When it comes to seeking medical beauty treatments in South Korea, the most well-known options are always facial treatments like Thermage and HIFU. But in the past six months, at least half of the people who’ve come to me have been asking about one specific device—the ONDA.
The reason is simple: in summer, people wear fewer and fewer clothes. Areas like the abdomen, sides of the waist, and Thighs that can’t be covered simply won’t respond quickly enough to dieting and exercise alone. ONDA is specifically designed to target these areas. Many local girls in South Korea complete the treatment early so they can wear shorts and skirts right away.
This article clearly explains the key points: what ONDA is actually doing, how to choose a hospital, and my curated list of 5 hospitals that are easy for foreigners to book appointments at—each with price references included. You can plan your trip right away after reading it in about ten minutes.
I. What is ONDA? Take a minute to find out.
Let’s put it simply: ONDA is an original body shaping device made by the Italian company DEKA. Its core technology, called Coolwaves, uses microwaves to deliver energy precisely into the subcutaneous fat layer.
It does three things at once:
- Heat the fat layer to promote natural metabolism of fat cells
- Stimulates Collagen production while simultaneously tightening the skin
- Improves cellulite, giving the skin’s surface a smoother appearance
So ONDA’s focus is very clear: it’s not about weight loss, but rather “shaping.” You won’t lose a lot of weight, but your body contours will look better—areas like the abdomen, sides of the waist, Thighs, arms, and Double Chin are all where it really makes an impact. 💡
One more thing that’s crucial for travelers: no recovery period. You might experience slight redness and warmth after the procedure, but these symptoms fade within a few hours without affecting your ability to shop or eat, making it perfect to fit into your travel itinerary.
Regarding the treatment schedule, most protocols recommend 3 sessions as a complete course, with an interval of 2–4 weeks between sessions. You’ll usually notice firmer skin right after the first session, but fat metabolism and collagen remodeling take time. Visible changes in facial contours tend to become more apparent toward the end of the treatment course (since everyone’s physical condition varies, always follow the doctor’s assessment during the consultation).
The “kJ” you often see mentioned in terms of price is the unit of energy dosage: the higher the number, the larger the area treated and the more energy used, which in turn results in a higher price. Small areas of the face usually require 30–80 kJ, while larger areas of the body may need 160 kJ or even 320 kJ. I’ve listed the specific treatment plans for each clinic below.
II. When choosing ONDA Hospital, I focus on these 3 key factors
First, consider how detailed the treatment plan is. Reputable clinics will break down the plan by treatment area and kJ dosage, rather than charging a flat fee for everything. Only with the right dosage can you ensure optimal results and comfort.
Second, is communication in Chinese possible? ONDA requires on-site confirmation of the treatment area and dosage, and poor communication can significantly undermine the patient’s treatment experience.
Third, consider the location. Most people don’t undergo contouring treatments just once, so choosing a clinic near a subway station makes it easier to get there and back each time. 📍
By this standard, these 5 clinics are the most hassle-free for foreigners to book appointments—ranging from Apgujeong all the way to Hongdae, covering several major shopping districts.
III. Top 5 Recommended Hospitals for ONDA in South Korea
1. Baid Dermatology (Apgujeong) — A trusted, long-established clinic
This established Dermatology clinic has been in operation since 2011, located on Nonhyeon-ro in Gangnam, just a 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Apgujeong Station. ONDA offers a wide range of packages, priced from ₩450,000 to ₩790,000 for BODY treatments, allowing clients to choose based on specific body areas and budget constraints.
In addition to ONDA, treatments like Pico, Thermage, and Titanium Lifting are also available on the menu. For those looking for a one-stop solution for both facial and body treatments, this clinic is an excellent choice.
2. Aisen Show Dermatology (Seto Station) – Affordable entry-level option
It’s located on the 8th floor of the JBI Building in Seocho-gu, right at Exit 14 of the Syetang station on Lines 2 and 4 of the subway. The biggest advantage of this place is its price: ONDA starts at ₩75,000, making it the lowest-priced option among the 5 shops I reviewed this time. For those who are considering trying it for the first time, you can get started with just the cost of a few servings of barbecue. 💰
The price for InMode FX single-area treatment starts at 25,000 won, while the Korean-style HIFU option begins at 104,000 won—making it affordable even when combined with other treatments. The business hours are also very convenient: open until 20:30 on weekdays and on weekends as well, with no lunch break in between, so it’s easy to find a suitable time to visit.
3. Vands Sinsa Hospital (Gangnam Station) — Flexible Time Options
Located on the 12th and 13th floors of Samsung Building right next to Gangnam Station, this place’s biggest advantage lies in its operating hours: it’s open from 9 a.m. to 21:00 on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Even for those with tightly packed schedules and only free time in the early morning or evening, this spot offers services almost round the clock throughout the year. ⏰
Regarding ONDA’s specific treatment plans and quotes, the platform mainly offers consultation services. It’s recommended to first inquire about the current available options through BeautsGO before scheduling an appointment. You might also want to take a look at their Korean-style HIFU devices, which start at 690,000 won — pairing these with ONDA for Lifting treatments is also a great option.
4. Reberry Dermatology Gangnam Branch – The Most Comprehensive Range of Treatment Options
Reberry is a highly renowned chain Dermatology clinic among foreigners. Its Gangnam branch is the flagship location, situated on the 1st and 2nd floors of KI Tower, just a 2-minute walk from Exit 10 of Gangnam Station. It’s open all year round until 20:00 every day, so you can easily make an appointment last minute if you suddenly decide to visit.
This clinic offers the most diverse options with Onda therapy: for body treatment alone, Onda 160kJ starts at 1.09 million won; if you want Lifting for the face as well, there’s a package combining “Onda 40kJ + Titanium Lifting 40kJ” starting at 720,000 won. For those seeking a comprehensive solution, the Onda 80kJ package starts at 1.89 million won and includes 600 shots of V-RO HIFU, a probe handle, and LDM whitening treatment. Additionally, Berry lipolysis needles available from 90,000 won can also be considered by doctors to see if they should be used in combination with Onda. 💡
The Chinese-language services and payment options are both well-developed, with Alipay and WeChat available, so there’s no need to worry if you’re visiting South Korea for medical aesthetics for the first time.
5. Cellin Dermatology Hongdae Branch – A Great Value Option for Young People
Cellin has multiple branches in Seoul, and its Hongdae location is simply perfect — just 1 minute walk from Exit 9 at the Hongdae entrance station, on the 15th floor of the KAKAO FRIENDS building. Right below the store lies the bustling Hongdae shopping district, making it ideal for shopping and enjoying performances all in one place.
An affordable package deal that offers great value: The Oligio HIFU treatment with 300 shots plus ONDA 30kJ is available starting at just ₩339,000—enabling you to achieve both facial tightening and body shaping in one session, at a price even lower than doing either treatment separately in many other places. Those with limited budgets who want to tackle two procedures at once can definitely go with this package. ✅ For those willing to spend a bit more, there’s also the option of “ONDA 30kJ + Oligio treatment with 600 shots,” priced starting at ₩759,000.
IV. Common ONDA FAQs
Q1: Is it painful?
There’s a constant “warm sensation” throughout, similar to having a hot towel applied while being massaged — something that most people can tolerate. Areas with higher energy levels will feel warmer, but if it becomes too intense, you can ask the therapist to lower the intensity at any time; there’s no need to endure it.
Q2: Is it effective after just one treatment?
Most people already notice a firmer appearance right after the first treatment, but fat metabolism happens gradually. It’s generally recommended to complete one treatment course with around 3 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart. You can split the course into two trips, or if you stay in South Korea for a longer period, you’ll likely see more consistent results.
Q3: Is there a recovery period?
Almost none. There might be slight redness and warmth for a few hours after the procedure, but you can carry on with normal activities that day. Just drink plenty of water and maintain a regular schedule—there’s no issue even if you need to catch an evening flight.
Q4: What are the differences between ONDA, Thermage, and HIFU?
One-sentence version: Thermage and HIFU are primarily used for “skin tightening and lifting,” while ONDA focuses on “fat layer shaping plus cellulite reduction.” One targets loose skin, the other targets excess fat—this is why many clinics offer them as part of packages.
Q5: When is it not suitable to have the procedure?
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have metal implants in their body, or have open wounds or severe skin conditions at the treatment area should first get an evaluation from a doctor. Additionally, ONDA is not a weight loss method—it’s designed for people with normal weight but unsatisfactory body contours. Keep the right mindset, and your expectations won’t be disappointed.
V. How can foreigners make an appointment? Done in 3 simple steps
Finally, let’s talk about making appointments. You can book at all 5 of these clinics directly through BeautsGO, with everything in Chinese—no need to make calls yourself.
- Click on any hospital card in the article to go to the hospital page, where you can first view all the services and current prices.
- Choose the ONDA treatment plan and date you prefer, then submit your reservation.
- Once the hospital confirms it, just show up at the store at the scheduled time.
Many hospitals offer lower prices for their current promotions on these platforms compared to in-store rates. Make an appointment ahead of time before you leave, and get the treatment right away—this saves you all the time spent waiting in line and communicating. 📅
The ONDA treatment stands out for its convenience: no surgery required, no time off from work, and you can leave right after the procedure—perfectly meeting the needs of those who want to look better without any hassle. If you’ve also been sighing at your reflection for too long, pick a clinic closest to where you are and schedule your treatment today.
(The prices listed in this article are reference figures provided by the platform. In South Korea, a VAT of around 10% is usually added to the cost of cosmetic procedures, so the actual amount will depend on the quote given by the clinic on the day. Treatment plans should be determined based on a consultation with a doctor.)
