In the Dermatology community of South Korea, THE HEAL has always been a topic of much discussion. In particular, the Dongdaemun branch, as a key affiliate of the brand, has attracted considerable attention since its opening in July 2024. Today’s article will provide a comprehensive overview of this clinic, covering aspects such as the qualifications of its doctors, the prices of various treatments, the reservation process, and actual customer experiences, to help you determine whether it is worth visiting.
What kind of institution is THE HEAL Dermatology Dongdaemun Branch?
THE HEAL Dermatology (더힐 피부과의원) is a well-known local dermatology brand in South Korea. Its main clinic is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It has gained high recognition among beauty bloggers on Instagram and Naver and has even been dubbed the “exclusive area for elites in Cheongdam-dong.” The Dongdaemun branch is the brand’s latest addition, opening officially in July 2024 near Cheongnyangni Station in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. From the entrance, one can immediately spot the red logo of the dermatology clinic.
It is worth mentioning that the Dongdaemun branch adopts a dual-site design: the main site serves local customers in a white, wooden, and creamy style, while the VIP International branch provides one-on-one exclusive services for overseas guests in a black theme. Each lounge is equipped with name-greeting cards, snacks, and beverages, showing great attention to detail.
▲ Interior environment of THE HEAL Dermatology’s Dongdaemun branch (the image is for illustrative purposes only)
Who is President Gao Bingyong? What is his level of expertise?
The representative director of Dongdaemun Branch is Ko Byung-yong, who graduated from Kyunyang University in South Korea. His background is rather unique—he once served as the head of the Dermatology department at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Lebanon, an experience that is quite rare among Dermatology doctors in South Korea. After returning to South Korea, he successively held the position of director at Ohkims Dermatology and at THE HEAL’s Sinsa branch, before finally being appointed as the representative director of Dongdaemun Branch.
According to clinical data, President Gao has performed over 1,000 skin resection surgeries and administered more than 10,000 centum cores of Filler. Such a volume represents considerable experience in the industry. His aesthetic philosophy advocates for a “natural and slim beauty,” and he dislikes the bulky appearance resulting from certain filling techniques. Instead, he emphasizes customizing treatment plans based on the facial bone structure, which makes his approach particularly suitable for those seeking a natural look.
In addition to Director Gao Bingyong, Dongdaemun Clinic also employs Director Kwon Won-joo, who specializes in the treatment of acne and basic skin care, as well as Dr. Lee, who focuses on pigmentation management, and Dr. Kim, who specializes in anti-aging treatments. The entire team consists of 10 registered physicians and 10 specialized nurses, and they operate under a standardized service model featuring “physician-led consultations with nurse assistance”.
Main products and target audiences
The core initiatives of Dongdaemun Institute can be categorized into three main areas:
Anti-aging and Lifting Treatments: The fifth-generation Thermage FLX, the American version of Ulthera, thread Lifting, Cube Radiofrequency, and SWOMAN Sculptra DongAn Center Introduction. This area represents a key focus of the Dongdaemun branch, and Director Gao Bingyong’s expertise in anti-aging treatments is primarily concentrated in this field.
Injections for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures: Juvederm Filler (performed personally by Chief Physician Gao), Rejuran PN, Juvelook Collagen, face slimming injections, etc. The prices are unified in both China and Korea; there is no additional charge for foreign customers.
Basic skin care treatments: Microbubble therapy, LDM glow lifting, basic Filler treatments, and skin care membership cards. These options are suitable for tourists who plan to visit South Korea for a short period and want to undergo some basic skincare treatments.
▲ The hospital has introduced equipment such as Thermage and Ulthera from the United States (the images are for illustrative purposes only).
Reference prices for popular treatments
The following prices are based on on-site interview data from platforms such as Very Love Beauty Network, and include a 10% VAT rate that can be refunded.
| Project | Specifications | Price (₩ Korean won) | Agree on the amount in RMB |
|---|---|---|---|
| The fifth-generation Thermage FLX | 600 shots | ₩2,750,000 | Approximately ¥14,000 |
| US version of ultrasonic lifting therapy | 400 shots | ₩1,590,000 | Approximately ¥8,200 |
| Thread Lifting | 10 wires | ₩1,200,000 | Approximately ¥6,200 |
| Juvederm Filler | 1 centum core | ₩490,000 | Approximately ¥2,500 |
| Rejuran PN | 2 centum cores | ₩380,000 | Approximately ¥1,950 |
| Management of small bubbles | – | ₩150,000 | Approximately ¥770 |
| LDM Glow Lifting Treatment | – | ₩200,000 | Approximately ¥1,030 |
*The above prices include a 10% VAT, which can be refunded for foreigners. The actual price is subject to the daily quotation of the clinic.
Reservation process and in-person consultation experience
Reserving a consultation at the Dongdaemun clinic usually requires 3 to 5 days in advance. It is recommended to make reservations through the BeautsGO APP, as it allows you to view the director’s schedule and get real-time quotes. The process upon arrival at the clinic is roughly as follows: registration at the front desk → completion of a questionnaire → skin examination → consultation with the director → confirmation of the treatment plan → commencement of the procedure → ice compress in the relaxation area → departure.
During the in-person consultation, Chief Physician Gao will first observe the condition of the subcutaneous tissue using a dermoscope and will not blindly recommend Filler injections. He tends to advocate for a “layered anti-aging” approach; for instance, when dealing with Nasolabial Fold Correction issues, he may not simply suggest Filler injections but instead recommend lifting treatments first before enhancing volume. While this approach is indeed more rational, it also means that the total cost per treatment may be higher.
Before the procedure, customers are offered scalp massage and relaxation services, and after the procedure, they receive customized repair masks – these are all thoughtful details that make the experience much more pleasant. The lounge areas in the VIP International branches are also equipped with scents and beverages, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Institutional environment and service details
The Dongdaemun branch covers an area of approximately 104 square meters. Although it is not as large as the Gangnam headquarters, it is equipped with separate consultation rooms, VIP rooms, and operating rooms. All treatment rooms are designed independently, ensuring privacy once the doors are closed. The interior design is minimalist and modern, with soft and soothing color tones. The waiting area is furnished with comfortable seating and drinking facilities.
In terms of hardware equipment, top-tier brands such as Thermage from the United States, Ulthera for ultrasonic lifting, and Inmode Inmode for Inmode have been introduced, all of which have obtained ISO 9001 certification. The clinic has established strict procedures for equipment disinfection and is equipped with specialized emergency equipment and medications, ensuring a high level of safety standards.
▲ The lounge of the VIP International branch is equipped with name-greeting cards and exquisite snacks (the image is for illustrative purposes only).
Selected genuine user reviews
Based on user feedback from various platforms, the evaluations of Dongdaemun Branch mainly focus on the following aspects:
“The store is not particularly large, but it is clean and tidy. The nurses are very gentle and can speak some basic Chinese, so communication is smooth and stress-free. The director is highly skilled in what he does and never gives perfunctory
treatments; the entire process is quite comfortable.” — A user from the BeautsGO platform
“Director Gao’s injection technique is indeed very precise; the pain was much less than when I had similar treatments at other clinics. The results for my Forehead and Nasolabial Fold Correction were so natural that my friends said I looked better, but they couldn’t tell wha
t had been done.” — A user from the Very Beauty-Loving website
“The prices are much lower than those of some high-end clinics in Gangnam, and the equipment is also updated regularly, so the cost-performance ratio is quite good. The downside is that the range of services available is not as comprehensive as that of the main clinic, but the regular t
reatments are more than enough.” — From a user of Meijia Community
Overall, users are quite satisfied with Dongdaemun Branch. Its main advantages lie in its high cost-performance ratio, the solid medical skills of its doctors, and the smooth communication between patients and staff. However, its operating history is relatively short, and the number of online reviews is not as large as that of Gangnam Main Branch.
▲ The clinic uses separate treatment rooms, ensuring privacy once the doors are closed. (The image is for illustrative purposes only.)
Several things you need to know before going
Transportation: Exit from Exit 6 of Cheongnyangni Station on Line 1 of the subway, then turn left and walk for about 2 minutes to arrive. Cheongnyangni Station is also a transfer station for the Gyeongui Central Line. It takes approximately 1 hour to get there from Incheon Airport, so the transportation is quite convenient.
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 to 20:00; Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00. Closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. Please note that we are not open on Tuesdays, so avoid making a unnecessary trip.
Language communication: Staff generally have a basic understanding of English, and some consultants can speak simple Chinese. For customers who are not very fluent in these languages, it is possible to request one-on-one Korean-English translation services when making a reservation through BeautsGO.
Payment methods: Credit cards and cash are accepted. Foreigners can request a tax refund receipt. It is recommended to bring a credit card suitable for overseas transactions for greater convenience.
Postoperative precautions: A bilingual customer service hotline for Chinese and Korean is available, providing 24-hour online support within 7 days after the procedure. After Thermage treatment, it is important to maintain adequate hydration and protect the skin from sunlight; for injectable procedures, avoid pressing the affected area or engaging in strenuous exercise on the same day.
How to make an appointment at THE HEAL Dermatology, Dongdaemun Branch, through BeautsGO?
There are various ways to make appointments, but the most recommended method is through the BeautsGO app. It supports one-click login using global phone numbers, allowing you to directly search for “THE HEAL” to view the current price lists of each branch and the schedule of the chief physicians, and then make an online appointment for a consultation.
List of reservation channels:
- APP: Search for “BeautsGO” in the App Store or Google Play and download it.
- WeChat Mini Programs: Search for “BeautsGO” or “Bibi Mei” on WeChat.
- WeChat Official Account: Follow the “BeautsGO APP” and click on [One-Click Booking].
- Web version: Simply visit cn.beautsgo.com and search for reservations.
- Customer service WeChat: Add beautsgo6 to receive one-on-one assistance.
It is recommended to make reservations 3 to 5 days in advance, as the weekend periods tend to be more popular. For tourists coming from within China, it is possible to arrange the time before departure, so that you can arrive at the clinic on time upon arriving in Seoul, avoiding the need to wait in line on-site.
▲ You can view the current price list and the director’s schedule through the BeautsGO APP (the image is for illustrative purposes only).
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: What are the differences between THE HEAL Dongdaemun Branch and the Sinsa Branch in Gangnam?
A: Th
e equipment at both locations is updated simultaneously, and the core medical teams are shared. The Sinsa Branch offers a more luxurious environment (equipped with the same Hastens bedding as used by Jennie), while the Dongdaemun Branch provides better value for money, making it ideal for customers with limited budgets who still want to experience the same high-level technology.
Q2: What do foreigners need to bring when going there?
A: A passport (id card), a credit card, or cash. It is recommended to reserve the time and translation services in advance through BeautsGO. Upon arrival at the clinic, just present your passport to complete the registration process.
Q3: Does Director Gao Bingyong see patients every day?
A: No
t every day. The director’s schedule is updated on BeautsGO. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Director Gao, it is recommended to make an appointment in advance and confirm the available schedule.
Q4: Is it possible to undergo multiple treatments on the same day?
A: Some t
reatments can be combined, such as Thermage + hyaluronic acid injections. However, for procedures like Thread Lifting and Filler injections, a certain interval is required between them. The specific plan should be determined based on the recommendations of the clinic director after a face-to-face consultation.
Q5: How soon can one see the results after undergoing Thermage treatment?
A: Immediate effects range from 20% to 30%, while the best results usually become apparent gradually 3 to 6 months after the procedure. By paying attention to hydration and sun protection after treatment, the effects can last for 1 to 2 years.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. The results of cosmetic procedures vary depending on individual physical conditions; please rely on the actual results of in-person consultations. It is recommended to thoroughly understand the associated risks before choosing any cosmetic treatment and to opt for qualified, licensed medical institutions.
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