Whitening
How much does teeth whitening cost in Seoul? What decides the price
What you pay for professional whitening in Seoul, why prices differ between clinics, VAT on cosmetic care, and how to get a clear quote before you go.
By Dr. Kang Jun-guMedically reviewed by Dr. Kang Jun-guPublished Updated 4 min read
Quick answer
In Seoul, in-office whitening is priced per session and is not covered by Korean health insurance. The price depends on the number of cycles, the gel system used and whether a check-up and scaling are needed first, and cosmetic whitening carries 10% VAT. Ask for a written, all-inclusive quote before you start; our current fees are on the price list.
What's usually included
- A short check of teeth and gums before whitening
- Shade measurement before and after
- Gum protection and the whitening cycles
- Desensitising care if needed
Why prices differ
- Number of cycles in one session
- The gel strength and light system
- Whether scaling is needed first for an even result
- Whether VAT is shown in the quoted price
How to compare quotes
Ask each clinic the same three questions: how many cycles, is VAT included, and is a check-up included. A low headline price that excludes these can end up costing more.
Questions people also ask
Is teeth whitening covered by Korean health insurance?
No. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it's paid in full and carries 10% VAT, even for people enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance.
Can I pay by credit card?
Most Seoul dental clinics accept major international credit cards. Ask for an itemised receipt if you plan to keep records.
Need this looked at in Seoul?
Check-ups, scaling and whitening, with fees shown before we start.
Dr. Kang is a board-certified Integrated Dentistry specialist trained at Yonsei, Harvard and Columbia. He treats every patient at the Gongdeok clinic himself.
About Dr. KangHow we write these guides: each guide is written from questions our patients ask, reviewed by Dr. Kang, and updated when guidance changes. It is general information, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own teeth, please book a check-up.
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