Thermage FLX and XERF Cost in Seoul vs. the US (2026)
Thermage FLX and XERF prices in Seoul vs. the US, with October 2026 Gangnam averages, VAT refund status, and what to check before booking a clinic in Gangnam.
Thinking about getting Thermage FLX or XERF while you're in Seoul? Here's how the prices compare. As of October 26, 2026, 600 shots of Thermage FLX averaged ₩2,350,000 (about $1,760) at the three Gangnam-area clinics we checked, compared with $2,000–$2,500 at US clinics. For 600 shots of XERF, the Gangnam average was about ₩1,650,000 (about $1,240), while the US clinics we found charge $2,500 or more for a full face.
XERF has the bigger price gap. For 600 shots of Thermage FLX, the Gangnam average was about $240–$740 below the US prices we found. Eye-area Thermage FLX and 900-shot treatments, on the other hand, were priced within the US range. Because price is only part of the decision, we also cover what to check when you consult and book in Gangnam.
Seoul vs. US prices at a glance
A "shot" on Korean menus is the same as a "pulse" on US menus. All Korean prices include 10% VAT. We converted won to dollars at the Federal Reserve's rate of ₩1,334.03 per dollar on October 16, 2026, and rounded to the nearest $10.
Treatment | Gangnam average, VAT included | US clinic prices |
|---|---|---|
Thermage FLX, 600 shots | ₩2,350,000 (about $1,760), 3 clinics | $2,000 for 600 pulses on two areas, such as the upper and lower face; $2,500 for a full face |
Thermage FLX, 900 shots | ₩3,520,000 (about $2,640), 1 clinic | $2,035–$2,500 for 900 pulses on the face and neck; $2,800 for the face and neck |
Eye Thermage FLX, 450 shots | ₩1,980,000 (about $1,480), 3 clinics | $990 for 450 pulses; $1,100–$1,500 for the eyes |
XERF, 600 shots | ₩1,650,000 (about $1,240), 3 clinics | From $2,500 for a full face; $4,000 per face-and-neck session (non-member price) |
The Gangnam figures average the prices currently listed by three clinics, including ours, and the US figures come from clinic price lists in California, Maryland, and Washington. All prices were checked on October 26, 2026, and can change.
What affects the price?
Most of the difference comes down to four things:
Number of shots: More shots cost more. At GU Clinic, 300 shots of Thermage FLX currently cost ₩1,390,000 and 600 shots cost ₩1,990,000. Your doctor recommends a shot count based on the area being treated and how much laxity you have.
Area and tip: Eye-area Thermage FLX uses a dedicated eye tip and is priced separately from the face. Adding the neck usually means more shots.
Device: XERF and Thermage FLX are different radiofrequency devices. At GU Clinic, 600 shots of XERF currently cost ₩1,590,000, compared with ₩1,990,000 for 600 shots of Thermage FLX. To see how the two devices differ, read XERF vs. Thermage.
How prices are listed: Some clinics list prices before VAT or show discounted or "starting from" prices, so the same shot count can cost different amounts. GU Clinic's prices include VAT, with nothing added at checkout.
How do travel costs change the math?
It depends on why you're coming to Seoul.
If you're already planning a trip to Seoul: Your flight and hotel aren't extra costs of the treatment, so the price difference is roughly what you save. Our aftercare guidance asks you to avoid alcohol and smoking for at least a week after Thermage FLX, and to skip saunas, hot baths, alcohol, and strenuous exercise for about a week after XERF. Mild redness, warmth, or swelling after Thermage FLX usually goes away within a week, and similar effects after XERF are usually temporary. For timing on a short trip, see our five-day skin tightening plan for Seoul.
If you'd be traveling mainly for the treatment: Your round-trip flight and hotel become part of the cost. For 600 shots of Thermage FLX, the Gangnam average was about $240–$740 less than the US prices we found, which leaves a small margin to offset airfare and hotel nights. For XERF, the difference was about $1,200–$2,800. If your travel costs are higher than the difference for the treatment you want, the trip will cost more than getting it done at home.
Can I still get a VAT refund?
Not for treatments in 2026. Korea's VAT refund for international visitors' cosmetic procedures only covered treatments received at registered clinics by December 31, 2025, and as of October 26, 2026, it hasn't been extended. The Korean prices in this article include 10% VAT, and that amount is no longer refundable.
What to check when you consult and book in Gangnam
A lower price helps only if the treatment suits you and you know exactly what you're paying for. When you contact clinics in Gangnam from abroad, these points matter as much as the price:
A doctor's examination before treatment: Lifting devices are adjusted to your skin and the area being treated, so ask whether a doctor examines you and confirms the plan before the treatment starts. At GU Clinic, the doctor confirms your plan after an in-person consultation at our Gangnam location.
The device, area, and shot count: Confirm the device name (Thermage FLX or XERF), the treatment area, and the number of shots before you pay. For Thermage FLX, you can also check that a new, genuine tip is used. Here's how to verify authentic Ultherapy PRIME and Thermage FLX in Seoul.
The total price in won: Ask for the final amount in Korean won, including VAT, and whether numbing or a follow-up visit is included.
Explanations you can understand: Before you agree to treatment, you should understand the expected results, possible side effects, and aftercare. Check that you can ask questions in English during the consultation itself, not just when booking.
Timing within your trip: Aftercare limits such as avoiding saunas and alcohol last about a week, so share your arrival and departure dates when you book.
Follow-up after you go home: Ask how to reach the clinic if you have questions or concerns after you leave Korea.
Your treatment and health history: Tell the doctor about previous lifting treatments, fillers or thread lifts, medications, and health conditions, since these can affect which device and settings are suitable.
Thermage FLX and XERF prices at GU Clinic
Korean and international patients pay the same price for the same treatment at GU Clinic, and there's no foreign-patient surcharge. Most options on our menu are currently discounted, so the table shows both the regular and current prices. All prices include 10% VAT.
Menu option | Shots | Regular price | Current price |
|---|---|---|---|
Thermage FLX | 300 | ₩1,990,000 | ₩1,390,000 (about $1,040) |
Thermage FLX | 600 | ₩2,990,000 | ₩1,990,000 (about $1,490) |
Eye Thermage FLX | 225 | ₩990,000 | ₩990,000 (about $740) |
Eye Thermage FLX | 450 | ₩1,590,000 | ₩1,590,000 (about $1,190) |
XERF | 300 | ₩1,200,000 | ₩880,000 (about $660) |
XERF | 600 | ₩2,400,000 | ₩1,590,000 (about $1,190) |
Eye XERF | 200 | ₩900,000 | ₩759,000 (about $570) |
Eye XERF | 400 | ₩1,500,000 | ₩1,290,000 (about $970) |
Prices are as shown on our Thermage FLX menu and XERF menu on October 26, 2026. The menus don't list an end date for the discounts, so check the linked menus for current prices when you book.
Ask us in English before you book
You can ask about prices and options in English before your trip. Our team offers friendly, detailed English consultations, so you can go over your options and costs before you arrive.
Message us on WhatsApp or Instagram DM with the area you'd like to treat, any lifting treatments you've had before, and your travel dates. Something as simple as "I'm thinking about Thermage FLX or XERF for my lower face. How much would it cost?" is enough to get started. Our team will walk you through the options and pricing before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose Thermage FLX or XERF?
The two devices deliver radiofrequency energy differently, and the better fit depends on your skin and the results you're after. Price is just one factor. Our article on XERF vs. Thermage explains how they differ.
How many shots do I need?
It mainly depends on how much area is treated. At the clinics we checked, 300 shots covers a single area, such as the lower face, a full face starts at 600, and more shots are added for the neck. Eye treatments use fewer shots with a dedicated tip. Your doctor recommends a number after examining you and assessing your laxity, so more shots aren't automatically better. Our XERF FAQ and Thermage FLX article explain how plans can differ even with the same number of shots.
Can I fly home soon after treatment?
Usually, yes. You can go back to your normal routine right after Thermage FLX or XERF. Mild redness or swelling after Thermage FLX can last up to about a week, so it may still be noticeable on your flight, and the one-week no-alcohol rule applies to drinks on the plane, too. Let us know your departure date, and we'll schedule your treatment early enough in your stay to give these effects time to settle. For more on timing, see our five-day plan for Seoul.
More from GU Clinic
XERF vs Thermage: Which Is Right for You? — How the two RF devices deliver energy differently, beyond price.
Five Days in Seoul: Which Skin Tightening Treatment Should You Choose? — How to fit consultation, treatment, and aftercare into a short trip.
How to Verify Authentic Ultherapy PRIME and Thermage FLX in Seoul — How to check that a genuine, new tip is used.
Thermage FLX in Seoul: RF Skin Tightening — Why plans can differ even at the same shot count.
GU Clinic Gangnam Information
Designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution
Designation No. Regeneration-1-0036
Location and Opening Hours
Address: 54 Seocho-daero 77-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul — W Tower, 3rd and 4th Floors
Access: Near Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7 and Gangnam Station
Main line: +82-2-6241-0096
Weekdays: 10:30 AM–9:00 PM
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 10:30 AM–7:00 PM
Closed: Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok Day
Physicians and Consultations
Medical team: 25 physicians, including specialists in plastic surgery, dermatology, and family medicine
Consultation languages: Korean · English · Simplified Chinese · Traditional Chinese · Japanese
English consultations before your visit: WhatsApp · Instagram DM
Main treatments: Lifting (XERF, Sofwave, Ultherapy PRIME, Thermage FLX), skin boosters, Botox, fillers, and stem cell treatments
Locations: Gangnam main location and Ilsan location
We examine your skin concerns and facial features to plan treatment. If you are visiting from abroad, we also account for your stay when scheduling treatment and aftercare. Your treatment plan is confirmed after an in-person consultation at our Gangnam location.
Treatment Pricing
Treatment prices are available on the GU Clinic website and treatment menu. Korean and international patients pay the same prices for the same treatments — there is no separate foreign-patient surcharge. Confirm the selected treatment, quantity, and included items before booking.
Dr. Ki-beom Park, Chief Medical Director
Care is led by Dr. Ki-beom Park, Chief Medical Director.
Education and Academic Appointment
B.S. in Biotechnology, College of Engineering, Yonsei University
M.D., Yonsei University College of Medicine
Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, CHA University
Professional Activities
Co-founder of Gangnam Unni, a medical aesthetics information platform
Founder and CEO of Healing Breeze, a medical service organization (MSO)
Developer of GENABELLE, a K-derma cosmetics brand
Developer of CELLORA of GU
Medical Information and Advertising Notice
This article is provided by GU Clinic for general information and constitutes medical advertising. Treatment suitability, results, recovery, and potential side effects vary depending on your health, the treatment area, and other individual factors. Before deciding on a treatment, consult a doctor about the options and plan appropriate for you. This article does not replace an individual medical assessment or treatment plan.
