One of the most common tricks used by medical beauty agencies in South Korea is that after taking a large commission from the clinic, they deliberately steer clients toward treatments or clinics that offer kickbacks, rather than the options that are truly suitable for them. The commission can account for 30% to 40% of the treatment cost, and this amount ends up being added to the client’s bill.

If you’ve come across posts on Instagram or REDnote like “Ultra-cheap group purchases for medical beauty treatments in South Korea,” there’s a good chance an intermediary is behind them, collecting a commission—this isn’t really a secret, as many intermediaries admit it openly. The problem is that this commission structure can sometimes end up influencing which clinic you’re referred to, what kind of treatment you’ll receive, and even the final price you pay—things that you’re often unaware of.

Medical tourism itself isn’t a problem — health authorities in many developed countries have issued relevant traveler safety guidelines, advising people to verify the qualifications of clinicians and the accreditation of facilities before traveling. Agencies are just one part of the process and shouldn’t completely replace one’s own due diligence.

How exactly do agency commissions work?

Normally, it’s perfectly fine for agencies and clinics to work together—after all, language barriers and complicated booking processes mean it’s reasonable to seek help. The problem is that some agencies tend to promote clinics that are willing to pay high commissions, rather than those that are truly right for you. They may even exaggerate the benefits of certain treatments to encourage you to add services you didn’t originally plan to get.

How can you get “trapped” in a package?

Another common tactic is “package bundling”: agencies combine several treatment sessions into an “exclusive package,” which may seem cheaper on the surface, but actually includes items you might not even need. Some even require you to pay the full deposit first before arranging a consultation. Once you arrive, if you find it doesn’t meet your expectations, the refund process is often delayed for a long time, and fees may even be deducted.

How to tell if an agent is helping you or just looking out for themselves

A simple way to test this is to ask the agent, “Does this clinic work with you, and do you get a commission?” If they’re willing to explain the partnership structure openly, it’s usually a good sign of reliability. If they avoid answering or change the subject, you should be wary. Additionally, you can ask for the clinic’s official price quote directly and compare it with what the agent offers—if there’s a significant difference, think carefully about why.

Should I find it myself or use an agent? Which is better?

Actually, either approach works—what matters most is that you’re clear about which type of service you’re choosing. If all you need is language translation and transportation arrangements, you might consider booking directly with the clinic and hiring a separate translation service, which could end up being cheaper. If you want a turnkey solution that covers everything from hotel stays to transportation and translation, reaching out to a reputable agency is a good option—but make sure to pick one with real customer reviews, not just Instagram-filtered photos.

Things people ask all the time

Could the agent just scam people out of their money and vanish?
It’s not very common, but we’ve had clients report losing contact after paying a deposit. Therefore, we recommend using payment methods with third-party protection instead of making direct personal transfers to individual accounts.

Will the clinic’s official website quote be cheaper than that of an agent?
Not necessarily. Sometimes agents can get discounts due to large order volumes, but if the price difference is too extreme, you need to be cautious—there might be hidden extra charges.

How can you tell if an agent really knows how to choose a clinic?
You can ask for a list of the clinics they work with, then check online for the doctors’ qualifications and past reviews at those clinics, rather than relying solely on what the agency says.

I’ve already paid a deposit but want to back out — can I get it refunded?
Depending on the terms set by the agency and clinic, make sure to clarify the refund policy before you leave. It’s best to have it written down in writing rather than relying on verbal promises.

Does DAN-A in Myeongdong work with any agencies?
While some agencies can help with appointments, we still recommend that clients verify the treatment details and pricing directly with the clinic to ensure transparency.

If you want to know what else to keep in mind when choosing a clinic, take a look.Must-Know Tips to Avoid Pitfalls in South Korea’s Cosmetology Industry: 5 Red Flags You Need to Know; If something has already gone wrong and you need help, feel free to check it out.What to Do if Something Goes Wrong with Medical Aesthetics in South Korea? 5 Essential Safety Measures for Overseas Patients Seeking Beauty Treatments; you can also take a lookWhich Chinese-speaking service for medical aesthetics in South Korea is the best? Here are 5 key factors to help you decideLearn how to choose truly reliable services. For information on the risks of international medical tourism and ways to protect yourself, please refer toU.S. CDC Official Guidelines on “Medical Tourism”。