Korean Acne Treatment for Foreigners: Extraction, Injections and Laser Options

How Korean clinics approach acne

Many international visitors are surprised by how hands-on acne care is in Korea. Rather than relying only on creams and pills, Korean dermatology and aesthetic clinics often combine medical treatment with in-clinic procedures: extracting clogged pores, calming inflamed spots, and using lasers or RF devices to reduce oiliness and prevent marks. The aim is to treat active acne and limit scarring at the same time.

Acne is a medical condition with many causes, including hormones, oil production, bacteria, clogging and genetics. A good plan starts with a doctor working out what type of acne you have.

For visitors, there is a practical side too. Travel, a new climate, humid Busan summers, different water and a disrupted routine can all trigger breakouts. Some people come to Korea specifically for acne care, while others simply need help with a flare-up during a stay. Either way, the process at a clinic tends to follow the same pattern: diagnosis first, then a mix of in-clinic care and home treatment tailored to your skin.

Step one: consultation and diagnosis

At consultation, the doctor will look at:

Acne type. Blackheads and whiteheads, red inflamed papules, pustules, or deeper painful cysts and nodules.
Distribution. Jawline acne, forehead acne, and back acne can have different triggers.
Existing marks and scars. Red or brown marks and depressed scars change the plan.
Your routine and history. Skincare products, medication, menstrual cycle patterns, and previous treatments.

Consultations at Daybeau Clinic Seomyeon are available in English, Japanese and Korean, so you can describe your skin history in detail. See our English-speaking dermatology page.

Extraction

Extraction means clearing clogged pores and mature whiteheads with sterile tools. When done in a clinic, it is usually preceded by cleansing and softening of the skin to reduce trauma.

What it helps. Blackheads, whiteheads and some pustules.
What it does not help. Deep cysts should not be squeezed, as this can worsen inflammation and scarring.
After extraction. Some redness and small marks are normal for a day or two.

Cleansing treatments like Aquapeel can be part of this process. Aquapeel steps 1 and 2 are KRW 9,900 at our clinic.

Injections for inflamed lesions

For a painful, swollen spot, doctors in Korea may inject a small amount of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the lesion to help it calm down faster. This is a medical decision. It is not appropriate for every spot, and there is a risk of a small temporary dent or skin thinning at the injection site, so the doctor decides whether it is suitable and how it is done. The cost of this kind of medical acne care is confirmed at consultation.

Laser and energy-based options

For ongoing acne and oily skin, the doctor may suggest energy-based treatments. Prices at our clinic are first-visit, KRW, VAT excluded (10% VAT added at payment), checked October 2026:

Capri laser steps 1–3, KRW 89,000. A laser programme that may be considered for oily, acne-prone skin.
Potenza full face, KRW 99,000 (tip charged separately). RF microneedling for acne-prone skin, pores and scars.
Pico Light Black Toning, KRW 29,000. For brown marks left after acne.
U-Pulse Fraxel, KRW 25,000. For texture and early scarring once acne is under control.

See our acne treatment page and the full price list.

Tips for foreigners visiting for acne care

Bring your product list. Photos of your skincare and any prescriptions help the doctor avoid conflicts.
Mention medications. Especially isotretinoin, antibiotics or hormonal treatments, which affect procedure timing.
Plan follow-up. Acne usually needs ongoing care. If you are only in Busan briefly, ask what you can continue at home.
Expect a few days of redness. Extraction and lasers can leave the skin pink for a short time.
Pay on the day. Payment is made at the clinic after the consultation confirms the plan, and first-visit prices apply once per new patient per item.