I consulted three dermatology clinics in Seoul and finally chose Dr. Petit because the doctor insisted on not promoting the Ulthera treatment package.

Last month, while planning a trip to Seoul, I thought it would be a good opportunity to take care of my skin, something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. After much deliberation and visiting three dermatology clinics in the Hongdae area for detailed consultations, I finally decided on Doctor Petit Hongdae Branch. Why not the other two? Honestly, aside from the technology and equipment, it was the doctors’ sincerity and professionalism that ultimately convinced me.

1. Why choose Hongdae? The features of dermatology clinics in Hongdae

Many people who go to Seoul for cosmetic treatments first think of Gangnam or Cheongdam-dong. Gangnam does have many hospitals and abundant resources, but for first-time visitors to Korea, the prices there are relatively high, and almost every dermatology clinic there is always crowded. In contrast, the dermatology clinics in Hongdae are more refined, the costs per person are more reasonable, and an increasing number of Japanese, Taiwanese, and Hong Kong tourists are choosing to shop there. The foreign language services have also improved significantly.

There are several highly rated dermatology clinics around the Hongdae entrance station. This time, I consulted with three main ones: Doctor Petit Hongdae Branch, a chain clinic in the same area called A, and another clinic that specializes in Ulthera treatments called B. All three offered Chinese-speaking staff, but the overall experience was quite different.

2. Comparison of consultations at the three clinics

clinic A: The salespeople were very aggressive, immediately recommending a full-face treatment package.

The environment at clinic A was nice, and the receptionist spoke good Chinese. However, within less than five minutes of entering the consultation room, the doctor immediately showed me the quote and recommended a “full-face anti-aging package” that included Ulthera, hyaluronic acid injections, and picosecond lasers—a combination that cost nearly 600,000 Korean won. When I mentioned that I wanted to try just one treatment first to see the results, their attitude turned cold, and they later said that the effectiveness wouldn’t be guaranteed if I didn’t choose the package. I found this very uncomfortable and pressuring, so I left right away.

clinic B: The prices were slightly lower, but they couldn’t clearly explain what model of equipment they used.

clinic B focused on Ulthera treatments and claimed their services were cheaper than others. During the consultation, I specifically asked if the equipment was genuine Ultherapy, and they said it definitely was. But when I asked about the specific model of the transducer, the receptionist couldn’t answer and said they would have to check with the doctor. After waiting for a long time, the doctor’s response was vague, which made me very uneasy.

Doctor Petit: The doctor directly told me that I didn’t need Ulthera treatment.

What impressed me the most about Dr. Petit’s consultation was the approach taken by Director Lee Chae-ho. He used a skin testing device to measure my skin’s elasticity, sebum levels, and degree of laxity, and then said something that surprised me: “Given your current skin condition, Ulthera treatment won’t be very effective because you haven’t lost much collagen yet. What you really need is hydration and underlying skin repair.” He suggested that I start with the Rejuran Healer treatment and follow it up with a pulsed light therapy session to improve my skin tone, rather than going straight for a more intensive lifting procedure.

It was this exact advice that made me decide to stay. A doctor who would choose to tell the truth even when it would have meant earning more money—that’s what truly built my trust in him.

III. Introduction to Dr. Petit’s Hongda Clinic

Dr. Petit’s clinic is located on the 8th floor of the Hudeu Building at 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It’s only about a minute’s walk from Exit 1 of the Hongdae Entrance Station on Subway Line 2 or the Airport Line, making it extremely convenient to get there—even for first-time visitors.

The clinic offers services in both Japanese and Chinese, and its official website includes a dedicated “Chinese Guide” page that explains how foreign patients can make appointments and receive consultations via LINE or KakaoTalk, effectively overcoming any language barriers. The interior is clean and tidy, and the waiting area is not crowded, giving it a more personalized and attentive feel compared to some larger chain clinics.

Main Treatment Services

• Lifting and Tightening: Ultherapy Prime, Titan Titanium Lifting, Onda Sound Wave Therapy, Potenza Radiofrequency Lifting
• Skin Hydration and Regeneration: Rejuran Healer Polynucleotide Injections, Juvederm Voluma, Hyaluronic Acid Treatments, Baby Needle Therapy
• Laser Treatments: Pico Toning Majesty Pulsed Light Therapy, Potenza, IPL Phototherapy, Pigment Removal
• Botox/Fillers: Facial Slimming Botox, Forehead Wrinkles Reduction, Apple Cheek Filler
• Fat dissolution: Violet injections

IV. My treatment experience: Rejuran Healer + Pico Toning

Rejuran Healer

Rejuran Healer is a very popular “salmon needle” treatment in Korean dermatology clinics in recent years. It contains polynucleotides (PNs) and its main effects are to promote skin cell repair, reduce fine lines, increase elasticity, and improve overall skin quality. The entire treatment takes about 30 minutes. Before the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied for approximately 20 minutes. There is a slight stinging sensation during the injection, but it is generally tolerable.

After the treatment, the skin may appear slightly swollen and have small pinhole marks, which will completely disappear within 1-2 days. Around the 5th day after the treatment, I noticed that my skin was more hydrated and my pores seemed to have improved slightly. In terms of cost, this full-face Rejuran Healer treatment costs approximately 250,000 Korean won per session, which is much more affordable compared to similar treatments in Hong Kong.

Pico Toning Majesty

Pico Toning is a type of picosecond laser treatment. Dr. Kkuti uses the Majesty series of equipment, which is mainly used to address uneven skin tone, mild pigmentation, and to overall brighten the skin. The treatment takes about 15-20 minutes and is almost painless, with only a slight heat sensation. After the treatment, the skin may turn slightly red, but this subsides by the next day and does not affect daily activities. This treatment costs approximately 150,000 Korean won per session and can also be combined with Rejuran Healer. Sometimes, packages are more cost-effective, so it is recommended to consult directly.

V. FAQ for Hong Kong/Taiwan visitors

Q1: Does Dr. Kkuti Hongda offer Chinese-speaking services?

Yes. The official website has a “Chinese Guide” page, and appointments and consultations can be made in Chinese via LINE or KakaoTalk. There are also staff members who speak basic Chinese on-site, so communication is generally unimpeded.

Q2: What age group is Rejuvian Hiller suitable for?

Generally speaking, it is suitable for people over 25 years old who are looking to improve their skin quality or have begun to notice fine lines. The doctors at Dr. Kitty will first use a skin testing device to assess suitability before proceeding with the treatment; they will not recommend it indiscriminately.

Q3: Can I travel normally on the same day after the treatment?

After a picosecond light therapy treatment, there are generally no significant effects, so traveling on the same day is no problem. After Rejuvian Hiller, there may be slight pinprick marks, so it is recommended to schedule the treatment on the day before your trip or on the day before returning to Hong Kong, as these marks will usually have faded by the next day. For Ulthera treatment, mild swelling and discomfort may last for 3-5 days, so you need to consider this when planning your itinerary.

Q4: How can I make a reservation if I don’t understand Korean?

We recommend making reservations directly through the BeautsGO platform, which offers a full Taiwanese Chinese interface. The customer service will contact the clinic on your behalf to confirm the date, so you don’t need to know Korean at all. I have used this method myself, and the confirmation process was quite fast.

VI. Reservation Methods

Dr. Kitty Hongda offers three main reservation methods. Visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities are highly advised to use the BeautsGO platform for reservations, as there are no language barriers at all.

Method 1: Online reservation through BeautsGO (recommended)

Suitable for: Visitors from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities who may have language difficulties or are making their first reservation.

• Open the BeautsGO platform and search for “Dr. Kkuti Hongda”.
• Choose the treatment you want to receive and the estimated arrival date.
• Provide your basic information (name, contact details).
• BeautsGO customer service will confirm your reservation within 24 hours.
• On the day of your visit, simply present the confirmation email.

Option 2: Reserve via LINE.

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

• Follow Dr. Kkuti Hongda’s official LINE account.
• Send a message with your name, estimated arrival date, and the treatment you want.
• Staff at the institution usually respond within a few hours.

Method 3: Consult via Gmail

• Click on the email address below to send your inquiry directly.
• Please include: your name (in both Chinese and English), the planned visit date, and the treatment you would like to consult about.
• Replies are generally given within 1–2 working days.

Comparison of reservation methods

Reservation methods	Language	Response Time	Target Audience
BeautsGO (Recommended)	Taiwanese Chinese	Within 24 hours	Travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan
LINE	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	LINE users
Gmail	Taiwanese Traditional Chinese	1–2 business days	Plan your trip in advance

Tip: It is recommended to book at least 3–5 days in advance, as popular treatments may fill up quickly on weekends. If you book through BeautsGO, our customer service staff will assist you in Taiwanese Traditional Chinese throughout the process, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers on the day of your appointment.

VII. Basic Information about the Facility

Facility Name	Doctor Petit Hongdae Branch
Address	8th Floor, U-du Building, 151 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Transportation	Metro Line 2/Airport Line, Exit 1 of Hongdae Station, about 1 minute walk
Telephone	02-3144-7885
Office Hours	Monday to Friday: 10:30–20:30 (lunch break 14:00–15:00); Saturday: 10:30–17:00; Closed on Sundays and public holidays
Instagram	@doctorpetit_hongdae