Why did I choose Forena Skin Lifting in Hongda, Seoul, instead of a well-known luxury clinic? The answer is different from what you might think!

When planning a trip to Seoul at the end of last year, I took the opportunity to look up some dermatology clinics in Hongdae. I started out just browsing casually, but ended up spending nearly two weeks researching before settling on a clinic that many people might not have heard of: Forena Clinic, located on the 7th floor of the H-Cube building in Hongdae. They specialize in stem cell anti-aging treatments and advanced lifting procedures.

My friends all said, “Aren’t Hongdae just associated with Kate and Vands?” But after doing some research, I decided Forena deserved its own article. Its approach is quite different—it doesn’t rely on influencer marketing and keeps a more low-key profile, yet it has a solid reputation on Creatrip.

First, what kind of clinic is Forena Clinic?

Many people who go to Hongdae for medical treatments tend to look for large clinics with Chinese translations and recommendations from influencers. But Forena takes a different approach: a rigorous medical approach above all else, rather than flashy marketing.

Here are a few features that impressed me greatly:

• A team of 5 dermatologists: The chief physician, Yeom Ji-hye, has worked at several well-known clinics in Gangnam. She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and has completed clinical research projects at UCLA, making her one of the most experienced professionals in the Hongdae area.
• They have treated patients from over 50 countries, with an overall satisfaction rate of 98%. Their staff also provide multilingual support in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
• Consultations are conducted personally by the clinic director, ensuring that professional advice is delivered directly without any misunderstandings.
• They even have a self-service tax refund machine, which is very convenient for international visitors who don’t want to go through the extra hassle of filing for a refund elsewhere.
• 10 independent treatment rooms: providing a high level of privacy, unlike some clinics where treatment areas are overcrowded.

The clinic is located on the 7th floor of the H-Cube building in the Hongda shopping district, about a 5-minute walk from the Hongda entrance station, so it’s not difficult to find.

II. Introduction to Core Treatments

1. Stem Cell Therapy

This is what sets Forena apart among many dermatology clinics in Hongda. Stem cell therapy is used for anti-aging, boosting immunity, and skin regeneration, and it differs from traditional treatments that rely solely on energy devices.

The principle behind this therapy is to utilize the self-repairing capabilities of stem cells to address the root causes of aging. The skin is not “treated” in a harsh way but is actually “repaired.” This option is ideal for those who value long-lasting results and do not want to undergo repeated treatments every few months.

2. Lifting Center

Forena uses the second-generation American version of Ultherapy and Thermage FLX, with genuine probes in all devices. Additionally, they offer a systematic pain management program—this is very important, as I found that many clinics have issues with discomfort during Ultherapy treatments. Forena has a well-established process to minimize any discomfort.

• Ultherapy: Provides deep lifting effects, targets the SMAS layer, and helps improve sagging skin contours.
• Thermage FLX: Radiofrequency tightening that targets the entire skin layer from the surface to the dermis.
• Combined treatment: Ultrasound + Thermage performed at the same time, lifting both the superficial and deeper layers for a more natural and three-dimensional effect.

3. Skin nutrition injections

When it comes to choosing fillers, Forena prefers products that provide a more natural look and longer-lasting results:

• Rejuran: Contains PN/PDRN ingredients, designed for reducing fine lines and promoting skin regeneration.
• Juvelook: Features a new formula of PDLLA combined with hyaluronic acid, offering outstanding collagen regeneration effects.
• Ultracol collagen: The top choice for filling around the eyes, as it prevents the excess swelling associated with excessive fillers.
• Youthful face injections: Deliver a natural result while avoiding the “artificial” look caused by excessive fillers.

4. Other common treatments

• Hydrating Serum: Moisturizes, brightens, and reduces dullness – a popular choice for one-day tourists.
• Picosecond/Luminosity Skin Care: Treats pigmentation and sunspots.
• Acne/Pores/Skin Type Improvement: Personalized treatment plans.
• Hair Removal: Laser hair removal suitable for all skin types.
• Skin Screening (MARK-VU): Starting from ⩾₩50,000 – helps in selecting the right treatment.

III. What makes Forena different from other dermatology clinics in Hongdae?

The dermatology field in Hongdae is highly competitive – brands like Kate, Vands, Cellin, DayBeau, etc. are commonly mentioned. So why did I choose Forena in the end?

Services	Forena	General Hongda Dermatology
Doctor Qualifications	5 dermatology specialists, including those with clinical experience from UCLA	Quality varies; some are cosmetic doctors
Consultation Methods	Head doctor conducts personal consultations and develops customized plans	Some practices primarily rely on consultants
Specialized Techniques	Stem cell therapy (differentiated approach)	Primarily equipment-based treatment programs
Authenticity of the device	Genuine sensors available for verification	You need to confirm this yourself
Tax refund service	Self-service tax refund machines on-site	Most of these require additional procedures
Services for foreigners	Available in over 50 countries with multi-language support	Some versions are available in Chinese

To be honest, Forena isn’t the cheapest option, but if you prioritize stem cell therapy and advanced lifting treatments, its cost-performance ratio is quite good among the options available at Hongda.

IV. Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I go there even if I don’t understand Korean?

Yes. Forena has multilingual consultants, so Chinese service is available without any issues. You can also make an appointment through BeautsGO, which offers a Traditional Chinese interface to assist you throughout the process.

Q: Are ultrasound/hyperthermic treatments very painful?

Forena has a systematic pain management approach, including the use of anesthetics before treatment and adjusting the energy level during the procedure. Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but overall, patients find these treatments quite comfortable.

Q: What is stem cell therapy, and are there any side effects?

Forena’s stem cell therapy is a medical-grade treatment that should only be recommended after a doctor’s evaluation. Side effects can vary; mild redness may occur after the procedure, but it usually subsides within 1-3 days. It’s best to ask your doctor directly during the consultation.

Q: How many days does it take to recover after the treatment?

For minor treatments like hyaluronic acid injections or skin glow treatments, you can apply makeup on the same day (or the next day), making them suitable for travel schedules. It is recommended to schedule ultrasound treatments 1-2 days before your return trip, while hyperthermic treatments may cause redness for about 1 day.

Q: How can I ensure that the equipment used is genuine?

During the in-person consultation, you can directly request to see the serial number on the probe packaging. Genuine Ultherapy probes come with verifiable barcodes. Forena guarantees that all probes used are genuine American versions, and you can also request on-site verification.

V. Booking Methods

Forena offers three booking methods, with BeautsGO being the most convenient option for overseas visitors:

Method 1: Online booking through BeautsGO (recommended)

Suitable for: Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese travelers who may have language barriers or are making their first appointment.

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “Forena” or “Fuliena”.
• Choose your desired treatment and the estimated date of arrival.
• Provide basic information (name, get in touch details).
• BeautsGO customer service will confirm your appointment within 24 hours.
• Just present the confirmation email at the time of your visit.

Method 2: LINE reservation

Suitable for: travelers who already use LINE or those accustomed to instant messaging

• Join Forena’s official LINE account (@037halzl)
• Send: Name (Chinese/English), expected arrival date, and desired treatment
• Staff from the center will respond within a few hours to confirm.

Method 3: Gmail reservation

Suitable for: travelers who need detailed advance consultations or have longer itineraries

Comparison of booking methods

Booking methods	Language	Response speed	Target audience
BeautsGO (Recommended)	Taiwanese Chinese	Within 24 hours	Travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan, visiting for the first time
LINE	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	Those accustomed to using LINE
Gmail	Taiwanese Traditional Chinese	1–2 business days	Those with longer itineraries

📌 Tip: It is recommended to book at least 3–5 days in advance, as popular treatments such as ultrasound and Thermage tend to fill up on weekends.

VI. Basic Information

• Institution Name: Forena Clinic (Fuleina Dermatology / Forena Medical Center)
• Address: 7th Floor, H-Cube Building, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (about 5 minutes walk from Hongda Station)
• Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–20:30 / Saturday to Sunday 10:00–17:00
• Telephone: WhatsApp +82-10-2705-3095
• KakaoTalk: @_KuuwG
• Official Website: forenaclinic.com/zh