💬 How much does it actually cost to undergo cosmetic procedures in Busan? Many friends have asked me: What is the difference in price between Fenghuang Radio Waves and Haifu Ultrasound Knife? And what exactly does “per-person fee” mean? I have compiled my actual expenses from three different Dermatology clinics in Busan, along with the latest prices from 2026, so you can understand everything clearly and avoid any misunderstandings 💡
🔥 Busan Medical Aesthetics Prices 2026 | The Actual Price Difference between Phoenix Radio and Haifu
Let me state the conclusion first: Medical beauty treatments in Busan are generally 15-20% cheaper than those in Seoul! But don’t get too excited just yet, because there’s a hidden reason behind this price difference 😏 Many people think that just because it’s cheaper, they should go for it, only to end up falling into a situation where the actual cost is even higher due to inflated prices.
🔥 Thermage FLX: In Busan, the average cost is around 800,000 to 1.2 million Korean won (approximately 19,000 to 28,000 Taiwanese dollars), depending on the number of treatments required. A full-face treatment with 900 sessions costs at least 900,000 Korean won, while a full-face + neck treatment with 1,200 sessions costs over 1.2 million Korean won. In Seoul, the same treatment usually costs around 1 million to 1.5 million Korean won. Therefore, Busan is indeed a more affordable option 💰
🌊 HIFU/Ulthera: The average price in Busan is between 600,000 and 1,000,000 Korean won (approximately 14,000 to 23,000 Taiwanese dollars), which is much cheaper than the Fenghuang radio wave treatment. However, be careful! There are two versions of HIFU: the American version Ulthera and the Korean version HIFU. The price difference is double, and so is the effectiveness ⚠️ A friend of mine, in an attempt to save money, chose the Korean version HIFU. But after the treatment, she didn’t feel any difference at all, and three months later, there was still no visible effect. It was completely a waste of money.
📊 Comparison of prices for popular treatments in Busan in 2026:
| Project | Average price in Busan (in Korean won) | Approximately NTD | Average price in Seoul (in Korean won) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Radio FLX Full Face Treatment | 800,000 to 1.2 million | 19,000 to 28,000 | 1 million to 1.5 million |
| American version of the Hafei ultrasonic scalpel | 600,000 to 1 million | 14,000 to 23,000 | 800,000 to 1.3 million |
| Potenza | 300,000 to 600,000 | 7,000 to 14,000 | 400,000 to 700,000 |
| InMode Fly Shuttle | 400,000 to 700,000 | 9,000 to 16,000 | 500,000 to 900,000 |
| Rejuran injection | 300,000 to 500,000 | 7,000 to 12,000 | 350,000 to 600,000 |
⚠️ The above prices are calculated based on the exchange rates in April 2026 (1 Korean won ≈ 0.023 Taiwanese dollars) and are for reference only. The actual prices shall be subject to the rates quoted by the clinic.
🚨 Avoiding pitfalls in Busan’s medical beauty industry | What is the so-called “head price”? Why shouldn’t you pursue it?
“The practice of charging a ‘head fee'” is the most common scam in Busan’s medical aesthetics industry 💣 Simply put, an intermediary takes you to a clinic, and the clinic pays a commission to that intermediary. As a result, 30-50% of the money you pay goes directly into the intermediary’s pocket! Sounds ridiculous, right? But this is actually extremely common in Busan.
🔴 These three characteristics, which come at a tremendous cost, require your utmost vigilance whenever you encounter any one of them:
- 📞 If someone takes the initiative to add you on WeChat or Line and says, “I can take you there for a very low price,” 99% of these cases involve intermediaries trying to make a deal.
- 💊 Only when I arrived at the clinic did I realize that the price was 2 to 3 times higher than what was listed on the official website – all of that extra cost went straight into the pockets of the intermediaries.
- 🔄 The intermediary kept urging me to add more procedures; I originally only wanted to do one, but in the end, I was persuaded to have four or five more done.
I have a close friend who fell victim to this scam 😭 She saw a recommendation for a certain Dermatology clinic in Busan on REDnote, so she added the person’s WeChat. Only after arriving there did she realize that it was actually an intermediary who arranged the visit for her. What should have been a treatment costing 500,000 Korean won ended up costing her 1.2 million! Moreover, the intermediary kept urging her to opt for additional treatments, resulting in a total expense of nearly 3 million—almost twice as much as if she had booked directly.
🛡️ The trick to avoiding pitfalls is extremely simple: book appointments yourself! You can directly make reservations through platforms like BeautsGO – the prices are transparent, and there are no middlemen charging extra fees. Alternatively, you can search for “s-sourire” on WeChat and ask for information; I always book this way, and it’s both very convenient and reliable ✨
💡 How to choose between Phoenix Radio and Haifu? My personal experience and insights
I have tried two different methods, and to be honest, each has its own advantages. It’s not the case that the more expensive a method is, the better it is; it depends on your specific needs 👇
🔥 If you meet the following criteria, consider the Phoenix Radio therapy: obvious skin laxity, desire for firming and tightening effects, and a sufficient budget (over NT$20,000). Phoenix Radio therapy focuses on promoting the regeneration of Collagen; the results are most noticeable 2–3 months after treatment and last for approximately 1–2 years. My mother had the treatment on her entire face and neck, and three months later, she looked five years younger – she was absolutely delighted with the results!
🌊 If you fall into the following categories, consider choosing the Hafei ultrasonic knife: limited budget, seeking targeted improvements (such as reducing the double chin or defining the jawline), or being sensitive to pain. Hafei offers more immediate results compared to Fenghuang, but the effects last for a shorter period, approximately 6 to 12 months. I personally used it to enhance my jawline, and I could already see visible results on the same day 💪
⚠️ Important reminder: Make sure it is the American version of Ulthera! The Korean version of HIFU costs only half as much, but its energy output is unstable, resulting in much poorer results. How can you tell the difference? The American version of the device comes with the Ulthera trademark, while the Korean version does not. Please confirm before making your payment 💰
💡 A little suggestion: If your budget allows it, you could start with the Hafei ultrasonic treatment as a foundation, and then undergo the Phoenix radiofrequency treatment 3 months later. Combining the two will enhance the results significantly. However, do not perform both treatments on the same day, as it may place too much strain on your skin ⚠️
📋 Busan Medical Aesthetic Consultation Process | Don’t Worry If It’s Your First Time
📝 Here’s the general process for my first in-person consultation in Busan: I visited three different clinics, and the procedures were all more or less the same.
- 1️⃣ Go to the clinic to provide basic information (photocopy of passport + about 5 minutes to complete the form)
- 2️⃣ Discuss your needs with the Chinese consultant (this session should take approximately 10–15 minutes; share all your concerns with her).
- 3️⃣ The director conducts a personal consultation and uses a skin analysis device to examine the Pores and skin type (about 10-15 minutes).
- 4️⃣ Confirm the treatment plan and price; the procedure can be carried out on the spot or scheduled for another time.
💡 Tip: Go to the consultation without any makeup on! This way, the doctor can see your skin in its most natural state and give more accurate advice. I made the mistake of wearing foundation for my first consultation, and they asked me to remove it before examining my skin 😅 Also, consultations are usually free; if you’re charged for them, make sure to ask in advance.
You can take some time to think about it after the in-person consultation; there’s no need to make a decision on the spot. However, popular clinics in Busan such as Jryn, Gray’s, and MUPSY are always extremely busy on weekends. It is recommended to go during weekdays or make an appointment in advance. 📱 You can contact us via WeChat at s-sourire at any time; there’s no need to dial Korean phone numbers yourself.
🎯 Important Notes for Medical Aesthetics in Busan | Postoperative care is crucial
Completing a cosmetic procedure is not the end of it; post-treatment care is what truly determines the effectiveness of the results! So many people spend a lot of money on treatments but neglect to take proper care afterwards, which is a real shame since it significantly reduces the effectiveness of the procedures 🧴
- ☀️ Sun protection is essential! Apply SPF50+ sunscreen every day, and avoid excessive sun exposure for 2 weeks after the procedure. Ultraviolet rays are the biggest enemy after any cosmetic treatment; without proper protection, all the efforts will be in vain.
- 💧 Enhance hydration! Apply the medical beauty mask provided by the clinic for the first 3 days, and then use the essence and lotion in the morning and evening. Only when the skin is properly hydrated can it heal more quickly.
- 🚫 For 1 week after the procedure, avoid going to steam rooms, saunas, or swimming. High temperatures and chlorine can irritate the wound.
- 🍷 Avoid drinking alcohol and consuming spicy foods for 3 days after the procedure. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process of the wound.
- 💊 Take the anti-inflammatory medication on time (provided by the clinic); do not stop taking it on your own. Many people think they can stop taking the medicine once the swelling subsides, but in fact, the entire course of treatment must be completed.
The first time I had the Phoenix Radio treatment, I didn’t properly moisturize my skin, and as a result, my skin peeled for several days, and the effect of the treatment was significantly reduced 😭. So now I never dare to be lazy anymore! Proper moisturization after the procedure is really a must.
If you have any questions, feel free to send them via WeChat at s-sourire. They respond very quickly and will provide you with advice based on your post-operative condition 👍
❓ FAQ on Common Issues in the Medical Aesthetics Industry in Busan
🤔 How much cheaper is medical beauty treatment in Busan compared
to Seoul? It’s approximately 15-20% cheaper, but transportation costs need to be considered separately. If you fly specifically to Busan for medical beauty treatments, it’s more cost-effective to have 2-3 procedures done at one time. The round-trip airfare to Busan costs around 5,000-8,000 Taiwan dollars, and the savings on medical treatment fees can just about cover this amount.
🤔 Can I go there if I don’t speak Korean
? Absolutely! Jryn, Gray’s, and MUPSY all have Chinese-speaking consultants, so you can communicate in Chinese throughout the process. Due to the large number of Chinese tourists in Busan, most clinics offer Chinese-language services.
🤔 Can Phoenix Radiotherapy and Haifu be performed together? It is not recommended to do the
m on the same day; an interval of at least 2 weeks is advised. Both treatments utilize thermal energy, so performing them on the same day would place too much strain on the skin. It is better to start with Haifu as a preliminary treatment, and then undergo Phoenix Radiotherapy 2 weeks later for more lasting results.
🤔 How far in advance should one book a consultation for medic
al aesthetics in Busan? It is recommended to book 1-2 weeks before departure, as the schedules are usually full on weekends. Booking through WeChat’s s-sourire is the most convenient way, as there is no issue with time zones 📱
💰 Payment methods and tax refund tips for medical beauty treatments in Busan
Many ladies don’t know that tax refunds are available for medical beauty treatments in Busan! 💵 Here’s a little tip to save some money:
- 💳 For single transactions totaling 30,000 Korean won or more, you are eligible to apply for a tax refund, with a refund rate of approximately 5-7%.
- 🛫 Tax refund process: The clinic issues a tax refund form → You proceed at the airport tax refund counter → The refund is then credited to your credit card or paid in cash.
- ⏰ It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance to go through the tax refund process; if there are many people, you will need to wait in line.
- 📱 Some clinics support payment via Alipay or WeChat, but the exchange rates offered may not always be favorable. It is recommended to use credit cards for payments.
Last time, I got the Phoenix Radio treatment at Jryn and spent 950,000 Korean won. After claiming the tax refund, I received almost 50,000 Korean won back, which was basically like getting a minor treatment for free 😄 Make sure to ask for the tax refund receipt when checking out!
In addition, many clinics in Busan accept installment payments using South Korea cards. For foreigners, it is necessary to check the specific policies of each clinic regarding installment options. For more expensive treatments, it is advisable to confirm in advance whether zero-interest installment plans are available 💡
⚠️ Disclaimer: The prices and experiences mentioned above are based on personal experiences; actual results may vary from person to person. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor for an assessment after a face-to-face consultation. The exchange rates used are those applicable on the day of the transaction.
