Wondering which cosmetic treatment is the most affordable in Korea? One of the most popular options is Botox, which many people get every six months. It can effectively reduce wrinkles and fine lines, with results lasting up to half a year. Thanks to its reasonable price, regular touch-ups are easy to fit into your routine. But how does Korean Botox compare to products from Europe or the U.S.? Are there differences in price, effectiveness, or resistance? Keep reading to find the answers!
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Why People Are Getting Botox?
Many people consider Botox to be the most basic cosmetic procedure, but what exactly is it? Botox is a protein-based substance that blocks nerve signals, relaxing the muscles where it’s injected. This not only smooths the skin on the surface but also reduces the appearance of wrinkles. The main areas for injection are the face or other muscles that are overactive or overdeveloped—essentially, it targets areas that work too hard and helps them look more relaxed and balanced.
Botox can be used to treat a variety of areas, such as forehead lines, crow’s feet, wide nostrils when laughing, and even a square jaw by targeting the masseter muscles. It can also relax larger muscles like the trapezius in the shoulders and neck or the calves, creating a smoother, more balanced appearance. Beyond reducing wrinkles, Botox can help with excessive sweating, minimize pores, and control sebum production. When used in the right dosage, it’s a highly effective tool for enhancing overall appearance.
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Things to Know About Getting Botox
Botox injections are quick, usually taking just 5 to 15 minutes, but the consultation and the expertise of the doctor are the most important parts of the process. During the consultation, a professional can assess your face and determine the right dosage, while the doctor performing the procedure carefully confirms the injection sites to ensure safe and effective results.
A slightly low dosage isn’t usually a problem, but if the dosage is too high or the injection is done incorrectly, it can limit subtle facial movements and create the “frozen” look often associated with outdated plastic surgery, which can interfere with daily expressions. After receiving Botox, it’s also important to avoid intense exercise, smoking, and alcohol for about a week, while keeping a regular routine. Some bruising may occur at the injection site, but it typically fades within a few days.
Botox vs. Other Skin Treatments
As mentioned, Botox is a cosmetic treatment that delivers faster results than procedures like ULTHERA (see more about it HERE) or regular skincare. Improvements around the injection site can often be seen within the same day up to a week, with the full effect usually peaking within two weeks to a month. These results typically last for three to six months, after which the Botox is gradually metabolized and your appearance returns to its original state.
Botox is designed to target wrinkles and relax muscles, while lifting procedures (see more about it HERE) focus on tightening muscles and improving sagging—so they serve different purposes. Hyaluronic acid injections, on the other hand, work by filling specific areas to reshape and enhance contours, achieving results that Botox or lifting treatments alone cannot.
Different Types of Korean Botox
Letybo
Ever wondered why Botox is so affordable in Korea? One reason is that many major Korean brands produce their own Botox. Over the years, these products have been refined and are now often offered in both “standard” and “premium” versions. As a result, the outdated “frozen” look is becoming rare, and more people are enjoying natural-looking results.
Letybo Botulinum Toxin (레티보)
Letybo is currently the most widely used Botox in Korea. On February 29, 2024, it received U.S. FDA approval for treating moderate-to-severe glabellar lines (frown lines) in adults. Manufactured by Hugel, Letybo is known for its affordability and is expected to expand into the global market, including the U.S., where it may be priced 30% lower than Botox.
Nabota Botulinum Toxin (나보타)
Nabota, often referred to as “Rainbow Botox,” was the first Korean-made Botox to receive U.S. FDA approval. Developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Nabota is also CE-certified in the European Union and has been shown to be more effective than Botox in improving glabellar frown lines.
Nabota
Neuronox & UliroBotox (뉴로녹스)
Neuronox, developed by Korea’s leading medical aesthetics company Medytox, was the first domestically produced Botox in Korea and has the longest track record in the market. Its research and quality are well established, making it a trusted choice.
Another popular domestic brand is Coretox (코어톡). In fact, on the price lists of most Korean skin clinics, when “Domestic Premium (국산 프리미엄)” Botox is highlighted, it’s usually Neuronox or Coretox about 80% of the time.
Price Difference Between U.S and Korea
The skin clinics in Korea are in high demand, and competition is fierce, so even non-Korean Botox products are often very price-competitive. Botox pricing in Korea generally follows two methods: most clinics charge by the injection area, while some charge based on the number of units (U) used. For example, treating the masseter muscles usually requires about 25–50 units per side, while the calves typically need around 100–150 units per side.
To give you a better idea of costs, here’s a comparison of average Botox prices across Korea, the U.S., and Europe.
Average Price (per area) *approx. | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
Korea | USD 50–150 | Affordable, local & imported brands available |
U.S. | USD 300–600 | FDA-approved brands like Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau |
Europe | USD 250–500 | Brands like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin; slightly cheaper than U.S. |
How Long Does the Effects Last?
The effects of Botox depend on the dosage and each person’s individual constitution, but generally, results last between three and six months, after which maintenance treatments can be scheduled. Resistance to Botox is still a focus for all manufacturers, but in reality, it occurs in only about 0.5% of cases. Most resistance happens when injections are given too frequently—less than two months apart—or when impure products are used, reducing effectiveness.
Overall, the resistance rates of Korean-made Botox are comparable to those of major European and American brands. If one were to compare, German-made Xeomin has the lowest resistance, but its price is five to ten times higher than that of Korean brands.
Recommended Skin Clinics for Botox
As you will see from the prices below, even though they’re all Botox products, the costs vary significantly. This largely reflects the difference between Korean and European or American brands. You can choose based on your needs—whether you prefer an affordable and effective Korean option or a more established European or American product. You can also check the real customer reviews for each clinic!
LE SHINE Clinic
| Location | Gangnam |
| Treatment | Body Botox 100 Units (trapezius, calves, arms) |
| Price |
BEAUTY BLOSSOM Clinic
[Spot] Hongdae BEAUTY BLOSSOM CLINIC (Skin Care/Lifting)
| Location | Hongdae |
| Treatment | Korean Botox for Wrinkle Removal (1 area) |
| Price | ₩9,900(9900) |
Project U Clinic
[Spot] Project U (Skin care/Lifting)
| Location | Hongdae |
| Treatment | German Angel Botox (1 area of chin) |
| Price |
ÉCLAT DE Clinic
| Location | Apgujeong Rodeo |
| Treatment | Wrinkle removal botox (1 area) |
| Price |
S:Re Born Clinic
| Location | Hongdae |
| Treatment | Korean Botox 50 units |
| Price | ₩38,500(38500) |
Xenia Clinic
| Location | Gangnam |
| Treatment | Xeomin German Chin Botox 50 units |
| Price |
Gangnam ID Clinic
| Location | Gangnam |
| Treatment | Xeomin German Chin Botox 50 units |
| Price |
Thinking about getting a skin procedure in Korea?
Compare clinics below!
Here’s a summary of what makes getting Botox in Korea so appealing. Tempted yet? Beauty treatments in Korea are increasingly safe, and choosing a reputable clinic comes with extra perks, like English-language support and the option to claim a tax refund with your passport. Clinics consistently receive excellent reviews, and many locals also trust them for their cosmetic procedures.
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