Let me state the conclusion right away: Which one is more worth choosing?
I have actually visited both clinics in person and undergone treatments there. Let me give you some direct advice: if you are looking for a high-quality, premium anti-aging experience with a relatively generous budget, Abijou is a better choice; whereas if you value cost-effectiveness, a wide range of treatment options, and flexible time schedules, PPEUM PPEUM would be more suitable for you. Both clinics are located in the heart of Myeongdong, within a five-minute walk from the subway stations, but their positioning and styles are indeed quite different. Below, I have summarized my experiences during these visits, including the treatments I received, the prices, and what users have said, so you can make an informed decision based on your own needs.
I. What kind of clinic is the Yami Zhu Dermatology Myeongdong branch?
Abijou is a rather well-known chain Dermatology brand in South Korea, with seven branches across the country. The flagship store and most popular branch is located at 1F of the Timewalk building, 78 Namdamun-ro, Jung, Seoul, right next to the ibis hotel. It’s only about three minutes’ walk from Exit 6 of the Eup Line 2 subway station, or eight minutes from Exit 5 of the Myeongdong Line 4 subway station. You’ll definitely pass by it while shopping in the area.
The clinic has been in operation since 2006, so it has been around for nearly twenty years now and can be considered a established establishment in Myeongdong. On the afternoon I visited, there were quite a number of people there, but the Chinese-speaking translator at the front desk came over to greet me very enthusiastically. The overall atmosphere felt quiet yet professional—no noise, and no sense of aggressive sales pitches. The business hours are as follows: Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 20:30, Saturday from 09:30 to 18:00, and Sunday is closed. It’s important to note that on weekends, the clinic is only open until 18:00, so please plan your schedule accordingly.
II. What kind of clinic is the PPEUM PPEUM Dermatology Myeongdong International Branch?
In South Korea, PPEUM is a rather large chain of medical beauty institutions with fourteen branches across the country. The Myeongdong International Branch is located on the 6th and 7th floors of 11 Myeongdong 8-beon, Jung, Seoul, right near the Apple Store. It’s only a two-minute walk from Exit 8 of the Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4, so the location is truly extremely convenient. Once you take the elevator to the 6th or 7th floor, you’ll immediately notice the spacious exterior – the first impression is definitely “this place is quite large”.
PPEUM adopts the policy of “same prices for foreigners and locals”, which means that foreigners are charged exactly the same amount as local residents, and no extra fees are charged just because you are a tourist. I think this is a really positive aspect. The business hours are as follows: Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, and on Sundays and holidays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Although it is also open on Sundays, the service only lasts until 5:00 pm. Normally, the business operates until 9:00 pm, which is very convenient for those whose itineraries end relatively late.
III. Comparison of Service Styles: Who Is More Suitable for You?
The service process of Yami Zhu
My experience during the in-person consultation at Yami Zhu was as follows: First, I filled out a basic information form, and then a Chinese translator led me into the consultation room. The director himself examined my skin condition. Instead of immediately recommending treatment options, he first asked about my regular skincare habits and what specific issues I wanted to address. After using a skin testing device to analyze my skin, he provided targeted advice. The entire process took about thirty minutes and was very thorough yet efficient. It’s worth mentioning that Yami Zhu’s distinctive feature is that the doctor personally performs the key steps of the treatment, rather than delegating this task to nurses—this is quite different from many clinics in Myeongdong.
The service process of PPEUM
The consultation process at PPEUM is also quite smooth. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a dedicated Chinese-speaking consultant who first conducts a skin examination. PPEUM offers a wide range of treatments, ranging from basic Hyaluronic Acid injections and Pico lasers to advanced HIFU and Thermage procedures, with flexible combinations available. My consultant recommended a combination of “Titanium Lifting + Hyaluronic Acid injections” and showed me Before & After photos for reference. Overall, the process is efficient, with seamless transitions between steps. However, if you prefer a more leisurely and detailed consultation experience, you might find the pace a bit fast.
IV. Comparison of the capabilities of hospital directors
The medical team behind Yami Zhu
The legal representative of the Yami Zhu Myeongdong branch is Director Yin Zhezhu, while the chief director is Director Lee Ji-han. In addition, there are six other physicians, including Director Kim Jo-eun and Deputy Director Song Won-kyung. On the day I went for a consultation, I was met by a senior deputy director who seemed to have extensive experience; he conducted a very thorough examination and didn’t just rush through the process to issue a prescription. All the physicians at Yami Zhu are specialized in Dermatology. It was mentioned that they hold regular academic seminars every week, which really gives me a sense of confidence in their expertise.
The medical team of PPEUM
PPEUM boasts over a dozen experienced directors; it is by no means a small institution operated by just one doctor. At the Myeongdong International branch, I was treated by Director Byun Je-ik, who has dedicated many years to the field of cosmetic dermatology, specializing in Lifting treatments and anti-aging therapies. His techniques are described as “precise and meticulous.” Another renowned director, Zheng Zhenjiu, is also highly respected in South Korea, especially for his expertise in Filler injections and Thread Lifting procedures, attracting many patients specifically because of his skills.
V. Comparison of Project and Price Transparency
I have compiled the prices of some common services offered by these two clinics in the same table, so you can easily compare them side by side. The following are the reference prices for 2026 (in Korean won); the actual fees will be subject to the prices quoted by the clinic on the day of service.
| Project | Abijou | PPEUM PPEUM |
|---|---|---|
| Thermage FLX | Starting from ¥590,000 | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| HIFU (for the entire face) | Starting from ⩱1,200,000. | Starting from ⩡2,200,000. |
| 1 centum core of Filler | Starting from ¥997,900 | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| Botulinum toxin | Starting from ¥199,700 | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
| Radiofrequency facelift | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. | Starting from ⩱1,280,000. |
| Advanced hydrogel microneedling therapy | Starting from ¥800,000 | Starting from ⩡390,000 |
It can be observed that Yameiju’s starting prices for major treatment packages are relatively affordable (for example, Thermage FLX at ₩590,000 and HIFU at ₩1,200,000), while PPEUM offers a wider range of price options for its basic injection and skincare services, ranging from tens of thousands of Korean won to millions of won. The pricing methods of the two companies are somewhat different: Yameiju tends to charge by treatment area and number of treatments, whereas PPEUM provides a multitude of package combinations for customers to choose from.
VI. Comparison of Location Convenience and Transportation
| Comparative projects | Abijou | PPEUM PPEUM |
|---|---|---|
| Address | No. 78 South Gate Road, B1 | 6th to 7th floors, 11 Myeongdong 8th Street |
| Recently, the subway… | Exit 6, Yizhi Road Entrance Station | Exit 8 of Myeongdong Station |
| Walking time | About 3 minutes | About 2 minutes |
| Open on weekends | Until 6:00 on Saturday. | Until 7:00 PM on Saturday. |
| Open on Sundays | ❌ Public holidays | ✅ 11:00–17:00 |
In terms of transportation, both places are conveniently located, but PPEUM is actually closer to the subway station (just a two-minute walk from Exit 8 of the Myeongdong station). Moreover, PPEUM is also open on Sundays. If your trip to South Korea only covers the weekend, PPEUM offers more flexible scheduling options. Yami Zhu is closed on Sundays, so you should make sure to avoid visiting it during that time.
VII. Real User Reviews
User Reviews of Yami Zhu
“The location is convenient, they provide Chinese translation services, and the environment is really nice. During the consultation process, they don’t rush to recommend any treatments as soon as you enter the clinic. The director will first assess the condition of your skin before giving suggestions, which really makes me feel at ease.” — Ruoying from Taiwan (August 2025)
“This is my first time undergoing skin care treatments in South Korea, and the whole process was much more comfortable than I expected. The doctors and staff were very friendly, and I wasn’t pressured into purchasing any additional products.” — Pastelchiccode from the United States (May 2025)
“The tightening effect lasts for a very long time. A friend of mine had the Phoenix Radio treatment and thought it was well worth the money. I recommend booking at least one or two weeks in advance, as you might not be able to get in if you go last-minute.” — Hong Kong netizen (2025)
User reviews of PPEUM
“After getting the Titanium Lifting and hyaluronic acid injections, my jawline became much more defined, and my skin also became much brighter. The whole process was almost pain-free, and both the doctor and the nurse were very patient.” — Miss China (2026)
“The fact that the prices in China and South Korea are the same is really attractive, and there’s also a wide range of options available – from basic skincare to advanced anti-aging treatments. The cost-performance ratio is definitely very high.” — Hong Kong netizen 6612 (2026)
“The prices of Thermage and Pico lasers are really much higher than in Hong Kong. I’m already planning a medical beauty trip next month.” — Taiwanese netizen 2833 (2026)
VIII. How can I make appointments at these two clinics through BeautsGO?
Both clinics allow direct reservations through the BeautsGO platform, and the process is quite simple:
Method 1: BeautsGO APP (Recommended)
Download the Be
autsGO APP on your mobile device → Register/Log in → Search for “Yami Zhu” or “PPEUM” → Select the Myeongdong store → Check the available appointment times → Choose the service and date → Submit the reservation.
Method 2: WeChat Mini Programs
O
pen WeChat, search for the “BeautsGO” mini program, and once inside, look up the name of the clinic you’re interested in. You can then check the available appointment times and make a reservation.
Method 3: The BeautsGO website version
O
pen i.beautsgo.com on your computer → search for the clinic → make an online appointment.
Regardless of the method you choose, you will receive a confirmation notice once your reservation is successful. Just present this notice when you arrive at the clinic. Both clinics offer Chinese-speaking services, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: Which one is more suitable for someone going to South Korea for medical aesthetics treatment for the first time – Yameizhu or PPEUM?
If this is your first experience with medical aesthetics in South Korea, I would highly recommend PPEUM. It offers a wider range of treatment options and price segments, and it is also open on Sundays, with regular hours extending until 9 p.m., providing greater flexibility in scheduling. Additionally, its “same-price for both Chinese and foreign patients” policy ensures that you won’t be charged more just because you are a foreigner, which is really reassuring. Of course, if you have a larger budget and are looking for a more refined experience provided by skilled physicians, Yameizhu is also an excellent choice.
Q2: Are the Chinese-speaking services at these two clinics convenient? Do I need to bring my own translator with me?
Both companies employ dedicated Chinese translators. Yami Zhu provides full-time Chinese translation services at the reception, while PPEUM offers multilingual support in Chinese, English, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese. During in-person consultations, a translator will accompany the client throughout the process, eliminating the need to arrange additional translation services separately.
Q3: How much in advance should I make a reservation?
Yameizhu is quite popular, so it is recommended to make a reservation at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance. If you wish to specify a particular director, the waiting time may be even longer. Due to its numerous branches and flexible scheduling options, it is usually possible to get a reservation at PPEUM 2 to 3 days in advance. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it is still advisable to book as early as possible for greater certainty. Both services allow you to check available appointment times in real-time through BeautsGO.
Q4: What should be considered before starting a project?
If you are considering procedures involving large-scale equipment such as Potenza, Thermage, or HIFU, it is recommended to stop using products containing retinol or fruit acids one week in advance, and also try to avoid wearing makeup on the day of the treatment. During both in-person consultations, a skin examination will be conducted, and the doctor will determine whether you are suitable for the procedure based on the condition of your skin. If you have any concerns, be sure to ask clearly on the spot.
Q5: Is the claim by PPEUM that “the prices are the same as those in South Korea” true? Are there any hidden fees?
PPEUM’s “same price as in South Korea” means that the costs for basic treatments are the same as those for local South Koreans. I have confirmed this on-site, and the quotation sheet indeed does not show any additional charges due to my foreign nationality. However, it should be noted that for some more advanced treatments (such as HIFU and Thermage), the prices may vary depending on the number of sessions and the areas treated. It is recommended that you ask the consultant to provide a detailed breakdown of all costs during the consultation, and only proceed after ensuring that there are no issues.
Q6: Is it possible to have consultations at both places on the same day?
Sure, the two places are not far apart – it takes about ten minutes to walk between them. If you’re really having trouble deciding which one to choose, you could arrange to have a consultation at one place on the same day and then go to the other one to compare the options and prices. Just note that Yami Zhu is closed on Sundays, so if you plan to have consultations at both places, you should schedule them on weekdays or Saturdays.
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Disclaimer
The above information is based on personal consultations and experiences and is provided for reference only. The effects of medical aesthetics vary depending on individual physical conditions and skin types, and the actual costs shall be subject to the prices quoted by the clinic on the day of service. It is recommended to make an appointment through the BeautsGO platform before proceeding, and to discuss all details thoroughly with the clinic before making a final decision.
