No need to rush to Seoul if you want to undergo cosmetic procedures in Busan! At DeFoster The First Dermatology, 7 specialist physicians are on duty, and the facilities are so extensive that it’s like being in a department store.

Every time people talk about going to South Korea for cosmetic treatments, the first places that come to mind are Gangnam and Hongdae in Seoul. But did you know? Busan actually boasts a Dermatology clinic that is no less impressive than those in Seoul—and in terms of the number of facilities available, it even far surpasses many clinics in Gangnam: The First Dermatology (더퍼스트피부과). Located in Hwamyeong-dong in the northern part of Busan, this clinic has grown into a chain with 4 branches and 15 doctors since its opening in 2017. The main branch in Busan alone is equipped with 60 advanced medical devices, and even South Koreans themselves refer to it as “the largest Dermatology clinic in Busan.” This time, let me take you on a detailed tour of this legendary cosmetic treatment destination in Busan.

The first impression upon entering Dermatology at DeFoster: this isn’t just a clinic—it’s more like a hotel.

The main branch of DeFoster Dermatology in Busan is located on the 7th floor of the Samhan Golden View Building in Myeongdong. It is only a 5-minute walk from Hwamyeong Station on Line 2 of the subway. As soon as you step out of the elevator, you are immediately impressed by their spacious and elegant environment—the waiting area is designed like the lobby of a five-star hotel, with comfortable sofas, private consultation rooms, and treatment booths for individual patients, completely eliminating the crowded and rushed atmosphere typical of most dermatology clinics.

One of their key slogans is “seoulcheil’s first Dermatology clinic” – meaning that even if you have never visited a Dermatology clinic before, you can feel at ease here. From consultation to treatment, the entire process is conducted on a one-to-one basis, so you won’t ever feel neglected. What surprised me the most was that their official website is available in seven languages: English, Japanese, Russian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai – which definitely makes them very welcoming to foreigners.

Just how exaggerated is the equipment list at Deforest Dermatology? It’s practically like an exhibition hall for laser devices!

Their official website clearly states “over 60 premium laser devices” – this is no exaggeration at all. If you actually visit their equipment room, you’ll notice that many clinics only have one or two such devices, while here, they are neatly arranged in rows. Let’s take a look at some of the most representative models:

Ulthera Prime HIFU (2nd generation): This is the first upgraded version since Ulthera was introduced 16 years ago. Compared to the previous model, it delivers energy more precisely, causes less discomfort, and produces results more quickly. Deforest is one of the few clinics in Busan that have adopted this new device, specializing in deep SMAS fascia tightening treatments for those with sagging facial features or blurred contours.

Signature Thermage: There’s no need for much introduction—this is undoubtedly the most well-known radiofrequency skin tightening device in the world. DeFostert uses the latest model of this device, which focuses on promoting Collagen regeneration and reducing sagging and fine lines. When used in combination with Ulthera Prime, it constitutes what is known as the “Busan Dual-Treatment Package”.

Enlighten Pico Pico Laser: With dual wavelengths of Pico and nanosecond, it is particularly effective for removing freckles, treating acne scars, and removing tattoos. What sets this device apart is its minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues, allowing for a quick recovery – you can already wear makeup the day after the treatment.

In addition to these, there are also Vbeam Perfecta (a dye laser specifically designed for treating red capillaries and vascular issues), Fotona StarWalker, Revlite SI, and Fotona QX-MAX (a dual-wavelength skin treatment device), as well as New Ultra Pulse Encore (a fractional CO2 laser for treating deep-seated acne scars). Basically, almost any high-end laser therapy you can think of is available here.

Comprehensive list of Derfurst Dermatology treatment options: ranging from skin lifting to the treatment of various skin diseases

What sets Deforest apart is its focus on both the treatment of skin diseases and medical beauty procedures – it’s not the kind of clinic that only deals with cosmetic treatments and refers patients with skin issues to other specialists. Below are some of their main treatment programs:

• Lifting and wrinkle removal treatments: Ulthera Prime HIFU, Thermage, Shurink Universe, Density, Trinity, thread lift Lifting, Alltight
• Pigment/dot-related treatments: Enlighten Pico, Fotona StarWalker, Revlite SI, Fotona QX-MAX
• Acne scars/other types of scars: New Ultra Pulse Encore fractional CO2 laser, Vbeam Perfecta dye laser
• Minimally invasive treatments/injections: Customized Filler treatments (Filler), Skinbooster injections, Collagen stimulators, stem cell therapies
• Body/Scalp Services: Body Inmode body sculpting, weight management, Hair Loss Treatment, laser hair removal
• Skin diseases: Acne, Pores, syringoma, moles, warts, onychomycosis, and refractory pigmentation disorders

It is particularly worth mentioning their team of “Dermatology specialists” – in South Korea, dermatology specialists account for only 2% of all physicians. At the main branch of Deforest in Busan, all 7 physicians are specialists, rather than general practitioners who have later switched to the field of cosmetic medicine. This fact constitutes a significant source of credibility within South Korea’s cosmetic medicine community.

How competitive are the prices at DeFoster Dermatology in Busan? It’s true that they are cheaper than those in Seoul.

It is an well-known fact in the industry that medical beauty treatments in Busan are generally 10-20% cheaper than those in Seoul. The reason is simple: the rent and labor costs in Busan are lower than in Seoul. Although DeFoster boasts luxurious facilities, its pricing is based on the market standards of Busan, not Seoul.

According to the reference prices published on the BeautsGO platform, the second-generation Ulthrea (Ulthera Prime) costs approximately ₩1,210,000 Korean won (equivalent to around NT$28,000/HK$7,000), and in Gangnam District, Seoul, the price is at least ₩1,500,000. Another featured treatment is the Re:2o Collagen Enhancement Program, which costs ₩988,000 Korean won and is an exclusive service offered by this institution.

Kind reminder: The above prices are reference values from the official website/platform. The actual prices may vary depending on the number of treatments administered, the treatment area, and any promotional activities available during the month. It is recommended to check the latest quotes through BeautsGO before making a reservation.

How can foreigners make an appointment at Deforest Dermatology? Our multilingual services ensure no obstacles for you.

DeFoster does an excellent job in making foreigners feel welcome – quite different from ordinary local clinics in Busan. Their reservation system is so extensive that it could practically function as a customer service center.

• BeautsGO Online Booking (Highly Recommended): The interface is available in Traditional Chinese. After submitting your information, you will receive a confirmation within 24 hours – no Korean language skills are required at all.
• LINE Official Account: Suitable for Taiwanese/Hong Kong travelers who are accustomed to using LINE. The ID can be found on the official website.
• KakaoTalk: The most popular messaging app in South Korea, ideal for those who already use Kakao.
• WeChat: We provide WeChat customer service, but the response speed may be slightly slower than that of LINE.
• Naver Booking: The booking system of South Korea’s largest portal website, with a Korean-language interface.
• Telephone reservation: 051-929-2999 (It is recommended to have some basic knowledge of Korean before calling.)

Another very important point is that the official website of Derfurst supports Traditional Chinese. Therefore, you can take some time to research the treatment options and prices before you arrive, so you won’t be confused upon arrival.

Opening Hours and Transportation Options for Deforest Dermatology

weekday	Opening hours	Note
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday	10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Nighttime consultations
Tuesday and Thursday	10:00 AM – 7:00 PM	Closed earlier than usual
Saturday	09:30 – 14:30	No lunch break
On Sundays and holidays	Closed for consultations	–

Transportation: Exit 2 of Hwamyeong Station on Line 2 of the subway; it takes about 5 minutes to walk there. The official name of the place is Samhan Golden View, and you can reach the 7th floor by taking the elevator. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get there from Busan Station by subway, and about 50 minutes if coming from Haeundae.

Address: Room 702, 703, 704, 287 Geumgok-daero, Buk-gu, Busan (7th Floor, Samhan Golden View, 287 Geumgok-daero, Buk-gu, Busan)

FAQ on Common Issues at Busan DeFoster Dermatology

Q1: Compared with the clinics in Seoul, is it really worth making a special trip to Busan just to visit DeFoster Dermatology?

If you already have a trip planned to Busan, it’s definitely worth it. DeFoster boasts equipment and a team of specialist doctors that are on par with top-tier clinics in Seoul, yet the prices are 10-20% lower. If you are traveling to South Korea specifically for medical aesthetics treatments and don’t have any particular reason to go to Seoul, then the combination of Busan and DeFoster offers great value for money.

Q2: Is there a Chinese translation for Deforest Dermatology?

The official website supports Traditional Chinese, but there may not always be on-site Chinese translators at the clinic. It is recommended to make appointments through BeautsGO, as the platform will assist in arranging translation services. If you can communicate in basic English, that’s also acceptable, as their doctors generally have a good grasp of the language.

Q3: What are the differences between DeFoust’s Ulthera Prime and other ordinary HIFUs?

The Ulthera Prime is the second-generation model launched in 2024. It delivers more uniform energy delivery, reduces treatment time by approximately 30%, and significantly decreases discomfort. Additionally, it allows real-time visualization of ultrasound images, enabling physicians to precisely control the depth at which the energy is applied to the target fascial layer, resulting in more stable outcomes compared to the previous version.

Q4: Are the prices at Deforest inclusive of taxes? Is it possible to get a tax refund?

Medical beauty treatments in South Korea are considered medical services and generally cannot be refunded. The prices quoted usually include taxes, so it is recommended to verify this again before making a payment. For foreigners, some clinics may offer small discounts as an alternative, but this depends on the current promotional activities.

Q5: How far in advance should one make an appointment at Deforest Dermatology?

It is recommended to make an appointment at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially for consultations on weekends or with popular doctors. If you are considering treatments such as Ulthera Prime or Thermage, which require a longer duration, it is advisable to book at least 3 weeks in advance to ensure greater reliability.

Q6: Can I use a credit card at Deforest Dermatology?

Yes, we accept South Korea’s domestic credit cards as well as most international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). However, some credit cards issued abroad may charge additional fees for overseas transactions; it is recommended to confirm this with the issuing bank before your trip.

In summary: For those looking for new options in the field of medical aesthetics in Busan, DeFoster is definitely worth adding to your list of favorites.

To be honest, before going to DeFrost, I had the stereotype that Dermatology clinics in Busan were just small, poorly-equipped places where communication was difficult due to language barriers. But this clinic completely shattered my assumptions – with 60 pieces of equipment, 7 specialist doctors, a multilingual website, and an environment as luxurious as that of a hotel, it didn’t resemble a local clinic at all; rather, it felt like a flagship Dermatology center that had simply moved straight from Gangnam.

If you are planning a trip to Busan and considering getting some cosmetic treatments along the way, or if you have grown tired of Seoul and are looking for new options, The First Dermatology is definitely worth considering. The equipment is top-quality, the qualifications of the specialist doctors are genuine, and the lower cost of living in Busan compared to Seoul is also a significant advantage.

📍 Comprehensive Information on the Clinic

• Clinic Name: The First Dermatology Busan Branch
• Address: 7th Floor, Samhan Golden View, 287 Geumgu-daero, Buk-gu, Busan
• Subway: Exit 2 of Huaming Station on Line 2, then walk for 5 minutes.
• Phone: 051-929-2999
• Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00-20:00 / Tuesday and Thursday 10:00-19:00 / Saturday 09:30-14:30 / Closed on Sundays
• Representative Director: Hwang Seong-hwan
• Official website: thefirstskin.co.kr