In most dermatology clinics in Korea, did you know that there are separate price lists for locals and foreigners, and that they often overcharge?
Korea has the lowest prices for dermatological procedures worldwide. (Even cheaper than Southeast Asia, and about three times cheaper than neighboring Japan.)
Due to handling tons of cases, Korea is globally recognized for its exceptional skills and experiences. Therefore, when tourists visit Korea, they often seek dermatological treatments during their stay.
However, it is unlikely that foreigners understand Korea's dermatology system, and due to their lack of understanding of dermatological procedures, unfortunately, Foreigners may be vulnerable to being overcharged in Korea's dermatology market.
The overcharging happens in the following ways:
1. Different price lists for domestic customers and foreign customers.
l Price difference between domestic customers and foreign customers at the B Dermatology: 140-170%
l Price difference between domestic customers and foreign customers at the G Dermatology: 130-150%
l Price difference between domestic customers and foreign customers at the O Dermatology: 130-150%
l Price difference between domestic customers and foreign customers at the L Dermatology: 130-150%
...
Even in some dermatology clinics I know, the price difference ranges from at least 1.3 times to as much as 1.7 times.
However, foreign customers, even if they are charged higher prices at Korean dermatology clinics, perceive receiving treatments in Korea as cheaper compared to their home countries, so they may not realize that the prices are high.
2. They try to promote and sell unnecessary procedures.
Ultherapy, Thermage, and even Botox, all use the same machines and tips, yet the prices for these procedures in Korea are not even half the price in other countries.
Taking advantage of this, consultants might increase sales by saying, "In your country, Ultherapy costs ‘this’ much, but we don't even charge half of that here. Why not try ‘these other procedures’ while you're at it?"
Consultants might push higher-priced or higher-margin procedures to receive incentives, even if those procedures are unnecessary for the customer.
(I've even seen places recommend PicoToning to dark-skinned individuals...)
👉However, there “ARE” reasons why foreigner prices differ:
2.1. Require foreign interpreters to accommodate foreign patients.
2.2. Require translation and marketing commissions to attract foreign patients.
2.3. Marketing agency fees for attracting foreign patients can go up to 30%.
From the hospital's perspective, costs increase due to expenses for translation/interpretation and marketing commissions.
Therefore, since these costs cannot be passed onto domestic customers, it leads to the existence of separate price lists for foreigners.
However, this isn't just a phenomenon in dermatology; the same conditions apply to restaurants and malls.
Just because this phenomenon is happening in dermatology industry doesn't justify higher marketing costs for foreigners.
We want to avoid making foreign customers feel cheated, so we think it is essential to let both local and international customers know beforehand about the different prices, or to offer a set menu with fixed prices.
I sincerely hope that unscrupulous dermatology clinics won't tarnish the positive image of Korea built by these global entities like K-DRAMA, K-POP, K-FOOD, Samsung, etc.
From.