In Seoul you will usually be offered a choice of toxin brand, and the price can differ several times over. Here is what actually changes between Korean and imported Botox, and how to choose.
Korean toxins such as Botulax, Nabota and Coretox and imported brands such as Xeomin (Germany) and Allergan Botox (USA) all use botulinum toxin type A and work the same basic way: they relax targeted muscles for about three to four months for wrinkles. Differences lie mainly in formulation, how much clinical history each brand has outside Korea, and price. Korean toxins cost much less. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong in Seoul, wrinkle Botox per area is ₩39,000 with Korean toxin, ₩79,000 with Xeomin and ₩99,000 with Allergan Botox, excluding 10% VAT.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
Is Korean Botox the same as imported Botox?
In Korea, people say Botox to mean any botulinum toxin, but Botox itself is a brand made by Allergan in the United States. Every product discussed here contains botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily blocks the signal from nerve to muscle so the muscle relaxes. That is why all of them can soften forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet, slim the jaw or relax the shoulders.
The differences are mostly about the formulation, the manufacturer, how much international clinical history the product has, and price. Doctors also adjust dosing between brands, because units are not perfectly interchangeable from one product to another. Read more in our Korean Botox brands explained guide.
Which Botox brands are used in Korea?
| Brand | Made in | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Botulax | Korea | Widely used Korean toxin, common for wrinkles and jaw |
| Nabota | Korea | Korean toxin also exported to other markets under different names |
| Coretox | Korea | Korean toxin formulated to reduce complexing proteins |
| Xeomin | Germany (Merz) | Purified toxin without complexing proteins |
| Botox | USA (Allergan) | The original brand with the longest international track record |
Brand availability can change. Your doctor will confirm which products are in stock and show you the vial.
What are the real differences between Korean and imported toxins?
1. Formulation and complexing proteins
Botulinum toxin is naturally surrounded by accessory proteins. Some products keep these, while others, such as Xeomin and Coretox, are purified to reduce or remove them. In theory, fewer accessory proteins may lower the chance of the body forming antibodies that make toxin less effective over time. This matters most for people who have frequent, high-dose treatments, such as jaw or shoulder Botox several times a year.
2. Clinical history
Allergan Botox has the longest international history and the largest body of published research. Xeomin also has extensive international use. Korean toxins are well established in Korea and some are sold abroad, but international history varies by brand.
3. Onset, feel and duration
Many patients and doctors notice small differences in how quickly a brand takes effect or how long it lasts, but these vary between individuals. For most people, a properly dosed Korean toxin gives a result that feels very similar to an imported one. Typical wrinkle results last about three to four months; jaw Botox about four to six months.
4. Price
Korean toxins are produced locally and cost considerably less, which is a large part of why Botox in Seoul is affordable compared with many countries.
Which should you choose?
Korean toxin is often a good fit
- First-time Botox or occasional treatment
- Wrinkle areas at standard doses
- Budget-conscious plans or multiple areas
- You are comfortable with a well-established local brand
Consider imported toxin if
- You have frequent, high-dose treatments (jaw, shoulders)
- Previous Botox seemed to work less well over time
- You want to match the brand you use at home
- You prefer the longest international track record
Your doctor can explain the trade-offs for your situation. For safety background, see is Korean Botox safe.
Does the brand matter more for jaw and shoulder Botox?
Brand choice tends to matter more when doses are higher and treatments are repeated often. Jaw (masseter) Botox and trapezius (shoulder) Botox use considerably more units than wrinkle areas, and many people repeat them two or three times a year. Over years of frequent, high-dose treatment, a small number of people may develop reduced response, which is one reason some doctors suggest a purified toxin such as Xeomin or Coretox for these areas.
For occasional wrinkle treatment at standard doses, this concern is much smaller, and a well-established Korean toxin is a sensible, cost-effective choice for most visitors. If you have had Botox before and felt it stopped working as well, tell your doctor which brand and dose you received so they can adjust the plan. See how many units of jaw Botox you need and the jaw Botox treatment page for more.
What happens during a Botox appointment
- English consultation. A licensed doctor assesses your muscles at rest and in motion, explains the brand options and agrees the areas, dose and price.
- Vial check. You can ask to see the product name and vial before treatment.
- Injection. Small injections into the target muscles take about 10–15 minutes. Numbing is optional for most areas.
- Aftercare. Stay upright for a few hours and avoid rubbing the area, saunas and intense exercise on the day.
- Review. Results start in a few days and peak at about two weeks.
Is Botox safe? Side effects and who should wait
Botulinum toxin has a long safety record for cosmetic use when given by trained doctors at appropriate doses. Common, temporary effects include small bumps, mild redness, bruising and occasional headache. Less commonly, toxin can affect a nearby muscle, causing temporary eyelid or brow heaviness or an uneven smile, which fades as the toxin wears off. Serious reactions are rare.
- Do not have Botox during pregnancy or breastfeeding; see Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell the doctor about neuromuscular conditions, certain antibiotics or muscle relaxants.
- Postpone if you have an active skin infection in the area.
These safety points apply to every brand, Korean or imported. The skill and judgment of the doctor matter more than the country of manufacture.
How much is Botox in Seoul in 2026?
| Treatment | Korean toxin | Xeomin | Allergan Botox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrinkle Botox, 1 area | ₩39,000 | ₩79,000 | ₩99,000 |
| Wrinkle Botox, 3 areas | ₩99,000 | ₩199,000 | ₩259,000 |
| Jaw Botox, both sides | ₩59,000 (Coretox ₩99,000) | ₩199,000 | ₩290,000 |
| Skin Botox, full face | ₩129,000 | ₩259,000 | ₩349,000 |
| Trap Botox, both sides | ₩129,000 | ₩349,000 | ₩459,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see payment & tax. Full details on the wrinkle Botox price page.
When comparing quotes, check the brand, the number of areas or units, and whether VAT is included. A low headline price may be for a different brand or a smaller dose. See also how much is Botox in Korea.
Planning Botox around your Seoul trip
- Fits any trip length. Treatment takes minutes and there is no downtime.
- Book early in your stay if you want to see the result before you leave; effects build over about two weeks.
- Avoid your arrival day so delays do not squeeze your appointment.
- Location: Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
- Book ahead through our consultation form and mention any brand you have used before.
Flying after Botox? Most people can fly the same or next day. Avoid rubbing the treated area and lying face-down for the first few hours. See can I fly after Botox.
Frequently asked questions
Is Korean Botox as good as Allergan Botox?
For most people, a properly dosed Korean toxin gives a very similar wrinkle result. Allergan Botox has the longest international track record, and some people prefer it for that reason.
Why is Korean Botox so cheap?
Korean toxins are made locally and the market is competitive, which keeps prices low. Imported brands cost more to buy.
What is the difference between Xeomin and other brands?
Xeomin is purified to remove complexing proteins, which may reduce the chance of resistance with frequent high-dose use.
How long does Botox last?
Wrinkle Botox usually lasts about three to four months, and jaw Botox about four to six months, regardless of brand.
Can I see which brand is used?
Yes. At Dernia, you can ask to see the product and vial before treatment.
How much is Botox at Dernia?
Wrinkle Botox is ₩39,000 per area with Korean toxin, ₩79,000 with Xeomin and ₩99,000 with Allergan Botox, excluding 10% VAT.
Choosing a Botox brand in Seoul?
Tell us which areas you want treated and your travel dates. A doctor examines you in person, explains brand options in English and confirms your plan and price.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.