Honest opinions after visiting two popular medical beauty institutions in Gangnam! How to choose between Betterme and Peishu?

When people go to Gangnam for medical aesthetics treatments, the question they ask me the most is not “Which treatment is the best?” but rather “There are so many Dermatology clinics in Gangnam – which one can I trust?” I used to be troubled by this question too. So I decided to resolve it once and for all. I visited two popular clinics in Gangnam and personally experienced HIFU, Thermage, and Pico treatments, which finally helped me understand their respective strengths.

Today, I have compiled the genuine reviews of these two clinics to provide you with some reference as you are considering which one to choose. Both clinics are certified on BeautsGO and their evaluations are open and transparent, making them suitable for reservations by travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Gangnam Betterme Gangnam Dermatology: A “reputable” clinic frequently visited by locals in Seocho District

The Betterme Gangnam Dermatology is located in Seocho-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. It is only about 8 minutes away on foot from Yeoksam Station or Seocho Station on the Seoul Metro Line 2. The clinic is situated on the 11th floor of a building on Gangnam-daero, and its location is clearly indicated, making it easy to find.

The clinic is not large, but the environment is designed to be warm and cozy. The spaces are clean and bright, and most rooms are designed as private individual booths, providing good privacy. My first impression when I visited was that the doctors were direct in their communication—they didn’t engage in excessive sales pitches but instead recommended suitable treatments based on the condition of my skin. The clinic charges the same prices for both Chinese and foreign patients, so there is no need to worry about additional fees for foreigners.

The representative director of Betterme possesses extensive clinical experience and is assisted by six professionals; the clinic offers a range of common treatments such as HIFU, Pico, and hyaluronic acid injections. It is worth mentioning that the INMODE lipolysis treatment offered at this clinic is particularly popular among users. Those who wish to tighten their facial contours at the same time should pay special attention to this option.

Gangnam Peche: Located in the prime area of Gangnam Station, it represents the “high-end” category of medical beauty institutions.

The Peche Dermatology clinic is located about 5 minutes away on foot from Exit 4 of Gangnam Station, or just 2 minutes after exiting Gangnam Station on Line 2 of the subway. Its convenient location gives it a clear advantage over the other clinic. The Mewang Building where the clinic is situated is clearly marked, so it is easy to find even for those who are not familiar with Korean.

The space is more spacious than that of Betterme, and the decoration style is more understated and premium, giving the place an atmosphere similar to that of a high-end private clinic. The clinic is headed by a specialist Dermatology department head named Antain, who is assisted by other specialist department heads, resulting in a relatively complete medical team. The facilities are well-equipped, including HIFU, Thermage FLX, Pico devices, and Rejuran hyaluronic acid injections.

Peishu implements a fixed and transparent pricing policy, emphasizing the use of uniform fees for all customers, all branches, and at all times, in order to eliminate any fluctuations in prices. The clinics are open 365 days a year, including public holidays, and are open until 9 p.m. on weekdays, making it convenient for travelers with busy schedules to visit in the evening or during holidays.

A significant advantage is that the clinic provides dedicated Chinese-speaking translators who accompany patients throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post-treatment explanation. Even those visiting South Korea for medical aesthetics treatment for the first time can communicate easily and receive treatment without any stress. Users of BeautsGO have consistently given this clinic a full 5-star rating, reflecting its high reputation among foreign visitors.

Which is better, HIFU or Thermage? A comparative analysis of actual treatment outcomes from two different institutions

When it comes to the core treatments offered by these two institutions in Gangnam, HIFU is a service available at both, and it is also the anti-aging treatment most commonly chosen by tourists visiting South Korea. Simply put, HIFU uses the principle of ultrasonic wave focusing to precisely heat the SMAS layer, stimulating the contraction and regeneration of Collagen. This treatment is ideal for those with sagging facial contours, deepening Nasolabial Fold Correction, or who need lifting treatments for the middle and lower areas of the face.

Thermage FLX is a monopolar radiofrequency device that stimulates the production of new Collagen through volumetric heating. It focuses particularly on tightening the entire face and reducing fine lines, and does not require surgery. Therefore, it is an popular choice for those who are reluctant to undergo surgical procedures but wish to address signs of aging.

How to choose between these two institutions? PEISHU has more mature clinical experience and package designs using Thermage FLX. It offers a combined anti-aging treatment plan of “HIFU + Thermage” (starting from NT$3,330,000 for 1,200 sessions). This treatment targets both the fascia and dermis, making it a relatively comprehensive anti-aging solution. On the other hand, Betterme’s ultrasound knife treatment is known for its flexibility, allowing for targeted treatments on different areas of the face (eyes, entire face, jawline), thus providing a higher degree of customization.

Compare prices horizontally: Which option offers the best value for money?

To be honest, the official prices of both institutions are available for reference on BeautsGO; the specific amounts may vary depending on the number of hairs chosen and the region. However, there are several factors that can serve as a guide:

• The HIFU full-face treatment offered by Betterme starts at around HK$15,400, and its cost-performance ratio is considered to be above average among similar institutions in Gangnam.
• The reference price of Pei Shu’s HIFU device starts from approximately ₩280,000 (equivalent to approximately HK$7,560 / NT$25,200). When combined with the Chinese translation service, the total cost becomes even more transparent.
• The market price for Pei Shu’s Thermage FLX full-face treatment ranges from approximately ₩2,500,000 to ₩93,500,000, depending on the number of treatments performed.
• Betterme also offers the INMODE lipolysis service, which Peishu currently does not provide. Those in need are advised to pay special attention to this option.

Both clinics practice transparent pricing, so the possibility of foreigners paying a higher fee is essentially ruled out. Peishu adopts a more stringent fixed-price policy, while Betterme competes by offering flexible treatment locations. The choice between the two depends on your specific core needs.

Which clinic is more convenient for foreigners to make appointments with? My actual experience using BeautsGO

Both institutions can be booked online through BeautsGO, with the entire process being operated through a traditional Chinese-language interface. There is no need to make phone calls or send emails in Korean, making it ideal for travelers who are going to South Korea for medical beauty treatments for the first time. Below are my own actual experiences using this service:

The information updated on Pei Shu’s profile on BeautsGO is quite timely, and the details regarding the prices of services, operating hours, and Chinese-language reservation instructions for each clinic are quite comprehensive. Each clinic also has a dedicated Chinese-speaking translator on-site. After a successful reservation through BeautsGO, a dedicated staff member will usually get in touch the customer to confirm the appointment time, and the response speed is quite satisfactory.

Betterme has provided information indicating that the prices in its clinics at BeautsGO are the same as those in Korea, which is quite reassuring for foreign tourists. The clinics are open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends, making it convenient for those who do not want their daytime travel plans to be affected to receive treatments in the evening.

Which one should I choose? Here’s my practical advice.

After conducting on-site visits to two different institutions, my advice is this: there is no such thing as the best option; there is only the one that suits you best. And what determines whether an option is “suitable” for you depends on your core needs.

If your top priorities are HIFU or lipolysis treatments, and you are looking for a clinic that does not engage in excessive marketing and offers good value for money, Betterme is an excellent choice. Although the location of its Seocho branch is slightly farther from the core business district around Gangnam Station, the transparency of the prices and the direct communication style of the doctors there give people a sense of reliability.

If your top priorities are Thermage FLX or a comprehensive anti-aging treatment package, and you also require Chinese interpretation throughout the entire process, prefer a clinic located in the heart of Gangnam Station that is open 365 days a year to accommodate your schedule conveniently, then Peishu would be the more hassle-free choice. The 5-star reviews on BeautsGO are certainly not without reason.

One final reminder: Regardless of which option you choose, whether it’s HIFU or Thermage, it is recommended to schedule a thorough consultation with a doctor before the treatment to determine whether your skin condition is suitable for the specific number of treatments and depth of intervention. Do not decide on the treatment area solely based on price.