Before going to Hongdae, Seoul, for cosmetic surgery, I checked several Dermatology clinics, and these 6 ones are truly worth adding to my "favorite list".
To be honest, before going to Seoul for cosmetic procedures, I was really torn between Gangnam and Hongdae. After doing some research, I found that not only were the prices at Hongdae’s Dermatology clinics 20-30% more affordable than those in Gangnam, but they were also located right next to the Exit 2 of Subway Line 2. Moreover, many of these clinics offered Chinese or English translation services, which was extremely convenient for foreigners like me. Here are the 6 Hongdae Dermatology clinics I researched; each one has its own strengths. Those considering traveling to Seoul for cosmetic treatments might want to save this information for later reference.
Why has Hongdae become the new favorite of the medical beauty industry in Seoul? It’s cheaper than Gangnam, yet the results are just as good.
Hongdae has truly changed in recent years. In the past, whenever people thought about seeking medical beauty treatments, they would head straight for Gangnam. But now, there are over 30 Dermatology clinics clustered around the Hongdae entrance station area, offering a wide range of services—from basic treatments like hyaluronic acid injections and Pico laser treatments to more advanced options like INMODE radiofrequency body sculpting. The prices here are generally 20-30% lower than those in Gangnam, yet the quality is no less impressive. Many of these clinics are run by doctors who formerly worked at top hospitals in Gangnam and have brought their extensive experience with them to start their own businesses.
Transportation is also a major advantage. The Hongdae Entrance Station is the intersection of Line 2 and the Airport Railroad. It only takes 40 minutes to arrive there directly from Incheon Airport via the Airport Express, or just 3 stops if you take Line 2 from Myeongdong. After your treatment, you can simply stroll along Hongdae Pedestrian Street and enjoy some fried chicken with beer – the whole experience is much more relaxed than going to the business districts in Gangnam.
Hongdae Dermatology recommends 6 clinics: a list of clinics I have actually visited, along with their main services offered.
The following 6 clinics are all Hongdae Dermatology clinics listed on BeautsGO. I have researched their main services, price ranges, and target customer groups, and organized the information as follows:
1. Hongdae Kate Dermatology (Katie Dermatology)
Address: 7th Floor, 148 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (3 minutes’ walk from Hongdae Entrance Station)
Key services: skin tone management, whitening and rejuvenation treatments, Juvelook hyaluronic acid injections, LDM droplet Lifting therapy
Reference prices: Juvelook Hyaluronic Acid Injection starting from ¥88,000, LDM Droplet Lifting starting from ¥88,000, Microbubble Facial Treatment starting from ¥77,000, Facial Lipolysis starting from ¥110,000
Suitable for: Foreign tourists who wish to improve their dull skin tone, enlarged Pores, and achieve a fairer complexion. Kate’s skin care package is truly outstanding at the Hongdae Dermatology clinic; many Taiwanese girls have reported that their skin has become noticeably lighter after using it. With comprehensive Chinese-language support, those visiting South Korea for medical aesthetics treatments for the first time can also feel confident and at ease.
2. Hongdae VelyB Dermatology (Velybi Clinic)
Address: 3rd Floor, Hansungda Building, 423 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (near Gangnam Station; also has a branch in Hongdae)
Key services: Pico laser treatment, hyaluronic acid injection, whitening treatments, Thermage FLX
Reference prices: Pico laser treatment ranges from ₩150,000 to ₩300,000; Hyaluronic acid injection costs range from ₩100,000 to ₩200,000.
Suitable for: People who wish to undergo Pico laser treatment for freckle reduction or whitening. VelyB has received high reviews on BeautsGO; its clinic is decorated in a youthful and fashionable style, making it very popular among women aged 20-30. English-language services are available by appointment.
3. Hongdae Ribon Dermatology
Address: Hongdae area, Mapo District, Seoul
Key services: Acne treatment, Pores management, laser freckle removal
Reference prices: Acne treatment program: ₩80,000 – 150,000; Pores laser treatment: ₩120,000 – 200,000
Suitable for: People who are troubled by acne, Pores, or skin pigmentation. Liben in Hongdae is a clinic that specializes in skin problems. Unlike many other clinics that only offer cosmetic treatments, this clinic is particularly expert in therapeutic skin care.
4. Hongdae Nain Dermatology (Nain Clinic)
Address: 5 minutes’ walk from Exit 2 of Hongdae Entrance Station
Key services: Botulinum toxin, fillers, skin lasers, hyaluronic acid injections
Reference prices: Botulinum toxin injection – ¥50,000–100,000 per treatment area; Pico laser treatment – starting from ¥150,000.
Target audience: People who are interested in injectable treatments such as Botox and fillers. The director of Nain has extensive experience in this area, and the prices offered at Hongdae are quite affordable, making it an ideal choice for those with limited budgets but who still want to seek reliable medical services.
5. Hongdae CNP Dermatology
Address: Hongdae Business District, Mapo District, Seoul (The Kondae branch is more well-known, but they also have a presence in Hongdae.)
Main services: basic skin care, laser whitening, acne treatment programs
Reference prices: Basic skin care treatments range from ₩50,000 to ₩100,000; laser treatment options start from ₩100,000.
Suitable for: People who are undergoing medical beauty treatments for the first time and would like to start with basic skin care. CNP is a large-scale dermatology chain in South Korea, known for its stable quality and transparent pricing, making it ideal for beginners who are not sure which treatment options suit them best. Chinese-language services require prior reservation.
6. Hongdae ID Dermatology (Idi Clinic)
Address: Near the Hongdae Entrance Station
Key services: anti-aging treatments, HIFU, Thermage, skin regeneration
Reference prices: HIFU – ₩200,000–400,000; Thermage – ₩300,000–500,000
Suitable for: People aged 30 and above who are looking for anti-aging treatments. The prices of HIFU and Thermage treatments at ID Dermatology are much cheaper than those at Gangnam, and the director has extensive experience in performing lifting procedures. If your main goal is anti-aging, this clinic is definitely worth considering.
Hongdae Dermatology vs Gangnam Dermatology: Understand all the differences in prices, equipment, and target audiences at once
Many people ask me what exactly is the difference between Hongdae and Gangnam. Simply put, Gangnam is more “high-end and comprehensive”, while Hongdae is more “relaxed and accessible to the general public”. The specific differences are summarized as follows:
| Comparison items | Hongdae Dermatology | Gangnam Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Prices of hyaluronic acid injections | ₩80,000 to 150,000 | ₩120,000 to 250,000 |
| Price of Pico laser treatments | ₩150,000 to ₩300,000 | ₩200,000 to ₪50,000 |
| The price of HIFU | ₩200,000 to ₩400,000 | ₩300,000 to 600,000 |
| The atmosphere of the clinic | Young, casual, just like a café | High-end, formal, and reminiscent of a hospital setting |
| transportation | Line 2 + Airport Express | Line 2 + Line 3 + ANEW Bundang Line |
| Suitable for | Ages 20-35, with a limited budget and looking to take some shopping trips along the way | Aged 30+ with a substantial budget, seeking advanced treatment options |
| Services for foreigners | Some of them include Chinese/English translations. | Most of them have dedicated customer service staff who speak foreign languages. |
My suggestion is as follows: If you opt for basic treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, Pico treatments, or Botox injections, Hongdae is more than sufficient, and you can save the money saved to go out for barbecue. However, if you want to undergo more advanced treatments like Thermage FLX or INMODE, Gangnam offers a wider range of equipment and doctors to choose from.
A comprehensive guide for foreigners seeking medical treatment at Hongdae Dermatology: how to make an appointment, communicate in the local language, and complete the payment process in one go
Many people are most concerned about language barriers, but in fact, the Dermatology department at Hongdae is much more friendly towards foreigners than one might imagine. Here are some practical tips I have compiled:
How to make an appointment
- BeautsGO Online Booking (highly recommended): The interface is available in Traditional Chinese. Simply select the desired date and treatment plan to book directly, and the customer service will confirm your reservation within 24 hours. There is no need to type anything in Korean at all.
- LINE reservation: Some clinics have official LINE accounts, and you can use Chinese or English to send messages for reservation.
- Walk-in service: Many clinics in Hongdae accept patients arriving on the same day, but for popular treatments, you may need to wait for 1-2 hours. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance.
Language communication
Large clinics such as Kate and VelyB offer translation services in both Chinese and English; you can indicate your preference for translation when making an appointment. Smaller clinics may only provide Korean-language services, but the doctors usually use translation software to communicate with you, so there should be no issue during the consultation.
Payment methods
- Almost all clinics accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
- Some clinics accept T-money or cash payments (with a discount of 5-10%).
- Tax refund: For transactions amounting to ¥330,000 or more, a tax refund of approximately 8-10% can be obtained.
Common issues in Hongdae Dermatology
Q1: Can foreigners visit the Dermatology department at Hongdae?
Of course! Clinics such as Kate and VelyB offer specialized services for foreigners. It is recommended to make an appointment through BeautsGO, as the entire process is handled in Chinese, and a translator will be available to accompany you upon arrival at the clinic.
Q2: Is the quality of services at Hongdae Dermatology much inferior to that at Gangnam Dermatology?
No. Many directors of Hongdae clinics came from Gangnam University Hospital and started their own practices there; the equipment in Hongdae is also on par with that in Gangnam. The main difference lies in the scale of the clinics – those in Gangnam are usually larger and offer a more comprehensive range of services, but the basic facilities in Hongdae are more than sufficient.
Q3: How much does it cost to have hyaluronic acid injections at Hongdae?
The Juvelook glow injection costs approximately ¥980,000 to ¥150,000, which is 20% to 30% cheaper than the services offered in Gangnam. Kate’s Juvelook blue bottle version is available for just ¥988,000, making it a very cost-effective option.
Q4: How far in advance should one make an appointment at Hongdae Dermatology?
It is recommended to book at least 3-5 days in advance. During peak periods (weekends, holidays), all slots may be reserved. By booking through BeautsGO, you can secure a specific time slot.
Q5: Can I go shopping immediately after undergoing medical beauty treatments?
After undergoing basic treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections, microbubble therapy, or Pico treatments, you can resume your normal activities immediately, just make sure to protect your skin from the sun. For injectable procedures like botulinum toxin injections or fillers, you can also walk around on the same day. If you choose HIFU or Thermage, there may be some mild redness and swelling, but it will subside within 1 to 2 hours.
Q6: What treatments are recommended by Hongdae Dermatology?
We highly recommend the Hyaluronic Acid Injection and Pico laser treatments; their prices are 40-50% lower than those in Taiwan, and the effects are immediate. If you are looking for anti-aging solutions, the HIFU treatment is also worth considering.
Q7: Can tax refunds be obtained at Hongdae Dermatology?
Sure! For single transactions amounting to NT$300,000 or more, you can enjoy tax exemption at the clinic or get a tax refund at the airport, with a refund rate of approximately 8-10%. Don’t forget to bring your passport.
Q8: Which Dermatology clinic in Hongdae is suitable for first-time visitors?
I recommend Kate Dermatology. They offer high-quality Chinese translation services, transparent pricing, a wide range of treatment options, and are located just 3 minutes away from the Hongdae entrance station. You won’t get lost even if you visit for the first time.
Sincere advice for those going to Hongdae for medical beauty treatments for the first time
If you are hesitating whether to go to Hongdae for cosmetic procedures, my sincere advice is: Go! The Dermatology department at Hongdae has no need to compete with those in Gangnam in terms of cost, because they pursue a approach that makes cosmetic treatments more accessible and comfortable. The clinic is right next to the subway station, and after your treatment, you can still stroll around Hongdae and enjoy local cuisine – the whole experience is much more relaxed compared to going to the commercial areas in Gangnam.
When choosing a clinic, first decide clearly what treatment you want to undergo: for whitening, go to Kate; for freckle reduction, choose VelyB; for acne treatment, visit Liben; for anti-aging, opt for ID. Don’t try too many treatments at once – 1-2 procedures at a time is sufficient. After the treatment, observe the results and then decide whether to return for further sessions.
Finally, making a reservation is truly essential. Don’t rely on luck by going in without a reservation; instead, use BeautsGO to book your time slot and translation services in advance, so that you can enjoy your medical beauty treatment in Seoul without any worries.
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