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Visa, Translation & Tax Refund: A Guide to Beauty Tourism in Korea

  • Writer: Anh Pham
    Anh Pham
  • 3 days ago
  • 2 min read

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

WhatsApp / Telegram / KakaoTalk: +82 10-2776-3095

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