I consulted three Dermatology clinics in Hongdae, Seoul, and finally chose Forena because the doctors said that HIFU might not be suitable for everyone.

諮詢了首爾3家弘大皮膚科，最後選了Forena，因為醫師說超聲刀不是每個人都適合！

After walking around Seoul, I realized that Hongdae is truly a prime area for Dermatology clinics! As soon as you exit the Hongdae subway station, there are at least seven or eight Dermatology clinics within a radius of several hundred meters. Some focus on offering competitive prices, some claim to have a large number of local South Korean customers, and others provide translation services specifically for foreigners. Today, I would like to share my personal experience—how I chose Forena Clinic among three other options.

I. Why did I choose to undergo skin care treatments at Hongdae in Seoul?

To be honest, at first I really considered getting treatment in Gangnam, because there are indeed many high-end clinics there. But the prices in Gangnam are simply too high, and the transportation is not that convenient either. Hongdae, on the other hand, is different. There is an AREX direct train from the airport, and it only takes a few minutes to walk from the Hongdae subway station. You can go shopping, get your hair done, or receive skin treatments all in one place – the cost-performance ratio is really excellent.

Moreover, the Dermatology departments at Hongdae institutions are generally quite friendly towards foreigners. Many of them have consultants who can provide translations in Chinese or speak English, which is really essential for us tourists who are not very proficient in Korean.

II. First impressions of the Seoul Hongdae Forena Clinic: I fell in love with the environment here at first sight.

The Forena Clinic is located right in front of Exit 9 of Hongdae Entrance Station. It only takes 30 seconds to walk from the subway station, so the location is extremely convenient! The clinic is situated on the 7th floor of the H-CUBE building, and they occupy the entire floor, providing very spacious premises.

What impressed me the most upon entering was their floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which provided excellent natural lighting and allowed us to view the street outside. The entire space created a very comfortable and airy atmosphere. I later learned that most treatments were conducted in private rooms, ensuring a high level of privacy—something that is particularly valuable for those who prefer a low-key approach to beauty enhancements.

The team at this institution is led by Dr. Lian Zhihui (chief physician), and includes several other doctors such as Kim Jong-hoon, Lee Rui-jun, Lee Han, and Wen Duoxian, making it a highly professional team. Moreover, they have served clients from over 50 countries, so providing multilingual services is no issue at all – they support WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Line, and WeChat!

III. Should I choose HIFU Ulthera or Thermage in Hongdae, Seoul?

Before going to Forena Clinic, I actually tended to prefer the HIFU option, since many of my friends recommended it. However, during the consultation at Forena, Dr. Lian Zhihui’s answers left a deep impression on me.

The doctor first examined my skin condition in detail and then said very honestly, “HIFU is indeed the current preferred non-invasive option for lifting the skin, but it depends on the degree of skin laxity and the contours of your face. Not everyone is suitable for this treatment. If the results of HIFU would not be significant given your current condition, we would recommend starting with other treatments to lay a solid foundation first.”

This attitude of “not forcing sales” really made me develop a immediate positive impression of this clinic! Unlike some other clinics that immediately push their most expensive packages on you as soon as you enter, the doctors at Forena provide recommendations based on your actual situation, rather than simply trying to increase the price of individual services.

IV. Popular Treatment Programs at Seoul Hongdae Dermatology Forena Clinic

After visiting Forena Clinic, I have compiled a list of their most popular treatment programs for everyone:

• Ulthrea, the American version of the HIFU: A non-invasive Lifting technique that uses ultrasonic technology to stimulate the regeneration of Collagen, with effects lasting 12 to 18 months.
• Thermage FLX: This radiofrequency skin tightening technology is ideal for those who wish to reduce fine lines and mild skin laxity.
• Rejuran / Rejuran: A type of baby needle and hyaluronic acid injection that is currently very popular in South Korea, focusing on skin regeneration and repair.
• Filler injections: for improving the contours of the chin, forehead, and cheeks
• Thread lifting Lifting: This minimally invasive technique is suitable for cases of moderate skin laxity.
• Laser whitening and freckle removal: Designed to address issues such as pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

The institution emphasizes the use of high-end equipment such as the HIFU and Thermage FLX, which are manufactured in the United States and come with genuine probes. In addition, pain management solutions are provided, so there is no need to worry about experiencing unbearable discomfort during the treatment.

V. Are the prices in the medical beauty industry in Hongdae transparent? How much does a Thermage treatment in Seoul cost approximately?

When it comes to prices, this is probably the topic that everyone is most concerned about. The prices at Forena Clinic are considered on the higher side in the Hongdae area, but their strength lies in “transparent pricing” – during the consultation process, doctors will clearly inform patients of the cost range for each treatment, so there is no situation where patients discover halfway through that “additional fees are required for an upgrade”.

Based on my research and actual inquiries, the price of the HIFU Ulthera treatment for the entire face in the Hongdae area ranges approximately from ₩1.5 million to ₩2.5 million, while the cost of Thermage FLX treatment is roughly between ₩1 million and ₩2 million. The specific amount still depends on the individual’s treatment area and the number of treatments required.

Compared with Taiwan and Hong Kong, the prices of medical beauty treatments in Seoul are indeed quite attractive. Moreover, the equipment and technology used are on par with those in European and American countries, making the cost-performance ratio quite satisfactory.

VI. How can foreigners make an appointment at the Seoul Hongdae Forena Clinic? BeautsGO makes it easy for you.

For us foreigners, figuring out how to make an appointment is probably the most troublesome aspect. The good news is that Forena Clinic offers reservation services in multiple languages:

• WhatsApp: +82-10-2705-3095
• KakaoTalk: @KuuwG
• Line: @037halzl
• WeChat: The institution provides a dedicated QR code.

However, if you, like me, find that making appointments is too troublesome or are concerned about potential communication barriers due to language differences, I highly recommend using the BeautsGO platform. BeautsGO is a dedicated service that helps foreigners schedule appointments at high-quality medical beauty clinics in South Korea. It offers a Traditional Chinese interface, and its customer service staff will translate your requirements before contacting the clinics for you, so you don’t have to worry about language issues at all.

VII. Some suggestions for those who want to undergo cosmetic procedures in Hongdae, Seoul

Based on my experience at Forena Clinic, I would like to share with you a few suggestions:

1. Do your homework thoroughly, but don’t rely solely on reviews: Online evaluations can only serve as a reference; it’s best to consult in person to assess the professionalism and service quality of the institution.
2. Don’t just choose the cheapest option: Some institutions in Hongdae may have very low initial prices, but they might charge additional fees during the treatment process or use non-original equipment.
3. Look for institutions that provide language support: It is truly essential to be able to communicate smoothly in English or Chinese, in order to avoid any misunderstandings before and after the procedure.
4. Verify the authenticity of the equipment: For treatments such as HIFU and Thermage, it is essential to ensure that the equipment used is genuine and original.
5. Don’t make impulsive purchases: If you’re still hesitant after consulting with professionals, feel free to compare several options before making a decision on the spot.

Q1: How long does it take to see results from using the HIFU device at Ulthera in Hongdae, Seoul?

Generally speaking, the effects of HIFU treatment begin to become apparent 2 to 3 months after the procedure, as it takes time for Collagen to regenerate. These effects usually last for 12 to 18 months, although the exact duration may vary depending on an individual’s physical condition and lifestyle habits.

Q2: Is the English used at the Dermatology Department of Hongdae Hospital understandable?

Large institutions like Forena Clinic usually have staff who can speak English, and some even provide dedicated Chinese translators. If you are concerned about language barriers, it is recommended to book through BeautsGO, where Chinese customer service will assist you throughout the process.

Q3: Which is more suitable for me, Seoul Thermage or HIFU?

It really depends on an individual’s specific situation. HIFU is more suitable for those who want to Lifting their facial contours and reduce the sagging of the lower half of the face, while Thermage is better for those looking to reduce fine lines and tighten the upper layer of the skin. It is recommended to consult a professional in a medical institution first so that a doctor can assess your needs and help you choose the most appropriate treatment plan.

Comparison Table of Booking Methods

How to make an appointment	Language	Response speed	Suitable for
BeautsGO (Recommendation)	Traditional Chinese	Within 24 hours	For travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan, or those visiting for the first time
WhatsApp / Kakao / Line	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	Those who are accustomed to using instant messaging apps
WeChat	Chinese	Within a few hours	Chinese tourists

Institutional Information

• Institution Name: Forena Clinic (Fuleina Dermatology)
• Address: 7th Floor, H-CUBE Building, 140 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (directly in front of Exit 9 of Hongdae Entrance Station)
• Phone: +82-10-2705-3095 (WhatsApp)
• Official website: www.forenaclinic.com/zh