Before I went to South Korea for cosmetic procedures for the first time, I read countless “price guides” online. But when I actually got there, I realized that the prices mentioned online were completely outdated! Articles from 2023 still claimed that “HIFU facial treatment cost ₩500,000.” I couldn’t help but laugh at that. Now it’s 2026, and the prices in Gangnam have long since changed.
Therefore, in this article, I will honestly share the latest price information for Essentiale treatments in 2026. This includes the actual prices of popular treatments such as HIFU, the HIFU device itself, and thread lift, as well as my own comparative analysis of their cost-effectiveness. This article is not written with any corporate sponsorship; it is simply a record of my own expenses and experiences, so you can trust it completely.
2026 Essien Show Essential Official Price List (Compiled Version)
First, let me share some useful information: I obtained the latest price list for April 2026 through the BeautsGO platform (the flagship store of Aisenxiu Essential). Here are the key items I have highlighted:
| Project | Specifications | The dean administered the injection himself. | The doctor administers the injection. |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIFU ultrasound (for the entire face) | 800 shipments | ₩1,200,000 | ₩800,000 |
| HIFU ultrasound (local application) | 400 shipments | ₩750,000 | ₩500,000 |
| HIFU Sofwave | Full face | ₩1,500,000 | ₩1,100,000 |
| Thread lifting | 16 threads for the entire face | ₩2,800,000 | ₩2,000,000 |
| Filler injection | 1 centum core | ₩180,000 | ₩150,000 |
| Botulinum toxin | 100 units | — | ₩350,000 |
The above prices are inclusive of tax (in South Korea, a 10% VAT will be added to medical services starting from 2026). They do not include pre-operative blood tests, anesthesia (an additional ₩150,000 will be charged if sedation anesthesia is required), or post-operative recovery packages (available at ₩80,000–120,000).
HIFU ultrasound: What is the difference when it is performed by the hospital director versus an ordinary doctor?
This is the part I really want to talk about. Many people ask, “Isn’t ultrasound just generated by a machine? What’s the difference between who performs the treatment?” My answer is: There is a big difference.
The principle of HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasonic waves) is to apply ultrasonic energy to the SMAS fascia layer, thereby stimulating the regeneration of Collagen. While the device itself regulates the output of energy, decisions regarding the exact location where the probe should be placed, the depth of penetration, and the interval between each treatment session fall within the discretion of the physician; the device cannot make these decisions on its own.
I have experienced both having injections administered by the hospital director and by regular, senior physicians. My impressions are as follows:
The dean administered the treatment (₩1,200,000 / 800 injections).
Advantages: The injection sites were very precisely determined. In the area of my jawline, he injected two extra rows of filler (since that region of my face is relatively loose), and he deliberately used less filler near my cheekbones (because I have a thin fat layer, and injecting too much there would cause indentations). Six weeks after the treatment, I am very satisfied with the firmness of my jawline.
Disadvantages: It’s expensive, and it hurts a lot. The clinic director won’t reduce the intensity of the treatment just because you complain about the pain—he will instead say, “This level of intensity is necessary for it to be effective,” so you need to have a strong mental resilience.
Administered by general practitioners: (₩800,000 / 800 injections)
Advantages: It’s inexpensive. Moreover, doctors generally use a more “gentle” approach – the energy setting is more conservative, resulting in much less pain.
Disadvantage: The effect is relatively “hard to detect with the naked eye”. After I got the treatment, my friends all asked, “Is it more tight now?” and I could only say… yes, but it’s very subtle. This treatment is suitable for people who are getting it for the first time and want to see how it works.
Is thread lifting worth doing? A cost-benefit analysis
In South Korea in 2026, the cost of thread lifting ranged from ₩2,000,000 to ₩3,500,000, and this price depended on the type of thread used, the number of threads employed, and the surgeon performing the procedure. Aisenxiu uses “Bell Ring Threads” – a product manufactured by the South Korean company HANSBIOMED and certified by the KFDA – rather than any off-brand threads imported from the Chinese mainland.
In my personal opinion, the cost-effectiveness of thread lifting is as follows: if you are completely opposed to surgical procedures such as facelifts but still desire “visible results”, then thread lifting is worth considering. The effects are significantly more noticeable than those of ultrasound/HIFU treatments (you can already see the tightening effect on the same day), but the downside is that there may be pinhole bruises that will disappear in about 5 to 7 days. Moreover, the effects generally last for 12 to 18 months, after which additional treatments will be required.
In terms of price, Aisenxiu’s service costing ₩2,800,000 (including 16 treatments for the entire face performed by the director) is considered on the higher end of the medium range. In the Gangnam area, the usual price for such treatments ranges from ₩2,500,000 to ₩4,000,000. Therefore, Aisenxiu’s price is not the highest, but it is certainly not cheap either.
Compared to other clinics, are the prices at Aisenxiu considered expensive?
This is the question I am asked most frequently after I have undergone the procedure. I have personally visited and consulted with approximately 5 clinics in the Gangnam/Shitang area. Let me make a brief comparison for you:
| clinic | 800 HIFU treatments (performed by the dean) | 16 threads of thread lifting | My review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential by Aisen Show | ₩1,200,000 | ₩2,800,000 | Mid-to-high price range, with stable quality |
| A well-known chain of clinics | ₩900,000 | ₩2,200,000 | The price is attractive, but it wasn’t the director who set it. |
| A certain internet celebrity recommended Clinic B. | ₩1,500,000 | ₩3,500,000 | It’s expensive, but the environment is absolutely beautiful (perfect for taking photos). |
| The small clinic C that locals go to | ₩700,000 | ₩1,800,000 | Cheap, but there are significant language barriers |
Conclusion: The price of Aisenxiu is considered “moderately high” in the Gangnam area. It’s not the most expensive option, but it certainly isn’t a cheap one either. Part of the money you pay goes towards “injections administered personally by the director” and “genuine medical equipment”.
My final recommendation: How to make a choice when your budget is limited?
If your budget is limited (for example, if the total budget is less than ₩1,500,000), my suggestion is:
1. Choosing HIFU treatment in specific areas (400 sessions) followed by injections administered by a general practitioner costs approximately ₩500,000; this option allows for targeted enhancement of the areas of greatest concern, such as the jawline.
2. Wait until the promotional season arrives (South Korean cosmetic clinics usually hold promotional activities in March or November). At that time, there may also be a discount of 15-20% when the clinic director performs the treatment.
3. Making a reservation through BeautsGO usually entitles you to “platform-exclusive discounts”, and sometimes you may even receive additional benefits such as a free introductory treatment, making it more cost-effective than waiting in line directly.
One last thing: If you still have questions after reading this, you can always make a one-on-one consultation through s-sourire and directly discuss your concerns with the consultant. They will help you sort things out before confirming them with the clinic, saving you a lot of time and hassle. I myself used this method to clarify many details before undergoing the procedure, such as whether I needed to stop using certain skincare products beforehand or whether I could wear makeup immediately after the surgery. The consultants provided very detailed answers to all my questions.
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