Last autumn, I went to Seoul with my best friend. The main purpose of this trip wasn’t shopping, but rather visiting a dermatology clinic that we had been planning for a long time. Our target was the Cheongdam DEAR Dermatology Clinic located in the heart of Cheongdam-dong. After booking the flight, I did my research by browsing Korean websites like Naver and REDnote, collecting various reviews and pricing information. Now that everything is settled, I would like to share my true experiences with you all.
1. Why choose Dear Dermatology Clinic?
There are numerous dermatology clinics in Cheongdam-dong, so much so that the area is often referred to as “the street of cosmetic treatments.” Just around the Apgujeong-rodeo Station, there are over a dozen such clinics. Initially, I had five candidates in mind, but I ultimately chose Dear Dermatology Clinic for three main reasons:
- Personal consultations by three chief physicians: The official website clearly lists the qualifications of Dr. Lee Sang-hyuk (Seoul National University Hospital), Dr. Kim Di-moon (Yonsei University Hospital), and Dr. Lee Sun-hyang (Master’s degree from Chosun University Hospital). This clinic isn’t one that relies on sales representatives to recommend treatments.
- The “Design” concept attracted me: The clinic combines “Dear” with “Design,” emphasizing that everyone’s face shape and skin condition are unique. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all packages, they create customized treatment plans. This might sound easy in theory, but their consultation process truly demonstrates this commitment.
- AI + 3D diagnosis: Before entering the clinic, you will be asked to take a set of skin analysis photos. The doctors then provide recommendations based on these images, rather than making decisions based on visual impressions alone.
2. Basic information for reference
| clinic name | Cheongdam Dear Dermatology Clinic |
| Address | 85-3 Cheongtan-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Han River Building, Floors 5 and 7 |
| Telephone | 02-541-0922 / 0923 |
| Transportation | Exit 4 of Itaewon Roda Station on the subway, about a 3-minute walk |
| Monday to Friday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Saturday, Sunday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Official Instagram | @dear_chungdam |
| Consultation Channels | Telephone, KakaoTalk, LINE, or quick reservation via the official website |
Just a reminder: The Nanhan River Building has both 5th-floor and 7th-floor consultation rooms. Make sure to check the floor number at the elevator; I went to the 5th floor the first time but found the consultation desk on the 7th floor.
III. The process from entering the clinic to leaving
Step 1 – Make an appointment (one week in advance)
I made my appointment through the BeautsGO platform. The app has a Chinese interface; you can search for “dear clinic” to find it. Fill in the desired treatment and the preferred time slot, and a customer service representative will confirm the appointment within about half a day.
If you use KakaoTalk, you can also search for the official account to message them directly. Sometimes they respond in Chinese or English, but it might not be as fast as using BeautsGO. For the fastest way, you can call 02-541-0922; they can understand English, and the receptionists have some basic English skills.
Step 2 – Check-in and skin analysis at the clinic
Upon entering, the receptionist asked me to fill out a personal questionnaire in both Korean and English, covering my medical history, allergies, and any medications I was taking. After completing that, I was taken to a small room where a full-face skin scan was performed. The device took multi-spectral images of my skin surface, pores, and melanin distribution; the whole process took about 10 minutes.
Step 3 – One-on-one consultation with the director
Who received me was Director Kim Di-moon, who graduated from Yonsei University School of Medicine and has a very steady demeanor. He displayed the skin analysis images on the screen and explained each detail to me: the depth of the frown lines, the location of the apple cheeks, and the areas with enlarged pores. When I mentioned that I wanted to undergo ultrasound treatment, he didn’t agree immediately. Instead, he asked me what results I expected and what my current lifestyle was like (whether I was undergoing any laser treatments), before giving me his advice.
His conclusion was that my facial sagging was still mild, so he recommended that I try the Korean version of the Shurink Universe ultrasound device combined with the Lijulan Hydrating Treatment instead of rushing into the American version of Ultherapy Prime. “Your skin is in good condition. Starting with this combination will achieve the desired results without the need for excessive treatment.” — I really liked this suggestion; it felt like he was truly helping me make a decision based on my needs, rather than just trying to meet sales targets.
Step 4 – The treatment process
After confirming the procedures, the nurse took me to change into comfortable clothing and remove my makeup. Before starting the treatment, a numbing cream was applied to my face for about 30 minutes.
- Shurink Universe (Korean version of the ultrasound device): The doctor performed the treatment himself, which lasted approximately 45 minutes. As the ultrasonic waves moved across my face, I felt a slight warmth, and there was a noticeable stinging sensation around my jawline, but it was within a tolerable range. After the treatment, my face turned slightly red, but this subsided within half an hour.
- Lijulan HB Hydrating Injection: Another layer of numbing cream was applied before the injection. The Lijulan HB solution, which contains PDRN fragments, was injected all over my face, with extra focus on the frown lines and around my eyes. The entire process took about 20 minutes, and the discomfort from the needles was much milder than when I had similar treatments in Korea, probably because the numbing effect was more effective this time.
Step 5 – Post-treatment care
After the two treatments, the nurse performed an LDM low-frequency ultrasound recovery session for about 15 minutes, claiming it helped reduce inflammation and promote absorption. This is usually included in the packages at Dear Clinic. Afterwards, a cooling mask was applied to my face, and only after that did I apply light makeup before leaving the clinic.
IV. Main treatments & actual costs
Below are the actual costs for my treatment, as well as reference market prices for the main services offered by the Dermatology Department (unit: 10,000 Korean won. Please confirm the latest prices with the clinic before the procedure):
① Tightening and Lifting Series
| Service | Description | Reference Cost (10,000 Korean won) |
| Ultherapy Prime (US version) for the entire face | HIFU focused ultrasound, penetrates deep into the SMAS layer – the ultimate anti-aging option with effects lasting 2–3 years | 1.8 – 2.2 million Korean won |
| Thermage FLX for the entire face | Fourth-generation monopolar radiofrequency technology – tightens the skin, smooths fine lines; effects last 1.5–2 years | 1.2 – 1.5 million |
| Thermage + Ultrasound Gold Package | Actual package prices for September 2024 | Approximately 1.8 million (including LDM) |
| ONDA (Microwave Thermal Lift) | Microwave technology for double chin and localized contours | 500,000 – 800,000 |
| Shurink Universe (Korean version of ultrasound device) for the whole face | Korean version of HIFU with high CP value, suitable for first-time users | 500,000 – 900,000 |
| Quattro Lifting (Four-in-One Lifting) | Combined RF + Ultrasound Therapy | 600,000 – 1,000,000 KRW |
| Density Lifting | Korean version of Thermage with relatively less pain | 400,000 – 700,000 KRW |
② Injection treatments (Hyaluronic acid & fillers)
| Services | Description | Reference prices (in thousand KRW) |
| Rejuran Healer Black Box for the whole face | Classic PDRN rejuvenation injections for pore reduction and skin brightening | 250,000 – 500,000 |
| Rejuran HB Hydrating Treatment (what I had this time) | Comprehensive hydrating treatment containing PDRN for dual effects of regeneration and moisturization | 300,000 – 550,000 |
| Exosome injections | A new type of regenerative therapy suitable for post-surgical recovery and skin quality improvement | 400,000 – 800,000 |
| BYRYZN Hydrating Treatment | Korean new skin fortifier for enhancing the skin barrier | 300,000 – 600,000 |
| Joaquin Hyaluronic Acid Filler (full range) | Juvederm full range, 1cc – suitable for nasolabial folds, apple cheeks, and tear troughs | 300,000 – 700,000 |
| Face slimming injections (botulinum toxin for masseter muscles) | Reduces masseter muscle size and achieves a smaller face; effects last for 4–6 months | 150,000 – 300,000 |
③ Skin care, lasers, and other treatments
| Projects | Explanation | Reference fees (in ten thousand Korean won) |
| Gold microneedling (Potenza) for the entire face | Microneedling radiofrequency for improving enlarged pores and acne scars | 550,000 – 800,000 won |
| Pigment removal/laser treatment for freckles | Specifically for freckles, sunspots, and mild chloasma | 200,000 – 500,000 won |
| Thread lift using PDO threads | Absorbable protein threads for immediate lifting effects, suitable for mild skin laxity | 500,000 – 1.2 million |
| Whitening (for all areas) | Armpits, bikini line, legs, etc.; additional fees for multiple treatments | 50,000 – 250,000 per treatment |
| Body contouring (buttocks/jawline augmentation) | Dear, these special services require a face-to-face consultation for evaluation | Face-to-face consultation quote |
💡 My actual total cost this time: Shurink Universe full face treatment for 750,000 KRW + Lizhu Lan HB for 400,000 KRW, with additional LDM post-treatment care. Total: 1,150,000 KRW (approximately NT$27,000 or RMB 5,800), which is slightly lower than what I expected and no extra charges were added.
V. Personal experiences: Three things that were “unexpected”
Unexpected 1 – The director actually took the time to explain everything in detail
My experience at some well-known Korean dermatology clinics was as follows: the consultant (not a doctor) would quickly explain the treatment plan, and then you just signed up for the procedure – the whole process felt like it was on an assembly line. Dear Clinic was completely different. My consultation with Director Kim lasted over 20 minutes; he even turned the screen so I could see the skin analysis data myself and explained the logic behind each recommendation. Even when I asked many “more complicated” questions later on (such as why he didn’t recommend Ultherapy for me), he was patient and never showed any signs of impatience.
Surprise 2 – The space is quieter and more private than I expected
I had imagined that high-end Korean dermatology clinics would be open spaces with glass walls and staff moving around freely. But Dear Clinic was just the opposite. Each treatment room had its own private booth, and the corridors were narrow but quiet – you could hardly hear the patients next door. For someone like me who avoids social interactions and doesn’t want anyone to see me getting cosmetic treatments, this environment was a huge plus.
Surprise 3 – The results were noticeable even a week later
On the day of the treatment, my face was a bit swollen, and the lines around my chin seemed a bit clearer, but it wasn’t particularly dramatic. The real surprise came a week after I returned to Taiwan. When I looked in the mirror in the morning, I noticed that the looseness in my cheeks had indeed decreased, and the moisture and shine of my skin had improved significantly – this was probably thanks to the effects of Lijulan HB. A colleague asked if I had gotten enough rest, and although I was quite pleased, I just said, “I’ve been taking better care of my skin lately.” 😂
VI. Practical Guide to Making Appointments
Method 1: BeautsGO – Our Top Choice
Search for “BeautsGO” or “Bibi Mei” in the App Store or Google Play. The platform supports Traditional Chinese. You can also find the clinic’s page by searching for “dear clinic” or “Cheongdam Dear”. You can directly select the treatment and date to schedule an appointment. After the customer service confirms it, they will send you a confirmation email in Chinese. Just show the screenshot on the day of the appointment. Making an appointment through BeautsGO sometimes comes with exclusive discounts offered by the platform (for example, a 10% discount on basic hydrofacial treatments in certain months), so it’s worth checking it out first.
Method 2: Official Telephone
You can call directly at 02-541-0922 or 02-541-0923. English-speaking staff are available, but it’s recommended to call between 1 PM and 4 PM Taiwan/China time (which corresponds to 2 PM to 5 PM in Seoul) when the clinic is less busy. When making a phone appointment, please mention the treatment you want, the desired appointment date (provide two options), and whether it’s your first visit.
Channel 3: KakaoTalk Text Consultation
Search for @dearchungdam on KakaoTalk and send a text message for consultation or to schedule an appointment. Although the conversation speed is slower than on the phone, there are conversation records that can be screenshoted as evidence, making this option suitable for those who want to inquire about prices before deciding whether to make an appointment.
Channel 4: Quick Consultation Form on the Official Website
Go to dearchungdam.com (supports Chinese language). At the bottom of the page, you will find a quick consultation form. Fill in your name, phone number (it is recommended to use WhatsApp), and the topic of your consultation, then submit it. The official team usually responds within one working day.
7. Important Notes Before Your Appointment
- Bring your original passport: This is required for foreign patients and may also be needed for certain tax refund procedures.
- Do not wear makeup before the treatment: Upon arrival at the clinic, the staff will help you remove your makeup and clean your skin. If you want to save time, it is best to go without makeup.
- Within 24 hours after injection treatments: Avoid drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise, and do not press on the injection site.
- Strict sun protection after treatment: For at least two weeks after ultrasonic or laser treatments, use SPF50+ sunscreen. The post-treatment instructions from Dear Clinic are very clear.
- Confirm the total cost on-site: Before signing anything, double-check the quoted fees to avoid any additional charges afterward. If you have any questions, raise them during the consultation process.
- Payment methods: Cash in Korean won is the most common, and international credit cards are also accepted, but cash sometimes comes with a small discount.
- There are fewer people after 3 p.m. on Saturdays: My best friend chose to go at 4 p.m. on Saturday, and the waiting time was even shorter than when I went there on Tuesday morning, so you might want to consider that.
VIII. Overall Review
What impressed me most about Cheongtan Dear Dermatology was their approach of “not over-treating” patients. In an environment where every clinic promotes the most expensive treatments, the director personally advised me against going for the more expensive Ulthera treatment and instead recommended a plan that suited my current skin condition, which greatly increased my trust in this clinic.
In terms of facilities, the treatment areas on floors 5 and 7 are private and quiet, and the equipment is regularly updated (including an AI skin analysis system). The three directors each have their areas of expertise, and the overall medical standard is among the top in Cheongtan-dong. The fees are not the cheapest in Korea, but they are reasonable and even quite affordable considering the location in Cheongtan-dong.
People who would suit Dear Dermatology: Those who value the quality of medical consultations, do not want to be pressured into unnecessary treatments, prefer a private environment, and are interested in personalized lifting or hydrofacial treatments. People
who may not be suitable: Those who are looking for the lowest prices, are in a hurry to complete their treatment, or only want to undergo basic procedures that cost around a thousand to two thousand Taiwanese dollars might find other options more cost-effective.
If you also plan to undergo cosmetic procedures in Seoul, I recommend booking in advance through the BeautsGO platform. They offer Chinese-speaking customer service, tax refund assistance, and exclusive discounts, making the process much more convenient than calling directly.
