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When do I pay at a Korean skin clinic?

At most Korean aesthetic clinics, including Re:berry, the sequence is consultation first, then a written treatment plan, then payment, then treatment. You should always know what is included before you pay: the treatment name, area, quantity such as shot count or product amount, number of sessions and any follow-up visits.

Because Re:berry designs plans after diagnosis rather than selling fixed packages, the final amount depends on what the doctor recommends for your skin. Pricing depends on area, shot count and plan, and is confirmed in writing at consultation.

Which payment methods are commonly accepted?

Credit and debit cards

Card payment is the norm in Korea, and clinics commonly accept major international cards. Acceptance of specific networks can vary, so confirm the card types you plan to use when you book. Tips for foreign cards:

Tell your bank you are traveling to Korea to reduce the chance of a fraud block
Check your foreign transaction fees and whether your card charges in won or offers dynamic currency conversion
Paying in Korean won is usually better value than accepting conversion to your home currency at the terminal
Bring a backup card from a different network

See Do Korean skin clinics accept foreign credit cards? for more.

Cash

Korean won cash is widely accepted. ATMs that accept foreign cards are found in convenience stores, banks and subway stations around Hongik University Station, though withdrawal limits and fees vary. Foreign currency is not generally accepted for payment.

Mobile and other methods

Korean mobile payment services are common among residents. Whether a given app or overseas wallet works at the clinic should be confirmed at booking, as acceptance varies.

What receipts and documents can I ask for?

Medical institutions in Korea issue payment receipts, and you can also ask for an itemized statement that lists each treatment. These are useful for:

Personal records and budgeting
Employer health benefits, where they apply
Travel or private insurance claims, in the rare cases cosmetic care is covered
Continuing treatment at another clinic or Re:berry branch

If you need documents in English, ask at the front desk; availability can vary. For a medical record or treatment summary, there may be a separate request process.

Is there still a VAT refund for skin treatments in 2026?

No. Korea's VAT refund for foreign patients' cosmetic and dermatology procedures was introduced in 2016 and ended on 31 December 2025. Treatments received in 2026 are not eligible. Tax-free shopping refunds at participating retail stores still exist, so skincare products bought in shops may qualify under the retail system. Full detail is in VAT refund for skin treatments in 2026.

Does health insurance cover cosmetic treatments?

Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by Korea's National Health Insurance, and most travel insurance policies exclude elective cosmetic care. Some policies may cover complications from treatment in limited circumstances. Check your policy before traveling and keep your receipts. See Do I need travel insurance for skin treatments?

What should a written quote include?

Treatment and device or product name
Treatment area and quantity, such as shots, lines or syringes
Number of sessions and the expected interval
Whether numbing, follow-up checks or aftercare products are included
The total and whether it includes tax
The cancellation and rescheduling policy

A clear quote helps you compare options and avoid surprises. Ask questions about any line you do not understand.

What about deposits, cancellations and refunds?

Policies differ between clinics and treatments. Before you pay, ask:

Whether a deposit is needed to hold an appointment, and if it is refundable
How much notice is needed to reschedule
What happens to unused sessions if you leave Korea before finishing a course
Whether sessions can be continued at another Re:berry branch

Get the answers in writing. If a clinic pressures you to pay for a large package on the spot, that is a reason to pause.

How do I avoid surprises on the bill?

Most billing confusion comes from units. Lifting devices are often priced by shots or lines, toxin by units or area, filler by syringe, and boosters by vial or session. Before you pay, check that the quote uses the same unit the doctor described, and ask whether follow-up touch-ups are included or charged separately. If anything changes on the day, such as adding an area, ask for an updated written quote first.

Practical tips for paying in Hongdae

Carry your passport, which some processes may require
Bring your quote or booking confirmation to the front desk
Check the amount on the terminal before entering your PIN or signing
Keep digital photos of all receipts
Ask for the receipt and statement at the same time to avoid a second trip to the desk

For directions and hours see Location & Hours, and to request an appointment use our Booking page.

Do I pay before or after the consultation?

At Re:berry, the consultation comes first, and you receive a written plan before paying for treatment. Some clinics ask for a deposit to hold popular appointment times. Ask about any deposit or consultation fee when booking so there are no surprises on the day.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Refund rules depend on the clinic's policy and whether treatment has started. Before paying, ask how unused sessions, cancellations and rescheduling are handled, and request the answer in writing. Keeping your receipt and quote makes any later discussion easier. Ask before treatment starts rather than afterward.

Can I pay in US dollars or other foreign currency?

Generally no. Korean clinics charge in Korean won. You can pay by an accepted card, which converts the amount through your bank, or in won cash withdrawn from an ATM or exchanged beforehand. Choosing to be charged in won at the terminal is usually better value.

Is tax included in the price?

Ask for the total including any applicable tax on your written quote. Since the foreign patient VAT refund for cosmetic procedures ended on 31 December 2025, the quoted total is what you should expect to pay, without a later refund at the airport.