₩ vs. ¥: One “0” makes a 10× difference — How to correctly read Korean beauty treatment quotes
🎬 Guide to Correctly Reading Korean Beauty Estimates & Managing Your Budget
🎯 Why “10x Budget Discrepancies” Happen with Korean Beauty Estimates
The most common problem with Korean beauty estimates is not the treatment itself, but overlooking the “currency symbol.”
The Korean ₩ (won) and Japanese ¥ (yen) look similar, differing by just one “0.”
₩100,000 is approximately ¥11,000, while ¥10,000 is approximately ₩90,000–100,000 (subject to exchange-rate fluctuations).
This discrepancy of “one 0” can inflate your budget tenfold—or make you anxious because the price seems unrealistically low.
💴 How to Read Won-to-Yen Conversions Without Misreading Them
When consulting at a Korean clinic, the first thing you should check is the “currency symbol.”
₩ (KRW, Korean won) is written as a number approximately 10 times larger than the equivalent amount in Japanese yen.
¥ (JPY, Japanese yen) is easy to understand if you think of it as a number close to the won amount with one “0” removed.
✅ Conversion Guide
₩100,000 ＝ Approximately ¥11,000／¥10,000 ＝ Approximately ₩90,000–100,000 (subject to exchange-rate fluctuations)
It is quite common for people to see “₩50,000” in an advertisement and mistake it for “¥50,000,” estimating a budget 10 times higher. Conversely, some see a ¥10,000 treatment as ₩10,000 and become concerned that it is too cheap.
🧾 The Easily Overlooked 10% VAT in Korean Clinic Budgets
As a rule, Korean cosmetic treatments are subject to a 10% value-added tax (VAT).
If the estimate says “VAT separate (부가세 별도),” multiply the quoted amount by 1.1 to calculate the final payment.
Example: Treatment fee ₩1,000,000 ＋ VAT ₩100,000 ＝ Total ₩1,100,000.
As of 2025, the number of clinics adopting “VAT-inclusive list prices” for foreign visitors is gradually increasing, but the way prices are displayed varies by clinic. For tips on choosing a clinic, also refer to the related article “How to Choose a Korean Clinic.”
✅ One Question to Ask Before Payment
“Does this amount include VAT?（부가세 포함인가요？）” — Asking this one question can prevent problems caused by the billed amount changing later.
🛂 How to Use TAX REFUND, an Exclusive Benefit for Foreigners
In Korea, foreign tourists who receive eligible treatments costing ₩30,000 or more may receive a refund of part of the VAT paid (approximately 7–10%).
The basic process is to present your passport after the treatment and receive a “Refund Check.”
As of 2025, refunds at airport counters are the standard, but from 2026 onward, systems allowing “immediate refunds” via in-clinic kiosks or mobile apps are expected to be introduced progressively (information as of 2025).
For example, if the final payment is ₩1,100,000, the actual cost after the refund would decrease to approximately ₩1,020,000.
📋 What to Confirm During Your Consultation
When you receive an estimate, it is reassuring to verbally confirm the following items on the spot. For your overall Korea trip schedule, also check “How to Plan Your Korea Trip Schedule” for a smoother experience.
✅ Checklist
・Is the currency ₩ or ¥? (Check the symbol)
・Is VAT included or charged separately?
・Is the treatment eligible for TAX REFUND, and is the refund processed via a kiosk or at the airport?
・Whether there is a reservation fee (Deposit) and the remaining balance to be paid locally
・Whether the treatment details and number of sessions, anesthesia, medication, and aftercare are included
There is no need to hesitate when asking doctors or coordinators questions. Since recommendations vary depending on the treatment details and your skin condition, we recommend confirming everything until you are satisfied.
※Tax laws and refund programs may change. Please check the latest information with each clinic or relevant public institution.
✨ Summary
☑ ₩ and ¥ differ tenfold because of one “0” — Always check the symbol
☑ Confirm verbally before payment whether the 10% VAT is included or charged separately
☑ Treatments costing ₩30,000 or more are often eligible for TAX REFUND
☑ Immediate refunds via in-clinic kiosks are scheduled to be introduced progressively from 2026 onward
☑ Understand estimates in terms of both the “final payment” and the “actual cost after the refund”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Which is the larger number, ₩ or ¥?
A. ₩ is written as a number approximately 10 times larger. ₩100,000 ≒ approximately ¥11,000 (subject to exchange-rate fluctuations).
Q. At what stage of the estimate should I confirm the VAT?
A. We recommend verbally asking, “Does this include VAT?（부가세 포함인가요？）” during the consultation before payment. In some cases, the final payment is 1.1 times the displayed amount.
Q. What are the conditions for TAX REFUND eligibility?
A. The basic conditions are that a foreign tourist receives an eligible treatment costing ₩30,000 or more at a designated refund-eligible clinic. A passport and dedicated receipt are required.
Q. When and where can I receive the refund?
A. As of 2025, refunds at airport counters are the standard, but immediate refunds via in-clinic kiosks have also begun at some locations. The system is expected to expand progressively from 2026 onward.
Q. Is the reservation fee (Deposit) included in the final payment?
A. In many cases, the reservation fee is deducted as part of the final payment. However, policies vary by clinic, so it is reassuring to confirm in advance how much the remaining balance to be paid locally will be.
📚 Related articles to read before traveling to Korea
・How to Choose a Korean Clinic — Checklist to Avoid Mistakes
・How to Plan Your Korea Travel Schedule — Transportation, Appointments, and Downtime
・How to Make Use of Japanese-Language Counseling and Interpretation Services
Related Columns
- For a trip to Korea, the right amount of cash per person is 50,000–100,000 won.
- Busan Pass: The Difference Between the 24-Hour and BIG3 Options
- What time are the street stalls in Myeongdong open until? Why cash is essential
- Which of Seoul’s four transportation cards is ultimately the right one?
- The Right Choice Among 8 Myeongdong Currency Exchange Offices by Arrival Time
- South Korea Travel Packing Checklist | Bring Your Own Toothbrush