Korean treatment names, translated
Korean clinic menus mix brand names written in Hangul, such as 울쎄라 (Ulthera), 써마지 (Thermage) and 리쥬란 (Rejuran), with descriptive Korean terms, such as 피코토닝 (picosecond laser toning) and 물광주사 (water-glow hyaluronic acid injections). Use the tables below to read a menu, then ask the clinic for three specifics: the exact device or product, the dose or shot count, and the treated area.
Written by the Korea Skin Guide editorial team and medically reviewed by a Korean Board-Certified Dermatologist (AAD International Fellow · ASLMS member). Last reviewed: .
Which clinic words will I see on forms and receipts?
| Korean | Say it | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 피부과 | pibugwa | Dermatology |
| 피부과 전문의 | pibugwa jeonmunui | Dermatology specialist (board-certified dermatologist) |
| 의원 | uiwon | Clinic (outpatient medical institution) |
| 원장 | wonjang | Director; the title used for the clinic’s doctors |
| 상담실장, 코디네이터 | sangdam siljang, kodineiteo | Consultation manager, coordinator |
| 진료과목 | jillyo gwamok | Treatment fields listed on a sign |
| 초진, 재진 | chojin, jaejin | First visit, return visit |
| 시술 | sisul | Procedure, treatment |
| 마취크림 | machwi keurim | Numbing cream |
| 진정관리 | jinjeong gwalli | Soothing care after a procedure, such as a cooling mask |
| 회, 회차 | hoe, hoecha | Session, session number |
| 샷 | syat | Shots or pulses delivered by a device |
| 부가세 포함, 부가세 별도 | bugase poham, bugase byeoldo | VAT included, VAT added |
| 동의서 | donguiseo | Consent form |
| 영수증, 세부내역서 | yeongsujeung, sebu naeyeokseo | Receipt, itemised statement |
| 패키지, 환불 | paekiji, hwanbul | Package, refund |
What do Korean laser and device names mean?
| Korean | Say it | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| 울쎄라 | ulssera | Ultherapy: microfocused ultrasound with visualisation, used for lifting |
| 써마지 | sseomaji | Thermage: monopolar radiofrequency, used for tightening |
| 슈링크 | syuringkeu | Shurink: a Korean high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) brand |
| 소프웨이브 | sopeuweibeu | Sofwave: ultrasound delivered in parallel beams |
| 인모드 | inmodeu | InMode: radiofrequency handpieces such as FORMA |
| 온다 | onda | ONDA: a microwave-based device, mainly for the body |
| 포텐자 | potenja | Potenza: radiofrequency microneedling |
| 피코토닝 | piko toning | Picosecond laser toning: low-energy passes for tone and pigment |
| 레이저토닝 | leijeo toning | Laser toning, usually with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser |
| 스펙트라 | seupekteura | Spectra: a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser platform used for toning |
| 제네시스 | jenesiseu | Genesis: a gentle 1064 nm Nd:YAG technique for redness and texture |
| 피코프락셀 | piko peuraksel | Picosecond laser with a fractional lens, for texture and scars |
| CO2 프락셀 | CO2 peuraksel | Fractional CO2 resurfacing, an ablative laser |
| 점빼기 | jeom ppaegi | Removal of small spots or moles, for example with a CO2 laser |
| 제모 | jemo | Laser hair removal |
For Ultherapy, a 2025 meta-analysis of 42 studies found mostly mild to moderate redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness, with pain rated moderate on average[1]. For recovery times of the other devices, see the downtime planner.
What do Korean injection names mean?
| Korean | Say it | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| 보톡스 | botokseu | Botulinum toxin of any brand, not only Botox |
| 사각턱 보톡스 | sagakteok botokseu | Botulinum toxin into the jaw (masseter) muscle |
| 스킨보톡스 | seukin botokseu | Diluted botulinum toxin placed in the skin for oil, pores or fine lines |
| 필러 | pilleo | Filler, usually hyaluronic acid |
| 히알라제 | hiallaje | Hyaluronidase, an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid filler |
| 스킨부스터 | seukin buseuteo | Skin booster: injections aimed at skin quality rather than volume |
| 물광주사 | mulgwang jusa | “Water-glow” injections: small hyaluronic acid deposits for hydration |
| 리쥬란 | rijyuran | Rejuran: polynucleotide (PN) injection |
| 쥬베룩, 쥬베룩 볼륨 | jyuberuk, jyuberuk bollyum | Juvelook: PDLLA-based booster; the Volume version is used for volume |
| 스킨바이브 | seukin baibeu | SKINVIVE: hyaluronic acid microdroplet injection |
| 래디어스 | raedieoseu | Radiesse: calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) biostimulator |
| 윤곽주사 | yungwak jusa | Contour injections; ingredients vary, so ask for the list |
| PRP, 자가혈 주사 | PRP, jagahyeol jusa | Platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood |
Two practical points. First, 보톡스 is used for every botulinum toxin brand, so ask which one is being used and how many units. In a phase 3 trial of a Korean-made toxin, the effect started at a median of 3 days[2]. Second, the booster category covers very different products. For polynucleotides such as Rejuran, a systematic review found mostly mild, short-lived side effects, but the nine included studies were of low to moderate quality[3].
What does 엑소좀 (exosome) mean on a menu?
엑소좀 (eksojom) means exosomes: tiny vesicles released by cells, studied in research and sold in some skin-care products. Under Korea’s Cosmetics Act, a cosmetic is a product applied, rubbed or sprayed on the body (Cosmetics Act, Article 2, checked 2026-10-18), so a product sold as a cosmetic is not an injectable. In the United States, the FDA states that it has not approved any exosome product (FDA consumer alert, checked 2026-10-18). Delight Dermatology Clinic does not offer exosome treatment.
Which skin-care and peel names will I see?
| Korean | Say it | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| 아쿠아필 | akuapil | Aquapeel: a water-based exfoliating facial |
| 필링 | pilling | Chemical peel |
| 제스너 필 | jeseuneo pil | Jessner peel, a superficial chemical peel |
| LHA 필 | LHA pil | Peel with lipohydroxy acid |
| 여드름 압출 | yeodeureum apchul | Acne extraction |
| LDM | LDM | A high-frequency ultrasound skin-care device |
| 수액, 링거 | suaek, ringgeo | IV drip |
| 백옥주사 | baegok jusa | Glutathione drip marketed for brightening |
How do I read a Korean clinic menu?
- Find the device or product name, often a brand written in Hangul.
- Find the unit: 샷 (shots), cc or units, area, or 회 (sessions).
- Check whether the price is 부가세 포함 (VAT included) or 부가세 별도 (VAT added).
- Look for words like 이벤트 (event) or 체험가 (trial price), which mark promotional prices.
- Ask how the menu item compares with the price list at reception; see prices and payment.
Is 보톡스 always the Botox brand?
No. In Korean, 보톡스 is the everyday word for any botulinum toxin, including Korean brands. Ask for the brand and the number of units.
What is the difference between 피코토닝 and 레이저토닝?
Both are toning treatments with low-energy laser passes. 피코토닝 uses a picosecond laser; 레이저토닝 usually refers to a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, which works in nanoseconds.
Does a shot count mean the same thing on every device?
No. A shot on Ultherapy and a shot on Thermage are different units, so compare shot counts only between quotes for the same device.
References
Bibliographic records retrieved from PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
- Amiri M, Ajasllari G, Llane A, et al. Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization (MFU-V) Effectiveness and Safety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2025;45(3):NP86-NP94.PubMed: 39540440
- Mueller DS, Prinz V, Adelglass J, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Letibotulinumtoxin A in the Treatment of Glabellar Lines: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled Phase 3 Study. Aesthet Surg J. 2022;42(6):677-688.PubMed: 35092418
- Lampridou S, Bassett S, Cavallini M, Christopoulos G. The Effectiveness of Polynucleotides in Esthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(2):e16721.PubMed: 39645667