If you are hesitating whether to fly to Jeju Island for a HIFU treatment, let me tell you right away: it’s worth it – but only if you choose the right clinic. Last November, I took a special trip to Jeju Island and underwent 600 sessions of Ulthrea treatment at the AMI Clinic. It’s been almost 7 months since the procedure, and the changes in my facial contours are far beyond what any radiofrequency treatment I’ve had in Taiwan has ever achieved. This article is a detailed record of my entire experience, from making the appointment to recovering. It’s not written for promotional purposes, but simply to provide those considering this treatment with an honest reference.
Why choose Ami AMI Hospital on Jeju Island instead of Gangnam in Seoul?
To be honest, at first, my target was also Gangnam District in Seoul. After all, when it comes to medical aesthetics in South Korea, Gangnam is the first thing that comes to people’s minds. However, after browsing through various articles on Naver and several Taiwanese medical aesthetics communities, I discovered that many highly rated Dermatology clinics had emerged on Jeju Island in recent years. Several key advantages convinced me to turn my attention to Jeju instead.
- More affordable prices: Rent and labor costs on Jeju Island are lower than those in Gangnam. For the same genuine Ulthrea HIFU device, the price is approximately 20% to 30% lower.
- No tourist surcharges: AMI Hospital charges the same amount to both foreigners and local South Koreans. It will not apply any “tourist prices” just because you are a foreigner. I confirmed this by asking a South Korean friend to call the hospital before I went there.
- Director Song Hyun-jung personally performs the procedure: The main selling point of AMI is that Director Song Hyun-jung personally uses the HIFU device to perform the treatment, unlike many larger clinics that assign this task to less experienced doctors.
- Take a vacation while you’re at it: After undergoing any cosmetic procedures, it’s best to avoid excessive sun exposure. So, why not find a café on Jeju Island where you can enjoy the sea view and taste black pork? It’s far more comfortable than crammed on the subway in Seoul.
Reservation process: Things that must be taken care of before departing from Taiwan
I made my reservation through BeautsGO two weeks before my trip. To be honest, at first, I was a bit worried about using an app to book a medical treatment abroad, but in reality, the process was much smoother than I expected.
- Download the BeautsGO App and search for “Ami Hospital” or “AMI”.
- Choose the “Ulthrea 600-shot package” (you can also opt for a consultation first and decide on the number of shots on-site).
- Fill in the desired date and time range to submit your reservation request.
- Within about half a day, you will receive a confirmation message from the Chinese customer service team. They will verify the date with you and remind you of the precautions before the procedure.
- One day before the departure, you will receive another reminder, which will include a map of the clinic and information on how to get there.
The customer service is available in Chinese, so there are no communication barriers at all – which is extremely important for someone like me whose Korean skills are limited to just knowing a few basic phrases. Additionally, I would like to remind everyone to make reservations at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially if you want Dr. Song to perform the treatment personally; her schedule is usually quite full.
On the day of arrival at the clinic: a face-to-face consultation, some photos taken, and then I went straight into the treatment room.
The clinic is located in the center of Jeju City; it takes about 10 minutes to get there by taxi from my hotel. As soon as you enter, a Chinese-speaking receptionist will guide you. First, you need to fill out some basic information and take pre-treatment photos (one frontal shot, one 45-degree side view, and one 90-degree side view), after which you will be taken to the consultation room.
The moment Director Song entered the room, I was actually a bit surprised – she looked quite young, but her explanation of the principles behind HIFU was extremely professional. First, she used an ultrasound scanner to examine my face, explaining while pointing at the screen: “See this bright layer? That’s the SMAS fascia. The energy from the HIFU device is precisely designed to target this depth.”
This was the first time I had seen the underlying structure of my own skin, and to be honest, it was quite shocking. Director Song said that the fascia in the areas of my jawline and Apple Zone had begun to relax slightly, and recommended that 600 sessions be focused on these two areas, with an additional few sessions above my eyebrows. She didn’t try to promote any other treatments, which impressed me greatly.
After applying the anesthetic for about 30 minutes, the procedure officially began. The injection itself took around 40 minutes. As for the pain… I would say it was there, but not to the point of being unbearable. It was more like a sensation of something “bouncing” deep within the skin. When the injection was administered near the jawline, there was a slight tingling or numbness, but everything was still within an acceptable range.
Regarding prices: The fees for HIFU treatment at amiAMI Hospital are clearly listed.
This is probably the part that everyone is most interested in, so I’ll just state it directly. Here are the actual expenses I incurred in January this year (paid in Korean won and converted using the exchange rate on the day of payment):
| Project | Korean won price | Agree on the new Taiwan dollar amount |
|---|---|---|
| 300 shots of the Ulthrea version | 9.9 million to 1.2 million | Approximately NT$21,000 to 28,000 |
| The Ulthrea model comes with 600 HIFU treatments. | From 21.7 million to 2.1 million | Around NT$40,000 to 50,000 |
| Customized packages offered by the hospital director (including post-operative care) | Based on the medical evaluation | Please visit BeautsGO for more information. |
I personally had 600 treatments done, and after the procedure, I was also given a set of care products (including a medical mask, repair cream, and sunscreen). The total cost, when converted using a credit card, was approximately 40,000 Taiwanese dollars. Compared with the 80,000 to 100,000 Taiwanese dollars required for the same number of treatments with the Ulthrea in Taiwan, including airfare and accommodation, this option is actually more cost-effective.
30 days after the surgery: I was shocked by my own new contours when I looked in the mirror.
On the day after the procedure, my face was slightly red, as if I had gotten a mild sunburn, but there were no wounds or bruises at all. That evening, I ate black pork just like usual (just avoiding spicy dishes). Director Song said that the best results of HIFU do not appear immediately; it takes about 2 to 3 months for the Collagen to regenerate and reach its peak.
The following is a true account of the postoperative follow-up:
- On days 1 to 3 after the procedure: There may be slight swelling on the face, and pressing around the jawline might cause a soreness, but this does not affect daily activities. The skin feels tight and stretched.
- On the 7th day after the procedure: The swelling had completely subsided, and I began to notice a slight upward sensation in my face, especially when I smiled—the location of the Apple Zone seemed to be slightly higher than before.
- On the 14th day after the procedure, a colleague said I looked “very good”, but couldn’t identify exactly what had changed – this is precisely the effect of HIFU: others can see that you look better, but have no idea what treatment you’ve undergone.
- 30 days after the procedure: This was the moment when the changes were most noticeable. One morning, while washing my face, I looked up at myself in the mirror and realized that the contours of my jawline had become much clearer! In the past, I had to tuck in my chin slightly when taking side photos to look good; now, my facial contours are clearly defined even in natural positions.
- 60–90 days after the procedure: The results continue to improve, and the overall firmness and elasticity of my face remain very good. At friend gatherings, more than one person asked me if I had lost weight, but in fact, my weight has not changed at all.
What other worthwhile projects does AMI Hospital have in plan?
Although my main focus this time was on HIFU treatments, during the waiting and consultation process, I also learned about other popular services offered by AMI. I have compiled this information for those who may be interested:
- Thermage FLX: It works in perfect synergy with HIFU – HIFU targets the deeper fascia, while Thermage FLX acts on the upper dermis. Many people in South Korea choose to use both treatments together for even better results.
- Rejuran Glow: The most popular skin regeneration injection in South Korea, designed to repair damaged skin and enhance its elasticity. AMI uses genuine Rejuran, with prices ranging from 915,000 to 250,000 won.
- Pico laser: Ideal for treating spots and uneven skin tone, with a short recovery time, making it perfect to use during travel.
- Inmode Inmode: Radiofrequency lipolysis specifically designed for treating Double Chin and excess fat around the mouth area, at a significantly lower price than in Seoul Seoul I
How can I make an appointment at ami AMI Hospital through BeautsGO?
At present, the main overseas reservation channel for AMI Hospital is BeautsGO, and I myself also use this channel to make reservations. There are three ways to access the reservation page:
- BeautsGO App: After downloading, simply search for “AMI” or “Ami Hospital”, and all the services and prices will be clearly displayed at a glance.
- BeautsGO WeChat Mini Program: Search for the “BeautsGO” mini program to find AMI and make online reservations.
- On the BeautsGO official website at cn.beautsgo.com, you can directly make an appointment by navigating to the AMI Hospital page.
After a successful reservation, a Chinese-speaking customer service representative will follow up to confirm the details. You don’t have to worry about language barriers when you arrive at the clinic, as translation services will be available throughout the process. If you have any questions after the procedure, you can also contact the clinic through BeautsGO’s customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are the HIFU devices used at ami AMI Hospital genuine American-made models?
A: Yes, AMI uses genuine equipment originally produced by Ulthera in the United States. During the treatment, real-time ultrasound images can be viewed on the screen to confirm which layer the energy is being applied to. Director Song will operate the imaging device right in front of you, allowing you to see for yourself the exact location of the fascia layer and where the energy is being delivered. This really reassures me.
Q2: What are the differences between HIFU in South Korea and that used in Taiwan?
A: The main differences lie in price and the number of treatment sessions. In Taiwan, the 600-shot Ulthrea HIFU device typically costs around NT$80,000 to NT$100,000, while the AMI device ranges from NT$40,000 to NT$50,000 – representing a nearly twice difference in price. Additionally, clinics in South Korea tend to update their equipment more frequently, and their physicians have more extensive experience in using this technology, since HIFU treatments are quite common there.
Q3: How long does it take to see the results after undergoing HIFU? And how long do these results last?
A: Immediate results can be felt in the form of a slight sense of tightness. More noticeable changes in body contours usually begin to appear between the 2nd and 4th weeks, and the effects reach their peak after 2 to 3 months. The results generally last for 12 to 18 months, and with proper maintenance and sun protection habits, some people may experience benefits for up to two years.
Q4: If I want to undergo HIFU treatment on Jeju Island, how should I plan my trip?
A: It is recommended to schedule at least 3 days and 2 nights. On the first day, go to Jeju and visit a clinic for a consultation to finalize the treatment plan (if you have time on that day, the procedure can be done immediately); on the second day, receive the treatment and rest (the face may be slightly red after the procedure, but it won’t affect your travel plans; however, strenuous exercise and drinking alcohol are prohibited); on the third day, you can resume your normal activities and return home. If you want to enjoy some additional activities, you can stay for another 2-3 days.
Q5: What precautions should be taken after the procedure? Can I fly immediately after the surgery?
A: HIFU is a non-invasive treatment method, and there are no scars after the procedure, so it is completely safe to fly. The main things to note are: avoid strenuous exercise, hot environments, and alcohol for one week; increase sun protection and keep your skin well-hydrated; and refrain from any other invasive facial treatments for the time being. AMI will provide you with a Chinese-language post-treatment care guide and a set of repair products – just follow these instructions.
Q6: What are the advantages of AMI compared to other Dermatology clinics in Jeju Island?
A: The greatest advantage of AMI is that President Song Hyun-jung personally performs the treatments, the prices are transparent and fair, and there are no extra charges for foreigners. Although there are other excellent Dermatology clinics on Jeju Island, such as 4ever, PPEUM, and THE LIFT, if your goal is to undergo HIFU treatment, then the combination of having the procedure performed personally by the clinic’s president along with real-time ultrasound imaging makes AMI, in my opinion, the best option after much research.
Related recommended articles
If you are still hesitating about which Dermatology clinic to choose on Jeju Island, the following articles may be of some help to you:
Disclaimer
The content of this article is based on personal experiences and is for reference only. Since everyone’s skin type, degree of aging, and physical condition are different, the effects and sensations of using HIFU may also vary from person to person. It is recommended to have a thorough consultation with a professional doctor before the procedure and to follow the doctor’s professional assessment. The price information mentioned in this article refers to the actual records from January 2026 and may fluctuate depending on exchange rates and clinic promotions. For the latest prices, please visit BeautsGO for confirmation.
