Treatment Cost Overview
When considering a DHT blocker program in Korea, the primary costs come from prescription medications (like finasteride or dutasteride), plus clinic consultation and monitoring. Unlike surgical hair restorations, the ongoing cost is mostly for drug therapy and follow-up, making it relatively affordable when done in a well-structured clinic.
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
- Oral Finasteride: According to data from Korean clinics, a month’s supply of generic 1 mg finasteride often costs between ₩20,000 to ₩40,000 KRW (about US $17–33). Korea Clinic Cost
- Branded Finasteride (e.g., Propecia): This is more expensive — some sources say around ₩40,000–₩70,000 KRW per month. Korea Clinic Cost
- Oral Dutasteride (0.5 mg): Generic versions run roughly ₩20,000–₩40,000 KRW for 30 tablets. Korea Clinic Cost
- Brand-name Dutasteride (Avodart): Can cost ₩50,000–₩90,000 for a month’s supply, depending on the pharmacy. Korea Clinic Cost
- PRP + Medication Combo Programs: For patients combining DHT blockers with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, Korean clinics estimate ₩650,000–₩1,000,000 KRW for a 1-month program using PRP + finasteride. Korea Clinic Cost+1
- Combination Therapy (Full Regimen): More comprehensive “combo protocols” — e.g., combining oral meds, topical treatments, laser, mesotherapy — can range from ₩3,000,000 to ₩5,000,000+ KRW for a 3–6 month package, depending on the clinic. Korea Clinic Cost
- Clinic Visits & Diagnostics: A typical initial scalp consultation costs ₩20,000–₩50,000 KRW at many clinics. seouldermatologyclinic.com
- Follow‑up / Monitoring: For hormonal blood tests (like checking DHT), clinics may charge ₩50,000–₩100,000 KRW. Korea Clinic Cost+1
Note: In many cases, these treatments are not covered by the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) because they are considered cosmetic / elective. Delight Hair Clinic+1
Popular Clinics in Korea Offering DHT Blocker Programs
Here are some well-known clinics in Korea where medical tourists or local patients can access DHT blocker programs:
Seoul Delight Dermatology Clinic (Gangnam)
- Offers oral finasteride treatment. Delight Hair Clinic
- According to their published pricing, 1 mg finasteride can cost ₩20,000–₩50,000 KRW per month, depending on generic vs branded. Delight Hair Clinic
- Consultation fees for diagnosis and scalp analysis can range between ₩50,000–₩150,000 KRW. Delight Hair Clinic
- They also have oral dutasteride as an option, which costs roughly ₩25,000–₩60,000 KRW for the generic version. Delight Hair Clinic
Scalp / Dermatology Clinics in Gangnam
- Many specialized scalp clinics provide low-level laser therapy (LLLT), mesotherapy, PRP, and medications. According to Seoul Dermatology Clinic, LLLT costs are around ₩50,000–₩150,000 KRW per session. seouldermatologyclinic.com
- These clinics typically bundle medication (finasteride or dutasteride) with follow-up visits, making a DHT blocker “program” more structured.
Combination-Therapy Special Clinics
- Some clinics offer combination protocols: DHT inhibitors + PRP + mesotherapy + laser therapy. According to Korean hair‑loss cost guides, these programs can cost ₩1,200,000–2,500,000 KRW for a 1‑ to 3‑month plan. Korea Clinic Cost
- For very intensive regimens with all components (“full regimen”), the 3–6 month cost range is about ₩3,000,000–5,000,000+ KRW. Korea Clinic Cost
Pros & Considerations for Medical Tourists
- Affordability: Even though non‑surgical, these programs can be very cost‑efficient compared to long-term medication costs in some Western countries.
- Expertise: Korean dermatology and scalp clinics are often up-to-date with the latest evidence-based treatments for hair loss.
- Package Options: Many clinics will offer multi-month packages for international patients, combining drug therapy + PRP + diagnostics + follow-up.
- Out-of-Pocket: Since it’s generally not covered by insurance, you should plan for full self-pay.
- Follow-Up: Make sure your clinic offers robust monitoring (blood tests, scalp imaging) — critical for safety with drugs like finasteride/dutasteride.
- Language Support: For international patients, ask if the clinic has English‑speaking coordinators or medical tourism services.
