Korean Filler vs Imported Filler in Korea: What’s the Difference?

Korea is one of the world’s leading filler markets, offering both Korean-made fillers and imported fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, etc.).
Both have their strengths, but choosing the right one depends on your treatment goal, budget, and how long you want results to last.

This guide compares Korean and imported fillers so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Korean Fillers?

Korean fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal fillers developed by Korean manufacturers.
They are widely used in Korean dermatology clinics due to their natural finish and affordability.

Key Features

• Softer texture
• Designed for natural Korean-style aesthetics
• Shorter duration than imported brands
• More budget-friendly
• Less swelling in many cases
• Good for beginners or first-timers

Popular areas: lips, under-eye, jawline, chin, forehead, and overall volumizing.

What Are Imported Fillers?

Imported fillers are global FDA- or CE-approved brands such as Restylane, Juvederm, RHA, and Teoxane.

Key Features

• Stronger structure and projection
• Longer duration
• Higher safety regulation in Western markets
• Higher cost
• Better for contouring that requires firmness

Popular areas: nose, chin, jawline, deep folds, and dramatic lip shaping.

Korean Filler vs Imported Filler: Main Differences

1. Aesthetic Style

Korean Fillers

• Natural finish
• Softer volume
• More flexible (“jelly-type”)
• Ideal for K-beauty soft contours

Imported Fillers

• Sharper, more defined contours
• Higher lift capacity
• Excellent projection for structural shaping

2. Longevity

Korean Fillers

• Typically last 6–9 months
• Softer formulas dissolve faster

Imported Fillers

• Last 9–18 months depending on product
• Firmer gels last longer in structural areas

3. Safety & Regulation

Korean Fillers

• Highly used domestically
• Safe when injected by trained professionals
• Strong government oversight within Korea
• Fewer long-term global studies compared to Western brands

Imported Fillers

• FDA/CE approved
• Extensive clinical trials
• Long global track record
• Higher cross-linking standards

4. Price

Korean Fillers

• ₩90,000 – ₩250,000 per 1 mL
• Great value for natural results

Imported Fillers

• ₩250,000 – ₩450,000+ per 1 mL
• Premium cost for premium durability

5. Injection Experience

Korean Fillers

• Smooth and easy for contour blending
• Perfect for subtle enhancements
• Less swelling for many patients

Imported Fillers

• Firmer and more structured
• Strong lift for nose and chin
• Ideal for deep volume restoration

6. Best Treatment Areas

Korean Fillers Are Best For:

• Lips (soft, natural volume)
• Under-eye tear trough
• Cheek blending
• Forehead hydration/volume
• Soft chin rounding
• First-time filler users

Imported Fillers Are Best For:

• Nose bridge (higher projection)
• Chin elongation (strong lift)
• Jawline contouring
• Deep nasolabial folds
• High-definition lip shaping
• Patients wanting longer-lasting results

7. Who Should Choose Korean Fillers?

• Those wanting subtle, natural effects
• First-time filler users
• Those concerned about swelling
• Budget-conscious patients
• Fans of soft K-beauty aesthetics
• People who want reversible, short-term results

8. Who Should Choose Imported Fillers?

• Those wanting long-lasting results
• People needing strong structure (nose/chin)
• Deep fold treatment
• Sculpted, defined features
• Patients used to Western-style fillers

Which Is Better?

There’s no single “best” filler—only the filler that best fits your aesthetic goal.

Choose Korean filler if:
✓ You want natural, soft, subtle volume
✓ You want to try fillers for the first time
✓ You prefer the smooth K-beauty look
✓ You want smaller doses at better pricing

Choose imported filler if:
✓ You want more dramatic shaping
✓ You need strong projection (nose/chin/jawline)
✓ You want longer-lasting results
✓ You want globally recognized brands

Many clinics in Korea actually combine both depending on the treatment area—Korean filler for lips, imported filler for the chin or nose.



Korean fillers offer a natural, affordable, and soft aesthetic that fits Korean beauty standards, while imported fillers offer structure, durability, and sharp definition. Your ideal choice depends on whether you want soft K-beauty volume or bold, long-lasting contour.