What Should You Prepare Before Visiting a Korean Skin Clinic?
Before visiting a Korean skin clinic, prepare in three stages. Before booking, decide your main concern and check your entry requirements. In the week before, write down your medications and past treatments, take daylight photos of your skin and ask your doctor whether to pause products such as retinoids. On the day, bring your passport and a payment card, arrive with clean skin if possible and leave time for recovery before your flight.
Key Takeaways
- Have one or two main concerns ready. It keeps the consultation focused.
- A written medication and treatment history saves time and improves safety.
- Ask the clinic about pausing retinoids, exfoliants or blood-thinning supplements before some treatments.
- Bring your passport, a card for payment and sunscreen for afterwards.
- Plan treatments early in your trip so you can recover and attend a follow-up.
Before You Book
- Choose your main concern For example, pigmentation, acne scars, fine lines or sagging.
- Check entry rules Confirm visa-free entry, K-ETA or visa requirements on official Korean government websites.
- Message the clinic Ask about the doctor's specialty, English support, consultation fee and available dates.
- Plan your schedule Leave several days between injectables or stronger lasers and your flight home.
The Week Before Your Visit
| Prepare | Details |
|---|---|
| Medication list | Prescription drugs, blood thinners, isotretinoin, hormones and supplements such as fish oil or vitamin E |
| Treatment history | Fillers, threads, Botox-type injections, lasers and peels, with approximate dates and products |
| Health notes | Allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, keloids, cold sores and skin conditions |
| Skin photos | Daylight photos of your concern, and photos of past results you liked or disliked |
| Skincare check | Ask whether to pause retinoids, acids or scrubs before your treatment |
| Sun care | Avoid tanning or sunburn, which can delay some lasers |
Do not stop prescription medication on your own. Ask your own doctor or the clinic first.
What to Bring on the Day
- Passport for international patient registration
- Credit or debit card, and a note of your card's overseas usage settings
- Your medication and treatment list, in English or Korean
- Sunscreen, a hat or a mask for after treatment
- A phone with messaging apps and mobile data to contact the clinic
On the Day: Small Things That Help
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Come without heavy makeup if you can. Eat a light meal before injectables so you do not feel faint. Avoid alcohol the night before, as it can increase bruising. After treatment, keep your evening plans flexible in case of redness or swelling.
For more answers, read the top questions foreigners ask before skin treatments in Korea, or contact us with your questions before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring medical records?
Not usually. A clear list of medications, allergies and past treatments is enough for most cosmetic consultations.
Should I stop my skincare before treatment?
Some treatments require pausing retinoids, acids or scrubs for a few days. Ask the clinic when you book.
Can I wear makeup to the clinic?
Yes, but the clinic will remove it for skin analysis and treatment. Light or no makeup saves time.
What payment methods do clinics accept?
International credit cards are widely accepted. Ask the clinic in advance if you plan to use another method.
How many days before my flight should I have treatment?
For lasers with little downtime, one or two days may be enough. For injectables or stronger lasers, allow several days. Ask the doctor for your specific treatment.
Ready for Your Visit?
Send us your travel dates and skin concern. We will tell you exactly what to prepare for your treatment.
Book Your ConsultationReferences
- Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) — Medical Korea Information Center.
- K-ETA official website — electronic travel authorization for Korea.
- American Academy of Dermatology — preparing for laser and cosmetic treatments.
This guide was prepared and reviewed by our clinical team based on common practice at licensed clinics in Korea. Requirements vary by treatment, so please confirm details with your clinic. It is general information, not medical advice.
