Visiting Korea is a unique experience, and for many, that includes exploring its renowned beauty culture. The country offers an incredible range of clinics and treatments, which can be overwhelming when you have only a short time. We know you want to make an informed choice that works for your skin, but it can be hard to know where to start.

This guide is designed to bring a little clarity to your search. We'll explore some popular treatments that deliver precise results with minimal downtime, so you can make the most of your trip.

Single-Session Treatments for an Instant Glow

When you’re in Korea for only a few weeks, you want treatments that give you a glow without the long-term commitment. This section is for treatments that give you visible results in one session, perfect for your 2-3 week trip. Some of these can be repeated for more permanent results, but one visit is highly effective for a quick refresh that will have you feeling confident and radiant for the rest of your trip and even after you get back home.

1. Ultherapy (HIFU)

This non-invasive treatment uses ultrasound energy to deliver gentle, focused heat deep into the skin’s foundation layers. This activates your body’s natural collagen and elastin production, which can then lift and tighten the skin from within, lasting for up to 12-18 months, with some people seeing effects for even longer.

For a deeper look into Ultheraphy, you can read our full blog post.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ No downtime.

→ Initial firmness

→ Gradual lift.

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

Single visit

The full effects of Ultherapy are not immediate; they unfold over 2-3 months as your body builds new collagen. You may feel an initial firmness right away, but the most noticeable lifting and tightening will be seen over time. This powerful effect is all achieved in just one session, making it a highly convenient investment in your skin's future that keeps working for you long after you get home.

2. Titanium Lifting

This non-invasive laser uses gentle heat to warm the deeper layers of your skin. This warmth encourages your skin to produce more of its own collagen, which is what helps it stay firm. The process works from the inside out to subtly lift and tighten your skin, helping it feel more youthful.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ Zero downtime.

→ Non-surgical lift.

→ Immediate firmness.

Number of Visits Expected Effects

Single visit

You can feel the subtle, immediate effects of this treatment right away, with your skin feeling firmer and smoother. The full results will become more apparent over the following weeks. For more dramatic and long-term results, a series of three or more sessions is often recommended.

3. Thermage

Thermage is a non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) technology to deliver deep, bulk heating to the collagen-rich layers of your skin. This process gently tightens existing collagen and stimulates the production of new collagen, working to firm the skin from the inside out. It's a precise way to help restore a more youthful contour to your face and body, without the need for surgery.

Check our detailed blog post where we talked about the Thermage.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip:

→ No Downtime

→ Powerful lift in one visit.

→ Gradual, subtle, natural look

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

Single visit

Thermage is a powerful one-and-done treatment. The full effects are not immediate; they unfold gradually over two to six months as your body produces new collagen. While some people notice a subtle tightening right away, the most significant improvements typically appear within 2-3 months and can last for a year or more.

4. ONDA

ONDA uses a patented “Coolwaves” technology to gently target and heat fat cells and cellulite with specialized microwaves. Unlike other treatments, it bypasses the surface of your skin to focus the energy where it’s needed most. This non-invasive approach helps to reduce stubborn fat pockets, smooth the appearance of cellulite, and tighten the skin for a more sculpted look.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ Minimal downtime.

→ Addresses fat and cellulite.

→ Provides a sculpted look.

Number of Visits Expected Effects

Single visit

You may see a little tightening right away, but the full effects of ONDA will unfold as your body naturally eliminates the treated fat cells. 4-6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart are often recommended for best results. Your body will continue to improve for several months after your last session.

5. Skin Botox

Unlike traditional Botox, this treatment involves very small, gentle injections into the top layers of your skin. It doesn’t affect your muscles; instead, it works to refine your skin’s texture, making pores look smaller and giving you that smooth, luminous "glass skin" effect.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ Pore minimization.

→ Lasting results.

→ No bruising.

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

1- 3 visits

A single visit is enough to give you a noticeable improvement that will have you feeling confident long after you return home. The full effects of Skin Botox typically become visible within one to two weeks after your session and can last for several months.For more significant and long-lasting results, a series of 3 or more sessions is often recommended.

Short Series Treatments for Lasting Results

When you have more time in Korea, you can begin a skin journey that builds on itself. The treatments in this section are designed to be done in a short series, where the benefits compound with each visit. It's a fantastic way to begin a more profound transformation that will continue to improve your skin long after you have returned home.

6. Rejuran Healer

This is a rejuvenating treatment that works with your body's own processes. It uses a special, biocompatible solution to help your skin heal and rebuild from the inside. This gentle process boosts collagen and elasticity, laying a healthy foundation for stronger, more resilient skin over time.

Check our detailed blog post where we talked about the Rejuran

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ Natural glow.

→ Improves tone & texture.

→ Gentle, minimal downtime.

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

3 or more visits

The true benefits of Rejuran unfold gradually, so a series of 3-5 sessions, spaced 2-3 weeks apart, is often recommended to achieve optimal results. A single session provides a powerful start by actively jump-starting your skin's natural healing and regeneration. The full effects, including improved firmness and elasticity, will become more visible in the weeks and months following your final session.

7. Microneedling

This procedure uses a device with very fine needles to create tiny, controlled "micro-injuries" on the skin's surface. This simple process is actually a good thing! It triggers your body's natural healing and renewal system, encouraging it to produce more collagen and elastin for smoother, firmer skin.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ Collagen boost.

→ Improved texture & tone.

→ No downtime.

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

3 to 6 visits

While your skin will feel smoother after a single session, a series of 3-6 sessions is often recommended to achieve more significant and lasting improvements. The benefits build on one another with each visit. The most noticeable results will appear gradually as your skin produces new collagen over the weeks following your treatments.

8. Pico Toning / Laser Toning

This is a gentle laser that uses quick, tiny pulses of energy to clear up uneven skin tone. It targets things like sun spots and freckles beneath the surface without harming the top layer of your skin. The result is a brighter, clearer, and more even complexion.

Check our detailed blog post where we talked about the Pico laser treatment.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ Minimal downtime.

→ Targets pigmentation.

→ Brighter, clearer skin.

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

3-5 visits

You may see an immediate glow, but the full effects of pigment improvement will be visible in the following weeks. One session can give you a noticeable difference to start your journey to clearer skin, but for more significant and long-term results, a series of 3-5 sessions is often recommended.

9. Aqua Peel (Hydra Facial)

Think of this as a gentle but thorough deep clean for your skin. It uses a special tool that acts like a tiny vacuum to painlessly clear away impurities and dead skin. At the same time, it infuses your skin with hydrating serums, leaving your face feeling refreshed, clean, and incredibly smooth.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip

→ No downtime

→ Instant results

→ Hydrates and soothes

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

3-5 visits

A single session provides an immediate hydration boost and a refreshed feeling that’s perfect for a quick start to your trip. While several sessions are great for long-term maintenance, a single visit can still be highly effective for a fast, visible refresh.

10. Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a treatment that uses a mild solution to gently exfoliate and renew your skin. The solution is applied to the face and works to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This reveals a fresh, new layer of skin underneath, helping to improve texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and give your complexion a brighter, more even tone.

Why It's a Great Choice for Your Trip:

→ Instant radiance

→ Improved texture

→ Minimal redness.

Number of Visits & Expected Effects

3-5 visits

A single session of a mild peel provides an instant glow and smoother texture, perfect for a quick start to your trip. While more intensive peels may require multiple sessions, a single, gentle peel is a highly effective and affordable option for a quick, visible refresh.

Choosing The Right Clinic

You want to make the most of your trip, and that includes feeling confident about your skin choices. With so many options in Korea, finding the right clinic is about more than just location; it's about finding a trusted partner for your skin's unique journey.

Here's how to make a confident choice that works for you.

1. Expertise. Look for professionals who specialise in the treatments you’re interested in. Their experience and knowledge can make all the difference.
2. Communication. It’s so important to feel heard. Find a clinic with staff who can explain everything clearly so you feel comfortable and in control every step of the way. Many clinics catering to international visitors offer on-site translators or interpreters to help bridge any language gaps.
3. Reputation. Listen to others who have walked a similar path by reading reviews.

Finding the perfect clinic to create a personalized plan can be a challenge, but our LuluLab is here to help you feel confident in your choice. We have partnered with a network of trusted professionals, and you can book a consultation to get a head start on your skin journey here: lulu-at.com/clinics.

Still not sure?

You’ve seen all the options, but what if you choose a treatment that isn’t quite right for your skin? The last thing you want on your trip is the stress of a bad decision. Your skin journey should be about celebrating yourself, not worrying about the outcome.

Instead of taking a chance, we recommend you take control. By using an AI skin analysis, you can get a clear, data-driven understanding of what your skin really needs. It’s the ultimate form of self-care and the perfect way to get the insights that empower you to make the right choice. This tool gives you the confidence to make an informed decision and ensures your skin journey is as stress-free as your trip.

You can begin your FREE AI skin test and get a personalized skin profile today, or do it directly at our partnered clinics before your treatment.

FAQs

1. The blog mentions "minimal downtime." What does that really mean for a tourist who wants to go out and explore?

It means you can sightsee and explore immediately. You might have slight redness or a "sunburn" feeling for a few hours, or a sandpapery texture for a day, but it won't stop you from enjoying your trip.

2. Can I combine an Aqua Peel and a laser?

Yes, it's very common. An Aqua Peel deep-cleans your skin, which helps a laser treatment work more effectively. Clinics often combine treatments for better, more comprehensive results.

3. Sun exposure after treatment. What should I avoid and use?

Be extra careful with sun exposure after any laser or chemical peel, as your skin will be very sensitive. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (or higher) and reapply every two hours to prevent sun damage.

4. I'm nervous about a Chemical Peel. How red will my skin be afterward, and can I wear makeup the next day?

For a mild peel, expect some temporary pinkness or redness for a few hours. You can usually apply makeup the very next day, making it a great treatment for a quick refresh.

5. Is Rejuran Healer as painful as people on Reddit say it is? How long do the "salmon bumps" or needle marks actually last?

It can be uncomfortable, but clinics use numbing cream to help minimize any discomfort. The "salmon bumps" or tiny lumps from the injections are a normal side effect that tends to subside within a day or two, though this can vary greatly for each individual. More noticeable needle marks or bruising may last for a few days to a week.