Why Mole Removal Is a Lunchtime Ritual in South Korea (And How to Do It Right)

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] In Seoul and across South Korea, flawless skin is not a privilege reserved for K-pop idols and screen actors. It is a daily reality for many ordinary people, and one small but telling sign of that is the casualness with which Koreans treat mole removal. For locals, it is as routine as popping into a café on a lunch break: a quick 20-minute procedure at a dermatology clinic, followed by a stop at Olive Young (올리브영) for aftercare products, then back to work or school.

Why the obsession with mole removal? In Korean culture, clear, smooth skin stands for something deeper than mere beauty. It signals self-care and self-respect. The porcelain complexions that fill K-dramas are not accidents; they are the result of a society that prizes meticulous skincare and sees blemishes as something to be addressed proactively. Mole removal is less about vanity and more about taking control of one’s appearance. Add to that the fact that South Korean dermatology clinics offer world-class technology at prices that are almost shockingly affordable—typically $5–15 per mole—and it is easy to understand
why the procedure has become a cultural norm.

A Practical Guide for Visitors

Before you arrive at the clinic

- Bring your passport (required for identification and for tax refunds if you are a tourist). - Download the Papago (파파고) translation app; most doctors and staff speak limited English, and this app is the most reliable for real-time conversation.
- Take clear photos of the moles you want removed to show the doctor during consultation.

What the procedure actually looks like

1. Reception (5 minutes): Most clinics use self-check-in tablets with English options.
2. Consultation (10 minutes): The doctor examines the number, size, and depth of the moles and quotes the total cost.
3. Numbing cream application (20 minutes): A thick layer of yellow anesthetic cream is applied to the target areas and left to take effect.
4. Laser treatment (5–15 minutes): A CO2 laser is used to vaporize each mole with a faint sizzling sound. Pain is minimal to none.
5. Before-and-after photos: The clinic takes standard documentation shots.

Two uniquely Korean touches

1. You remove your shoes before entering the treatment room; disposable slippers are provided.
2. There is no tipping culture in medical settings.



Post-treatment care: The Korean way

The first 48 hours are critical. The treated spots are small open wounds, and the standard protocol is moist wound healing (known locally as 습윤 드레싱).

- Keep the area dry for 2–3 days; use waterproof bandages during showers.
- Avoid direct water contact until the scabs form and fall off naturally.

Olive Young shopping list for optimal recovery

1. Duoderm Extra Thin (듀오덤 엑스트라 씬): Thin, transparent hydrocolloid dressings that keep the wound moist and promote scar-free healing. Around ₩6,000.
2. A high-protection sunscreen, SPF 50+ PA++++: Essential to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Apply generously for at least three months. Dr. Jart+ (닥터자르트) is a favorite. Around ₩15,000.
3. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (세타필 순한 세정제): Mild enough for the first week when stronger cleansers are off-limits. Around ₩20,000.

Real questions from first-timers

Q: How many moles can be removed in one session?
A: Clinics routinely handle 10–20 at once, though for facial treatments most doctors suggest 5–7 to minimize swelling.

Q: When can I wear makeup again?
A: Wait until the scabs have fallen off (usually 7–10 days). Until then, stick to sunscreen only.

Q: Will there be scarring?
A: Moles smaller than 3 mm almost never leave a mark. Larger ones may show a shallow depression at first, but it flattens out within 3–6 months.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

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