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Korean Medicine & Acupuncture

Acupuncture in Korea

Acupuncture in Korean medicine clinics is most commonly sought for musculoskeletal pain, and sessions typically combine needling with cupping, moxibustion or physical therapy in one visit.

61 listed clinics · Updated 2026-08-09

Korean Medicine & Acupuncture treatment room in Korea
In short. Acupuncture in Korean medicine clinics is most commonly sought for musculoskeletal pain, and sessions typically combine needling with cupping, moxibustion or physical therapy in one visit.
Indicative price
20,000 - 60,000 per session KRW
Procedure time
30 - 50 minutes
Anesthesia
None
Recovery
None
Minimum stay in Korea
Same day
Also known as
침 치료

Korean practice includes distinctive techniques such as Saam acupuncture and pharmacopuncture, in which diluted herbal extract is injected at acupoints. Pharmacopuncture is regulated as a Korean medicine procedure and is not available in most Western countries.

A course is usually two to three sessions per week for two to four weeks for an acute problem. Single sessions are available for travellers but produce limited durable change.

Clinics offering Acupuncture

Showing 61 clinics

By location

Acupuncture in Apgujeong (5)Acupuncture in Gangnam (5)Acupuncture in Cheongdam (5)Acupuncture in Seocho (3)Acupuncture in Jamsil (5)Acupuncture in Yeouido (5)Acupuncture in Myeongdong (5)Acupuncture in Itaewon & Hannam (5)Acupuncture in Jongno (5)Acupuncture in Songdo (4)Acupuncture in Busan (5)Acupuncture in Daegu (5)Acupuncture in Jeju (4)

Frequently asked questions

How many acupuncture sessions do I need?

Acute musculoskeletal pain is typically treated two to three times weekly for two to four weeks. A single session while travelling can relieve symptoms but rarely produces lasting change.

What is pharmacopuncture?

Injection of a diluted, sterilised herbal extract at acupuncture points. It is a regulated Korean medicine procedure performed by licensed Korean medicine doctors and is not widely available outside Korea.

Related procedures

Herbal Medicine Consultation

A herbal medicine consultation produces a decoction formulated for the individual patient after pulse, tongue ...

Further reading

Recovery Time and When You Can Fly

The length of your trip is set by the mandatory follow-up interval, not by how quickly you feel well, and flying too early raises the risk of swelling, bleeding and thrombosis.

Medical Costs and Payment in Korea

Foreign patients without Korean national health insurance pay the full private rate, which is still typically 30 to 70 percent below US pricing for the same procedure, and card payment is accepted almost everywhere.

Source: National Health Insurance Service, coverage for foreign residents https://www.nhis.or.kr/english/index.do