Last winter, I spent nearly two weeks on the west side of Busan. In addition to enjoying seafood and exploring the streets, there was one thing I had been looking forward to for half a year: getting gold microneedling at the Floria Clinic.
To be honest, at that time, my understanding of gold microneedling was limited to the fact that it could tighten pores and reduce sagging. It took me almost three months to research which brand and clinic to choose. The reason I ultimately decided on the Floria Clinic was simple: the local reviews on Naver were all genuine experiences, without any exaggerated promotional content. Almost every review mentioned that the director would help assess your specific needs and wouldn’t force you to opt for a package.
This article is a detailed account of my own experience, from making an appointment to tracking the results three months after the treatment. I hope it can help anyone considering cosmetic procedures in Busan.
1. Where is the Floria Dermatology Clinic located? How to get there?
The address is 664 Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan Metropolitan City, 2nd floor west of E-Land PEER. It might sound complicated, but it’s actually very easy to find: exit Exit 2 at West Station on Line 1, walk along the main road for about 8 minutes, and enter the E-Land PEER building. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor.
The west area of Busan is known as the cosmetic surgery hub, with many plastic and dermatology clinics nearby. So you’ll see plenty of ads for such services when taking the subway. The Floria Clinic isn’t particularly large, but the interior is spacious. The three laser treatment rooms are well-insulated, so you won’t encounter other clients awkwardly.
Opening hours: Monday–Friday 10:00–20:00 (lunch break 13:00–14:00) | Saturday 10:00–16:00 | Sunday closed
2. Introduction to the Floria Clinic’s medical team
| Director | Specialties | Representative Projects |
|---|---|---|
| President Shin Ji-hye | Boxhyal acid fillers, facial contour reshaping | Joyaden, Bao Rou Zong, forehead fillers, tear troughs |
| President Kim Bo-hyun | Pigment laser treatment, forehead fillers | Picosecond lasers, IPL, custom-designed forehead fillers |
| President Gu Hyun-kyu | Skin regeneration, anti-aging treatments, gold microneedling | Gold microneedling RF, ultrasound therapy, Lijulan injections |
The practitioner I used for gold microneedling is Director Gu Hyun-kyoon, who has been practicing dermatology in Korea for over ten years. During the consultation, he reviewed my Visia skin test report and explained why gold microneedling was recommended over ultrasound—because my main issues were enlarged pores and mild skin laxity. Ultrasound is better for lifting, while the radiofrequency energy from gold microneedling targets the dermis, where collagen regeneration is most effective.
This explanation put me at ease. He didn’t suggest doing both; instead, he clearly stated that one treatment was sufficient for my needs.
III. What exactly are gold microneedlings, and how do they differ from regular microneedling?
- Regular microneedling: This involves using fine needles to pierce the skin, promoting collagen regeneration through the wound-healing process.
- Gold microneedling (RF Microneedling): While the needles penetrate the skin, their tips also emit radiofrequency energy, directly heating the dermis and stimulating deeper, more lasting collagen production.
Gold microneedling gets its name because early devices used gold needles, which allowed the radiofrequency energy to be precisely delivered without damaging the epidermis. Floria uses a Genius device that continuously monitors skin impedance and automatically adjusts the energy per needle, making it safer and more even than devices with fixed energy settings.
IV. What problems can gold microneedling help solve?
| Skin-related issues | Effects of gold microneedling | Improvement timeline |
|---|---|---|
| The pores are large. | ★★★★★ Excellent | Visible reduction 4–6 weeks after 1 treatment |
| Skin laxity (mild to moderate) | ★★★★☆ Good | Sustained firmness after 3 months |
| Acne scars (superficial) | ★★★★☆ Good | Significant improvement after 2–3 treatments |
| Fine lines (around eyes, nasolabial folds) | ★★★★☆ Good | Starting to fade after 6 weeks |
| Excessive sebum production | ★★★★☆ Improves sebaceous gland function | Skin condition stabilizes 2–4 weeks after treatment |
| Deep acne scars (ice pick type) | ★★★☆☆ Provides supplementary improvement | Should be used in conjunction with fractional laser therapy |
Before I tried this treatment, my biggest concern was the enlarged pores in the T-zone and excessive sebum production in that area. Every time I applied a mask, the pores would expand again within less than an hour. Director Gu Xian said that gold microneedling provides more stable long-term control over these issues than any topical product, mainly because the energy acts directly on the dermis and sebaceous glands, rather than just on the surface.
V. Floria Gold Microneedling Fee Details (Reference for 2026)
| Item | Cost (Korean Won) | Equivalent to RMB (approx.) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Micro Needle Treatment for the Whole Face (Basic Single Session) | Starting from 2.2 million | Approximately 1,145 RMB | Includes anesthesia fee and post-treatment recovery package |
| Gold Micro Needle Treatment for the Whole Face (3 Sessions Package) | 5.61 million | Approximately 2,920 yuan | Saves 15% compared to purchasing individually |
| Gold microneedling + Magnolia Black Box Package | Starting from 3.3 million | Approximately 1,715 yuan | Combined anti-aging treatment, popular package |
| Gold microneedling (for specific areas: chin/nasal wings) | Starting from 1.1 million | Approximately 570 yuan | Perfect for targeted area repair |
| Consultation fee | 30,000 | Approximately 155 yuan | Subsequent treatment costs can be deducted afterward |
The treatment I had was a basic full-face service, plus a Lijulan White box (1cc per tube) for hyaluronic acid injection. In total, it cost 3.05 million Korean won (about 1,580 yuan). This was nearly 40% cheaper than the quotes I got in Shanghai, and the equipment used was the same, the Genius model. Moreover, the director performing the procedure had much more experience, which was also a significant factor.
Additional note: Floria is one of those clinics that applies the “same price for both Chinese and foreign customers” policy. Foreign visitors are not charged any extra fees, and the actual prices offered at the clinic are 98% consistent with those displayed on the BeautsGO platform. This was something I was particularly concerned about before going, as I didn’t want to encounter any hidden charges or changes to the original plan upon arrival.
VI. Preparations before gold microneedling treatment — what I learned from my own experiences
- Stop using active ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid two weeks before the procedure. I actually wondered whether to apply retinol the night before, but after doing some research, I realized I needed to stop using it two weeks in advance. So make sure to check this information well before you go.
- Avoid exfoliation or photosensitive laser treatments one week before the procedure. If you have undergone any sun-tanning treatments during your trip, it’s best to wait at least one week before this procedure.
- Abstain from alcohol 48 hours before the procedure. I almost forgot about this, but I managed to resist the temptation of fried chicken and alcohol that day.
- Do not go on an empty stomach – it’s best to eat something before getting the anesthesia, as an empty stomach can cause dizziness.
- Make sure to check your allergy history in advance – when booking through BeautsGO, the assistant will send you a form to fill out at home, including information about allergies to anesthesia and medications. This will save you time at the clinic.
VII. Record of the entire medical consultation process
09:30 — I left my accommodation in Nampodong and took the subway. I exited at Exit 2 and walked for about 8 minutes to reach the clinic. The receptionist confirmed my appointment, and an assistant guided me through the registration process and helped me change into the clinic gown. The environment was quieter than I expected; there were no large promotional posters commonly found in plastic surgery clinics, giving it a more understated, medical atmosphere.
10:00 — I met with Director Gu Hyun-seop. He first used a Visia skin scanner to examine my skin and showed me the report. He noted that my T-zone had increased sebum production, my skin’s surface moisture level was decent, but the collagen density in my dermis had begun to decline (a common occurrence at age 30+). He recommended a full-face treatment with gold microneedling without ultrasonic therapy, unless I particularly wanted to enhance the contours of my lower face. I decided to go with the gold microneedling treatment and also opted for an additional Lijulan White Box hydration treatment.
10:20 — The nurse applied topical anesthesia and asked me to wait for 30 minutes. During this time, she cleaned my face and removed any excess oil. The anesthesia worked very well; I hardly felt anything on my face.
11:00 — The gold microneedling treatment began. It took about 40 minutes across my entire face. Occasionally, I felt a slight stinging sensation on my forehead and chin area (rated as a 3 on the pain scale), and the areas with more pores in my T-zone became slightly more noticeable (rated as a 4), but overall, the discomfort was completely within acceptable limits. After the treatment, my face turned red, but the director explained that this was a normal reaction.
11:50 — After the gold microneedling, I received the Lijulan White Box hydration treatment. The procedure involved small injections of hyaluronic acid across my face and took about 20 minutes; this part of the treatment was completely painless. Afterwards, the assistant applied ice packs to my face for 10 minutes and provided me with a healing serum and sun protection lotion, giving me some instructions on post-treatment care.
12:20 — I left the clinic. My face was still red, but it was safe enough to go out. In the afternoon, I went to a restaurant in the west area; wearing a mask, I didn’t attract any special attention.
VIII. Follow-up on treatment results (1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months)
| Time Points | Skin Condition | Precautions |
|---|---|---|
| On the Same Day After Surgery | Redness, slight swelling, and a feeling of minor bumps (normal) | Avoid water, do not wear makeup, and apply ice packs |
| 3 Days After Surgery | Redness subsides, and mild peeling begins | Apply a healing lotion in the morning and evening; use SPF50+ sunscreen |
| 1 Week After Surgery | The appearance has returned to normal; the oiliness in the T-zone has significantly decreased, and the pores seem to have tightened up. | Avoid steaming your face or using hot springs. |
| One month after the procedure. | The pores have visibly narrowed (some even claim that the skin’s texture has improved), and the contours of the face appear slightly tighter. | You can resume your regular skincare routine. |
| Three months after the procedure. | Optimal results: The pores in the T-zone have reduced from size M to S; the skin has a more radiant glow, and the nasolabial folds have faded somewhat. | You may consider the long-term effects of this treatment next time. |
The results after three months were truly surprising for me—I didn’t undergo any other anti-aging treatments; only this golden microneedling session combined with the Lijulan whitening kit, yet my skin showed noticeable changes. My colleagues noticed that I looked particularly good and thought I must have changed my skincare products or been taking some supplements, completely unaware that I had undergone cosmetic surgery. This kind of effect—where people can see that you look better but can’t figure out why—is, in my opinion, the greatest advantage of radiofrequency treatments.
IX. Post-treatment care instructions (guidance from Floria Hospital)
- 24 hours after the procedure: Avoid contact with water at all. After the treatment at Noah, I went straight home wearing a mask and used dry compresses to care for my skin in the evening.
- 3 days after the procedure: Avoid exercising and sweating, as well as visiting hot springs or saunas. There are many steam rooms around the west side of Busan, and many tourists visit them on their first day. After the gold microneedling treatment, you must wait at least three days before doing these things.
- One week after the procedure: Do not use alcohol-based toners or exfoliants. Your skin is in the recovery phase, and too much irritation can cause pigmentation.
- Protect your skin at all times. The hospital recommends using SPF 50+ sunscreen every day for a month after the procedure and reapplying it outdoors.
- Hydration is essential. After the procedure, your skin’s barrier function is temporarily weakened, so drinking plenty of water will help it recover faster.
To be honest, when I first tried to make an appointment myself using Naver, the entire interface was in Korean, and my Korean skills only go up to “thank you.” I got completely stuck halfway through. Later, I used BeautsGO, and the whole process went much more smoothly. Here are detailed instructions for the three methods:
Method 1: BeautsGO official website
This method is ideal for when you are sitting in front of your computer before traveling, as the information on this page is the most comprehensive.
- Open your browser and search for “BeautsGO” or visit the official website directly at cn.beautsgo.com.
- Enter “Busan Floria” in the top search bar to access their page.
- View the list of doctors, treatment options, real customer reviews, and user ratings.
- Choose the treatment you want (e.g., Gold Micro Needle Therapy), and select the date and time slot.
- Fill in your personal information (you may indicate if you need Chinese translation services) and confirm your reservation.
The advantage of using the official website is that you can compare the prices of Gold Micro Needle Therapy at other clinics in Busan, allowing you to make a cost-effective decision before making your trip.
Option 2: BeautsGO WeChat Mini Program
Perfect for daily commuting, quick look-ups, or last-minute reservations while in Busan.
- Open WeChat and enter “BeautsGO Bi Hu Mei” in the search bar.
- Click on “Mini Program” to access the service page.
- Select the “Busan” region and search for “Floria”.
- View special projects and real-time prices; easily select treatment items and times with one click.
- With WeChat Pay, confirmation messages for appointments will be sent to you first via WeChat.
The advantage of the mini-program is its minimal complexity—it doesn’t require downloading an app, making it especially suitable for those who are already in Busan and want to add additional treatments on the spot.
Option three: Follow the BeautsGO WeChat public account (my top recommendation).
This was the key to my successful reservation for the Gold Micro Needle treatment. Two days before my trip, I sent a message through the public account to inquire about Director Ju Hyun-ryeol’s availability, and Xiao Dui 7 replied to me.
- Search for the public account “BeautsGO Bi Hu Mei” on WeChat and follow it.
- Click “Send Message” and enter your request (for example: “I want to check the availability of Director for the Flora Gold Micro Needle treatment”).
- A dedicated Chinese-speaking staff member will respond personally, confirming the director’s availability, treatment details, and available times for you.
- After confirming the appointment, you will receive information about the off-season registration form and how to log in upon arrival at the clinic.
- On the day of your appointment, simply show the confirmation code to complete the registration process.
The advantage of using official accounts is that there are dedicated Chinese-speaking teams available to answer any questions directly. You can inquire about details of gold microneedling, after-treatment methods, and more, without having to rely on unreliable translation software or struggle with Korean interfaces.
Eleven, who is suitable for getting gold microneedling at Flora?
| Suitable candidates | Reasons |
|---|---|
| Problems with enlarged pores that have been bothering you for a long time | Gold microneedling’s long-term control over sebaceous glands is the most direct effect. |
| People in their 30s and older who are starting to notice mild signs of skin laxity | Gold microneedling is particularly effective for mild to moderate skin laxity, making it ideal for those who are wary of major surgeries |
| Those with superficial acne scars (roller-type) who want to improve their appearance | Gold microneedling is more effective than active ingredients in smoothing out superficial acne scars |
| Want to take care of my skin during the trip, but don’t have much time available. | You can travel normally on the 3rd day after the procedure; no special recovery period is required. |
| While traveling in Busan, I would like to combine several skin treatments. | Floria offers efficient combination packages on the same day. |
Twelve things you must know before your appointment.
- It’s important to disclose any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners, as they can affect post-procedure bleeding from gold microneedling.
- Make sure to confirm the pre-procedure restrictions, including when to stop using retinol and salicylic acid.
- Prepare lukewarm water and bring nothing cosmetic on the day of the appointment—our staff will help you start with a clean face.
- Plan to stay in Busan for at least 3 days after the procedure; it’s not recommended to fly home on the same day.
- Confirm the language communication options: Floria provides Chinese-speaking assistance (please request this in advance when booking). It’s recommended to specify this preference directly when booking through BeautsGO.
FAQ: Common Questions about Flora Gold Micro Needle Therapy
Q1: What is the main difference between Genius Gold Micro Needles and other microneedling devices on the market?
The core advantage of Genius is its real-time impedance monitoring. It can instantly detect the actual impedance of each patient’s skin and automatically adjust the energy level to prevent overheating or insufficient treatment. In contrast, devices with fixed energy levels cannot make real-time adjustments based on the skin’s condition.
Q2: How does the price of Flora Gold Micro Needles in Busan compare to similar services in Seoul?
According to my research before traveling, the price of Flora Gold Micro Needles in Busan is 15% to 20% cheaper than similar services in Seoul. Considering that travel costs in Busan are slightly higher than in Seoul, this makes it more affordable for tourists who are already planning a trip to Busan and want to take advantage of the treatment.
Q3: How soon after the gold micro needle treatment can I wear makeup?
Flora recommends avoiding water and makeup for 24 hours after the treatment. Starting from the next day, you can use a light moisturizer, but avoid heavy or occlusive makeup. You can return to your regular makeup routine after one week.
Q4: Does Flora offer a tax refund service for gold micro needle treatments?
Yes. Tax refunds are available for foreign customers. You can ask the front desk for information on how to proceed, and you will be able to get back approximately 10% of the cost.
Q5: Black Box Lijulan and White Box Lijulan are often used together with gold micro needle therapy. Which one should I choose?
The main ingredient of Black Box Rejuran Healer is PNPN, which is recognized for its effectiveness in improving skin texture and repairing the skin barrier; the White Box Rejuran I is a diluted version, more suitable for full-face hyaluronic acid injections. If your main concerns are enlarged pores and loose skin, the combination of Black Box Rejuran Healer with gold microneedling usually provides more comprehensive results than the White Box Rejuran I; if you want to boost collagen production, the lighter texture of the White Box Rejuran I makes it more suitable for regular skincare routines.
