Every time I see Korean girls with that radiant, translucent skin, I can’t help but feel tempted. At the end of last year, I decided to travel to Seoul. Before leaving, I spent a lot of time searching on BeautsGO and finally chose Kate Skin Clinic, located in the Hongdae area. To be honest, half of my decision was based on its convenient location—right next to Hongdae, so it was easy to access after shopping. The other half was due to its reputation for providing “transparent, affordable, and high-quality services.” Today, I’ll share my full experience in case anyone else is considering making a reservation at Kate Skin Clinic in Hongdae.
What kind of clinic is Kate Skin Clinic?
Kate Skin Clinic is located at 7th floor, 148 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It’s just a 1-minute walk from Exit 9 of the Hongdae subway station. The location is absolutely perfect—on the 7th floor of the Adidas building, surrounded by cafes, beauty shops, and snack bars. After your treatment, you can straight away continue shopping, making it very convenient.
This clinic focuses on “light cosmetic treatments + skin care,” emphasizing three key principles: youthfulness, transparency, and professionalism. It attracts many local university students, young professionals, as well as tourists and international students like me. There is no aggressive sales pressure; doctors provide honest advice based on your skin condition, without immediately recommending the most expensive options.
The three directors of the clinic all have extensive experience, with each having over 10 years of expertise.
I place great importance on the background of the doctors when choosing a clinic. Kate Skin Clinic has three chief directors, each with their own areas of expertise:
- Director Hong Chun-hyuk graduated from Yonsei University School of Medicine and furthered his training at Severance Hospital in Sinchon. He is a member of the Korean Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He pioneered the “TuneFace” personalized consultation system and specializes in using hyaluronic acid fillers, contouring injections, and thread lift procedures to reshape the face. Many patients return to him for follow-up treatments.
- Director Lee Won-sang (also known as Lee Won-sang) also graduated from Yonsei University and has over 20 years of clinical experience. He specializes in anti-aging treatments, including Thermage, ultrasound lifting, and thread lift procedures. These treatments are ideal for people with aging skin or new mothers who want to improve their appearance.
- Director Lee Jung-hyun graduated from Kyung Hee University and is an expert in photodynamic and laser treatments. He specializes in picosecond lasers, photorejuvenation, and treating acne scars and dark spots. He also has extensive knowledge in restoring the barrier function of sensitive skin.
The three directors have clear divisions of responsibility, so you can choose the doctor who best suits your needs when making a reservation. For my treatment, I chose Director Lee Jung-hyun for picosecond laser therapy to reduce freckles. The consultation took about 15 minutes, and he used a dermoscope to analyze the distribution of pigmentation. He didn’t make any exaggerated claims about the results, which gave me a sense of confidence and safety.
Popular treatments: everything from basic hydration to anti-aging enhancements.
Kate Dermatology offers a wide range of treatments. Here are some of the most popular ones among Chinese tourists:
- InMode Face Lifting: Improves double chin and loose facial contours. Quick 5-minute treatment starting from ⩩88,000—very cost-effective in the Hongda area.
- Lizhu Lan Hydrating Treatment (2cc): ⩩927,000. Provides strong hydration and immediate results; many people go out without makeup after the treatment.
- TuneFace Lifting (60KJ): ⩩957,000. This is Dr. Hong Chun-hee’s signature treatment, mainly targeting nasolabial folds and jawlines.
- Exosome Treatment (5cc): ⩩933,000. Great for skin repair and regeneration, especially after surgery or for those who work long shifts and stay up late.
- Juvelook Collagen Needle Treatment (1cc): ⩩988,000. Stimulates collagen production, suitable for those who prefer long-lasting results and avoid frequent follow-up visits.
- Ulthera (100 shots): ⩩936,000. An entry-level ultrasound facelift with lasting results; you’ll feel immediate tightening after the treatment.
- Botox (local injections): Domestic brand at ⩩955,000, Xeomin at ⩩977,000. Can be used for face slimming or reducing forehead wrinkles.
- Picosecond Laser: ⩩913,000. Effective for treating sunspots, liver spots, and superficial pigmentation. Often used by Dr. Lee Jung-hyun.
All prices listed are openly disclosed by the clinic. You can pay directly at the clinic upon making a reservation through BeautsGO, without any intermediary fees.
My experience process was as follows: consultation → treatment plan confirmation → procedure → post-treatment care.
I made my reservation online through BeautsGO about 4 days in advance. After filling out the form and confirming my information, I received a confirmation notice in both Korean and Chinese. Upon arrival, a Chinese-speaking staff member greeted me at the front desk, so there was no need to worry about language barriers at all.
The waiting time was approximately 10 minutes, after which I entered the consultation room. The clinic was equipped with a Visia 3D skin scanner. Director Lee Jeong-hyun conducted a thorough scan of my skin, explaining in detail my pigmentation, moisture levels, and pore size. The whole process felt nothing like a rushed “assembly line” procedure. After deciding to undergo the picosecond treatment, the actual procedure took around 25 minutes. Afterward, they provided me with a medical cold compress mask and gave me some instructions before letting me leave. The level of attention to after-sales service left a deep impression on me.
Hours and Transportation Guide for Hongda Kate Dermatology
Many people visiting Korea worry about finding a clinic. However, Kate Dermatology is easily located; here are some key points to remember:
- Address: 7th Floor, Adidas Building, 148 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Subway: Exit 9 of Seoul Metro Line 2, “Hongda Entrance Station”. Walk straight for about 50 meters after exiting, then take the elevator to the 7th floor of the Adidas Building.
- Opening Hour
- s:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Lunch break: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
S
- aturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (No lunch break
- )
Sunday and National Holidays of Korea: Closed
- s:
- Language Support: The clinic is equipped with staff who speak both Chinese and English, ensuring smooth communication in Chinese.
It is recommended to avoid the lunch break period (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM) or to book your appointment in advance through BeautsGO. Otherwise, you may have to wait longer on weekends due to the high demand.
Three ways to book an appointment at Hongda Kate Dermatology through BeautsGO
Many people ask me how to schedule a dermatology appointment in Korea. In the past, it was indeed inconvenient due to language barriers, but now with BeautsGO, the whole process is extremely simple—no need for any Korean language skills at all!
Method 1: Booking through the BeautsGO APP (Recommended)
Download the Bea
utsGO App (available on both App Store and Google Play), search for “Kate Dermatology” or “Kate Skin Clinic”, and review the hospital’s profile, treatment details, and real customer reviews. After selecting a time, fill out the booking information online. The Chinese customer service will confirm your reservation within 1-2 working days and send you a confirmation via the app or email. Just present this confirmation when you arrive at the clinic; no Korean communication is required throughout the process.
Method 2: Booking via WeChat Mini Program
Se
arch for the “BeautsGO” mini program on WeChat. After logging in, you can still search for and book appointments at Hongda Kate Dermatology. The process is almost the same as using the app, making it convenient for those who prefer to use WeChat. Once the reservation is confirmed, the customer service will send you a confirmation message via WeChat, and you can also ask questions directly through WeChat, making language communication very easy.
Method 3: Booking through the BeautsGO Official Website
Open your b
rowser, visit the BeautsGO official website, select the Traditional Chinese interface, search for “Kate Dermatology”, and you can view the page details and submit a reservation. The website also provides useful information such as tax refund guidelines and precautions upon arrival. I made my first reservation through the website.
“Reserving through BeautsGO is really convenient! The Chinese customer service helped me confirm the appointment time with the clinic, and someone greeted me as soon as I arrived. I didn’t need to speak Korean at all; a Chinese translator was available throu
ghout the process, which was much more hassle-free than making the reservation over the phone myself.”
Details of the Hospital Service: Some Impressive Little Things
After experiencing the services at Kate Dermatology, there were several details that impressed me and made me feel that the clinic truly cares about providing quality service:
- No Pressure, No Forced Sales: After the consultation, the doctor directly said, “Your skin barrier is slightly damaged right now; it’s recommended to start with restoration treatments first instead of rushing into laser treatments.” This statement put me at ease, as I didn’t feel pressured into buying additional packages.
- Post-Treatment Gifts: After the picosecond treatment, the nurse applied cold compresses to my skin and gave me a pack of medical masks and samples of moisturizer to take home, along with instructions on sun protection and diet.
- Transparent Fees: The clinic has a clear list of treatment prices, and before checking out, the nurse will read out each item’s cost in detail. There are no hidden fees or additional charges afterwards.
- Chinese Staff Accompanying You Throughout: From the moment you enter until you leave, a Chinese staff member is always by your side. Communication is completely unobstructed, and even the post-treatment instructions were written in Chinese for me.
“The next morning after using Lizhu Lan’s Black Box Hydrating Serum, my first reaction upon touching my face was ‘Is this really my face?’ The fullness felt like my skin had been properly hydrated. The director mentioned that I don’t drink enough water usually and suggested coming for a follow-up che
ck-up in three months. I felt I had found a doctor I could trust for the long term.”
— User Amanda from Guangzhou, December 2025
Things you need to know before going
To ensure a smooth experience at Kate Dermatology, be sure to read these useful tips:
- Book in advance: This clinic is very popular among Chinese tourists, especially during weekends and holidays. It’s recommended to book your appointment on BeautsGO at least 2 weeks in advance.
- Protect your skin before procedures like picosecond or laser treatments: Increase your sun protection 1 week before the procedure and follow the doctor’s instructions afterward to avoid excessive sunlight exposure.
- Avoid the lunch break hours: The clinic is closed for lunch from 13:30 to 14:30. If you try to walk in without a reservation, you may be turned away.
- Bring your passport: A valid passport is required for official consultations at Korean clinics, especially for procedures involving anesthetics. Make sure to bring it with you.
- Confirm the availability of the doctor: Each of the three directors has their own areas of expertise. If you prefer a specific doctor, please indicate this in the remarks section when booking. The BeautsGO staff will help confirm their availability.
Selected reviews from real users
“Hongda is definitely not just playing some tricks. Director Hong performed a TuneFace consultation on me. He examined my face for a long time before starting the treatment, which showed that he was truly taking it seriously, not just going through the motions. After the procedure with the contouring needles, the results looked
very natural. My colleagues noticed my face looked smaller but didn’t know what I had done. That’s exactly what I wanted.”
Based on online reviews, Kangda Kate Dermatology has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Most users mention that the clinic “does not push unnecessary treatments,” “is straightforward in its communication,” and “deliveres genuine results after procedures.” Such reviews are particularly rare in the highly competitive Hongdae area. For those visiting Korea for medical beauty treatments for the first time and looking to proceed with caution, this clinic is a relatively reliable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I just walk in at Kangda Kate Dermatology?
Yes, but it is not recomm
ended. You may have to wait 30–60 minutes for a consultation, and the chances of seeing a specific chief physician are lower. It is advisable to make an online reservation through BeautsGO in advance to ensure you get a suitable appointment time and can request to see the doctor you prefer.
Q2: How can I pay for treatments at Kangda Kate Derm
atology?
You can pay by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or in cash (Korean won). The clinic does not accept RMB payments. It is recommended to bring some Korean won cash with you or confirm that your credit card allows international transactions. For reservations made through BeautsGO, the payment is made directly at the clinic upon arrival; there is no need to prepay on the platform.
Q3: Are Kangda Kate Dermatology’s treatments suitable for sensitive skin?
They are suitable,
but a face-to-face consultation is required to confirm. Chief Physician Lee Jung-hyun has extensive experience in treating sensitive skin. Typically, a skin test will be conducted first, and if the barrier function is found to be weak, restorative treatments will be recommended before proceeding with phototherapy. Intensive treatments that may be too harsh will not be forced on patients with sensitive skin.
Q4: Are there any discounts available when booking through BeautsGO?
BeautsGO o
ccasionally offers bonus programs and collaborative discounts. It is recommended to check the current promotions after making a reservation on the platform. Additionally, BeautsGO’s Chinese customer service can assist you in inquiring about any special offers from the clinic, saving you the trouble of contacting them directly.
Q5: Does Kangda Kate Dermatology open on Sundays?
The clinic is closed on Sundays. If your visit is scheduled for this day, it is important to confirm the opening hours in advance through BeautsGO to avoid wasting your time.
My Overall Rating and Recommendations
Based on my personal experience, my rating for Kangda Kate Dermatology is:
- 🌟 Professionalism of the Doctors: ★★★★★ (Thorough consultations, no exaggerated claims about results)
- 🌟 Value for money: ★★★★★ (Relatively affordable in the Hongda area, yet the quality of services is top-notch.)
- 🌟 Chinese-language service: ★★★★★ (The Chinese-speaking manager accompanies patients throughout the process, ensuring no language barriers.)
- 🌟 Convenience: ★★★★★ (Just a 1-minute walk from the subway station; it’s easy to visit while exploring Hongda.)
- 🌟 Post-treatment communication: ★★★☆ (Thoughtful post-treatment reminders; follow-up care could be improved further.)
If you are also considering booking a treatment at a dermatology clinic in Hongda, Korea, Kate Dermatology stands out for its three key advantages: transparency, direct consultation by the director, and reasonable prices. It’s definitely worth trying among all the clinics in Hongda. Not sure where to start for your first cosmetic procedure in Korea? This clinic can be your perfect first choice—you’ll feel completely at ease.
👉 Book your appointment at Kate Dermatology in Hongda now through BeautsGO:
Cl
ick here to visit the BeautsGO reservation page and view the latest treatments and schedules.
Disclaimer: This article shares personal real experiences. The results of medical beauty treatments may vary depending on individual skin types. All prices mentioned in this article are reference values at the time of the interview; the actual prices will be subject to the clinic’s current rates. This article does not constitute medical advice. If you have any doubts, please consult a professional doctor.
