After visiting three different Dermatology clinics in Hongdae, I finally decided to choose Kate and Director Wen Guanyong for my iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) treatment.

At the end of last year, my mother suddenly asked me, “Does your area under the eyes look a bit dull?” Those words made me spend a full five minutes looking at myself in the mirror in the bathroom. In my early thirties, the appearance of fine lines and slight Tear trough correction around my eyes wasn’t a major issue, but it certainly made me look more tired. I began to seriously research the anti-aging treatments for the eye area offered by Dermatology clinics in South Korea, and eventually decided to focus on the Hongdae area – it was convenient, offered good value for money, and the staff there had extensive experience dealing with foreign clients.

This time, I compared the reputations of three clinics in Hongdae and finally decided to undergo the iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) injection at Kate Dermatology, under the care of Director Won Gwan-yong. The following is my complete experience, which I hope will be helpful to anyone considering treatment at a clinic in Hongdae.

When choosing a Dermatology department at Hongdae, this is how I eliminated the other two options.

To be honest, there are really a lot of Dermatology clinics in the area around Hongdae. Just within a five-minute walk from the entrance station, you can find seven or eight of them. I spent a week doing research and finally focused on three clinics: Hongdae Kate Dermatology, JFEEL, and another clinic that specializes in affordable treatment options.

JFEEL was eliminated because I found that their main focus is on radiofrequency lifting treatments, which are not particularly suitable for the eye area injections I wanted to have done. In the reviews of another affordable clinic, several mentions mentioned that “the doctor had been changed” or “the procedure was performed by a nurse.” For me, this is a non-negotiable red line – for injection treatments, I insist that they be carried out only by a doctor personally.

There are three reasons why Kate was selected: First, the official website clearly states that she provides direct medical consultations on behalf of President Yong; second, on the BeautsGO platform, there is a personal profile for President Yong, with a rating of 4.9 and actual reservation records; third, several genuine reviews from tourists from Hong Kong and Taiwan mentioned that the translation service was excellent and there was no sense of forced sales.

Who is President Yong of Wen Guan Yong? Why was iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) chosen to work with her?

President Moon Kwan-yeong is one of the three directors of Kate Dermatology. With her academic background from the School of Medicine at Kyungpook National University, she is a member of both the Korean Laser Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery Society and the Korean Society of Fillers. Before joining Kate Dermatology, she served as the director of Bar Me Dermatology and Blee Bbe Dermatology. This experience demonstrates that she is no novice in the industry but rather possesses extensive independent professional experience.

Her areas of expertise on the BeautsGO platform are iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) and Rejuran PN, which are injectable treatments specifically for anti-aging around the eyes and full-face skin regeneration. This exactly meets my needs – what I want to improve are the dark circles around my eyes and the appearance of Tear trough correction. The iRejuran 1cc product is designed to promote blood circulation in the eye area, stimulate collagen production, and reduce the appearance of Dark circle treatment.

In Taiwan or Hong Kong, it is very difficult to determine which procedures a doctor has the most experience in when looking for a Dermatology specialist. In South Korea, however, there is much greater transparency – platforms like BeautsGO list the areas in which doctors specialize, allowing patients to choose a doctor based on their specific needs, rather than only finding out who will perform the treatment after making an appointment. This difference is crucial for me.

What exactly is iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement)? How is it different from the “black box” version?

The Rejuran series comes in several different color options, which can easily confuse people who see them for the first time. Simply put:

• Black Box (Rejuran Healer): To be applied across the entire face, it helps improve skin elasticity, repair damaged skin barriers, and replenish collagen. Suitable for those with overall declining skin quality or Pores-related issues.
• Lebluxcell: Specifically designed for the eye area, its formula has been specially adjusted to suit the thin skin under the eyes. It is particularly effective for Dark circle treatment, mild sagging of the eye bags, Tear trough correction, and fine lines around the eyes.
• Rejuran S: Mainly used for the repair of acne scars and the improvement of acne pits.

The core component of White Box is c-PDRN (polynucleotides), a regenerative substance extracted from salmon DNA. It stimulates cell regeneration beneath the skin, gradually thickening the thin skin around the eyes and improving blood circulation. The mechanism at work is not simply filling the area (unlike Filler, which directly provides support), but rather activating the skin’s own repair processes. The results are relatively natural, but it takes time to see effects—generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks after injection before noticeable changes become apparent.

When consulting with Director Yong, she told me that my situation was more suitable for a treatment course consisting of 3 sessions, with each session spaced 4 weeks apart. She assessed that the main reason for my Tear trough correction issues was the thinness of my skin, which caused an optical illusion rather than actual indentations; therefore, Filler was not necessary, and a basic treatment would be sufficient. This assessment reassured me greatly – she did not suggest adding any more expensive procedures.

What is the price of iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) at the Dermatology department of Hongdae Hospital? How much cheaper is it than in Taiwan and Hong Kong?

In South Korea, the cost of Rejuran treatments varies depending on the service. For example, the price of a single injection around the eyes at clinics in Seoul generally ranges from ₩150,000 to ₩350,000 (approximately HK$880 to HK$2,050, or NT$3,500 to NT$8,200). The prices in the Hongdae area are generally 15-25% lower than those in Gangnam. Kate’s services in Hongdae are considered mid-to-high-end, but they are still much cheaper than similar treatments in Taiwan.

region	Rejuran 1cc iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) for the eye area (1 application)	Converted into Taiwanese dollars, it is approximately…
Seoul Hongdae Kate	₩180,000 to ₩250,000	Approximately NT$4,200 to NT$5,800
High-end medical institutions in Gangnam, Seoul	₩280,000 to ₩400,000	Approximately NT$6,500 to NT$9,300
Taiwan Dermatology Clinic	NT$8,000 to NT$15,000	NT$8,000 to NT$15,000
Hong Kong Dermatology Clinic	HK$1,800 to HK$3,500	Approximately NT$7,200 to NT$14,000

If you undergo three treatment sessions at Hongdae Kate, the total cost will be approximately NT$13,000 to NT$17,000. In Taiwan, the same treatment would cost at least NT$24,000. If you already have plans to travel to South Korea, this price difference is definitely very worthwhile. Moreover, Hongdae is an excellent place for shopping, so you can enjoy yourself while undergoing the treatments – it’s absolutely a win-win situation.

⚠️ Note: Prices may vary depending on the activities of each clinic. You can check the latest rates using the following cards:

Complete record of that day’s consultation: Less than an hour had passed since the injection was administered.

The reservation was made through the BeautsGO platform. After selecting the schedule of Director Wen Guanyong and completing the basic information form, I received a confirmation email the next day. Arriving ten minutes early on that day, I found the waiting area on the 7th floor to be clean and tidy, resembling the study of a luxury hotel—not at all the cold, sterile atmosphere typical of hospitals.

During the consultation, a Chinese translator was present throughout the entire process (not machine translation, but a human translator). Director Wen Yong first used equipment to conduct a skin analysis and showed me the results. She explained that my problems around the eyes were mainly caused by thin skin and poor blood circulation, which led to a dull appearance, rather than fat accumulation. Therefore, she recommended a “white box” treatment instead of filling. The entire consultation lasted about 15 minutes, and she didn’t rush to finish and leave. I asked several questions, and she patiently answered each one of them.

Before the injection, an anesthetic ointment is applied around the eyes, and the patient waits for about 20 minutes. The actual injection process is very quick; President Wen Guanyong’s technique is very precise, with each injection site being treated quickly without any prolonged pressure. The entire procedure takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete.

After the injection, there may be slight swelling around the eyes and some tiny puncture marks. The clinic will provide a small ice pack for cold compresses. Once you put on a hat after going out, it’s basically impossible to tell that anything has been done. The nurse advised me to avoid rubbing my eyes vigorously on the same day and not to take a steam bath within three days; otherwise, I could continue with all my daily activities as usual.

One month after using the iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement): There are indeed changes around the eyes.

To be honest, the effects of seoulcheil are not immediate. After the first week, there were no obvious changes around my eyes; there was only a slight swelling, but it didn’t affect my appearance. Starting from the second week, I noticed that the skin under my eyes didn’t look as dark as before, but I’m not sure if this was just a psychological perception.

By the fourth week, just before going for the second follow-up appointment, my mother asked me, “Your eyes don’t seem so tired these days, do they?” She had no idea what I had done in South Korea, but she noticed that the area around my eyes had improved. For me, this was the most convincing proof of the results—not something I noticed myself in front of a mirror, but something that others observed clearly.

During the second follow-up visit, Director Wen also showed me comparison photos, and it was indeed evident that the thickness and glow of the skin around my eyes had improved. She said that after the third treatment, the effects would continue to accumulate, usually lasting for 6 to 12 months, after which just one more maintenance treatment would be sufficient. There’s no need to come in for treatments every month, and this is particularly important for people like us who travel from Taiwan or Hong Kong.

Precautions for foreigners seeking treatment at Kate Dermatology

Here are some practical tips that I have personally verified, for those friends who are also considering this option:

• Language: Translation services in Chinese are available, so there is no need to worry about language issues. However, it is recommended to indicate “require Chinese translation services” when making a reservation through BeautsGO to ensure that a translator will be assigned on the same day.
• Reservation time: It is recommended to make a reservation at least 3-5 days in advance; during peak periods (such as on weekends and holidays), it is even necessary to book sooner.
• Payment methods: Foreign currency credit cards (VISA / MasterCard) are accepted, and cash in Korean won is also available.
• Transportation: Take the subway Line 2 or the Gyeongui Central Line, exit at Hongdae Entrance Station and walk straight for about 50 meters. The location is on the 7th floor above IBK Corporate Bank. It’s very easy to find; there’s no need to walk through narrow alleys.
• Post-injection routine: After the injection, you can go shopping immediately without the need for any special rest. However, avoid using facial cleansing devices with excessive pressure on the same day.

For those who want to undergo Rejuran treatment at Hongdae: some sincere suggestions

After completing the entire treatment process, I have a few thoughts that I would like to share:

First and foremost, choosing the right director is far more important than selecting the right clinic. In fact, the technical skills of different doctors at the same clinic can vary significantly. I chose Director Wen Guanyong because she has clear professional credentials in the field of fillers (she is a member of two relevant medical associations), and her experience working independently as a practitioner proves that she is not just a novice who has only worked as an assistant. Taking the time to conduct such background checks is definitely worthwhile.

Secondly, iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) is a “nutritive” treatment, not a “cosmetic surgical” one. If you expect Tear trough correction to disappear immediately or the areas around your eyes to become flatter, you may need Filler injections rather than iRejuran 1cc. This product works to gradually improve the condition of the lower layers of the skin; it is suitable for those whose current situation is not too severe and who simply wish to maintain their results or make minor improvements.

Thirdly, a single trip to South Korea can be used to combine two treatments. The interval between sessions of the iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) treatment is 4 weeks, so there is no need to travel each time. My plan is to undergo the first and second treatments in South Korea; if I happen to have other commitments during the third trip, I will consider whether the clinic can find a collaborating doctor in Taiwan for the additional session, or whether it is possible to extend the interval slightly (Dr. Wen Guanyong mentioned that a delay of one or two weeks should not be a problem).

If you are also considering visiting Hongdae Kate Dermatology, you can directly schedule an appointment with Director Yong through BeautsGO. There is no need to call first and communicate in Korean; the entire process is available in Traditional Chinese.

Q&A: Some of the most frequently asked questions I receive

Q1: Does iRejuran 1cc (regeneration, fine wrinkle improvement) hurt when applied?

There is an anesthetic ointment applied, so the pain is not very intense. The skin around the eyes is thinner than that on the cheeks; sometimes there may be a slight stinging sensation, but it’s not really painful. It’s more comfortable than having your blood drawn.

Q2: Can I fly back to Taiwan immediately after the procedure?

Sure. There is no obvious swelling after the seoulcheil injection, so it doesn’t affect flying. I flew back the day after my first treatment, and there were no problems at all.

Q3: How should one choose between white-box and black-box approaches?

It mainly depends on your goals. For issues around the eyes such as Dark circle treatment, fine lines, and Tear trough correction, choose the white box option. For overall facial elasticity and skin quality improvement, choose the black box option. You can also consult Dr. Wen Guanyong; she will help you determine the right choice based on the results of your skin examination.

Q4: What are the differences between the Dermatology departments at Hongdae Kate and Gangnam?

The main differences lie in price and the “experience” provided. The facilities in Gangnam are generally more luxurious and have a stronger brand image, but the technical differences in injectable treatments are actually minimal (the medications used are the same; the key lies in the skills of the practitioner). The advantage of Hongdae is that the overall prices are 15–25% lower, and there is a higher proportion of foreign tourists, resulting in more mature translation services. If your budget is limited and this is your first time going to South Korea for Dermatology treatment, Hongdae would be a better choice.