Why do local residents account for up to 80% of the customers at these “hidden gems” located on the west side of Busan?
When it comes to skin care in Korea, Seoul is usually the first choice that comes to mind. But if you ask locals in Busan, they will likely mention the RenoBio Skin Clinic in the western business district. Since opening in 2014, this clinic has been established on the 6th floor of the Samhan GoldenView Building, next to Exit 7 of the western station. Its success relies not on marketing but on word-of-mouth from regular customers recommending it to new ones.
What does this mean? A skin clinic that has survived for over a decade in the highly competitive western business district, with local customers accounting for 80% of its client base, indicates that most people who visit there are referred by friends, rather than being attracted by advertisements. On the BeautsGO platform, RenoBio has consistently received ratings of over 4.5 out of 5, and common keywords in over 300 reviews include “natural,” “no pressure to buy,” and “long-lasting results.”
If you are planning a trip to Busan and want to take some time for skin care, or if you already live there and are looking for a reliable clinic, this article will share my personal experience with you, covering aspects such as the doctor’s background, the facilities, the prices of popular treatments, the process of visiting the clinic, and how to make appointments.
Director Kim Ja-young: Advanced fillers and thread lifting are her specialties
The key figure behind RenoBio is Director Kim Ja-young. She is a specialist in dermatology with a clear focus on advanced fillers and thread lifting procedures.
What exactly are “advanced fillers”? For example, many dermatologists perform hyaluronic acid fillers by asking where and how much you want to fill. However, Director Kim takes a different approach. She first conducts a comprehensive facial assessment, examining your bone structure, skin thickness, and the direction of your facial muscles before designing a treatment plan. Many people who have had fillers elsewhere and found the results looked unnatural or created lumps come to her for correction.
In terms of thread lifting, Director Kim is skilled in using various types of threads, such as Silhouette Soft, Cavern, and Accordion. She can customize the treatment to meet individual needs. On RenoBio’s official website, thread lifting is always highlighted as one of their flagship services.
Additionally, Director Kim is an accredited instructor and key doctor for Elravie, regularly giving presentations at academic conferences both in Korea and abroad. This confirms that her knowledge and expertise in injectable materials have been officially recognized by the brand, making her more than just a general practitioner who performs injections.
Aside from Director Kim, the clinic also has a team of six assistants who ensure that every aspect of the patient experience, from reception to post-treatment care, is handled professionally.
Equipment List: Almost all anti-aging devices are available.
Renovo isn’t stingy when it comes to equipment investment; they have basically equipped themselves with all the necessary anti-aging devices.
- US version of Ulthera: FDA-approved for treating facial sagging and blurred jawlines.
- Thermage: Fifth-generation device designed to address collagen loss and skin laxity.
- Oligio X: A Korean-made radiofrequency tightening device with minimal discomfort.
- Shurink Universe: Korean version of Ulthera, used for three-dimensional facial lifting.
- InMode (borrowed from the US): An integrated radiofrequency lipolysis and tightening device.
- Airjet 2: A non-invasive lifting device.
Basically, any mainstream anti-aging device you can find in Seoul’s Gangnam area is available here. Since the clinic mainly serves local customers from Busan, many regular clients come back annually for treatments, and the doctors continuously monitor their skin conditions.
In addition to anti-aging treatments, there are also basic dermatological services such as pigmentation laser treatments for freckles and moles, acne treatment, and hair removal using Elitz Generation 2. For skin management, options include Gold PTT/PDT photodynamic therapy, LDM ultrasound treatment, Secret Touch skin regeneration, TDA non-invasive hydrolifting, and O2toderm oxygen therapy.
Popular treatments and price references
The following prices are based on public information and platform data from early 2026; actual prices may vary upon on-site consultation (discounts are often available):
Anti-aging and lifting treatments
- Ulthera: Approximately 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 Korean won per face (equivalent to approximately 7,500 to 10,000 RMB)
- Thermage FLX Gen 5: Approximately 1,800,000 to 2,500,000 Korean won per face (equivalent to approximately 9,000 to 12,500 RMB)
- Oligio X: Approximately 800,000 to 1,200,000 Korean won per face (equivalent to approximately 4,000 to 6,000 RMB)
- Shurink Universe: Approximately 900,000 to 1,300,000 Korean won per face (equivalent to approximately 4,500 to 6,500 RMB)
Injection-based cosmetic procedures
- Botox: Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Korean won per injection site (equivalent to approximately 500 to 750 RMB)
- Hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane 2/Jeovia): Approximately 350,000 to 600,000 Korean won per syringe (equivalent to approximately 1,750 to 3,000 RMB)
- Silhouette Soft lifting: Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 Korean won per treatment (equivalent to around 3,000 to 4,000 Chinese yuan)
Skincare treatments
- LDM hyaluronic acid therapy: Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 Korean won (about 500 to 750 Chinese yuan)
- Gold PTT photodynamic therapy: Approximately 150,000 to 200,000 Korean won (around 750 to 1,000 Chinese yuan)
- O2toderm oxygen therapy: Approximately 80,000 to 120,000 Korean won (about 400 to 600 Chinese yuan)
Compared to dermatology clinics in Seoul’s Gangnam area, the prices here are generally lower, especially for anti-aging treatments. Since the cost of living in Busan is also lower than in Seoul, getting these treatments while visiting Busan offers great value for money.
The entire experience from leaving the subway station to completing the treatment takes about one and a half hours.
Renovo is located about 200 meters away from Exit 7 of Busan West Station, on the 6th floor of the Samhan GoldenView building. This area is one of Busan’s most bustling commercial districts; you can easily find it right after exiting the subway station, as there are many department stores and restaurants nearby.
The general process for visiting the clinic is as follows:
- Registration at the front desk: Upon arriving on the 6th floor, the staff will assist you in filling out a questionnaire. Chinese-speaking support is available, and there are Chinese-speaking customer service representatives on hand.
- Skin examination: If it hasn’t been done before, a skin examination device will be used to assess the condition of your skin.
- Face consultation: Director Kim will provide recommendations based on your needs and the results of the examination. The entire process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes; it’s neither too lengthy nor does it involve any forced recommendations.
- Confirmation of treatment plan and prices: After deciding on the treatments you want to undergo, you will be provided with a detailed price list in both Chinese and Korean.
- Treatment: A nurse will guide you to the treatment room throughout the process.
- Post-treatment care: After the treatment, you will be given cold compresses, a repair cream, and a Chinese-language guide to post-treatment precautions.
For a basic treatment (such as Botox + hyaluronic acid injection), the whole process takes about 30 to 40 minutes. For more complex treatments (such as ultrasound knife + thread lifting), it may take around one and a half hours.
Payment methods: Credit cards and cash are accepted. Some treatments also support Alipay and WeChat payments (it’s recommended to confirm in advance).
Reservation methods: Reservations can be made through three different channels.
Reserving at Renovo is quite convenient. Here are the three common ways to do so:
- Reservation via the BeautsGO APP: Download the BeautsGO APP, search for “Renovo”, or directly access it through the link at the bottom of this article. Select the date and treatment, and make an online reservation. The customer service will confirm it within 1 hour.
- Kakao Talk reservation: Search for “renovo_busan” to add the friend, then send a “reservation” message. It is recommended to make reservations 3 days in advance.
- Telephone reservation: Call directly at 051-816-0102. Chinese-speaking staff are available. Business hours are Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and closed on Sundays and holidays. The lunch break is from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
All three methods allow communication in Chinese, so you don’t need to know Korean. It is recommended to make reservations 3 to 5 days in advance, especially since weekends are usually more popular.
Some practical tips
1. Best time to arrive: It is suggested to come around 10:30 AM on a weekday, when there are fewer people and Director Kim has more time available for consultations. On Saturdays, there are more people, so you may need to wait in line.
2>Can I have multiple treatments done at once? Yes, but it’s best not to overdo it. For example, you could have an ultrasound treatment in the morning and then a hydrodermabrasion or LDM therapy in the afternoon. If it’s injections, consult with the doctor to see if they can be done on the same day.
3>Post-treatment precautions: If you have had laser treatment or injections, avoid saunas, strenuous exercise, and sun exposure on the same day. It’s also recommended to stay in Busan for an extra day or two to rest and explore the city.
4>Do I need to bring my passport? You don’t need your passport; just bring your phone. However, if you need to file a tax return (for purchases over 15,000 Korean won), you may be required to provide your passport number.
5>Is the transportation convenient? Very convenient. The station is a transfer point for Busan Metro Lines 1 and 2. It takes about 10 minutes from Busan Station and about 25 minutes from Haeundae Station.
Summary: Who is this suitable for?
If you meet one of the following criteria, Renovo is worth considering:
- I already planned a trip to Busan and wanted to take the opportunity to get some skin treatment.
- I am interested in more advanced procedures like fillers or thread lifting, so the doctor’s skills are important to me.
- I have had fillers or lifting treatments elsewhere before, but the results weren’t satisfactory, so I want a doctor to correct them.
- My budget is limited; I don’t want to pay the prices of Seoul’s Gangnam area, but I still need the assurance of a reputable medical institution.
If you are just looking for the cheapest place to get basic hyaluronic acid treatments, Renovo might not be the cheapest option. However, in terms of the overall quality of its technology, equipment, and service, it is indeed a reliable choice in the western business district of Busan.
