When it comes to Seoul’s Hongdae, what comes to your mind? A trendy destination where young people gather, a cultural district filled with delicious restaurants, or those small shops hidden in the alleys that are impossible to find without a local guide?
I have been to Hongdae no less than ten times and always regarded it as a place purely for entertainment. Until one day, when I went with a friend for some dermatological treatments, I accidentally ended up at Kate Dermatology, which is located on the 7th floor of the building at No. 148 Yanghua Road. That experience made Hongdae my top choice for getting medical beauty treatments on my way home.
After returning, I visited that place three more times. It wasn’t because the services were particularly cheap, but because—in this area where Dermatology clinics are everywhere—it was truly its good reputation that helped it gain popularity.
Today, I would like to share with you all this hidden gem of a Dermatology clinic.
▼ Click to learn more about Hongdae Kate Dermatology and schedule a consultation with the director.
I. Why Choose CDU Dermatology? Let’s start with its geographical advantages.
Kate Premium Derma Clinic is located on the 7th floor of 148 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It is only about a 1-minute walk from Exit 9 of the Hongdae entrance station on Line 2 of the subway. Specifically, it is situated in that building with the large ADIDAS sign; the elevator takes you straight to the 7th floor.
How convenient is this location? After the treatment, with a mask on my face, I can just walk down to Hongdae Main Street. Having a cup of coffee or browsing around clothing stores is the perfect way to pass the time, without any sense of going through the trouble of “going specifically for medical beauty treatments”.
Monday to Friday: 11:00–20:30 (Lunch break: 13:30–14:30)
Saturday: 10:00–16:30 (
Open throughout the day, ideal for working professionals)
Sund
ay and public holidays: Closed
It is recommended that you avoid Saturday mornings, as there are usually many people trying to make appointments at that time. If you schedule your appointment for another time, you will generally not have to wait too long.
Secondly, the two or three deans each have their own areas of expertise, so this team really has something to offer.
For many people considering pursuing a career in Dermatology, the most important factor is whether the doctors are reliable. I also had this concern before my first visit.
Later, I conducted some research and found that Kate’s three male directors had clear divisions of responsibilities; it was not the case where they all did everything, and did everything mediocrely.
On behalf of the dean, Li Yuanxiang—who is said to have graduated from Yonsei University and possesses over twenty years of clinical experience—is considered the backbone of the institution. He serves as a teaching physician for many well-known domestic and international fillers and laser devices, personally overseeing the setting of all key parameters. In the field of anti-aging Lifting treatments, countless people seek his expertise. I have a friend who underwent a combination treatment using HIFU and Thermage; the results were very natural, without any trace of that “stiff, plastic-like” appearance.
Deputy Director Hong Chunhe specializes in subtle contour adjustments and is renowned for achieving the most natural results using the minimum amount of injections possible. Many people have mentioned online that his injections cause almost no bleeding, and there are no noticeable bruises after the procedure. My own experience has confirmed this: after the treatment, I went straight to the supermarket, and no one noticed that I had undergone any cosmetic procedures.
Deputy Director Wen Guanying – The injection procedures he performs are extremely meticulous, especially in the areas around the chin and nose. Many people make special arrangements to see him. His technique is delicate, and he carefully verifies the injection sites before proceeding, rather than just starting the procedure immediately upon arrival.
The team is also equipped with 5 dedicated nurses who assist throughout the entire treatment process, ensuring that every step is properly monitored and followed up.
III. Transparent medical treatment: Doctors do not promote unnecessary services or add extra procedures arbitrarily.
I would like to emphasize this point specifically.
Those who have undergone medical beauty treatments know that what they fear most is not the treatment itself, but rather the oppressive feeling of being in a “sales meeting” as soon as you enter the clinic – the consultant speaks, then the nurse adds something, followed by the doctor’s comments, and all it amounts to is an endless list of products or procedures that you are being advised to try.
Kate surprised me in this regard.
During that in-person consultation, I had sunspots on my face, enlarged Pores in the T-zone, and several closed comedones on my chin. After conducting a thorough analysis using professional skin testing equipment such as Visia, the director gave me the following advice:
“Your current skin barrier is not stable enough. It’s better to first restore the basic condition of your skin before undergoing HIFU; otherwise, the results will be less effective.”
To be honest, I was a bit surprised at that moment. Since HIFU is much more expensive than basic skincare treatments, most clinics would simply opt for the more costly options. However, Director Li Yuanxiang insisted on the principle of “performing the right treatment at the right time” and advised me to first undergo a month of basic hydration treatment before coming back for a follow-up consultation.
Subsequent events proved that he was right. One month later, my skin condition had significantly improved, and the results of subsequent laser freckle removal treatments were also much better than if I had done them directly from the start.
This attitude towards patient care—where it is necessary to advise patients to withdraw from certain treatments—is the main reason why I am willing to continue working in this industry.
▼ Book an appointment at Hongdae Kate Dermatology now for a professional pre-operative skin examination.
IV. Three distinctive features – a wide range of options to avoid any pitfalls.
Kate’s range of services is very comprehensive, covering areas such as basic management, optoelectronic equipment, injectable minimally invasive treatments, and contour shaping. Based on online reviews and my own personal experience, I have identified three of the most popular services:
1. Multi-layer Anti-aging Package (HIFU + Thermage Combination)
Suitable for people aged 25 and above who are starting to notice the first signs of aging. The energy emission depth is customized based on the results of skin scans, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Director Li Yuanxiang is the primary person in charge of the anti-aging programs at the clinic, and his technical expertise and experience are both highly reliable.
2. Korean-style glow cocktail therapy
This treatment is very “South Korean” in style. Nurses will customize the formula based on your skin type, using ingredients such as Rejuran and salmon needles. The level of personalization is quite high.
A friend who had undergone this treatment mentioned: “The day after the procedure, my face was glowing, and the makeup stuck perfectly.” I tried it myself, and indeed, the skin felt very moisturized two or three days after the treatment.
3. Pico laser freckle removal + skin rejuvenation treatment
Equipped with a variety of high-end Pico devices, it allows for the selection of different wavelengths to target various types of skin pigmentation. There are corresponding treatment options for sunspots, acne scars, and chloasma.
I have a friend who underwent Pico treatments for freckle removal three times. After the second treatment, the freckles already became significantly lighter, and the clinic director said that after one more treatment, they would basically be invisible.
▼ View all the services and latest prices at Kate Dermatology ANEW today.
V. Transparent pricing: The same prices in both South Korea and China, offering excellent value for money when purchased online.
Regarding the price issue that many people are concerned about, I will just state it directly.
The pricing of Kate Dermatology is considered moderate in the Seoul Dermatology market, and it is much more affordable compared to the luxury clinics in Cheongdam District, where the fees often start from millions of won. Basic skincare treatments range from 300,000 to 500,000 won, injection treatments (such as Filler injections) cost between 500,000 and 1,500,000 won, and anti-aging packages vary significantly depending on the specific treatment plan chosen.
Most importantly: all services are clearly priced, and the total cost will be clearly stated during the in-person consultation; no additional services will be added midway through the procedure. If the amount spent is substantial, tax refunds are also available.
A reservation fee of 10,000 Korean won (approximately 60 RMB) is required for a in-person consultation with the director, but this amount can be deducted from subsequent treatment costs. It is not one of those situations where the money is collected and never refunded.
VI. A detailed account of my three actual experiences at the clinic
Having talked about so many specific details, let me share my actual experience visiting the clinic, so that those who are going there for the first time can use it as a reference.
The first time – the initial appointment for site inspection
I made my reservation one day in advance through the BeautsGO platform and chose Dr. Li Yuanxiang as my surgeon. The entire reservation process went smoothly, and the platform’s customer service even confirmed my requirements and allergy history in Chinese.
Upon arriving at the store, the receptionist greeted me in Chinese, checked my reservation information, and handed me a cup of warm water, which instantly reduced my tension by half. After filling out some basic information and waiting for about 5 minutes, I was invited into the consultation room.
The entire facial consultation plus the basic treatment (photorejuvenation) took approximately 1.5 hours. After the procedure, the nurse applied a medical mask to my face, provided me with a card in Chinese detailing the post-treatment precautions, and also gave me a small sample size of moisturizer to try out.
The second time – undergoing Korean-style hyaluronic acid treatment
Obviously, there were many more people this time, and the waiting time was approximately 20 minutes. This time, it was Deputy Director Hong Chun-he who performed the procedure, and throughout the whole process, he would simply say “relax” and “it will be done soon” in Chinese, which really helped people feel at ease.
After the procedure, I applied ice compresses for 20 minutes in the post-operative recovery room and then used LED therapy glow for treatment. My face didn’t turn red at all, so I went straight to stroll around Hongdae Main Street.
The third visit: Three months after the surgery
This time, the main treatment was laser freckle removal. The hospital director took before-and-after photos to show the results, which were quite obvious. Now, the sunspots on my face have faded by about 70% to 80%; it is expected that one more treatment will be enough to achieve the desired effect.
What really impressed me was that on the third day after the procedure, the WeChat customer service of the clinic took the initiative to ask how I was recovering and reminded me of the necessary care precautions. Such follow-up services are not common at many clinics.
VII. Who is suitable for undergoing treatments at Kate’s clinic? Let me be honest.
Not all Dermatology departments are suitable for everyone, and Kate is no exception. In my experience, it is particularly suitable for:
- For those who seek natural results: The aesthetic preferences of these three directors tend to be more natural, and they avoid creating an “exaggerated plastic-like effect.”
- For beginners who are encountering the medical beauty industry for the first time: no sales pitches, no unnecessary additional services added – this approach helps new users build trust.
- For office workers/students studying abroad: The location is very convenient (just 1 minute away from the Hongdae entrance station), and the service is available all day on Saturdays, even during lunch breaks.
- For those with language needs: We have a dedicated Chinese translation team to ensure smooth communication throughout the process.
- For those who value cost-effectiveness: clear pricing ensures no hidden fees, and the tax-refund service is particularly considerate.
Of course, if what you are seeking is the ultra-luxurious “luxury-class” environment of Cheongdam-dong, or if you want to complete all the procedures in one go without having to visit the clinic multiple times, then Kate might not be the best option for you. The right choice is always the one that suits you best.
▼ Book an appointment at Hongdae Kate Dermatology now – dedicated Chinese-speaking customer service is available throughout the process.
VIII. Practical reservation tips – ready to go after reading this!
Transportation: Exit from Exit 9 of Hongdae Station on Line 2 of the subway, turn right, and walk for about 1 minute until you see the ADIDAS building. Go up to the 7th floor to arrive at your destination.
Reservation method: It is recommended to make reservations in advance through the BeautsGO platform. This not only avoids waiting in line but also allows you to enjoy discount coupons and post-treatment packages.
Language: Chinese translation is provided throughout the process, so you don’t need to worry about language barriers.
After the procedure: The hospital is equipped with a post-operative sedation room, which provides services such as ice compresses and LED therapy glow. It is recommended not to use irritating skincare products within 3 days after the procedure and to take proper sun protection measures.
Ultimately, what enables Hongdae Kate Dermatology to establish itself among the numerous Dermatology clinics in Seoul is not its luxurious decor or low-price promotions, but rather its approach of treating customers like friends. If you happen to be in Hongdae, getting some skin care treatment along the way is definitely a great option.
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