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Wellness · 영양 수액 주사

Nutrient IV Therapy in Gangnam

Vitamin and mineral drips such as garlic (fursultiamine), Cinderella (thioctic acid) and glutathione. 20 to 60 minutes; benefits for healthy people are limited.

Quick facts
  • Korean name: 영양 수액 주사
  • Procedure time: 20 to 60 minutes
  • Anesthesia: None
  • Sessions: Single or occasional
  • Downtime: None
  • Results: Some people report feeling better within hours
  • Lasts: Effects, if any, are short-lived
  • Typical price: ₩30,000–₩50,000 (per single basic drip such as Cinderella or garlic; premium blends cost more)

What is Nutrient IV Therapy?

Nutrient IV drips are a common walk-in service at Korean family medicine and internal medicine clinics. Popular types have nicknames: garlic injection (fursultiamine, a vitamin B1 derivative), Cinderella injection (thioctic acid), and baekok or white jade injection (glutathione).

Visitors often use them for jet lag or fatigue, but evidence of benefit in people without a deficiency is weak.

How it works

A nurse places a small IV line in your arm and runs the drip over 20 to 60 minutes while you rest. Most drips combine fluids with B vitamins, vitamin C, minerals or antioxidants. Patients with real deficiencies or dehydration may benefit; in healthy people, much of the vitamin content is excreted.

Who it suits

  • Dehydration after illness, hangover or long travel
  • Short-term fatigue where a doctor has ruled out other causes
  • People with documented low vitamin levels who cannot absorb oral supplements

Who should skip it or wait

  • Heart or kidney failure, where extra fluid is risky
  • Allergy to any drip component
  • G6PD deficiency (high-dose vitamin C)
  • Pregnancy without obstetric advice

Side effects and risks

  • Bruising or pain at the IV site
  • Garlic-like taste or smell during the garlic drip
  • Vein irritation
  • Allergic reaction (rare)

Aftercare

  • Press on the IV site for a few minutes after removal
  • Drink water and eat normally
  • Report swelling or redness at the IV site

Planning around your trip

Drips are walk-in at many clinics near Sinsa and Apgujeong stations; go mid-morning to avoid lunchtime office-worker crowds.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Nutrient IV Therapy price in Apgujeong

₩30,000–₩50,000
per single basic drip such as Cinderella or garlic; premium blends cost more

Typical range at clinics around Apgujeong, Sinsa and Cheongdam, checked 2026-10. Source: Medical Times, clinic price survey of nutrient injections. Cosmetic treatments in Korea carry 10% VAT; ask whether a quote includes it.

Nutrient IV Therapy questions

What is the garlic injection?

It contains fursultiamine, a vitamin B1 derivative. The garlic smell or taste comes from the sulfur in the molecule, not from garlic.

Will an IV drip cure jet lag?

It can help if you are dehydrated, but jet lag is mainly a body clock problem. Light exposure and sleep timing matter more.

Does glutathione IV whiten skin?

Evidence for skin lightening from IV glutathione is weak, and regulators in some countries have warned against it for this use.

Do I need an appointment?

Most clinics take walk-ins for drips. You will see a doctor briefly first, who checks for health conditions and allergies.

Can I get a drip the day after arriving in Seoul?

Yes. Tell the doctor about long flights, any leg swelling and medications so they can choose a suitable drip.

Is it safe to have IV drips regularly?

Occasional drips are low risk for healthy people. Weekly drips add cost and IV-site risk without proven benefit, so ask the doctor whether blood tests show any deficiency first.

Plan your visit

Get a quote before you fly

Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.