Blackheads Treatment in Korea: Extraction, Aqua Peel & Toning
The short answer
Blackheads are cleared in Gangnam with medical pore extraction, aqua peel, salicylic acid peels, acne facials and laser toning to reduce oil and keep pores clear. Sessions typically cost about ₩50,000 to ₩200,000, and most people need 3 to 5 sessions about 2 to 4 weeks apart. There is usually little downtime beyond a few hours of redness after extraction.
Key facts
- Medical name: open comedones
- Main treatments: pore extraction, aqua peel, chemical peels, acne facials, laser toning
- Typical cost: about ₩50,000–₩200,000 per session
- Sessions: usually 3–5, every 2–4 weeks
- Downtime: a few hours of redness
- Home support: salicylic acid and a retinoid
Why get blackheads treated in Korea?
Blackheads form when oil and dead cells clog a pore that stays open at the surface. The dark colour comes from oxidation, not dirt. They are most common on the nose, chin and forehead, and they tend to come back unless the underlying oiliness and build-up are managed. Korean clinics combine professional extraction with treatments that keep pores clear, which is the key to longer-lasting results.
A dermatologist or trained aesthetician will usually assess your oil levels, pore size and any acne, and distinguish true blackheads from sebaceous filaments, which are normal and refill quickly.
Types of congestion treated
- Blackheads: open, dark-topped clogged pores.
- Sebaceous filaments: grey dots on the nose that are normal pore lining.
- Clustered congestion: many blackheads on the nose and chin.
- Mixed congestion: blackheads with whiteheads or small spots.
Most popular blackhead treatments in Korea
Pore extraction clears blackheads safely with sterile tools after softening the skin; see our comedone extraction page. Aqua peel uses vacuum suction and solutions to lift debris from pores; read about aqua peel. Chemical peels with salicylic acid dissolve oil inside the pore. Acne facials combine cleansing, extraction and calming masks. Laser toning reduces oil and refines pore appearance over several sessions.
Blackheads treatment cost in Korea
| Treatment | Typical range per session |
|---|---|
| Aqua peel | about ₩50,000–₩120,000 |
| Extraction or acne facial | about ₩50,000–₩150,000 |
| Salicylic acid peel | about ₩50,000–₩120,000 |
| Laser toning | about ₩50,000–₩200,000 |
Why Gangnam?
Gangnam clinics offer extraction and peels as quick, affordable sessions that fit easily around sightseeing. Packages of several aqua peels are common. If pore size bothers you more than congestion, read our enlarged pores guide; for closed bumps, see whiteheads treatment.
How many sessions are needed?
Extraction gives an instant result, but blackheads usually return within weeks without maintenance. A course of 3 to 5 sessions every 2 to 4 weeks, combined with home care, keeps pores clearer. On a short trip, one extraction facial plus an aqua peel or salicylic peel is a good reset.
Aftercare
- Avoid makeup for a few hours after extraction.
- Do not squeeze blackheads at home; it can cause scarring.
- Use a salicylic acid cleanser or toner a few times a week.
- Add a retinoid at night if your skin tolerates it.
- Choose non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
Can blackheads be removed permanently?
Not permanently, but regular treatment and home care can keep them much less visible.
Is professional extraction better than pore strips?
Yes. Professional extraction is more thorough and less irritating than strips or squeezing.
What is an aqua peel?
A treatment that uses gentle suction and solutions to clean pores and hydrate skin.
How much does blackhead treatment cost in Korea?
Typically about ₩50,000 to ₩200,000 per session.
Are the grey dots on my nose blackheads?
They are often sebaceous filaments, which are normal and refill naturally.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
Tell us your goals, budget and travel dates. Our English-speaking coordinators compare doctor-led clinics and usually reply with free quotes within 24 hours.