I spent a week in Seoul last month and specifically set aside a day to explore Sangsu-dong. I originally planned to just hang out in cafes that afternoon, but my friend convinced me to try out some skin care at this clinic—IRIS Dermatology Clinic.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much when I went in, but after leaving, I added it to my “must-visit again when I return to Seoul” list.
Why choose this clinic for a skin care experience in Sangsu-dong?
Sangsu-dong is a unique neighborhood in Seoul. It’s not as refined and luxurious as Gangnam, nor as bustling as Hongdae. Here, you can find cafes converted from old factories, individuality-filled boutiques, and—many locals choose to come here for their skin care treatments.
IRIS Dermatology Clinic is one of them. It’s located at 26 Sangwon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd floor of the MILK building. It’s only about a minute’s walk from Exit 5 of Dongnaikoo Station on Line 2 of the subway, right next to the street where SM Entertainment is located. On weekdays, most of the patients here are local Koreans.
Head of the clinic is Dr. Choi Ju-yeon.
When it comes to dermatology, the doctor is absolutely crucial. Dr. Choi Ju-yeon graduated from the School of Medicine at Ulsan National University, completed her internship at Eosan Medical Center in Seoul, and underwent residency training in dermatology at Samsung Medical Center in Gangbuk—both of which are among the top teaching hospitals in Korea.
I really like her approach. She says, “I only recommend treatment plans that I would use myself or apply to my family members.” She refuses to follow a one-size-fits-all beauty routine and insists on customizing treatments based on each person’s specific skin condition. During my consultation, I could see that she didn’t push expensive packages; instead, she provided targeted advice specifically for my enlarged pores and redness issues.
The director is currently a full member of both the Korean Dermatological Society and the Korean Clinical Dermatology Society. He has also served on the editorial board of the Korean Journal of Dermatology, demonstrating his ongoing active involvement in the academic community.
What treatments are available here? Let’s take a quick look at the list of equipment.
IRIS has a comprehensive range of equipment, divided into three main categories:
🔬 Treatment for freckles and pigmentation
- StarWalker: Highly effective at breaking down melanin, especially for freckles, spots, and difficult-to-treat pigmentation.
- PicoPlus: Ultra-short pulse width to break down pigment particles while simultaneously improving pores and scars.
- Clarity II: Dual wavelengths of 755nm and 1064nm for treating pigmentation, vascular issues, and hair removal.
💉 Treatment for acne and red veins
- Vbeam Perfecta: Targets vascular diseases, facial flushing, and red scars without damaging the epidermis.
- Secret Gold Micro Needles: Physical needles combined with high-frequency current to reduce pore size and treat acne scars.
- Neobeam: 1450nm wavelength reduces sebum production, addressing acne issues at the source.
✨ Anti-aging and firming effects.
- Ulthera HIFU: FDA-approved, specifically designed to target the SMAS layer for lifting effects.
- V-RO Advance: Ultrasound and high-frequency current work together for firming results.
- 3DEEP: Multipolar high-frequency technology stimulates collagen regeneration.
- Hycoox Hydrating Injection: Nine needles deliver the treatment evenly, minimizing drug loss.
What did I do on that day? A real-life experience record.
Since it was my first time, Director Cui first used the equipment to perform a basic skin analysis—pore size, oiliness, pigmentation, and elasticity were all measured quantitatively, making the results very clear and understandable.
My biggest issues are enlarged pores on both sides of my nose and a few light spots on my cheekbones. The clinic director recommended the PicoPlus picosecond treatment for the spots and the Secret Gold Micro Needle therapy to tighten my pores. These two treatments were scheduled to be done separately but back to back.
The entire procedure took about 70 minutes. I hardly felt anything during the picosecond treatment, while the Gold Micro Needle therapy caused a slight stinging sensation (which was tolerable once the anesthetic cream took effect). My face turned red for about 2 hours after the treatment, but the next day, my skin looked very smooth, and my pores seemed noticeably smaller.
“I had picosecond treatment in Taipei before, but it took half a year to see any results. This time, in Seoul, I noticed clear improvements right the next day. I don’t know if it’s because of the different equipment or the doctor’s skills, but the results exceeded my e
xpectations.”
—Qiqi, first time visiting Korea for skincare treatment
The waiting room was filled with local Koreans, so there was no sense of overcharging tourists. The doctor conducted a thorough consultation and didn’t try to push unnecessary treatments on me.
—Jiahe, second time visiting Korea for follow-up treatment
IRIS is located in a somewhat secluded alley in Sangsu-dong, but the equipment they use is top-notch. The same doctor handled the entire process from the consultation to t
he actual treatment, which gave me a lot of confidence.
Reference fees for 2026
The following are market reference prices; the actual fees will be determined based on the clinic’s quote on the day of the consultation:
| Treatment | Reference fee (Korean won) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PicoPlus Picosecond Treatment (Full Face) | ₩180,000 – 280,000 | Depends on the severity of freckles/pigmentation |
| Secret Golden Micro-Needling (Full Face) | ₩250,000 – 380,000 | The number of needles varies |
| Ulthera Ultrasound Therapy (Full Face + Neck) | ₩1,200,000 – 1,800,000 | The price depends on the number of hairs used |
| Vbeam Vascular Laser (Local Area) | ₩130,000 – 200,000 | Erythema/vascular issues |
| Hycoox hyaluronic acid injections | ₩200,000 – 320,000 | Options containing hyaluronic acid/PDRN |
| Skincare package deals | Starting from ⩢350,000 | Multiple customized treatments combined |
💡 The same prices in China and Korea is a key advantage we always emphasize—there are no extra charges just because you are a foreigner. All fees are clearly listed on the official app.
How to make an appointment at IRIS Dermatology?
After visiting so many Korean dermatology clinics, I have now become most accustomed to using the BeautsGO platform for appointments. The reasons are simple: it offers a Chinese-language interface, allows me to view doctors’ information and real reviews in advance, and provides customer service assistance with time confirmation. Here are three ways to make an appointment:
📱 Method 1: BeautsGO APP
Search for “BeautsGO” in the App Store or Google Play, download it, log in, search for “IRIS Dermatology” or “Airis”, select the desired appointment, and submit your request. Once confirmed by customer service, your appointment is complete. This method is ideal for those who prefer to plan in advance, as you can lock in your time directly in your schedule.
💬 Method 2: WeChat Mini Program
Search for the “BeautsGO” mini program on WeChat and complete the reservation process right within the app, without the need to download anything additional. The interface is in Chinese, and the operation is just as intuitive as shopping on WeChat. This option is most convenient for those who don’t want to install new apps.
🌐 Method 3: Official Website Appointment
Visit the official BeautsGO website, search for “IRIS Dermatology”, or browse the list of dermatology clinics in the Sangsu-dong area. Select your appointment and submit it. The website version is perfect for making reservations in advance while working on your computer.
⚠️ Important Note: IRIS is closed every Thursday, Sunday, and on public holidays; it is also only open until 2:30 PM on Saturdays. It is recommended to book at least 3 days in advance, especially during peak times.
Sangsu-dong Itinerary Tips: How to Balance Skin Care with a Coffee Break?
IRIS opens for consultations at 10:00 on weekdays. I suggest arranging it like this:
- 🕙 10:00: Arrive at the clinic for a face-to-face consultation and skin treatment (about 1.5–2 hours)
- 🕛 12:00: Head to a nearby popular café for a break (Onion Chengshui, Blue Bottle)
- 🕑 14:00: Shop around at Sangsu-dong boutiques and handmade brands
- 🕓 16:00: Take the subway Line 2 to the next station (Hongda/Myeongdong/Jiangnan)
After the photorejuvenation treatment, remember to apply sunscreen and moisturizer. Wearing a mask while out can also help keep your skin hydrated—actually, the half-day after the picosecond treatment is perfect for shopping, so there’s no need to rush back to the hotel to rest.
FAQ: Common Questions
Q1: Is IRIS in Sangsu-dong suitable for first-time visitors to Korea for skin treatments?
It’s very suitable. Director Choi’s approach is relatively conservative; she won’t recommend overly expensive treatments, making it ideal for first-time visitors who are unfamiliar with cosmetic procedures and prefer to follow the doctor’s advice.
Q2: Is it necessary to know Korean? Will language be a barrier?
When booking through BeautsGO, the platform provides Chinese-speaking customer service to assist with communication and confirm appointment times. Upon arrival, you can present a screenshot of your reservation. The clinic has considerable experience in serving foreign patients.
Q3: Can I go shopping on the same day after having a picosecond treatment or gold microneedling?
Yes, but avoid direct sunlight. It is recommended to wear a mask and apply sunscreen after the procedure. Generally, the redness subsides within 2–3 hours, so it won’t interfere with your travel plans.
Q4: Are the prices at Saengsu-dong different from those at dermatology clinics in Jiangnan?
Typically, the prices at Saengsu-dong clinics are about 10–20% lower than those in Jiangnan, and there is no “foreigner surcharge” like in Jiangnan. IRIS emphasizes that prices are the same for both Korean and foreign customers, which is a significant advantage.
Q5: Can I fly back on the same day? How long after the treatment should I wait before flying?
Generally, it’s safe to fly 4–6 hours after light laser treatments (such as picosecond) or microneedling. However, it is advisable to avoid ultrasound or injection procedures before long-distance flights (it’s even better to wait 24 hours after the treatment).
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Saengsu-dong is one of those places where you discover something really useful by chance. I went there originally to drink coffee but also got my skin care done. IRIS is not the kind of popular clinic that everyone rushes to visit, but for those who truly care about their skin, this low-key yet high-quality option is actually more trustworthy.
Friends who plan to visit Saengsu-dong might want to include it in their itinerary. Remember to book in advance through BeautsGO to avoid waiting in line on-site.
