I consulted three dermatology clinics in Seoul and finally chose Forena because the doctors said that ultrasound treatments 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 hub for dermatology clinics! As soon as you exit the Hongdae entrance station on the subway, there are at least seven or eight dermatology clinics within a few hundred meters radius. Some focus on offering discounts, some claim to have many local Korean customers, and others provide translation services specifically for foreigners. Today, I’d like to share my personal experience of how I chose Forena Clinic among three options.

First, why did I choose to receive dermatological treatments in Hongdae, Seoul?

To be honest, at first, I considered going to Gangnam, since there are indeed many high-end clinics there. But the prices in Gangnam were simply too high, and the transportation wasn’t that convenient either. Hongdae, on the other hand, is different. There’s an AREX direct train from the airport, and it only takes a few minutes to walk from the Hongdae subway entrance station. You can shop, get your hair done, or receive dermatological treatments all in one place – the value for money is really great.

Moreover, dermatology clinics in Hongdae are generally quite friendly towards foreigners. Many have consultants who speak Chinese or English, which is extremely important for us tourists who don’t speak Korean very well!

Second impression of Forena Clinic in Hongdae, Seoul: I fell in love with the environment at first sight.

Forena Clinic is located right in front of Exit 9 of the Hongdae entrance station. It’s only a 30-second walk from the subway station, so the location is extremely convenient! The clinic is on the 7th floor of the H-CUBE building, and they occupy the entire floor, so the space is very spacious.

What impressed me the most when I first entered was their floor-to-ceiling glass windows. They let in plenty of light and allowed me to see the street outside, creating a very comfortable and open atmosphere. Later, I learned that most treatments are conducted in private rooms, which is a great plus for those who want to get beautified in a low-key way.

The clinic team is led by Dr. Yeom Ji-hye, along with several other doctors such as Kim Jong-hoon, Lee Rui-jun, Lee Han, and Moon Do-hyun. They are highly professional. Moreover, they have served customers from over 50 countries, so multilingual support is no problem at all—they accept WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Line, and WeChat!

Third question: Should I choose Ulthera or Thermage for my treatment in Hongdae, Seoul?

Before going to Forena Clinic, I was actually leaning towards Ulthera, since many of my friends recommended it. However, during the consultation at Forena, Dr. Yeom Ji-hye’s answer really impressed me.

The doctor first examined my skin in detail and then said quite honestly, “Ulthera is indeed the current preferred non-invasive treatment for lifting, but it depends on the degree of your skin laxity and its underlying conditions. It’s not suitable for everyone. If the results of Ulthera wouldn’t be significant given your current state, we would recommend starting with other treatments to lay a solid foundation first.”

This “no-pressure” approach really made me develop a positive impression of this clinic right away! Unlike some places that push their most expensive packages from the moment you enter, the doctors at Forena provide recommendations based on your actual needs, rather than simply trying to increase the total cost.

IV. Overview of Popular Treatments at Seoul Hongda Dermatology Forena Clinic

After exploring Forena Clinic, I’ve compiled a list of their most popular treatments:

• Ulthera: A non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen regeneration, with effects lasting 12–18 months.
• Thermage FLX: Radiofrequency technology designed to improve fine lines and mild skin laxity.
• Rejuran/Miracle Pearl: A highly popular Korean treatment using microneedling to promote skin regeneration and repair.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers: Used to enhance the contours of the chin, forehead, and cheeks.
• Thread lift: A minimally invasive procedure for moderate skin laxity.
• Laser whitening and freckle removal: Targets issues such as pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

The clinic emphasizes the use of high-quality equipment from American manufacturers, such as genuine probes for ultrasonic devices and Thermage FLX, and also offers pain management options so patients need not worry about excessive discomfort during the procedures.

5. Are the prices at Hongda Medical Aesthetics transparent? How much does Thermage cost in Seoul approximately?

When it comes to prices, this is probably the most concerning topic for everyone. The fees at Forena Clinic are considered moderately high in the Hongda area, but their strength lies in “transparent pricing.” During the consultation, doctors will clearly explain the cost range for each treatment, so there are no surprises like discovering additional fees midway through the process.

Based on my research and inquiries, the full-face price for Ulthera at clinics in the Hongda area is roughly between ₩1.5 million and ₩2.5 million, while Thermage FLX costs around ₩1 million to ₩2 million. The exact amount still depends on the specific treatment area and the number of sessions required.

Compared to Taiwan and Hong Kong, medical aesthetics treatments in Seoul are indeed quite affordable. Moreover, the equipment and technology used are on par with those in European and American countries, making the cost-performance ratio quite favorable.

6. How can foreigners schedule a consultation at Forena Clinic in Seoul? BeautsGO makes it easy.

For us foreigners, scheduling a consultation can be quite challenging. Fortunately, Forena Clinic offers reservation options in multiple languages:

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

But if you, like me, find that making appointments is too troublesome or are worried about language barriers, I highly recommend using the BeautsGO platform! BeautsGO is specifically designed to help foreigners schedule appointments with high-quality Korean cosmetic clinics. It offers a Traditional Chinese interface, and its customer service will translate your requirements for you before contacting the clinics, so you don’t have to worry about language at all.

VII. Some tips for those considering cosmetic procedures in Hongdae, Seoul

Based on my experience at Forena Clinic, I would like to share some tips with you:

1. Do your research, but don’t rely solely on reviews: Online reviews can be helpful, but it’s best to consult in person to assess the clinic’s professionalism and service quality.
2. Don’t just go for the cheapest option: Some clinics in Hongdae may have low initial prices, but they might charge extra during treatment or use non-original equipment.
3. Choose clinics that offer language support: Being able to communicate smoothly in English or Chinese is very important to avoid misunderstandings before and after the procedure.
4. Verify the authenticity of the equipment: For treatments like ultrasound or Thermage, make sure the equipment used is genuine and original.
5. Don’t make impulsive decisions: If you’re still unsure after consulting several clinics, take your time and compare their options before making a final choice.

Q1: How long does it take to see results from Ulthera treatment at Hongda in Seoul?

Generally, the effects of Ulthera treatment begin to become apparent 2–3 months after the procedure, as collagen needs time to regenerate. The results usually last for 12–18 months, but this can vary depending on individual factors and lifestyle habits.

Q2: Is the English spoken at Hongda Dermatology Institute understandable?

Large clinics like Forena Clinic typically have staff who speak English, and some even provide dedicated Chinese interpreters. If you’re concerned about language barriers, it’s recommended to book through BeautsGO, where Chinese-speaking customer service will assist you throughout the process.

Q3: Which is better for me, Thermage or Ulthera in Seoul?

It really depends on your specific needs. Ulthera is more suitable for those looking to enhance their facial contours or reduce sagging in the lower face, while Thermage is better for reducing fine lines and tightening the skin’s surface. It’s best to consult a professional at a clinic to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

Comparison of booking methods

Booking methods	Language support	Response time	Target Audience
BeautsGO (Recommended)	Taiwanese Chinese	Within 24 hours	Travelers from Hong Kong/Taiwan, first-time visitors
WhatsApp / Kakao / Line	Chinese/English/Korean	Within a few hours	People who are accustomed to using instant messaging apps
WeChat	Chinese	Within a few hours	Chinese tourists

Institution information

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