When I visited Seoul this time, I set my sights on Sangsu-dong, a trendy hub. In addition to checking in at cafes and shopping stores, I discovered a hidden gem of a dermatology clinic—Serene Clinic (세린의원). Located near Sangsu Station, this clinic focuses on “delicacy, safety, and luxury” and is highly recommended by local Korean women.
Why choose Sangsu-dong for skin care?
Over the past few years, Sangsu-dong has transformed from an industrial area into Seoul’s most fashionable artsy destination, with headquarters of companies like SM Entertainment, various designer brands, and high-quality coffee shops. What many don’t know is that it also boasts numerous top-notch dermatology clinics. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Gangnam, the clinics in Sangsu-dong tend to be more “small but sophisticated,” allowing doctors to spend more time providing personalized consultations without the feel of a fast-paced assembly line.
The Serene Clinic I chose fits this description perfectly—it’s just a 2-minute walk from Sangsu Station, and its director, with 19 years of experience, personally oversees all treatments, focusing on a “natural and traceless” aesthetic approach.
Introduction to the Director of Serene Clinic
The director has 19 years of extensive experience and is one of the few female directors in Korea specializing in “body shaping.” Her educational background is impressive:
- Graduated from the Department of Medicine at Konkuk University
- Received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Konkuk University
- Specialized in diagnostic laboratory medicine at Konkuk University Hospital
- Has previously served as director of several well-known hospitals, including Belle Note, Cell Clinic, DrDesigner, U&, and VLive
The director of the women’s clinic has an especially delicate sense of aesthetics and possesses the keen senses unique to women. She insists on conducting personal consultations one-on-one, never allowing consultants to do it on her behalf—a practice that is quite rare in the Korean dermatology field. Her philosophy is: “To provide patients who are tired of cheap, gimmicky products and non-professional consultations with a more affordable and genuine alternative.”
III. Clinic Facilities and Special Services
Although Serene Clinic is not large, it is well-equipped with the following facilities:
- Serf – a device for firming and lifting the skin
- Ulthera (U.S.-made ultrasound technology) – for deep anti-aging treatment
- Various laser devices – offering customized treatments for different skin types
It is worth mentioning in particular that the director is an expert in body contouring and specializes in hyaluronic acid injections for the pelvis and buttocks. These procedures are performed by the director herself, helping to create perfect S curves. This service is rarely offered in regular dermatology clinics and is one of Serene Clinic’s unique features.
IV. My Personal Experience
I made an appointment for the afternoon. After exiting exit 3 of the subway station, it took about 2 minutes to walk there. The clinic is on the 4th floor, and as soon as you enter the elevator, you’ll find a simple and bright reception area.
Step 1: Personal one-on-one consultation
The director personally received me, without any consultant acting as an intermediary. She carefully examined my skin using a skin diagnostic device and then told me directly: “Your problem is ○○; it is recommended that you undergo ○○, and ○○ is not advised.” There was no sense of sales pressure at all; instead, it felt reassuring to know that I was being treated by a professional.
Step 2: Customized Plan
Based on my skin type and budget, the director designed a customized treatment plan. She emphasized that “the best results can be achieved with the minimum number of treatments” and would not recommend unnecessary procedures just to meet performance targets.
Step 3: Treatment Process
The entire process took about an hour. The director was very gentle and constantly checked on how I was feeling. The clinic was clean and comfortable, and the staff were highly professional.
Step 4: Post-Treatment Care
The post-treatment care package was very comprehensive, and the director personally explained all the necessary precautions. The clinic offered services in Chinese, so communication was completely smooth.
V. Real User Reviews
“I had ultrasonic lifting at Serene, and the director performed the procedure herself – the results were incredible! My friends all thought I just got some better sleep lately; they couldn’t tell at all that I had undergone any cosm
etic treatment.” — Miss Lin, 30 years old, Taipei
“The female principal really understands what girls want! I thought I needed to get many injections, but she suggested that I start with basic skincare first. It’s so rare to find a doctor who doesn’t push unnecessary treatm
ents on you.” — Miss Chen, 28 years old, Hong Kong
“The location near St. Water Station is very convenient; after the treatment, you can even sit in the nearby café. Although the clinic is small, it feels luxurious, like visiting a
high-end spa.” — Ms. Kim, 25 years old, from Seoul
VI. Hours of Operation and Transportation
Address: 4th Floor, 122 Eosasan-ro, Dong-gu, Seoul
Hours of Operation:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 11:00–20:00
- Saturday: 11:00–16:00
- Lunch Break: 13:00–14:00 (No lunch break on Saturdays)
- Fixed Days Off: Wednesday, Sunday
Transportation:
- Exit 3 of St. Water Station on Subway Line 2, about 2 minutes’ walk (52 meters)
- Bus: Take N73, N62, 2016, or 2224 and get off at Seongsu Station.
VII. BeautsGO Reservation Card
VIII. How to Book at BeautsGO
If you want to book a appointment at Serene Clinic, you can do so through the BeautsGO platform in three ways:
1. BeautsGO APP
Download the BeautsGO APP, search for “Serene Clinic” or “Shengshui Dermatology,” view the clinic director’s profile, treatment prices, and real customer reviews, and then book online directly.
2. WeChat Mini Program
Search for the “BeautsGO” mini program on WeChat. You can access Korean dermatology information without downloading an app, and WeChat Pay is also supported for easier booking.
3. Online Booking
Visit the BeautsGO website, search for “Seongsu-dong Dermatology,” find the Serene Clinic page, and click “Book Now” to proceed.
IX. Suggested Itinerary
If you plan to come to Seongsu-dong for skin care, here’s a recommended schedule:
- Morning: Stop by a café near Seongsu Station (we recommend Onion or Empty)
- Afternoon: Skin treatment at Serene Clinic (reserve 2-3 hours)
- Evening: Shop around at Seongsu-dong boutiques (Dior Seongsu, various designer brands)
- Night: Enjoy Korean barbecue or creative cuisine nearby
With this schedule, you can both improve your appearance and soak in the trendy atmosphere of Seongsu-dong—perfect!
X. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What if I don’t know Korean?
A
: Serene Clinic provides Chinese-language services. The director and nurses can communicate in Chinese, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers.
Q2: How far in advance should I make a reservation
?
A: It is recommended to book at least 3–5 days in advance. Reservations are more popular on weekends, so it’s best to book 1–2 weeks ahead.
Q3: Can I apply makeup immediately after the treatment?
A> It depends
on the treatment. For basic skincare, you can usually apply makeup right away. However, for treatments like lasers or ultrasound, it is suggested to wait until the next day. The director will give you specific advice.
Q4: Can I pay with a credi
t card?
A: Yes, the clinic accepts credit card payments. Booking through BeautsGO also comes with exclusive discounts.
Q5> What are the differences between dermatology clinics in Sangsu-dong a
nd Gangnam?
A> Clinics in Sangsu-dong are usually smaller and more personalized, allowing doctors more time for one-on-one consultations. Gangnam offers a larger selection of clinics with more advanced facilities, but they may be busier. Choose based on your needs.
Conclusion
My experience at Serene Clinic gave me a completely new understanding of “dermatology clinics in Sangsu-dong.” You don’t necessarily have to go to the crowded areas of Gangnam; you can find professional and attentive skin care services in this artistic neighborhood too. The 19-year-experienced female director personally attends to patients, provides customized treatments, and maintains a professional, non-pushy attitude—these are all reasons why I recommend Serene Clinic.
If you are planning to get skin care treatment in Seoul, consider adding Serene Clinic to your itinerary in Sangsu-dong. Remember to book through BeautsGO for more convenient services!
