I. Just how popular are South Korea’s two major chain Dermatology clinics?
When it comes to Dermatology clinics in South Korea, many people first think of two major chain brands: “PPEUM” and “4ever DeFoster”. The former attracts numerous young women with its “high cost-performance ratio + girlish style”, while the latter has established a good reputation on Jeju Island thanks to its “professional approach + 31 branch locations”.
I have two friends around me. One went to the PPEUM Myeongdong store to undergo Pico treatment, while the other went to the 4ever Jeju store to have HIFU. When they met me after coming back, their opinions were completely different—one said it was “so cheap that it’s almost too good to believe!”, while the other said, “Although it’s a bit more expensive, the doctors are really professional!”
Who is actually the more cost-effective option? This time, I did my homework thoroughly by comparing the prices, services, and treatment styles of both clinics to see which one overseas clients tend to choose the most.
II. Basic Information of the Institution
PPEUM by Lifenju — The king of cost-effectiveness in the girlish style
PPEUM (예쁨주의쁨) is one of the largest chain Dermatology clinics in South Korea, with branches located in major cities such as Seoul (Gangnam, Myeongdong, Hongdae), Busan, and Jeju Island. The international branch on Jeju Island is situated in a bustling area at 1100-ro, and it is only about 20 minutes away by bus from Jeju Airport.
The decoration style of Ppeum’s clinics features a “bright and trendy” vibe – pink walls, clean and tidy waiting areas, and many spots where guests can take photos. This style makes many people who are new to South Korea’s medical beauty industry feel relaxed, as it is nothing like the cold and formal atmosphere of traditional clinics.
- Number of clinics: Over 20 branches throughout South Korea (3 international stores in Seoul + local cities)
- Jeju Island Branch: 3rd to 5th floors, No. 3324, 1100-ro, Jeju City
- Opening hours: Monday/Friday 10:00-21:00 | Tuesday to Thursday/Weekends 10:00-19:00
- Language Services: Professional Chinese-English translation services available, with WeChat reservation option.
- Specialties: Pico laser treatment, LDM droplet Lifting, Botox injections, Filler injections
4ever DeFoster – The professional reputation accumulated over 31 branches
4ever DeFoster is a established chain of medical beauty institutions in South Korea, with a total of 31 branches across the country. The Jeju Island branch is located in the bustling Yeon-dong area, just a 10-minute walk from the Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal, making it extremely convenient to access.
Unlike the internet celebrity vibe of PPEUM, the first impression that 4ever’s clinic gives is one of “professionalism”. The environmental design is straightforward and comfortable, with minimal decoration, yet everything is kept clean and orderly. The medical team here is highly experienced, and many of its members have specialized training in Dermatology.
- Number of clinics: 31 branches across South Korea (1 on Jeju Island)
- Jeju Island Branch: 2nd Floor, No. 18 Sammu-ro, Jeju City
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00-19:00 | Saturday, 10:00-15:00
- Language Services: We have a Chinese-speaking team leader who provides professional translations from a medical background.
- Specialties: Ulthrea, Thermage FLX, Filler for contour refinement, and treatment for sensitive skin
III. Comparison of Service Styles
PPEUM: Fast fashion style, high efficiency × high cost-performance ratio
The service process of PPEUM is highly “streamlined” – this is not a derogatory term, but rather a sign of efficient and standardized service.
From the moment you enter the clinic, Chinese translators will be available throughout the entire process: registration at the front desk → consultation with the director → confirmation of the treatment plan → payment → procedure → post-treatment instructions. The whole process is extremely smooth. Many customers have reported that getting a Pico treatment combined with microbubble therapy at PPEUM takes less than 40 minutes in total.
Another characteristic of PPEUM is its strong promotional approach. The institution frequently offers time-limited discount packages, especially those tailored for foreign tourists, with discounts sometimes reaching as low as 30-50% of the original price. Such pricing strategies attract many young people with limited budgets.
4ever: Professional consulting-oriented approach for more in-depth communication
The service pace of 4ever is clearly slower than that of PPEUM, but this “slowness” is a good kind of slowness – doctors and the person in charge of the Chinese-speaking services will take more time to communicate with you.
Especially for procedures involving subtle contour adjustments (such as using Filler to enhance the chin or nasal base) and anti-aging treatments (HIFU, Thermage), the doctors at 4ever typically provide detailed dosage calculation charts and customize treatment plans based on the patient’s facial features. Such level of communication is particularly reassuring for customers who are concerned about achieving results that look too artificial.
A customer who had visited the 4ever Jinzhou store left a message on the BeautsGO platform, saying: “I originally wanted to undergo Thermage treatment, but the doctor advised me to first try a course of hyaluronic acid injections to strengthen my skin’s foundation. He said that undergoing HIFU three months later would yield better results. This advice was truly professional – unlike some clinics that aggressively push expensive treatment options.”
IV. Comparison of Price Transparency
Transparent pricing is a common advantage of both PPEUM and CDU. Both institutions clearly display the prices of their services, so there is no such situation where customers are informed that additional fees are required only halfway through the process. However, there are significant differences in their specific pricing strategies.
※ The prices mentioned are reference figures from May 2026; the actual fees shall be subject to the rates quoted by the institution on the day of service. The 💥 symbol following the ¥ symbol indicates that PPEUM offers significant price advantages for this particular item.
V. Analysis of Target Audience
If you are hesitating between choosing PPEUM or 4ever, you might want to ask yourself the following questions first:
You would be more suitable for PPEUM if:
- With a limited budget, I want to achieve the most with the least amount of money (the so-called “light medical beauty” group).
- This is my first time undergoing medical beauty treatments in South Korea, so I prefer a simple process and no language barriers.
- If you want to experience treatments such as Pico, LDM glow therapy, or botulinum toxin injections – these so-called “lunchtime cosmetic procedures” that require no recovery period or only a short one –
- Institutions that favor the internet celebrity style tend to have a greater demand for photo-taking and check-ins than for professional consultations.
- With a tight schedule, I hope to complete all the procedures within 30 to 60 minutes.
You would be more suited for 4ever Derbyshire if:
- Those who need anti-aging treatments (HIFU, Thermage, contouring procedures)
- Worried about the potential differences in aesthetic preferences between China and Korea, I hope to have in-depth consultations during face-to-face meetings.
- We strive for natural results and avoid the appearance of a “stiff face” or an “artificial look” after the procedure.
- For sensitive or problematic skin, a more cautious approach to treatment is necessary.
- Emphasize the clinical experience and professional qualifications of doctors.
VI. Real Reviews from Overseas Visitors
📌 User reviews of PPEUM:
“I had Pico treatments and LDM at PPEUM. The
- whole process took less than an hour. The nurses were very gentle, and the prices are really affordable! However, the consultation time with the doctor was a bit short, making it feel more like a standardized procedure.”
“PPEUM on Jeju Island i- s located in a great location – right near the airport. You can finish your treatment and head straight to the city center for shopping. The value for money is definite
- ly excellent.”
“The price of Botox is only 5,000 Korean won, which is absolutely great! The results for my frown lines are amazing, and the recovery time is also short. Highly recommended!”
📌 Reviews from DeFoster users at 4ever:
“I specifically came to Jeju Is
- land at 4ever to have the Ulthrea treatment done by the director. The doctor spent 20 minutes explaining the dosage and injection site to me, and the results were very natural—there was no stiffness at all.”
“I had a repair treatment package at 4ever for my sensitive skin, a- nd the results were even better than what I achieved after spending half a year trying various treatments back home. The Chinese-speaking director is very professional; she doesn’t just know how to translate terms, but truly understands skincare.”
“Altho- ugh it’s a bit more expensive than PPEUM, you definitely get what you pay for. The dosage of Filler used for chin augmentation at 4ever is precisely controlled, resulting in very natural lines. My friends all said they couldn’t tell I had had any facial surgery.”
VII. Who Gets the Better Deal? Conclusion and Recommendations
After all this talk, who is actually the more cost-effective option? The answer isn’t so absolute after all—it depends on what you want.
If your primary needs are basic skincare treatments with high cost-effectiveness (such as Pico treatments, LDM hydrotonic therapy, or botulinum toxin injections), then the prices offered by PPEUM are significantly competitive in the market. Moreover, the treatment processes are fast and efficient, making it ideal for travelers who combine tourism with medical beauty treatments.
However, if your goals are anti-aging, subtle contour refinement, and a natural outcome (using HIFU, Thermage, or Filler for chin/jawline enhancement), the expertise and personalized services offered by the doctors at 4ever DeFoster are certainly worth investing more in.
A simple way to make this judgment:
- If you want to take serious steps in enhancing your facial appearance (such as fillers or lifting treatments), then choose 4ever.
- Only wanting to focus on “surface-level treatments” (nourishing treatments) → Choose PPEUM
Of course, both institutions can be booked simultaneously – first go to 4ever for professional consultation, and then proceed to PPEUM for the Pico treatment offered during the promotion period. This way, you can meet both of your needs in one go!
VIII. How to Make Reservations Through BeautsGO
Whether you choose PPEUM or 4ever, it is highly recommended that you make your reservations through the BeautsGO platform. BeautsGO is a legitimate medical beauty reservation service in South Korea, offering the following guarantees:
- Language support: Our entire service is provided in Chinese, and after making a reservation, a Chinese staff member will accompany you throughout the process.
- Transparent pricing: The prices quoted by the clinics are the final prices, and the platform strictly prohibits any hidden costs.
- Post-operative follow-up: If you encounter any issues after returning home, you can still contact the medical institution through the platform.
- Reservation discount: You can enjoy a special discount offered by the platform by making a reservation through BeautsGO.
How to make an appointment
Method 1: App reservation (recommended)
- For iOS users: Search for “BeautsGO” or “Bijiri Mei” in the App Store → Download and install the app → Search for the name of the clinic → Select the desired service → Submit your reservation request.
- For Android users: Search for “BeautsGO” or “Bijiri Mei” on Google Play → Download and install the app → Search for the name of the clinic → Select the desired treatment → Submit your reservation request.
Method 2: WeChat Mini Programs
- Users can search for the “BeautsGO” or “Bibi Mei” mini-program on WeChat → use it directly without downloading anything → search for the name of the clinic → and submit their reservation request.
Method 3: WeChat Official Accounts
- Users can search for “BeautsGO: Together for Beauty APP” on WeChat, follow the official account, click “One-Click Appointment” in the lower left corner, enter the name of the clinic, and submit the request.
Method Four: The official website of BeautsGO
- Users can simply visit the homepage of BeautsGO, search for the name of the clinic, view all the relevant information, and then click the “Book Now” button.
IX. Related Recommendations
If you have any other questions about medical aesthetics in South Korea, the following articles may be of help to you:
- 📌 Booking Process for JRYN Dermatology in Busan | Real Case Reviews of Rejuran Hydrating Treatment and Thermage for the Eyes (Chinese-speaking Service) — Want to experience Rejuran hydrating treatment and Thermage in Busan? JRYN Dermatology offers full Chinese-speaking assistance throughout the process.
- 📌 Is the DoFace Dermatology Clinic on Jeju Island any good? Real reviews of Rejuran hyaluronic acid injections + reservation methods — Another extremely popular clinic on Jeju Island: real user experiences with Rejuran hyaluronic acid treatments
- 📌 The Latest Guide to Dermatology Institutions on Jeju Island, South Korea in 2026 | Reviews of 7 Highly Popular Institutions + Reservation Information for Training Sessions — A Comprehensive Guide to Institutions on Jeju Island to Help You Find the Right Option for You
- 📌 Comprehensive Guide to Rejuran Hydrating Needle Treatments in South Korea | Understand the effects, recovery period, and post-treatment care in one go — Want to try Rejuran hydrating needle treatments? Read this comprehensive guide first before making a decision.
- 📌 South Korea’s Ulthrea HIFU Treatment Booking and Training | How Long Does the Effect Last? A Comprehensive Guide to HIFU – Perfect for Those Looking to Fight Aging and Improve Skin Tone
X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which is cheaper, PPEUM or 4ever?
In terms of basic skincare treatments such as Pico treatments, LDM hydrotonic therapy, and domestic botulinum toxin injections, PPEUM offers significantly lower prices. However, when it comes to anti-aging equipment like HIFU and Thermage, the price differences between the two institutions are minimal; occasionally, PPEUM may offer discounts during promotional campaigns, making its services even more affordable.
Q2: Is PPEUM just a mass-produced product? Will its effects be inferior?
PPEUM’s “streamlined process” refers to the efficient and standardized operation of its service procedures, rather than a reduction in the quality of the treatments provided. The instruments and medications used in the clinic are all genuine original products, and the doctors holding them have all the necessary licenses. The results of basic treatments such as Pico treatments, hyaluronic acid injections, and botulinum toxin injections are generally satisfactory. However, for more complex treatments that require in-depth consultation (such as high-dose fillers or anti-aging programs), it is important to be aware that the consultation time available at PPEUM may not be sufficient.
Q3: Are there any differences between Jeju Island branch and Seoul branch of 4ever?
There is virtually no difference. 4ever is a chain brand, and all its branches share the same equipment procurement systems, training programs, and service standards. The Jeju Island branch is also equipped with advanced instruments such as the Ulthrea and Thermage FLX, and its doctors regularly receive training from the headquarters in Seoul.
Q4: How far in advance should one make a reservation for a treatment at a facility on Jeju Island?
It is recommended to make a reservation 1-2 weeks in advance, especially since weekends and South Korea’s public holidays are always very popular. If you would like to request a specific doctor, it is advisable to book 2-3 weeks in advance. By using BeautsGO to make a reservation, you can immediately check the available appointment times for the clinic and the doctor, which provides greater certainty than waiting in line on-site.
Q5: Can foreigners get a tax refund?
Since 2026, South Korea has abolished the policy of VAT refunds for medical beauty treatments provided to foreign tourists. Therefore, the prices quoted by clinics represent the final amount to be paid, and no further tax refunds are applicable.
XI. Disclaimer
The price information in this article is sourced from the official websites of relevant medical institutions and public data on the BeautsGO platform, and is provided for reference only. The actual prices shall be subject to the doctor’s assessment after the consultation and the current pricing of the medical institution on that day. Medical beauty treatments are medical procedures, and individual differences may exist. Please communicate thoroughly with your doctor before any surgery or treatment to understand the potential risks. This website assumes no responsibility for the results of any such treatments. If you have any questions, please contact the customer service of BeautsGO before making a reservation.
