Coming to Busan for facial treatments – why did I skip Seomyeon and head straight for Haeundae? An in-person evaluation by the director of BASE Dermatology
Many people ask me, “How’s the Dermatology clinic based in Busan?” My answer is straightforward: if you’re tired of exploring Gangnam in Seoul and are looking for a clinic in Busan that isn’t too geared toward tourists, where the director is willing to sit down and have a thorough conversation with you, BASE deserves to be on your shortlist. After visiting this clinic myself, starting from Centum City Station and heading upstairs through the shopping area, my biggest impression was that they don’t focus on pushy medical beauty treatments—they start by “subtracting” the procedures you shouldn’t undergo before discussing what’s appropriate for you.
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BASE Dermatology (Centum City , Haeundae) 203·204, 2nd Floor, Centum Diamond, 24 Centum 2-ro, Haeund
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Why did I include BASE in my Busan itinerary?
When I came to Busan this time, my original plan was “a one-day medical beauty trip in Seomyeon + visiting Haeundae to see the sea.” But after chatting with a local friend, she suggested, “If you only want to have one or two treatments and don’t want to join the tourist groups, check out BASE in Centum City—the director there used to work at The First Dermatology’s main branch in Busan.” That advice made me change my itinerary.
Upon visiting the clinic in person, the most noticeable difference was the atmosphere of the space. Unlike some clinics that cover their walls with price lists, BASE opts for a minimalist waiting area, with individual consultation rooms located on both sides of the hallway. For someone like me who values privacy and is worried about others overhearing my consultation, this feature is a huge plus.
Estimated price range for 2026 (based on market rates; final price subject to in-person consultation)
The BASE official website doesn’t list prices directly, and the clinic emphasizes that an in-person consultation is required before a quote is provided. Below are the reference price ranges I’ve compiled from various platforms and market trends to help you plan your budget, but the final amount will definitely vary depending on the number of treatments, product brands, and the comprehensive package chosen.
| Project | Reference Range (KRW) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| American Version of Thermage FLX (Full Face) | 1.8 million to 3.5 million | Varies depending on the emitter count and probe version |
| Second-generation HIFU: Ulthera (full face) | 1.5 million to 3 million | Prime + DeepSEE Visual Treatment Guidance |
| Basic Glow Injection / Nutrient Infusion | Starting from 200,000 | Ingredients and dosage affect price differences |
| Potenza – the Gold Micro-Needling Therapy | Quotation based on the treatment area | Targeting Pores, Acne Scars, and Skin Texture |
| Filler / Botox injections | Depending on the brand and number of Centum Core units | Performed personally by the director, in small amounts multiple times |
*The figures above represent publicly available market ranges and are not fixed BASE quotes. The final price will be determined based on a personalized plan formulated after a consultation with the clinic director.
A Hands-On Experience: 90 Minutes from Consultation to Treatment
I have an appointment scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. After arriving at the Centum Diamond building, take the elevator to the 2nd floor; rooms 203 and 204 are where BASE is located. After confirming my appointment at the counter, I was taken to a private room first to remove my makeup, followed by a skin analysis using the Mark-Vu device to collect 12 different measurements. I find this step really important—many clinics will just ask, “What do you want to do?” but at BASE, they provide the data first, allowing the doctor to determine based on those results what should be addressed first.
After Dr. Kim Byeong-soo arrived (his name on the official website; it’s written as Kim Byeong-su on some platforms), he didn’t rush to push any treatments on me. First, he asked about my daily routine, the phototherapy treatments I had done before, and my schedule for my trip to South Korea. I originally wanted to undergo both HIFU and Thermage on the same day, but he immediately said, “Given your skin condition, one session of Prime HIFU will be sufficient. If you still want tighter skin after three months, we can add Thermage then. Doing both treatments on the same day would be too much of a strain on you.” This kind of cautious approach actually made me trust him even more.
The three key skin focus areas of BASE
The official website categorizes the products into three main groups—LINE, TEXTURE, and TONE—making it much easier for those who struggle to make choices.
LINE｜Lines Chin lines, neck wrinkles, firmer body contours |
TEXTURE｜Texture Plumpness, Pores, Scars, Dryness and Sensitivity |
TONE｜Skin Tone |
Real experience with their signature treatments
This time I tried the BASE HIFU Prime. An anesthetic cream is applied before the treatment, and the doctor adjusts the depth based on real-time imaging during the procedure—no general anesthesia is needed, which is perfect for someone like me who still wants to go shopping on the same day. The whole process takes about 40 minutes. Afterward, my face turns slightly red and puffy, but those effects subside almost completely within two hours. They also provided LDM soothing treatment along with AstroDome Facial as part of the “post-treatment care” package. While the price isn’t the lowest, the overall experience feels very comprehensive.
HIFU Prime |
Thermage FLX |
Gelati Accent Prime |
Stem Cell Care |
Focus Point 1｜Direct Consultation by the Director & “Subtraction Aesthetics”
Dr. Kim Byeong-soo is the top graduate from the School of Medicine at Yeungnam University and a board-certified specialist in Dermatology. He has served as the head of the Dermatology department at the National Army Daejeon Hospital and the director of the main branch of The First Dermatology in Busan. From start to finish, he personally conducts consultations and performs treatments—never leaving patients in the hands of consultants or nurses. His approach is clear: instead of focusing on achieving visible results after every treatment, he prioritizes removing unnecessary procedures first.
Focus Point 2｜Privacy and Convenience at Haeundae Centum City
The clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the Centum Diamond building, just a 3-minute walk from Exit 11 of the Centum City subway station. There’s a parking lot right downstairs. Nearby are New World Department Store and Lotte Department Store, so after your facial treatment, you can head straight out for shopping or return to your hotel to rest—making it very convenient for tourists.
Focus Point 3｜Official Authentic Certified Equipment + Dedicated Personal Management Room
BASE is the official authenticator for Ulthera HIFU devices, and the equipment can be verified on Merz’s official website. Coupled with a private treatment room, post-procedure LDM therapy, and AstroDome Facial treatment, this comprehensive package gives the impression of “getting a full experience at a mid-to-high price point,” rather than simply selling an optical therapy device.
Focus Point 4｜Business Hours and Appointment Schedule
There are evening appointments on Tuesdays until 20:00, which is perfect for those who want to explore Haeundae during the day and get a facial treatment in the evening. The clinic is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays, so be sure not to miss your chance. Since the director personally sees patients, it’s recommended to book at least 3–7 days in advance during peak times—avoid showing up without an appointment.
Focus Point 5｜Language and Booking Options
The BASE official website is available in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, with on-site support available in Chinese as well. You can make appointments through the official website, WeChat, LINE, or the BeautsGO platform. My advice is to confirm in advance whether a Chinese-speaking customer service representative will be available on the day of your appointment, so as to avoid communication issues due to language differences.
Truth or Dare: Avoiding Pitfalls
BASE isn’t the kind of clinic that slashes prices to the lowest level. Its focus is on in-person consultations by the chief physician along with comprehensive post-operative care. If you have a tight budget and are only looking for the cheapest photorejuvenation treatment, this might not be your top choice. But if you value a natural-looking result, don’t want to be pressured into unnecessary packages, and prefer having the chief physician personally oversee your treatment, BASE is definitely a worthy option in Busan.
One more quick tip: BASE doesn’t list fixed prices on its official website—all quotes are provided only after an in-person consultation. The price ranges you see online are just for reference; the actual cost will vary depending on the number of treatments, products used, and any combined packages. Be sure to clarify everything before signing anything during your consultation.
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To schedule a consu ltation, please add us on WeChat. WeChat ID: xycheng2204 |
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Disclaimer: This article is based on personal visits and collected information, and it is not intended as medical advertising or a sponsored recommendation. All prices, medical services, and doctor details may change according to the hospital’s policies. Please refer to the official information from BASE Dermatology and the results of your actual consultation. Before making any decisions regarding cosmetic treatments, it is recommended to consult a professional physician and assess your own health condition.
