After comparing three different Dermatology clinics in Hongdae, I finally chose SWOMAN-S Reborn because they actually took proper action rather than just constantly promoting their services.
I visited several Dermatology clinics in Taiwan, and my acne problem persisted for almost two years. Every time I went there, I was bombarded with various treatment options. The nurses were very enthusiastic, but after seeing the bills, my enthusiasm faded immediately. Later, some of my friends started discussing whether I should consider flying to Seoul for skin treatment, saying that the approaches used in South Korea’s Dermatology clinics were different from those in Taiwan, and the equipment was more modern, while the fees were also much more transparent.
During my independent trip to Seoul this time, I visited three Dermatology clinics with good reviews near the Hongdae entrance station. In the end, I chose S-Reborn (에스리본의원), which is located in an alley in Donggyo-dong. This article truly records the process of my visits, and it can serve as a reference for Taiwanese girls who are also troubled by acne, Pores, or superficial skin pigmentation.
Why was S-Reborn chosen in the end? Hongdae’s real experiences after visiting three institutions
Before setting off, I searched for “Hongdae Dermatology recommendations” on Naver and identified three clinics with good reviews. I then went to check them out in person.
- Institution A (a chain brand): The location is convenient, but the waiting time is relatively long; moreover, three different package combinations were recommended to patients during their initial consultation.
- Institute B (a popular online clinic): The environment is very nice, but the prices are relatively high; the descriptions of the services seem to be rather standardized.
- S-Reborn (a specialized clinic located in a small alley): It is only about a 2-minute walk from Exit 8 of the Hongdae subway station. The chief physician, Kim Do-wi, personally conducts initial consultations without any sales pitches, allowing patients to first understand what type of treatment is suitable for their skin.
My main reason for choosing SWOMAN’s S-Reborn service was quite simple: they actually take the time to analyze your skin problems before presenting you with a treatment plan to sign. When I consulted Dr. Jin Duwei, he first used equipment to scan my Pores and the distribution of my acne, and then clearly stated, “Given your current condition, it would be more practical to start with two sessions of basic cleansing treatments first and see how things progress, rather than going straight to laser treatment.”
Introduction to S-Reborn: A specialized institution located in a small alley beside the Hongdae Entrance Station
SWOMAN S-Reborn (Hongdae Branch) is located about 2-3 minutes away on foot from Exit 8 of Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo District, Seoul. The address is 8th floor, Yanghwa-ro 162, Mapo District, Seoul (Good People Good Deeds Building). The clinic is not very large, but it is decorated in a warm and comfortable style, and the waiting area is clean and bright.
The institution doesn’t have a grand lobby or a popular “check-in wall” for internet celebrities, but this approach of “not engaging in excessive marketing” actually makes me feel more at ease. There is parking available (at the parking garage behind the Good Deeds Building), and there are also evening and weekend outpatient services, which provides greater flexibility in terms of scheduling for foreign visitors.
Background of Representative President Kim Do-wei
The clinic is headed by Director Kim Do-wei. His expertise lies in the management of acne, Reduction surgery for Pores, the removal of pigmentation spots, as well as INMODE body sculpting treatments. Many patients who left reviews on Naver mentioned that he “explains things in great detail and doesn’t put people under any pressure.”
Main features and prices of S-Reborn: How much cheaper is it compared to having the procedure done in Taiwan?
The following are the price ranges of the most popular services offered by S-Reborn among foreign tourists (in Korean won, based on 2026 market rates; actual fees are subject to the prices stated by each clinic):
| Project | S-Reborn (Seoul) | Taiwan market conditions | Hong Kong market conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Peel for deep cleansing | ₩60,000 to 90,000 | NT$1,500–2,500 | HK$400–700 |
| Pigment spot laser treatment | ₩80,000 to 120,000 | NT$2,000–4,000 | HK$500–1,000 |
| INMODE FX (local body sculpting) | ₩150,000 – 200,000 per treatment area | NT$6,000–12,000 | HK$1,500 – 3,000 |
| Rejuran Healer (Rejuran/Salmon Needle) | ₩180,000 to 250,000 | NT$4,000–8,000 | HK$1,000–2,000 |
| HydraFacial (hyaluronic acid injection therapy) | ₩70,000 – 110,000 | NT$2,000-3,500 | HK$500–900 |
Let’s do some simple calculations: If you undergo an Aqua Peel treatment and hyaluronic acid injections in Taiwan, each session costs approximately NT$4,000 to $6,000. However, at S-Reborn, the same combination of treatments costs ¥913,000 to ¥200,000 (which is roughly equivalent to NT$3,000 to $4,600). Taking into account the cost of airfare and accommodation, it’s actually still more affordable. Moreover, the equipment used at S-Reborn is generally one generation more advanced than that in Taiwan.
What is the experience like for foreigners to receive treatment at S-Reborn? Let’s clarify everything regarding language, appointment process, and overall procedures.
I made my reservation through BeautsGO – it’s a free service that doesn’t force you to fill out a lot of information. After the reservation is confirmed, the clinic will send a confirmation message via KakaoTalk. It’s really convenient that Director Kim Du-woo responds so quickly when people contact him online.
- Language: The institution supports basic English conversations; BeautsGO also provides Chinese-speaking customer service to assist in communication.
- Reservation methods: Online reservation through BeautsGO (recommended) or direct contact with the clinic via KakaoTalk.
- Items to bring: Passport (required for foreign patients during their initial consultation)
- Payment methods: Cash in Korean won or credit cards (VISA/Mastercard are accepted).
- Tax refund: For single transactions totaling ₩30,000 or more, a tax refund of approximately 8-10% can be applied for.
- Waiting time: If you go there at 11 a.m. on a weekday, you will have to wait for about 15 minutes.
The entire consultation process is as follows: arrival at the clinic → completion of the initial consultation form → examination using skin analysis equipment → personal explanation by Director Jin Duli → confirmation of the treatment options → administration of the treatment → post-treatment care instructions → payment and departure. This time, I only had the Aqua Peel procedure, and the whole process took less than 40 minutes.
guage reservation services. *These clinics are certified partners of BeautsGO.
How should I choose between SWOMAN-Reborn and other institutions in Gangnam and Hongdae?
If you have a larger budget and are looking for a luxurious treatment environment, you might consider large-scale clinics in Gangnam. However, if, like me, your main concerns are basic but persistent issues such as acne, Pores, or skin pigmentation, a medium-sized clinic like SWOMAN would be more suitable for you. The reasons are as follows:
- The director remains the same, and the same doctor is always consulted for each consultation, ensuring consistency in the tracking of the patient’s condition.
- There is no pressure from chain clinics to force customers to purchase pre-packaged treatment packages.
- The prices are 20-30% more affordable than those of large institutions in Gangnam.
- Detailed reviews and shared experiences from actual consultations on Naver
FAQs about S-Reborn
Q1: What should foreigners prepare in advance before their first visit to the medical beauty industry?
It is recommended to bring your passport (required for the initial consultation). If you are using any skincare products, bring them along so that the doctor can check their ingredients and determine whether any adjustments are needed. It is also advisable to bring any previous medical records or photos from previous consultations.
Q2: Can the acne problem be completely resolved after just one treatment?
Not necessarily. The causes of acne are complex (hormones, diet, lifestyle), and it usually takes 2 to 4 treatments in a professional setting to see significant improvement. However, even a single treatment can often alleviate acute inflammation and help prevent the formation of scars.
Q3: What should I do if I don’t understand the language being used?
When making a reservation at BeautsGO, you can indicate your need for language assistance, and the clinic will arrange for a nurse with basic English skills to accompany you. If you are still not confident, you can download the Papago translation app.
Q4: Can the price be discounted further?
The institutions themselves have their own pricing standards, but by booking through BeautsGO, customers can usually enjoy exclusive discounts or special offer prices provided by BeautsGO.
Q5: How do I get there by subway?
Exit Exit 8 of the Hongdae Entrance Station on Subway Line 2, and it takes about 2-3 minutes to walk to the Good Deeds Building, on the 8th floor.
Q6: Is it possible to come and go on the same day?
Sure. Most nursing treatments in medical beauty clinics (such as Aqua Peel and hyaluronic acid injections) take less than 30 to 60 minutes. For treatments like INMODE body sculpting or laser therapies, it is recommended to rest in the clinic for 30 minutes before leaving.
Q7: With a limited budget, which treatments offer the best cost-performance ratio?
If the problem of acne is severe, it is recommended to undergo professional acne care at a medical institution first; if you want to improve the overall quality of your skin, hyaluronic acid injections offer the best value for money; for those suffering from localized fat issues, INMODE FX is currently the most popular treatment option.
Q8: What should be paid attention to during post-operative care?
The clinic will provide instructions for post-treatment care. Key points: Within two weeks after undergoing laser treatment or skin rejuvenation, it is essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ and avoid using irritating skincare products. The clinic recommends avoiding makeup for three days after the procedure.
My personal experience: After going to S-Reborn, would I go there again in the future?
I underwent two treatments at S-Reborn: AQUA PEEL for the first time and hyaluronic acid injections for the second. After the first treatment, the red marks from acne on my cheeks faded, and the Pores on both sides of my nose seemed to have reduced in size. Director Kim Du-wei said, “There’s no need to rush into expensive treatments; focus on proper skin cleansing first.” This advice actually made me trust this clinic even more.
If I were to summarize, this clinic is suitable for those who are truly committed to resolving their skin issues, rather than seeking a fancy or luxurious experience. Reasonable prices, detailed explanations from the doctors, and no aggressive sales tactics—these three points are already more than enough for me.
Free consultation · Traditional Chinese language service · Quick reservation
