SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, September 14, 2026 /https://en.vandsclinics.com// — As South Korea strengthens consumer protection in the aesthetic and cosmetic medical sector, VandS Clinic Seoul is emphasizing transparent pricing and clearly communicated benefits for international patients visiting its network of clinics.

The move comes amid growing attention to consumer disputes involving prepaid treatments at dermatology, plastic surgery and aesthetic clinics in South Korea.

According to a September 14 report by JB News citing the Korea Fair Trade Commission and the Korea Consumer Agency, 1,150 cases related to prepaid medical treatment were submitted for consumer dispute relief between 2021 and 2024. The number increased significantly from 88 cases in 2023 to 449 cases in 2024, with contract cancellation and penalty disputes accounting for 83.1% of reported cases.

Following an investigation, the Korea Fair Trade Commission instructed 15 major aesthetic and dermatology clinic brands to voluntarily revise unfair terms, including clauses that restricted refunds, imposed excessive cancellation penalties, prohibited package transfers, or exempted clinics from liability.

VandS Clinic was not among the clinics cited by the Korea Fair Trade Commission for unfair contract terms. Instead, the medical aesthetic group is using the national discussion to highlight its ongoing practices regarding transparent pricing, fair communication and clear information for international customers.

Related Korean news coverage: JB News – Korea Fair Trade Commission Takes Action on Unfair Terms at 15 Clinics

The original article is published in Korean. English-speaking readers can use their browser's built-in translation function, such as “Translate to English” in Google Chrome, to read the article in English.

Upfront Pricing and Clear VAT Communication

For international patients, navigating overseas medical care can be challenging due to unfamiliarity with local tax systems, promotional packages and pricing structures.

To ensure greater clarity, VandS Clinic explicitly labels promotional treatment prices as “VAT Excluded” across its official marketing and event materials. This distinction allows patients to understand the advertised treatment price separately from applicable VAT before making a payment decision.

By clearly identifying VAT as excluded rather than presenting an advertised price as the final amount, VandS Clinic aims to reduce potential confusion for international customers who may be unfamiliar with Korea's medical pricing system.

The clinic also encourages international patients to confirm the applicable VAT, treatment details and final payment amount with the selected branch before proceeding with treatment.

Global Customer Benefits Are Communicated Separately

In addition to its advertised promotional prices, VandS Clinic provides benefits for eligible global customers through individual branch promotions.

When an international patient visits a VandS Clinic branch, the applicable global customer discount is provided according to the individual branch's current policy and promotion. Many branches offer a 7% discount for global customers, while some branches offer a 5% discount.

Because the discount can vary depending on the branch and promotion, international patients are encouraged to confirm the applicable benefit with the specific branch before treatment.

The global customer discount is a clinic-provided promotional benefit and should be distinguished from Korea's former government VAT refund program for foreign visitors.

The discount is applied separately from the VAT amount. By communicating the advertised treatment price, applicable VAT and global customer benefit as separate components, VandS Clinic aims to provide international patients with a clearer understanding of their expected treatment costs.

Clear Information Before Payment

VandS Clinic encourages international patients to confirm several points before proceeding with an aesthetic treatment:

• The advertised treatment price
• Whether VAT is included or excluded
• The exact treatment and dosage included
• The device, product or treatment brand being used
• The applicable global customer discount
• The final amount payable

This approach is designed to minimize misunderstandings and allow patients to make informed decisions before receiving treatment.

“We believe transparency starts before the patient enters the treatment room,” said a representative from VandS Clinic. “When we advertise a promotion, we clearly indicate that the price is VAT excluded, and our global customer benefit is communicated separately according to the branch's policy. We want international patients to understand what they are paying for and what benefits are available to them.”

Supporting International Patients Before They Arrive

VandS Clinic's international patient service begins before the patient's arrival in Korea.

International customers can contact the clinic through WhatsApp at +82-10-3594-8078 and provide information about their skin concerns and treatment goals. The international team can provide preliminary treatment information and estimated pricing so patients can consider their options before traveling.

Patients can also ask about available global customer benefits and the applicable policy of the branch they intend to visit.

Final treatment recommendations are confirmed after an in-person physician consultation and assessment. This allows medical staff to determine the appropriate treatment based on the patient's individual condition.

Transparency Across the International Patient Experience

As Korea continues to attract international visitors seeking aesthetic treatments, clear communication can play an important role in building confidence among overseas patients.

For VandS Clinic, price transparency extends beyond simply displaying a promotional number. It means clearly identifying when VAT is excluded, explaining applicable global customer benefits and helping patients understand the expected payment before treatment.

The clinic says this approach is particularly important for international patients who may be planning their treatment and travel from overseas.

Rather than relying on assumptions about taxes or discounts, patients are encouraged to confirm the applicable terms directly with the selected VandS branch before treatment.

About VandS Clinic

VandS Clinic is a medical aesthetic network operating more than 68 branches across South Korea and four international locations in Japan. The clinic specializes in non-invasive skin rejuvenation, lifting, laser treatments and other aesthetic procedures, providing physician-led care for domestic and international patients.

International patients can contact VandS Clinic through WhatsApp at +82-10-3594-8078 or visit en.vandsclinics.com.

Han Julee
VandS Clinic
+82 10-3594-8078
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