Imagine being able to refresh your body, reduce swelling, and even give your skin a boost, all in between sightseeing and shopping during your trip to Korea!
That’s exactly what a Korean medicine clinic, or Haniwon (한의원), offers. Combining traditional therapies with modern wellness treatments, these clinics help you feel revitalized and balanced while exploring the city. With English-speaking staff and short, traveler-friendly experience packages, it’s easy to stop by even on a busy day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the treatments, beauty programs, and essential tips to make the most of your Hanuiwon visit.
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What Is a Korean Medicine Clinic (한의원 / Haniwon)?
A Korean medicine clinic is a medical facility based on traditional Korean medicine, which has a history of over 600 years. Practitioners assess your body using pulse checks, tongue examination, and overall appearance to understand your constitution and internal health. Treatments combine acupuncture, massage (chuna therapy), herbal medicine, cupping, and more to bring balance to the whole body.
The key feature of Korean medicine is its holistic approach: rather than just masking symptoms, it aims to address the root causes from within. For example, issues like swelling or skin problems are often seen as signs of poor blood circulation, coldness, or imbalances in organs such as the liver or kidneys. By improving your constitution, these problems can be naturally resolved.
Traditionally, Korean medicine has been used as a form of preventive care. Beyond treating colds or stiff shoulders, it also supports chronic fatigue, cold sensitivity, digestive issues, and even beauty and weight management. Today, it’s increasingly popular with travelers and beauty enthusiasts, offering a unique way to combine sightseeing with health and wellness.
Why Is Korean Medicine So Popular Across Asia?
For many Western visitors, Korean medicine clinics (한의원) might seem unfamiliar at first, but they are a professional, science-based medical field. Practitioners complete six years of rigorous training, learning both traditional Korean medicine and modern Western medicine, and must pass a national licensing exam.
Far from being “folk remedies,” their treatments are evidence-informed and widely trusted by athletes, celebrities, and everyday patients alike. From boosting energy and improving circulation to enhancing skin and overall wellness, these clinics offer safe, reliable care grounded in centuries of tradition and modern research.
What to Expect?
1. Personalized Treatments
- Care is tailored to your body type and individual needs.
- Practitioners assess your constitution using pulse checks, tongue diagnosis, and interviews.
- Herbal remedies are prescribed for issues like cold sensitivity, constipation, or stress.
- Programs can focus on boosting energy, improving immunity, or supporting digestion.
2. Beauty and Health All-In-One
- Treatments not only address health concerns but also support beauty goals.
- Cosmetic acupuncture and herbal IV drips help improve skin elasticity and radiance.
- Moxibustion and massage enhance circulation, reduce swelling, and can even create a more sculpted facial appearance.
3. Traveler-Friendly
- Many clinics offer short programs that can be completed in half a day or a full day.
- English-speaking staff are often available, making it easy for visitors to feel comfortable.
4. Unique Treatments
- Experience traditional treatments that are rarely available outside Korea.
- Acupuncture and moxibustion help relieve travel fatigue and shoulder tension.
- Herbal medicine is customized for you on the spot.
- Traditional diagnostic methods, like pulse and tongue checks, provide a uniquely Korean approach to health.
Which Treatments Can You Get?
Herbal Medicine (한방약)
Herbal medicines made from natural ingredients are carefully blended to match your body type and symptoms. They can help with everything from fatigue recovery and digestion issues to cold sensitivity, weight management, and healthy, glowing skin. For travelers, there are also daily-dose take-home versions, so you can experience the benefits even on a short trip. While herbal remedies are sold at Korean markets and shops, prescriptions from a Korean medicine clinic are more specialized and give you added peace of mind.
Acupuncture (침술)
Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that uses thin needles inserted into specific points on the body to improve circulation. It’s known to help with stiff shoulders, lower back pain, and sensitivity to cold. Cosmetic acupuncture is also popular for facial lifting and reducing puffiness. Even if it’s your first time, the treatment is generally painless, and most people can relax comfortably throughout.
Moxibustion (뜸)
Moxibustion is a therapy that uses the heat of burning mugwort (moxa) to stimulate specific points on the body. It’s known to help with cold sensitivity, menstrual pain, digestion issues, and chronic fatigue, offering a soothing warmth that reaches deep inside. It’s also a great option for those who aren’t comfortable with needles and is often enjoyed simply for its relaxing effect.
Cupping (부항)
Cupping is a detox therapy that uses suction cups on the back or other areas to boost blood circulation. It helps remove toxins, relieve fatigue, and can even improve sleep. The round marks left on the skin are a signature feature, and it’s well-known because many K-pop idols and athletes use it. While the marks may look dramatic, the feeling afterward is surprisingly refreshing.
Chuna Therapy (추나요법)
Chuna therapy is a hands-on treatment that relaxes muscle tension and helps correct posture and skeletal alignment. Similar to Japanese osteopathy, it focuses on balancing the whole body based on principles of Korean medicine. It’s not only effective for stiff shoulders and lower back pain, but also helps improve circulation and relieve stress.
Beauty & Diet Programs
Korean medicine clinics offer unique beauty programs that combine acupuncture and herbal medicine to help with skin concerns. There are also programs focused on improving overall health and body shape, including slimming massages and herbal diet prescriptions that naturally help control appetite. Many clinics offer short “refresh experience” courses, making them popular with visitors who want to fit a treatment in between shopping and sightseeing.
Things to Keep In Mind
If you’re visiting a Korean medicine clinic for the first time, it helps to know a few things in advance. Treatments and herbal medicine can work differently for each person depending on their body and condition, so having a general idea beforehand will make you feel more comfortable.
During Treatment
- Acupuncture needles are super thin, so most people don’t feel much pain. But everyone’s sensitivity is a little different.
- Cupping and moxibustion can leave marks, so it’s best to plan your travel schedule accordingly.
- Right after treatment, your blood flow improves, so try not to overdo it with a busy schedule.
- To get the best results, avoid alcohol or heavy, spicy food on the same day.
- If you have health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems, make sure to tell the clinic beforehand.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, let them know so they can adjust the treatment safely.
- Be sure to bring any medications you use, allergy info, or notes about your health.
Taking Herbal Medicine
- Do not use it with other medicine on your own. Always check with a professional first.
- You might be told to take it at specific times, like after meals or on an empty stomach.
- Some people feel a bit tired, sweat more, or notice changes in digestion after starting. This is usually normal but if you’re worried, just reach out to the clinic for advice.
Recommended Clinics
1. Duna Clinic
- Address: 서울 성동구 아차산로 92 2F
- Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-20:00 KST
Cutting-edge AI technology measures and analyzes facial asymmetry with precision. By adjusting the bite and aligning the body, it targets the root cause of pain. Conveniently located near Exit 4 of Seongsu Station, the area is perfect for shopping and café hopping before or after your treatment.
Reviews From Other Travelers
★★★★★ User1202684ㅣJapanㅣ2025.08.20
I visited for full body & face care.
As soon as I arrived, I was surprised by the beauty of the receptionist, which raised my expectations. Lol
It seems there are still few Japanese customers, so there are no Japanese menus or counseling sheets, but by chance, someone who was good at Japanese happened to be there and interpreted for me.
The doctor in charge also spoke a little Japanese, which was helpful.
After having my face and body thoroughly examined, I was given suggestions for the menu.
I found out that my skull and jaw were misaligned in opposite directions, and they proposed a treatment to address that. I received various care such as cosmetic acupuncture, chiropractic, training to return my jaw to the correct position, facial muscle relaxation, intraoral massage, and more.
The muscle relaxation treatments were so painful I almost screamed, but when I compared the before and after photos, I was amazed!
The misalignment was corrected, my midface, which had become longer, became shorter, and the sagging was much less noticeable!
This effect is temporary, and it usually takes about 20 visits to make it last.
When I edited the before and after photos to blur my eyes, I realized that correcting the distortion even made me look taller.
Since I'm from Japan, it's hard for me to come frequently, but when I come to Korea for photo shoots and such, I definitely want to visit here first.
★★★★★ shea252ㅣOtherㅣ2025.07.21
This is the perfect Korean medicine clinic for the whole family. The facilities are comfortable and clean, so I had no concerns about hygiene. The staff were all professional, and the consultations were clear, which satisfied my parents. Most importantly, the treatment was so effective that I want to visit again with my family.
[Spot] Duna Korean Medicine Clinic
2. Lia Clinic
- Address: 서울 중구 명동8가길 27 9F
- Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10:30-14:00 / 15:30-20:30; Sat 10:00-15:00 KST
The director is an expert in enhancing inner beauty through careful diagnosis and constitutional care, with experience as a TV guest in Korea and as a judge for Miss Korea. You can also receive safe skin treatments with minimal downtime, along with herbal medicine-based diet programs. Conveniently located next to Myeongdong Station, it’s an ideal spot to combine treatment with sightseeing and shopping.
[Spot] Ria Korean Medicine Clinic
3. Bit Clinic
- Address: 서울 동대문구 약령중앙로 9 2F
- Hours: Weekdays 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00; Sat & Sun 09:00-13:00 / 14:00-16:00 KST
This Korean medicine clinic is well-known for its thermal therapy, offering treatments such as infrared, moxibustion, cupping, and acupuncture. The thermal dome and herbal steam jjimjil are especially popular for easing fatigue, strengthening immunity, improving skin, and reducing abdominal fat.
Just a 2-minute walk from Jegidong Station, it’s close to Gyeongdong Market and Yakryeong Market, making it easy to visit while sightseeing. The clinic also features saunas and herbal detox rooms to help relieve travel fatigue.
Reviews From Other Travelers
★★★★★ ARACELI979027ㅣOtherㅣ2025.05.13
This was my first visit, and the staff at Bithan Clinic were incredibly friendly! The entire process, from reservation to treatment, was organized and seamless, saving me time and reducing confusion. The facility was clean and trustworthy, and the location was easy to find, making it a great choice for anyone visiting Dongdaemun-gu. The consultation was also clear and helpful, helping me understand the treatment options. This is a must-visit!
★★★★★ brock3177ㅣJapanㅣ2025.07.15
I visited on a friend’s recommendation, and it exceeded my expectations! The staff were very kind and gave me professional consultations, which made me trust them. It seems like a great place to come with family, and the location is also very good. I could feel the effects right away and would definitely recommend it to people in the area.
[Spot] Pi Han Clinic
4. Green Korean Medical Clinic
- Address: 부산시 수영구 수영로 382 4F
- Hours: Weekdays 09:00-19:00 / Sat & Sun 09:00-13:00 KST
A well-known Korean medicine clinic in Busan offers patented moxibustion treatments, including ginger and mugwort (“Jangkyu”) and salt and mugwort (“Sokri-kyu”). With personalized care based on each person’s constitution, the clinic helps ease travel fatigue, strengthen immunity, and improve issues like indigestion and menstrual pain.
Reviews From Other Travelers
★★★★★ EMILY62910ㅣU.S.ㅣ2024.11.22
My first visit here exceeded my expectations. The location was intuitive and easy to find, and the staff provided expert advice, instilling trust. Overall, the facility was clean and the comfortable atmosphere was impressive. I could also feel the effects of the traditional Korean medicine treatments. I'm confident I'd recommend this place to friends and acquaintances.
Spot] Green Han Clinic
5. Boneline Clinic
- Address: 서울 종로구 청계천로 73 3F
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00-20:00 / Sat 10:00-14:00 / Closed on Sundays
This premium clinic offering comprehensive Korean medicine treatments, including weight loss, chronic pain relief, posture correction, and constitutional improvement. All consultations are conducted 1:1 by the head practitioner. The clinic uses only high-quality herbal ingredients, with prescriptions prepared by the doctor to ensure optimal quality.
Patients can freely communicate with the head practitioners throughout treatment, receiving attentive feedback. With a treatment philosophy of "meticulous, detailed, and friendly," the clinic is welcoming even for first-time visitors or foreigners.
[스팟] Boneline Clinic | Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic
6. Plan S Clinic
- Address: 2F, 408 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Weekdays 10:30-19:00 / Sat 10:30-14:00 KST
This clinic specializes in body contouring, weight loss, and lifting treatments, providing personalized care through one-on-one consultations. Their unique “Fat Injection” has been shown to reduce fat by 37%, and titanium lifting is available at more affordable rates than other clinics.
Located right next to Gangnam Station, the clinic also has Japanese-speaking staff on site, making it a comfortable choice for travelers.
Reviews From Other Travelers
★★★★☆ MeiㅣU.S.ㅣ2025.01.16
Very thorough consultation, all my questions and concerns were answered. The English was limited to a few staff, but all of them were so friendly and they always made sure to pair me with a translator. Too soon to see the results but first impression was positive!
[Spot] PlanS Clinic (Korean Diet Pill Prescription)
FAQ
Q. Is the treatment painful?
A. Acupuncture and moxibustion are very gentle, so even if it’s your first time, you can relax without worrying about pain.
Q. How quickly will I notice results from herbal medicine?
A. It depends on the person, but most people start to feel a difference gradually over a few days to a couple of weeks.
Q. Can tourists get treatment too?
A. Yes. Many clinics now have English-speaking staff and short treatment options, so visitors can feel comfortable trying it out.
Q. What should I wear or bring?
A. Wear something comfortable and easy to move in. It’s also a good idea to bring any medication you’re taking or allergy information.
Q. Is there anything I should avoid after treatment?
A. Try not to plan too much walking right after, and keep in mind that cupping or moxibustion can leave temporary marks. Avoid heavy meals, spicy food, or alcohol for the best results.
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