Pico toning is one of the most popular laser treatments in Seoul for brightening and pigment. This guide compares single-session and package prices, explains how many sessions you really need, and helps visitors decide what to book.
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, pico toning costs ₩69,000 for one full-face session, ₩109,000 with soothing LDM, ₩299,000 for a 5-session course (about ₩59,800 per session) and ₩549,000 for a 10-session course (about ₩54,900 per session), in KRW excluding 10% VAT. Most people need 5–10 sessions one to two weeks apart for pigment such as melasma, but a single session can brighten dull skin before an event. Sessions take 15–20 minutes with little or no downtime. A doctor recommends the number of sessions after examining your pigment.
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation.
What is pico toning?
Pico toning uses a picosecond laser, which fires extremely short pulses measured in trillionths of a second, to break pigment into tiny particles your body can clear. Used at low energy across the whole face, it gradually brightens the skin and evens out tone with little or no downtime. It is widely used in Korea for melasma, freckles, sun spots, dullness and uneven tone. Learn more on our pico toning treatment page.
How much does pico toning cost in Korea (2026)?
| Option | What it covers | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 session | Full face | ₩69,000 |
| 1 session with LDM | Full face plus soothing ultrasound | ₩109,000 |
| 5-session course | Full face, about ₩59,800 per session | ₩299,000 |
| 10-session course | Full face, about ₩54,900 per session | ₩549,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed at consultation. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026; see payment and tax. Full details are on the pico toning price page.
Single session vs package: which should you choose?
The best choice depends on your goal and how long you can stay in Seoul.
When a single session makes sense
- You want a brighter, fresher look before an event or at the start of a holiday.
- You are visiting for only a few days.
- You want to see how your skin responds before committing to a course.
When a 5-session course makes sense
- You have mild pigmentation, freckles or uneven tone.
- You are staying in Seoul for about a month or more, or visit regularly.
- You want lower cost per session, about ₩59,800 compared with ₩69,000.
When a 10-session course makes sense
- You are treating melasma, which usually needs a longer, gentle series.
- You live in Korea or are on an extended stay.
- You want the lowest cost per session, about ₩54,900.
Worked example: what the savings look like
If you plan five sessions, paying for each one separately at ₩69,000 adds up to more than the ₩299,000 course price, so the course saves money as long as you complete it. For ten sessions, the course at ₩549,000 is the lowest cost per session on our list. The saving is real only if you can attend every session, though. A visitor who completes two sessions out of a five-session course has paid more per treatment than two single sessions would have cost. That is why we suggest matching the option to your realistic schedule, not just the lowest per-session number.
What affects the price of pico toning in Korea?
- Area. Prices above are for the full face. Other areas are assessed at consultation.
- Add-ons. Soothing care such as LDM increases the session price but can help sensitive skin settle faster.
- Combination treatments. Some plans combine toning with pico fractional for texture, which changes the cost per visit.
- Number of sessions. Courses reduce the per-session price.
- VAT. Korean prices are usually quoted before 10% VAT.
When comparing clinics, check that you are comparing the same laser type, the same area and whether soothing care is included. Picosecond lasers are not all identical, and a lower price may reflect a different device or setting. A doctor-led consultation, where the plan is written down before treatment, is the clearest way to know what you are paying for.
If you buy a course but cannot finish it during your trip, ask in advance how remaining sessions are handled. Read what if I cannot finish a treatment series.
How many pico toning sessions do you need?
Pico toning works gradually. One session can make skin look brighter, but deeper or hormonally driven pigment needs a series. Typical ranges:
| Concern | Typical sessions | Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Dullness, overall brightening | 1–5 | 1–2 weeks |
| Freckles and sun spots | 3–5 | 1–2 weeks |
| Melasma | 5–10 or more | 1–2 weeks |
These are typical ranges, not promises. Melasma can recur with sun exposure or hormonal changes, so maintenance is common. Read how many sessions of pico toning and melasma treatment options in Korea.
Pico toning vs laser toning: price and difference
Laser toning uses a low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and is the older, well-established Korean approach. Pico toning uses shorter pulses. Both are used for melasma and dullness; the doctor chooses based on your skin. At Dernia, laser toning starts from ₩49,000 per session, while pico toning starts from ₩69,000. Compare them in pico toning vs laser toning.
Is pico toning right for you?
Usually a good fit
- Melasma, freckles or sun spots
- Dull, uneven skin tone
- Post-acne marks that are brown rather than red
- Visitors who want no real downtime
Talk to the doctor first
- A recent tan or sunburn
- Active skin infection, cold sores or eczema flare
- Recent isotretinoin use or photosensitizing medication
- Pregnancy, or a history of pigment problems after laser
If you have a tan, read can I get laser with a tan.
What happens during a pico toning session
- English consultation. A doctor examines your pigment, often under magnification, and recommends settings and a number of sessions.
- Cleansing. Makeup and sunscreen are removed. Eye protection is provided.
- Laser. The laser is passed evenly over the face for 15–20 minutes. Most people feel light snapping or warmth.
- Soothing. A calming mask or LDM settles any redness before you leave.
Side effects, aftercare and sun protection
Most people have no downtime or mild redness for a few hours. Some notice slight dryness or temporary darkening of spots before they fade. Rare risks include rebound pigmentation, uneven lightening (hypopigmentation) or irritation, especially if sessions are too frequent or settings too strong, which is why a doctor sets and adjusts the plan.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen every day and reapply when outdoors.
- Avoid harsh exfoliants and strong actives for a few days.
- Keep skin moisturized and avoid saunas on treatment day.
See sun protection after pico toning and what to avoid after pico toning.
Flying home? Pico toning has little or no downtime, so you can usually fly the next day. Keep sunscreen in your hand luggage, as window-seat UV exposure is real. Our aftercare guide covers skincare on long flights.
Planning pico toning around your Seoul trip
- Short trip: book one session early in your stay for a brighter look.
- Two weeks or more: you may fit two sessions about a week apart.
- Avoid your arrival day. Book for day two or later.
- Book ahead. Send your dates and photos of your pigment in natural light through our consultation form, so the doctor can suggest whether single sessions or a course fit your stay.
- Getting here. Dernia is in Myeongdong, near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2).
Frequently asked questions
How much is one pico toning session in Seoul?
At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, one full-face pico toning session costs ₩69,000, or ₩109,000 with soothing LDM, excluding 10% VAT.
Is a pico toning package worth it?
If you need a series, yes. The 5-session course works out at about ₩59,800 per session and the 10-session course at about ₩54,900, compared with ₩69,000 for a single session.
How many pico toning sessions do I need for melasma?
Melasma usually needs 5–10 or more sessions, one to two weeks apart, followed by maintenance and strict sun protection.
Can I see results after one session?
Many people notice brighter skin after one session, but pigment improvement usually needs a series.
Is there downtime after pico toning?
Usually none, or mild redness for a few hours. You can typically wear makeup the next day.
What if I cannot finish my pico toning course?
Ask before purchasing how unused sessions are handled. Many visitors book single sessions if they cannot return.
Planning pico toning in Seoul?
Tell us about your pigment concerns and how long you will be in Seoul. A doctor will recommend single sessions or a course and confirm the price before treatment.
Book a consultation View 2026 pricesRelated reading
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.