How to Make an Appointment at Seoul PHD Dermatology | Complete Guide: Procedures, Treatments, and Fees – All Explained in One Place

If you want to undergo cosmetic procedures in Korea, choosing a good dermatology clinic is just the first step. The real challenge lies in how to “successfully make an appointment.” PHD Dermatology is a well-known clinic trusted by both locals and foreign tourists in the Seocho district of Seoul. Led by Dr. Kwon In-ho, a medical doctor with a Ph.D. from Seoul National University, the clinic is renowned for its specialized anti-aging treatments, pigmentation management, and minimally invasive procedures. However, many prospective patients are deterred by language barriers and unfamiliarity with the reservation process. This article will provide you with all the necessary information, including clinic details, treatment options, and three detailed reservation methods, to ensure a smooth experience when you visit Korea.

What is the background of PHD Dermatology?

PHD Dermatology is officially named “피에이치디피부과.” The “PHD” in the name clearly indicates that the clinic is led by doctors with doctoral degrees. The chief physician, Dr. Kwon In-ho, graduated from the top medical research institute at Seoul National University. He is a specialist in dermatology with a Ph.D. and has over 15 years of experience in the field. Additionally, the clinic is staffed by three other senior physicians: Kim Hak-tae, Kang Mi-soo, and Yang Ji-eui. These four professionals work together to ensure that each patient receives the most appropriate personalized treatment plan.

The core philosophy of PHD Dermatology is: “Healthy skin means a happy life.” Instead of pursuing exaggerated changes, the clinic focuses on precise treatments that deliver natural and harmonious results, allowing patients to experience internal improvements in their daily lives. This relatively understated and practical approach has helped PHD build a stable base of repeat customers in the competitive Korean cosmetic industry.

Basic Information about the Clinic

• Address: 2nd Floor, Euljiuting Building, 599 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Transportation: Exit 3 of Euljiuting Station on Line 3 of the subway; it’s about a 5-minute walk (turn left after about 200 meters).
• Telephone: 02-514-5130
• Opening Hours
  :
  Monday, Friday: 10:00–20:00
  Tuesday,
  Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00–19:00
  Saturday: 10:00
  –15:00
  Sunday and national holida
  ys: Closed
  Lunch Break:
  13:00–14:00 (No treatments offered, but consultations are available)
• Consultation fee: 30,000 Korean won (approximately 700 Taiwanese dollars), which can be deducted from the treatment cost.
• Official website: phdclinic.com

Introduction to main treatment services

Anti-aging and rejuvenation treatments

These are the services that attract the most foreign tourists at PHD; they include the most popular non-invasive anti-aging techniques currently available on the market:

• Ulthera Prime: Also known as “ultrasonic facelift,” this treatment uses ultrasonic energy to penetrate deep into the skin’s fascia layer, stimulating collagen production and resulting in a tightening and lifting effect. It is one of PHD’s most representative flagship services.
• Thermage FLX: This radiofrequency technology tightens the skin, reducing sagging and fine lines. A full-face treatment takes approximately 45–60 minutes.
• Titanium: This next-generation microfocal ultrasound treatment is suitable for young skin that requires gentle maintenance.
• BBL HERO: High-intensity pulsed light is used to improve uneven skin tone, fine lines, and skin texture.

Pigment and Spot Treatment

PHD has unique expertise in pigment management, and the director possesses extensive experience in treating chloasma and pigmentation issues:

• PHD’s signature comprehensive pigment treatment plan: a customized combination of treatments tailored to individual skin types, including laser therapy, phototherapy, and skincare steps.
• Re:Pet Laser for Dark Spots: A specialized laser treatment for stubborn dark spots and liver spots.
• Ruby Laser: Suitable for treating persistent pigment problems with precise results.
• PHD’s Focused Chloasma Treatment: Developed by the director specifically for the common chloasma (liver spots) seen in East Asians, this approach uses a multi-pronged strategy.

Micro-plastic injection treatments

• 3D-designed fillers: Hyaluronic acid for three-dimensional shaping, emphasizing a natural harmony in overall facial proportions.
• Ellansé: A long-lasting filler that provides both immediate volume and stimulates collagen production, with effects lasting 2–4 years.
• Botox: Improves dynamic wrinkles, raises the eyebrows, and reduces the size of the masseter muscle, among other applications.
• Hydrotherapy: Deep hydration and brightening, ideal for tired skin after long flights.

Acne and basic skin care

• Gold PTT for acne scar treatment: Radiofrequency microneedling that reduces pore size and improves scar indentation.
• HydraFacial: A basic skincare treatment consisting of cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating steps, perfect for quick maintenance during travel.

Real reservation experiences shared by three passengers

Case Study 1: Evelyn (32 years old, Taichung, Taiwan) — Booked through BeautsGO and tried ultrasound facials for the first time

Evelyn is a designer living in Taichung. Last autumn, she planned her first cosmetic treatment trip to Seoul and was very interested in PHD’s Ulthera ultrasound facials. She chose to book through BeautsGO because the platform offers a Traditional Chinese language interface, eliminating any language barriers.

I booked my appointment two weeks before departure through BeautsGO. The platform clearly listed the PHD ultrasound therapy services, the approximate price ranges, and reviews from other customers. Shortly after making the reservation, I received a confirmation email from the clinic, which included the address and detailed instructions in Chinese.

Upon arriving at the clinic, her consultation lasted about 15 minutes. The director carefully assessed the degree of skin laxity on her face and recommended a half-face Ulthera treatment focusing on the lower face and neck. “The entire procedure took around 50 minutes. Some areas did experience a noticeable tingling sensation, but the doctor adjusted the intensity throughout the treatment, so it wasn’t too uncomfortable for me.” One month after the treatment, Evelyn noticed that the contours of her jawline had become clearer. She gave the service a 4-star rating, noting that the waiting time was slightly longer (about 30 minutes).

Case 2: Ah Jun (38 years old, Hong Kong) — Booking via WhatsApp for melasma laser treatment

Ah Jun is a Hong Kong man who has suffered from melasma for many years. He tried various skincare products in Hong Kong with limited success. A friend recommended that he contact the clinic directly via WhatsApp, as the director of PHD had an excellent reputation for pigment treatment.

“After finding their WhatsApp number, I sent a message in English describing my condition and the time I wanted to make an appointment. About two hours later, someone from the clinic replied and switched to Chinese to continue the conversation, which surprised me,” he said. The staff asked detailed questions about his melasma, sun protection habits, and whether he was taking any medications, showing great professionalism.

On the day of the appointment, the director spent a considerable amount of time conducting a thorough examination—using special glasses with magnifying lenses to carefully observe the distribution of the spots and taking photos with a computer. The treatment plan included a combination of “PHD targeted melasma treatment + Re:Pet laser,” administered in two sessions. Ah Jun was very impressed with the overall service: “The clinic is small, but the process is well-organized. The director’s approach to treatment was clear and professional; there was no pressure to buy additional services, and I didn’t feel forced to spend money during my first visit.”

Case 3: Xiao Qing (26 years old, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) — Booking via LINE for hyaluronic acid injections + HydraFacial

Xiao Qing, who frequently travels to Seoul, decided to spend half a day at PHD for skincare instead of a more extensive treatment, aiming to quickly hydrate and brighten her skin during her trip. She found it most convenient to book through LINE.

“After adding the PHD official LINE account as a friend, I immediately explained that I wanted hyaluronic acid injections and HydraFacial and asked if they could be scheduled on the same day. The staff responded quickly, saying it was possible and that the procedure would take about two hours. They also provided detailed instructions on post-treatment skincare and whether I could wear makeup,” Xiao Qing said. Additionally, she learned about a “LINE friend-only discount,” which reduced the cost of the hyaluronic acid injections by 10%, making it very cost-effective for her.

Overall, she was very satisfied with her experience: “The environment was more understated than I expected, not as luxurious as some high-end clinics, but it was clean and tidy. The doctors were very patient, and the tight, hydrated feeling on my skin lasted throughout the next three days of my trip.” She gave the clinic a score of 4.5 and said she would try ultrasonic facials there next time.

Comprehensive guide to the three booking methods

Method 1: Book through the BeautsGO platform (highly recommended; all processes are in Chinese).

BeautsGO is a Chinese-language booking platform specifically designed for travelers going to Korea for medical beauty treatments. It is easy to use and comes with excellent customer service support, making it especially suitable for first-time visitors.

1. Download the app or visit the official website: Search for “BeautsGO” in the App Store or Google Play and install it, or go directly to the official website (Taiwanese Chinese interface).
2. Register an account: You can quickly register using your email address, Google account, or Apple account. The entire process takes less than 2 minutes.
3. Search for PHD Dermatology: Enter “PHD” or “PHD Dermatology” in the search bar. Once you find the clinic’s page, you can view information about the services, real reviews, and photos.
4. Choose a treatment: Browse the list of available treatments and select the one you’re interested in (such as ultrasound facials, Thermage, hyaluronic acid injections, etc.). Check the price range before making your choice.
5. Pick a date and time: Choose a convenient date and time for you. The system will immediately show the available slots. It is recommended to book at least one week before your trip. During the peak seasons (March–May, September–November), it’s better to book two weeks in advance.
6. Provide personal details: Enter your name (in Pinyin), contact information, and any special requirements, such as “need a Chinese translator” or “prefer to be treated by the director personally”. The more detailed your notes, the better.
7. Confirm the reservation and wait for confirmation: After submitting your reservation, both the system and the clinic will send you confirmation messages. On the day of the appointment, just show the reservation screenshot to the staff.

💡 Tip: BeautsGO often offers regular discounts. Before your trip, check the “Discount Coupons” section to see if there are any discount codes for PHD Dermatology. Sometimes you can save 5% to 15% on the treatment cost.

Method 2: Direct reservation via WhatsApp

If you would like to learn more details before making a reservation or prefer more flexible communication, WhatsApp is a great option. WhatsApp contact information is available on both the PhD Dermatology official website and the Google Maps page.

1. Get the WhatsApp number: You can find the official WhatsApp contact number on the contact page of the PhD website (phdclinic.com) or by searching for “PHD Dermatology” on Google Maps.
2. Send a reservation request: Send your message in English or Chinese. A recommended format is: “Hello, I would like to book an appointment. My concern is [your skin issue, such as pigmentation, loose skin, or acne]. My preferred date is [date], around [time].”
3. Indicate your language preference: If you need Chinese translation, please mention it in your message: “Do you have a Chinese-speaking staff member available?” PhD offers Chinese-speaking customer service during certain hours; mentioning this in advance will ensure proper arrangement.
4. Provide basic personal information: After confirmation that a reservation can be made, you will be asked to provide your name (Pinyin) and contact phone number. In some cases, a copy of your passport may also be required.
5. Save the confirmation message as a screenshot: After receiving the confirmation message for your reservation, save it as a screenshot. You can simply show this screenshot on the day of your appointment; there is no need to print it out.

⚠️ Important note: Response times for WhatsApp reservations are usually within 1–4 hours, but they may be delayed on weekends or before holidays. If you plan to visit on Saturday, it is best to confirm your reservation by Thursday.

Method 3: Reservation via the LINE official account (most convenient for Taiwanese visitors)

PHD Dermatology has a LINE official account. The interface is very familiar to Taiwanese visitors, and the Chinese-speaking customer service provides fast responses, making it a popular choice for Taiwanese tourists.

1. Search for and add a LINE account: Use the search function on LINE to enter “PHD Dermatology” or “PHD Skin Clinic”, or scan the LINE QR code on the PHD official website to add them as friends.
2. Send a reservation message: Simply state in traditional Chinese, “Hello, I am a Taiwanese visitor and would like to reserve a consultation at XX:00 on the afternoon of XX month, XX. The treatment is XXX. Is there any available time?” Keep the tone natural; there’s no need to be too formal.
3. Confirm the translation and details: Check in advance whether Chinese-speaking services are available on that day, and whether you need to fill out a skin condition questionnaire beforehand (for treatments like melasma, this can help the doctor prepare better).
4. Ask about LINE-exclusive discounts: Proactively ask, “Is there any discount for adding me on LINE?” Not asking might mean you miss out, but sometimes you might get a surprise discount or gift.
5. Save the confirmation screenshot: Usually, the clinic will send a reminder via LINE the day before your arrival, providing the address, recommended arrival time, and important notes.

The complete process on the day of the consultation

Now that you know how to make a reservation, let’s go over what to expect on the day of the visit so you can stay calm and organized:

1. Arrive 10 minutes early: Get there 10 minutes before your appointment time to facilitate registration. When you arrive, tell the staff your name and show them the confirmation screenshot.
2. Fill out the basic information form: The staff will provide you with a questionnaire to fill in your personal details, skin condition, previous treatments, allergy history, etc. If there is a Chinese-language version, don’t hesitate to request it.
3. Payment for the consultation: The consultation fee is 30,000 Korean won (approximately 700 Taiwanese dollars), and most treatment costs can be deducted. Payments can be made in cash or by credit card.
4. Preliminary communication by the room manager ( coordinator): First, a dedicated Chinese-speaking room manager (or translator) will understand your needs, travel schedule, and budget, making the subsequent doctor’s consultation more efficient.
5. Consultation with the director (about 10–20 minutes): The director will use special glasses with magnification to carefully examine your skin, analyzing issues such as sagging, pigment distribution, and skin texture. Based on your actual condition, they will recommend a treatment plan, which will be detailed in a computer record.
6. Confirming the plan and fees with the room manager: After the consultation, return to the room manager, who will explain the recommended treatments, fees, and the number of sessions required. This is an opportunity to discuss and adjust your budget; there is no need to make a decision immediately.
7. Reserving a treatment date: If you decide to proceed with the treatment, please note that appointments usually need to be reserved separately after the consultation. Some popular treatments require reservations two weeks in advance, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Important precautions before going

• Bring your passport: This is essential for foreigners seeking medical treatment, as it is used for registering personal information.
• Do not wear makeup on the day: Consultations and some basic treatments should be done without makeup. If you need to remove makeup at the last minute, the clinic can provide the necessary facilities, but it may cause some delay.
• Do not wear contact lenses: Some laser treatments require you to remove them. It is more convenient to wear frame glasses instead before the appointment.
• Sun protection before and after treatment: Especially for laser pigmentation and BBL treatments, it is crucial to strictly avoid sun exposure for at least one week before and after the treatment (SPF 50+). Otherwise, it may affect the results or even worsen the pigmentation issues.
• Prepare Korean cash: Some services or fees require payment in cash, so it’s advisable to prepare enough Korean won in advance to avoid having to use an ATM at the last minute.
• Post-treatment precautions: If you have undergone laser treatment or injections, try to rest on the same day and avoid excessive sweating, steam saunas, or prolonged sun exposure.

Summary: Who is PHD suitable for?

While PHD Dermatology isn’t the cheapest option in Seoul, it stands out in the Gangnam area for its “high quality + reasonable prices + friendly service towards foreigners.” We particularly recommend it to the following types of travelers:

• Travelers looking to address issues such as melasma or pigmentation—the clinic director has a very impressive reputation in this area.
• First-time users of ultrasound-based treatments (such as Ulthera) who are looking for an experienced clinic that doesn’t overpromise.
• Travelers who prefer basic skincare treatments (such as hyaluronic acid injections or microneedling) rather than major surgeries while on their trip.
• Travelers who value a doctor’s academic background and the clinic’s reputation, rather than just brand reputation.

Finally, regardless of which booking method you choose, it’s essential to plan ahead and communicate thoroughly. The strength of PHD lies in its detailed evaluation during the consultation, which helps ensure you receive the right treatment for your needs. Going to the consultation with clear questions and expectations is key to making your medical beauty experience worthwhile.

Information sources: PHD Dermatology’s official website (phdclinic.com) and testimonials from many travelers. All prices are for reference only; please refer to the clinic’s latest rates.