Let me state the conclusion first: DIAR Dermatology is one of the few clinics in South Korea where I felt that I was treated as an individual, rather than just another order. This isn’t a sponsored article; I have included in it my entire experience, from the initial consultation to price comparisons, the actual treatment process, and my recovery results. I’ve also shared the challenges I faced and my own hesitations. After reading this, you will be able to decide for yourself whether this clinic is right for you.
I. Why did I come across DIar Dermatology?
To be honest, it wasn’t on my list at first. I had originally considered several well-known Gangnam clinics that received a lot of online attention, but the waiting times for appointments were nearly three weeks long, and my trip only lasted for five days. It was during the price comparison process that I came across DIAR – it opened in December 2025 and is located on the 10th floor of the KI Building at 8, 69 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu; it’s just a few steps away from the subway station.
What really convinced me to give it a try were two key factors: first, the founding team consisted of dermatology specialists with over 20 years of clinical experience; second, they claimed to offer 1:1 personalized services, with a care team of 14 members and a resident anesthesiologist on site. The advantages of a new clinic were obvious—the equipment would definitely be brand-new—but the downside was that they had relatively few cases and their reputation had not yet been established. After some consideration, I decided that for a field like Dermatology, where operational details are of utmost importance, a doctor’s expertise was far more crucial than the clinic’s reputation, so I made an appointment.
If this is your first time going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, I recommend reading this comprehensive guide to skin care treatments in South Korea first. Having a clear understanding of the entire process, from visa application to follow-up appointments, will help you avoid getting overwhelmed during the actual consultation.
II. What happened on the day of the in-person consultation?
I made an appointment at 11 a.m. on a weekday. My first impression upon entering was that it “didn’t look like a clinic at all, but rather like a quiet living room” – there was no crowded waiting area. The front desk was staffed by people who could speak Chinese, so communication was no problem at all, which was very important for someone like me who can only say “An Niu” in Korean.
A face-to-face consultation is not just a formality. The doctor used an instrument similar to an AI skin scanner to examine my entire face and then explained in detail: where the glow had faded due to photoaging, where the expression lines appeared, and where the thinning of the fat layer had caused indentations. Instead of immediately promoting a “full-face treatment package,” he told me that my Nasolabial Fold Correction actually didn’t require filling and that Lifting would achieve a more natural result. This approach of “advising me to opt for less” actually increased my trust in him greatly.
In the end, I chose the combination of ONDA HIFU, Potenza, and Rejuran water light treatment. The doctor explained that ONDA helps to tighten the overall contours, Potenza addresses Pores and fine lines, while Rejuran performs deep-level repair – these three treatments do not overlap or cause any waste. By the way, if you’re wondering how to choose between Thermage and HIFU or whether they can be used together, you might find this practical comparison article helpful. It was precisely this article that helped me understand the differences when making my decision.
On weekdays in the morning, there are not many people in the front desk and waiting area of the Dermatology department at DIar.
III. My true feelings after completing the project
Let’s start with the discomfort factor. For ONDA, the treatment I received used 80kJ of energy and lasted for about 20 minutes. It was somewhat similar to applying a hot towel to the face repeatedly – the area around the jawline would become sore, but it was still tolerable. With Potenza, since local anesthetic is applied and inhalation anesthesia is also used (there is always an anesthesiologist present during the procedure, which I think is a significant advantage), you hardly feel anything during the treatment. However, after it’s over, the skin becomes noticeably red. Rejuran’s hyaluronic acid injection is done manually, so you can definitely feel the needles being inserted, but the technician’s skills are very precise, so there is no risk of bruising.
The results are not immediately visible after the procedure. Following the doctor’s advice, I took comparison photos on the 7th and 14th days – on the 7th, my Pores appeared significantly finer, and the “floppy” feeling of my face had disappeared; by the 14th day, the Lifting effect in the Nasolabial Fold Correction area was the most natural-looking. It wasn’t just a bulge caused by filling material, but rather the entire Apple Zone that had been effectively “lifted”. A colleague asked me if I had lost weight, but in fact, my weight remained the same.
But I have to be honest: if you expect to “look completely different right after the treatment,” then Dermatology treatments won’t achieve that; that’s something plastic surgery can do. Skin management is about “making you look more energetic and having healthy skin,” and this expectation needs to be clearly understood beforehand. I previously wrote a review of Gangnam V Dermatology’s services, where I discussed the results of HIFU + glow treatments—that kind of treatment that friends would notice makes your complexion look better—you can refer to that for comparison.
Regarding the visible equipment in the consultation rooms, an advantage of new clinics is that the models used are generally more modern.
IV. Are the prices transparent? I’ve sorted it out for you.
The prices at DIar were clearly shown to me during the in-person consultation; there was no such thing as “quoting prices based on your facial expression.” The following table is a compilation of reference prices for popular treatments. The currency used is Korean won, but the actual price will be determined during the consultation. I specifically selected representative treatments, ranging from affordable glow treatments to luxury anti-aging procedures:
Here are some considerations for your reference: The RE2O hyaluronic acid treatment costs ₩79,000, which is relatively low compared to the prices in Gangnam and makes it a good option for those looking to try something new; Potenza starts at ₩390,000, while ONDA begins at ₩490,000 – these options offer good value for money. For more expensive treatments like Thermage or HIFU, it’s advisable to compare prices with other clinics. You can refer to the price list of Serene’s Seongsu services or laurel’s anti-aging programs to see that although DIAR’s pricing is not the lowest, considering the one-on-one consultations and the presence of an anesthesiologist on-site, I think the extra cost is reasonable.
According to the comparison chart provided by the clinic (licensed for use), the recovery period is approximately 7 to 14 days.
V. Who is suitable for this, and who isn’t?
I wouldn’t recommend it without thinking it through. Based on my experience this time, diar seems to be more suitable in the following situations:
- For those who want to Lifting and improve their appearance but are reluctant to undergo surgery or afraid that fillers will make their face look stiff – its strength lies in the combination of “Lifting effects + skin texture improvement”.
- For those who are sensitive to pain and require anesthesia for safety purposes, the presence of an anesthesiologist on-site is not a common practice in Dermatology.
- For those with a busy schedule and who don’t want to wait in line for too long, it is relatively easier to make an appointment at the new clinic.
- People who face difficulties in communicating in Chinese and need Chinese-language services.
On the other hand, if your budget is limited and you simply want to try out the cheapest form of cosmetic treatment, areas such as Hongdae and Seongsu offer more affordable options. However, if you are considering procedures like Double eyelid surgery or nose augmentation, DIAR specializes in Dermatology, so it may not be the right choice for you. For information on how to arrange your visa and travel plans, you can start by reading this guide on South Korea’s visa exemption policies. Avoid trying to incorporate cosmetic treatments into your transit itinerary, as it might cause too much stress.
VI. Final FAQ: I’ve answered all the questions you might have.
Q1: Will DIar Dermatology charge foreigners more than locals? Are the prices different between China and South Korea?
The quotes I received during the in-person consultation were within the same price range as those offered by local people, and I did not notice any instances of double pricing. However, it is common for South Korean clinics to offer different prices depending on the combination of services provided. Therefore, I recommend requesting a detailed list of prices for each individual service during the consultation, rather than just relying on the total amount quoted.
Q2: Can I still go there if I don’t speak Korean?
Certainly. There are Chinese-speaking staff at the front desk, and it’s also possible to arrange for Chinese-language communication during the consultation. I didn’t need to use any translation apps at all throughout the process.
Q3: How soon after the procedure can I go shopping or fly on an airplane?
After the Potenza treatment, the face may turn red on the same day; it is recommended to schedule a photo session the next day. The puncture sites caused by the hyaluronic acid injections will heal and close on the same day, allowing you to wear light makeup the following day. I went out shopping normally already on the third day after the treatment. It is advisable to avoid taking long-distance flights within 48 hours after the procedure, as the dry environment in the cabin is not conducive to recovery.
Q4: Will the recovery period be too embarrassing, making it difficult to go out in public?
On the 1st and 2nd days, there was redness and slight swelling; starting from the 3rd day, I mainly felt that my skin was just “tense”. When I returned to work on the 7th day, no one noticed anything unusual; instead, they all said my complexion looked good. This is somewhat similar to the description in Elvia’s post about her experience shopping after the Thermage treatment.
Q5: With so few cases from newly established clinics, how can one determine whether they are reliable or not?
There are three key points to consider: the doctor’s qualifications (whether they specialize in this area and how many years of experience they have), the model of the equipment used (whether it is genuine and brand-new), and the doctor’s attitude during the consultation (whether they advise you to reduce the number of treatments). Only when these three aspects meet the standards set by diar do I feel confident. On the contrary, new clinics, in order to build a good reputation, tend to be more cautious in their operations.
Q6: How can I make the reservation process as hassle-free as possible?
By booking through the BeautsGO platform, you can secure a fixed price and get support from Chinese-speaking customer service – it’s much more reliable than making calls on your own. Just click the button below:
The above are my personal real experiences shared with you. The effects of these treatments can vary from person to person, so please consult a doctor for a customized plan. The prices mentioned in this article are for reference only and may be subject to adjustment.
VII. Related Recommendations: These might also interest you.
While doing my homework, I read these articles several times. Reading about anti-aging treatments in South Korea’s Dermatology field really helped me understand the concept better.
