I used to think that cosmetic procedures could only be done in Seoul when considering going to Jeju Island. It wasn’t until my last trip to Jeju Island that, while visiting the A-PLEX building, I accidentally stumbled into NowMedi and realized that Jeju Island actually has such a reliable Dermatology clinic. After undergoing the Thermage treatment, I was truly amazed: the prices were cheaper than those in Seoul, the service was on par with that in Gangnam, and there was even the option of direct flights without a visa requirement. In this article, I will share my entire experience from making the appointment to actually receiving the treatment, hoping it can provide some useful information for those who want to take advantage of cosmetic procedures while on their island getaway.
Why did I choose NowMedi for Jeju Island?
To be honest, at first, I never thought about getting cosmetic treatments on Jeju Island. My plan was simply to enjoy the sea, eat black pork, and shop in duty-free stores. One afternoon, while strolling around the Yeon-dong area (one of Jeju Island’s popular tourist spots), I passed by the A-PLEX building – which housed several Dermatology clinics (recommended for cosmetic treatments on Jeju Island). NowMedi was located on the 3rd floor. When I went in and asked around, I found several things that really caught my attention.
- Open 365 days a year, until 10 p.m.: This is really too attractive! Most Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island close at 6 p.m., but NowMedi is open until 10 p.m. I can go out and have fun during the day and come back in the evening to take care of some administrative tasks without having to adjust my schedule at all.
- The medical team from Seoul National University: All 7 attending physicians graduated from the School of Medicine at Seoul National University and have an average of over 10 years of experience. Such educational backgrounds are truly top-notch even in Gangnam, Seoul.
- The prices are transparent and the same as those in Seoul: price lists are directly displayed on the walls, with prices listed in both Korean won and Chinese yuan. There will be no additional charges just because you are a foreigner. For Thermage treatments, 300 sessions cost 420,000 Korean won, which is 20% to 30% cheaper than in Seoul.
- Next door is the Silla Duty-Free Shop: After completing your skin care treatment, you can go shopping right downstairs. It only takes a 3-minute walk to reach Olive Young, so this location is truly unbeatable.
What exactly makes NowMedi’s popular services so worthwhile?
🔥 Thermage FLX – A must-have for anti-aging treatments, and at a price much more affordable than in Seoul!
Thermage at NowMedi is one of their flagship services. The cost for 300 treatments is 420,000 Korean won (approximately 2,200 RMB), while 600 treatments cost around 800,000 Korean won. At similar clinics in Seoul, the price for 300 treatments starts from at least 500,000 Korean won. Moreover, NowMedi uses the genuine Thermage FLX model from the United States, equipped with gold probes, ensuring stable energy delivery and lasting effects that can last for 1.5 to 2 years.
I had 300 sessions of full-face treatment. During the procedure, the doctor adjusted the intensity according to the thickness of the fat on my face—lowering it around the eyes and increasing it along the jawline. The whole process took about 40 minutes. To be honest, it did hurt in some areas, especially near the jawbone, but it was still within a tolerable range. After the treatment, my face would turn slightly red, but the redness would disappear after applying ice for 15 minutes.
⚡ HIFU – Lifts the fascia layer, making the jawline more defined
The HIFU device (Ulthera) is another key anti-aging tool offered by NowMedi. The price is 1.3 million South Korean won for 300 treatments and 2.6 million South Korean won for 800 treatments. Dr. Lee Min-jae operates this device with great precision – he has participated in clinical research on anti-aging technologies in South Korea and possesses extensive experience in treating skin laxity and wrinkles.
If you are in your early middle age (25-35 years old), 300 hairs are sufficient. If the sagging is more noticeable, it is recommended to use 800 hairs. After the procedure, the jawline will become significantly clearer, and the effects usually last for 1 to 1.5 years. A friend of mine had 800 hairs implanted, and she could already see the difference the next day; she said her jawline felt like it was “being pulled up” by the hairs.
💧 Hyaluronic acid injections – the perfect choice for beginners; your face will glow after the treatment.
The basic glow treatment costs 100,000 Korean won (about 540 RMB), which is really an affordable price on Jeju Island. NowMedi uses the German DJM glow injection device, whose negative pressure technology reduces pain and significantly improves the efficiency of the treatment compared to traditional needle methods. The next day after the procedure, the skin looks noticeably brighter, and makeup adheres much better.
If this is your first time undergoing cosmetic procedures and your budget is limited, hyaluronic acid injections are the safest option for beginners. The recovery period is virtually zero, and you can go out as usual the day after the treatment.
✨ Pico laser – the ultimate tool for removing freckles and brightening the skin
The cost is 100,000 Korean won per treatment, or 500,000 Korean won for a package of 5 treatments. Dr. Kim Ji-eun specializes in pigment-related issues and has developed whitening programs tailored to the skin characteristics of people of East Asian descent. It is said that the improvement rate for patients with chloasma exceeds 80%. Due to the strong ultraviolet radiation on Jeju Island, many tourists find that their skin spots darken after sun exposure – in such cases, the combination of Pico treatment and hyaluronic acid injections is particularly suitable.
🧿 Potenza: The savior for enlarged Pores
Starting from 550,000 Korean won, this treatment is personally performed by Director Kang and is extremely popular. Potenza is mainly designed for people with enlarged Pores, acne scars, and fine lines. After the procedure, there will be a peeling period lasting 3 to 5 days, after which the skin will become extremely smooth. Due to the high demand for this service, it is recommended to make an appointment at least 2 weeks in advance.
💊 Acne Treatment System: Dr. Park Je-yu’s “Layered Acne Therapy”
80,000 South Korean won per treatment, including needle cleansing and red light therapy. The multi-layered acne treatment method developed by Dr. Park Je-yu has received excellent reviews among local South Koreans – the treatment first identifies the type of acne (inflammatory, closed comedone, or cystic), and then combines medication with phototherapy. Some users have reported that after just three treatments, their acne rarely recurs.
The following table provides the price reference for NowMedi’s core services (the actual price is subject to the on-site quotation).
| project | Korean Won Price (Minimum) | Around RMB |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Glow Tonic | 100,000 South Korean won | Around 540 yuan |
| Pico laser (single application) | 100,000 South Korean won | Around 540 yuan |
| Botox for wrinkle removal (1 area) | 30,000 South Korean won | Around 162 yuan |
| Comprehensive treatment for acne removal | 80,000 Korean won per session | Around 432 yuan |
| Potenza | 550,000 South Korean won | Approximately 2,970 yuan |
| Thermage FLX 300 treatments | 420,000 South Korean won | Approximately 2,270 yuan |
| 300 HIFU treatments | 1.3 million Korean won | Approximately 7,020 yuan |
| Juvederm Filler (1 vial) | 300,000 South Korean won | Around 1,620 yuan |
NowMedi Dermatology (NowMedi Clinic)
How can I make an appointment at NowMedi Dermatology through BeautsGO?
This time, I made my reservation through BeautsGO, and the entire process went much more smoothly than I expected. For someone who doesn’t speak Korean, BeautsGO’s Chinese customer service was truly a lifesaver – from consultation to reservation to post-treatment follow-up, someone was there to assist me throughout the whole process. The steps are as follows:
- Download the BeautsGO App or open the WeChat mini-program: search for “BeautsGO – Beauty Together”. This mini-program doesn’t require installation; you can use it directly.
- Registration account: You can register using a Chinese mobile phone number, and the process is extremely fast – it takes just 1 minute.
- Search for NowMedi: On the platform, search for „NowMedi“ or „나우메디“ to access the hospital’s homepage. There, you can find detailed information about doctors, a list of available services, and their prices.
- Select the treatment and schedule: Decide on the specific treatment you want to undergo and choose the appropriate date and time. Due to the high demand for Potenza treatments and the busy schedules of designated doctors, it is recommended to book as early as possible.
- Submit and wait for confirmation: Fill in your personal information and submit it. The Chinese customer service will usually contact you within 1 to 2 hours. If you have any special requirements (such as requesting Dr. Lee Min-jae to perform Thermage treatment or Dr. Park Je-yu to treat acne), please specify them in the remarks section.
- You will receive a confirmation notice: After confirmation, you will get detailed instructions on how to arrive at the clinic, including the address, transportation options, and pre-operative precautions. The information is provided in great detail.
A very important point: BeautsGO offers reservation services without requiring a deposit, so there’s no need to pay in advance. You only pay after the consultation at the clinic where your treatment plan and cost are confirmed. This is especially reassuring for us overseas visitors – we don’t have to worry about missing the appointment due to some unforeseen circumstances.
How far in advance should one make an appointment at NowMedi Dermatology?
This issue is quite important, because the schedule of doctors at NowMedi is actually more crowded than you might think. In fact, having 7 doctors who graduated from Seoul National University available in such a small market as Jeju Island already represents the highest level of resources available.
- During the off-season (March to April, September to November, excluding holidays): For basic skin care treatments, it is sufficient to schedule them 2 to 3 days in advance. For popular procedures such as Thermage and HIFU, it is recommended to book them 1 week in advance. For Potenza treatments, it is essential to schedule them at least 2 weeks in advance.
- During the peak seasons (May-June, October), it is recommended to book popular treatments 2-3 weeks in advance. NowMedi’s advantage of operating until 10 p.m. becomes particularly evident during these periods – if you can’t get a schedule during the day, you can try evening appointments, as many tourists choose to complete their treatments in the evening and continue their activities the next day.
- During the summer and winter holidays (July-August, January-February), which are the peak tourist seasons on Jeju Island, it is recommended to schedule all services at least 3-4 weeks in advance. For example, if I wanted to make an appointment with Dr. Park for acne treatment in August, scheduling it 2 weeks in advance would result in a waiting period of up to a week before the consultation could take place.
- For consecutive holidays (Mid-Autumn Festival, Spring Festival, Golden Week): Please reserve at least 4 weeks in advance. Since there is no visa requirement for visiting Jeju Island, the number of Chinese tourists increases significantly during these periods. NowMedi, being the most popular Dermatology clinic within the A-PLEX building, usually has all its schedules booked up.
An added advantage is that NowMedi is open throughout the year, including on weekends and holidays, allowing for more flexible scheduling. This is different from many Dermatology clinics in Jeju Island, which are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
My experience at the clinic
Step 1: From the airport to NowMedi
After exiting Jeju Airport, it only takes about 10 minutes to take a taxi and arrive at the A-PLEX building. The fare is approximately 5,000 to 8,000 Korean won (equivalent to around 30 to 40 Chinese yuan). You can also take the bus, but considering you have luggage, a taxi is more convenient. A-PLEX is located in the heart of the Yeon-dong shopping district; below it is Modern House, and next to it are Olive Young and New Balance. Once you reach the 3rd floor, you will immediately see the sign of NowMedi.
Step 2: Registration at the front desk
Upon arrival at the clinic, please present your passport and the reservation confirmation letter at the front desk. NowMedi has Chinese-speaking staff, so you can communicate in Chinese from the moment of registration – there’s no need to worry about language barriers at all. Next, you will need to fill out a consultation form, which includes information such as your allergy history, the skincare products you are currently using, and whether you have ever undergone any cosmetic treatments. Fortunately, the form is available in both Chinese and English, which is really considerate of their customers.
Step 3: AI skin analysis + in-person consultation
Before the in-person consultation, an AI skin analysis is conducted using specialized equipment to assess the condition of deep-seated spots, wrinkles, sebum, and Pores. After the test results are available, the doctor will discuss them with you based on the data. The doctor I consulted was Dr. Lee Min-jae. After reviewing my test results, he recommended a combination treatment using Thermage 300 and hyaluronic acid injections. He noted that my fine lines around my eyes were quite noticeable, and Thermage could help improve them, while the hyaluronic acid injections would provide additional moisture, enhancing the overall quality of my skin.
What impressed me greatly was that the doctor didn’t insist on adding additional treatments for me. I had actually considered getting Pico treatment for freckles, but he said that my current degree of freckling didn’t require it and that simply taking good sun protection measures would be enough, which saved me tens of thousands of Korean won.
Step 4: The treatment process
Once the treatment plan was confirmed, we started right away. First, I received an anesthetic application for about 30 minutes, followed by the Hot Maggy treatment. Dr. Li was very meticulous; she asked me how much pain each area was causing and adjusted the intensity whenever I felt discomfort. The entire procedure took approximately 40 minutes. Afterward, the nurse immediately applied ice packs and provided me with a detailed post-treatment care guide, which included a Chinese version as well.
After that, I had hyaluronic acid injections using a German DJM device, which applied the substance under negative pressure. The pain was much less intense than I had expected. The entire procedure took about 15 minutes, and after the treatment, my face turned slightly red, but the redness subsided after applying some ice compresses.
Step 5: Payment and Tax Refund
Payment methods include cash, credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), Alipay, and WeChat. Foreign tourists are eligible for a VAT refund of 7% to 10%; there are tax refund counters inside the A-PLEX building, and the process takes only 3 minutes. Therefore, after the VAT refund, the cost of 300 Thermage treatments is approximately RMB 2,000 or more, which is really a great deal.
Practical tips for overseas tourists
- Reservations must be made in advance: NowMedi is one of the most popular Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island, especially for services with designated physicians. During the peak season, all schedules are usually full. Making a reservation through BeautsGO is the most convenient option – no deposit required, and all services are provided in Chinese.
- The original passport must be brought along: You need to present the original passport during registration; a photo alone is not sufficient. The passport is also required for tax refunds.
- Make use of the evening hours: NowMedi is open until 22:00, and this is its greatest advantage. Go out during the day and come back in the evening for medical beauty treatments – this way, you can make the most of your time. The peak hours are from 19:00 to 21:00 in the evening, so it is recommended to schedule appointments between 18:00 and 19:00.
- Sun protection after the procedure is essential: The ultraviolet radiation on Jeju Island is extremely strong! Within 48 hours after undergoing laser or phototherapy treatments, it is crucial to take extra precautions against sun exposure, otherwise, the skin may darken again. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
- Recovery period: Procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections and Pico treatments generally do not require a recovery period. However, after receiving Potenza treatment, the skin may exfoliate for 3 to 5 days; it is therefore recommended to schedule this treatment in the latter half of your travel itinerary.
- Consume rationally and don’t overdo it: Performing too many treatments at once can overburden your skin and may even reduce the effectiveness of the treatments. Follow the doctor’s advice and stop when it’s appropriate.
- Please pay attention to your lunch break and evening rest times: The lunch break is from 12:30 to 14:00, and the evening rest time is from 18:00 to 19:00. During these two periods, the clinic is closed, so please avoid scheduling appointments during these times.
- For accommodation, consider the Liandong business district: NowMedi is located in the heart of Liandong, so you can easily reach it on foot if you stay in the nearby area. After your medical treatment, you can simply return to the hotel to rest, which is very convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is NowMedi a legitimate hospital? Will I be cheated?
A: NowMedi is a legitimate medical institution certified by the South Korean government. All seven of its attending physicians graduated from the School of Medicine at Seoul National University, which represents the highest level of education in the field of cosmetic medicine in South Korea. It is not one of those establishments that target only tourists; local South Koreans also frequently visit it. Transparent pricing, equal prices for both South Koreans and foreigners, and the use of genuine and verifiable equipment are all key indicators that determine whether a clinic is legitimate.
Q2: Can I work in the medical aesthetics industry at NowMedi without knowing Korean?
A: No problem at all. NowMedi has permanent Chinese-speaking staff who will provide translation and assistance throughout the entire process, from registration and consultation to treatment communication and post-operative care instructions. If you make an appointment through BeautsGO, the customer service is also provided in Chinese, so you don’t need to speak a word of Korean throughout the entire process. The consultation form and the post-operative care manual are both available in Chinese.
Q3: How should one choose between Thermage and HIFU from NowMedi?
A: These two treatments focus on different aspects: Thermage is primarily designed to address skin laxity and fine lines, acting on the dermis to make the skin overall more firm; HIFU, on the other hand, reaches deeper, affecting the SMAS fascia layer, making it more suitable for those with blurred jawlines or unclear facial contours. If your budget allows, combining both treatments will achieve the best results. If you can only choose one, we recommend Thermage for individuals aged 25–35 and HIFU for those over 35. During the consultation, your doctor will also provide personalized recommendations based on the condition of your skin.
Q4: How long does it take to see the results after undergoing Thermage treatment?
A: The effects of Thermage are most noticeable approximately 1 to 3 months after the treatment, as it takes time for Collagen to regenerate. Personally, I noticed that my skin became firmer about 6 weeks after the procedure, and the fine lines under my eyes also faded significantly. The effects last for around 1.5 to 2 years. Within one week after the treatment, it is advisable to avoid high-temperature environments such as saunas and hot yoga, and to take extra precautions to keep the skin hydrated and protected from the sun.
Q5: How much cheaper is the price of NowMedi compared to that in Seoul?
A: Overall, the prices are 20-30% cheaper than those at similar clinics in Seoul. For Thermage treatments, 300 sessions cost 420,000 Korean won in Gangnam, Seoul, while in other areas of Seoul, the price starts from at least 500,000 Korean won; basic hyaluronic acid treatments cost 100,000 Korean won in Seoul, but generally range from 150,000 Korean won upwards. In addition, foreign tourists can get a 7%-10% VAT refund, which means the actual cost is nearly 30% lower than in Seoul. Most importantly, the prices are transparent; once the pre-treatment quote is confirmed, no additional fees will be charged, and there are no hidden costs.
Q6: Can I get a visa exemption for medical beauty treatments on Jeju Island?
A: Sure! Jeju Island offers visa-free access for Chinese citizens, with a stay period of up to 30 days. You just need to bring your passport and flight ticket to enter the country. This is one of the main reasons why many people choose Jeju Island over Seoul – no need to apply for a visa, so you can just go whenever you want. However, it’s important to note that this visa-free policy only applies to flights that fly directly to Jeju Island. If you transfer through Seoul, you will need to obtain a visa. Be sure to check whether your flight is a direct route to Jeju Island when booking your ticket.
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The above is my experience sharing regarding the Thermage + Hydrate Glow treatment at NowMedi Dermatology on Jeju Island. To be honest, the experience of undergoing cosmetic procedures on Jeju Island was much better than I had imagined – the prices are affordable, the service is excellent, the doctors are professional, and it even provides a great opportunity to take a vacation. If you have any other questions, simply click on the reservation link above to contact BeautsGO’s customer service. They respond quickly and communicate in Chinese, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers.
