors — not all aesthetic centers are equal.
Ask about treatment brands — popular choices include Ultherapy, Shurink, Rejuran, Juvelook, and InMode.
Use your real passport name for bookings if claiming tax refunds.
Planning a Beauty Trip to Korea?
With world-class skin treatments, transparent pricing, and multilingual support, Korea offers a unique and welcoming experience for international beauty seekers.
At Forena Clinic in Hongdae, we specialize in non-surgical aesthetic procedures — trusted by locals and travelers alike.
📍 Address
7th Floor, 140 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
(1-minute walk from Hongdae Station Exit 9)
🌐 Website
📱 Social Media
Facebook: @forenaclinic
TikTok: @forenaclinic
Youtube: @forenaclinic
💬 Messaging Apps
✅ This post is written directly by Forena Clinic for the purpose of providing medical information in compliance with Article 56 (1) of the Medical Advertisement Act of Korea.
The treatment photos used in the ✅ post were taken with the consent of the patient. Make it clear that the before and after photos are not manipulated and were taken under the same conditions.
✅ Please check this article only for personal reference. For more information, it is recommended to visit a medical institution for medical treatment.
✅ All procedures after visiting the hospital may have side effects, large and small, depending on the individual. Please consult with a professional medical staff and be fully aware of the side effects and precautions before proceeding.
✅Forena Clinic is an official clinic that has been registered as a medical institution attracting foreign patients.
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