Are prices higher for foreigners?

[InstaQu33n]

When it comes to getting work done in Korea, are the prices typically more costly for foreigners vs Korean citizens? 

Someone I was talking to said this is the case. If so, is there a way to get the cost cheaper? I am trying to get my finances in order to plan for a surgery early summer. 

[SpringBean]

There is said to be an average mark-up of 10% to 20% depending on the place you go to. I believe this is standard. The only way I could see getting this cost knocked off is actually becoming a citizen in Korea. 

[cocopeach]

They can be but not always. I was talking to someone about this a few months ago. I think the mark-up tends to be down to needing different approaches to surgeries. Western features are not the same as Asian ones. 

[Jabba]

The reality is there is gonna be a price difference between people who live there versus people visiting. People on pursforum and kakao chats go through this rabbit hole debate all the time. It's usually a waste of time and energy to chase Korean app promo prices. 

In the end, it's still usually cheaper than US options (20 to 40%) and you get more access to treatments not as abundant elsewhere. If it starts to get on par with US prices, then that doctor better have the credentials to back it up. that's my rule of thumb.

[InstaQu33n]

On 3/31/2026 at 10:33 AM, SpringBean said:

The only way I could see getting this cost knocked off is actually becoming a citizen in Korea. 

This is what I read and was worried about. I guess I will have to pay the extra cost! 

7 hours ago, Jabba said:

In the end, it's still usually cheaper than US options (20 to 40%) and you get more access to treatments not as abundant elsewhere.

Yes, this is what I am figuring. Even though I am paying more by Korea standards, I am still spending thousands less vs getting work done in America!