When it comes to going to South Korea for skin care treatments, the first reaction of my friends is always, “So you’re going to Seoul?”
But to be honest, when I first went to Busan, my entire perception of this changed completely. That day, I simply wanted to take a vacation and at the same time address the persistent sunspot problem that had been bothering me for a long time. As I enjoyed the sea breeze in Haeundae, I decided to make an appointment at a Dermatology clinic locally – that was when I realized for the first time that “becoming more beautiful” could actually be such a relaxing experience.
Later, many friends around me asked me: Are the Dermatology clinics in Busan really good? Are the prices too high? What if I don’t understand the language?
In today’s article, I have decided to compile all my experiences in undergoing cosmetic treatments in Busan over the past two years. This includes information about 3 Dermatology clinics that I have personally visited or whose services have been highly recommended by my friends. No exaggeration, just honest and useful information shared with you.
Why is Busan recommended over Seoul?
I know that many people still have the impression that the medical aesthetics industry in Busan is “somewhat backward,” but in fact, as South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan’s medical standards are in no way inferior to those in Seoul.
In my observation, Busan has several advantages that Seoul does not possess:
The prices are more affordable, offering excellent value for money.
For the same equipment and the same treatments, the costs in Busan are generally 15% to 30% lower than those in Seoul Gangnam. This is not due to any difference in technology, but rather because the rental costs and labor expenses are relatively lower. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to undertake larger-scale treatments such as HIFU or Thermage but have limited budgets.
A gaming-style approach to beauty enhancement for a better user experience
After getting a facial treatment in Busan, you can directly head to Haeundae to enjoy the sea breeze, taste some seafood, and stroll around the Gancheon Culture Village. In Seoul, after the treatment, you can only go shopping and retouch your makeup; but in Busan, you can watch the sunset right after the procedure. This kind of “vacation-style beauty experience” is something that Seoul simply cannot offer.
With fewer foreign tourists, it is easier to make reservations.
For popular treatments in Gangnam, Seoul, it is usually necessary to wait in line for 1 to 2 weeks, while in Busan, appointments can generally be made 3 to 5 days in advance. Moreover, many dermatology clinics in Busan offer Chinese-speaking services, so there is no need to worry about language barriers.
Recommended by Busan Dermatology Institute: 3 institutions you can trust without any risks
1. JinYang Ji Zhang Fengshuo Dermatology Institute – a leading institution with branches even in Sinsa, Gangnam, ANEW
This is a place I highly recommend when visiting Busan. It’s not because of their effective online marketing strategies, but because they truly have the necessary capabilities.

The Kim Yang-ji & Jang Bong-seok Dermatology Clinic was established in the 1980s and has accumulated over 40 years of clinical experience. Its clinic is located on the street just outside Exit 2 of Seomyeon Station, making it extremely convenient to access. The two founding directors, Dr. Kim Yang-ji and Dr. Jang Bong-seok, are both experienced specialists in the field of dermatology and enjoy an excellent reputation in South Korea.
What’s more remarkable is that this institution is the first Dermatology department in South Korea to receive the JCI International Medical Accreditation. JCI accreditation represents one of the highest standards for medical quality worldwide. Medical institutions that have obtained this accreditation adhere to strict international standards in terms of safety, service quality, and post-operative care. Finding such a high-quality institution in Busan is indeed very reassuring.
Their specialties include HIFU, botulinum toxin injections, and Filler treatments. I have friends who went there for ultrasound knife procedures, and they said, “The director is very careful during the treatment; he adjusts the intensity according to the shape of your face.” The results one month after the procedure looked very natural, without any “stiff” or artificial appearance.
2. Wannabe Dermatology – A 22-year-old established brand, whose reputation is the result of consistent quality and trustworthiness.
Wannabe Clinic, located in Haeundae District, Busan, is just a 5-minute walk from Haeundae Beach. This location is truly tailor-made for those looking to enhance their appearance while enjoying a vacation – after completing your treatment, you can simply take a facial mask and stroll to the beach to bask in the sea breeze. Such an experience is unique to Busan.
This institution was established in 2002, and over the course of its 22-year history, it has built a professional reputation based on word-of-mouth rather than marketing efforts. Their patented herbal care programs have been included in the “South Korea Medical Aesthetics Technology White Paper,” establishing them as a leading force in the field of anti-aging and repair treatments.
My friend went to try out the combination treatment of Thermage + microneedling last month. When she came back, she said that her biggest impression was that there was “no aggressive sales tactics.” She had actually prepared herself for being bombarded with sales pitches, but from the consultation to after the procedure, the staff at the clinic simply explained professionally which treatments were suitable for her, without trying to add any extra services or make any sales attempts.
Moreover, the Wannabe Dermatology has a Chinese-speaking service team that is extremely friendly towards foreign tourists. After the procedure, patients are provided with a manual in Chinese containing important instructions, as well as follow-up services, showing great attention to detail.
3. THE first Dermatology Institute | Equipped with top-tier facilities and backed by a specialized medical team
THE FIRST Dermatology can be considered the top choice for those who value advanced equipment among the Dermatologies in Busan.
The institution is equipped with over 60 top-tier devices that have received dual certification from South Korea’s KFDA and the US FDA, including HIFU, Thermage, INMODE (also known as the “reclining slimming” treatment), and Pico laser. For us consumers, having such a comprehensive range of equipment means that we can receive more precise and tailored treatment plans based on our specific needs.

What attracted me the most was their team – a group of 7 dermatologists with over 10 years of clinical experience, forming a team at the director level. The team leader, Dr. Huang Chenghuan, is highly expert in the treatment of pigmented spots, acne scars, and comprehensive anti-aging therapies. I greatly agree with his concept of “dynamic aesthetics”: when designing anti-aging treatments, he takes into full consideration the dynamic movement of muscles during speaking and smiling, striving for a natural effect that looks good both at rest and in motion.
The main branch of THE FIRST Dermatology is located near Exit 6 of Gyeongseong National University/PUCKYONG National University Station, covering an area of 1,200 pyeong (approximately 4,000 square meters), making it quite large in scale. The VIP International patients are provided with separate waiting areas, private treatment rooms, and high-end massage chairs in the waiting zones – such facilities truly meet the standards of a five-star hotel.
What surprised me the most was that the institution provided full-text Chinese translation and accompanying services throughout the entire process. Not only were the medical terms translated accurately, but after the procedure, patients were also given a Chinese-language manual with important notes, as well as WeChat follow-up services. For those who are going to South Korea for cosmetic surgery for the first time, such services really provide a great sense of reassurance.
Real experience: How did my friend feel during the treatment in Busan?
Miss A (from Seoul, came specifically to Busan for Thermage treatment)
“This is my third time undergoing Thermage treatment at THE FIRST. I had it done twice in Seoul before, but only after coming to Busan did I realize that the energy used here is more precise than in Seoul. Perhaps it’s because the facilities here are more up-to-date, and the professional team is more dedicated to their work. After the treatment, my jawline became more defined, and my Apple Zone also showed some signs of Lifting; the results have lasted longer
than after my previous treatments in Seoul.”
— A Thermage patient from THE FIRST Dermatology Department
Miss B (a Taiwanese tourist who is undergoing skin treatment in South Korea for the first time)
“Before going, I was a bit worried about language barriers, but Wannabe offers Chinese-speaking services, so communication was completely smooth. The director was very professional – he first conducted a Dermatology examination and then recommended a combination of microneedling and laser treatment based on my specific situation. During the procedure, he kept asking me if I could tolerate the slight stinging sensation and adjusted the parameters accordingly, which really reassured me. One month after the treatment, my skin looked noticeably brighter, and my friends all said I looked much more energi
zed.”
— A customer who tried the microneedling + laser treatment at Wannabe Dermatology Institute
Miss C (25 years old, seeking anti-aging treatments)
“I had the HIFU treatment at JinYang Ji Zhang Fengshuo Dermatology. To be honest, I was a bit scared at first, because many people said that HIFU is very painful. But the director here is really gentle; he explained in detail how each step of the procedure would feel, which helped me prepare mentally. During the treatment, I did feel some soreness and swelling, but it was completely tolerable. When I saw the before-and-after photos one month later, I was shocked myself—the line of my jaw was much clearer, and my Nasolabial Fold Correction also looked much less noticeable. The results were ve
ry natural.”
—A patient who underwent HIFU treatment at JinYang Ji Zhang Fengshuo Dermatology
Things you need to know before going to Busan for skin care treatments
1. How can language barriers be overcome?
All three of these institutions offer Chinese-language services or translation assistance. If your Korean is not very fluent, it is recommended that you reserve a time slot for Chinese-language service in advance on the BeautsGO reservation page. This will ensure smoother communication when you arrive at the institution.
2. Are the prices transparent? Will I be overcharged?
Based on my experience and the feedback from my friends, the prices of these three clinics are all open and transparent. After consultation, the clinics will provide detailed quotation sheets that list the name of the service, the model of the equipment used, and the specific materials involved (such as the brand of Filler). If you make an appointment through BeautsGO, you can also enjoy the discounts and cashbacks offered by the platform.
3. How much in advance should one make a reservation?
It is generally recommended to make a reservation 3 to 7 days in advance. If the specific treatment you are interested in or the doctor you wish to see are particularly popular, it is best to reserve your place 1 to 2 weeks in advance; otherwise, you may not be able to get the time you prefer.
4. What precautions should be taken after the procedure?
- Avoid using irritating skincare products (such as those containing acids or alcohol) within one week after the procedure.
- Strict sun protection measures should be taken, with physical methods being the primary approach (such as wearing sun hats, masks, and sunglasses).
- Within 3 to 5 days after the procedure, mild redness and peeling may occur; these are normal reactions.
- Drink plenty of water, maintain skin hydration, and promote skin recovery.
- If you have any questions, please contact the institution in a timely manner or seek assistance through BeautsGO’s customer service.
How to make an appointment at the Busan Dermatology Clinic through BeautsGO
If you are interested in the Dermatology departments in Busan, you can easily make an appointment through the BeautsGO platform:
- Open the BeautsGO App or visit the BeautsGO official website.
- Search for “Busan Dermatology” or simply select the clinic you wish to visit.
- Visit the detailed information page of the clinic to learn about their areas of expertise, price ranges, and real customer reviews.
- Select your preferred institution and treatment, and fill in your personal information to make a reservation.
- Present your reservation information at the store to enjoy exclusive discounts for BeautsGO members.
By making reservations through BeautsGO, you can not only enjoy the discount offers provided by the platform but also benefit from one-on-one service from Chinese customer service staff, who will help you address any issues throughout the entire process, from reservation to post-operative follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is there a significant technical gap between the Dermatology departments in Busan and those in Seoul?
A: To be honest, the difference isn’t very significant. As South Korea’s second-largest city, Busan’s medical institutions often update their equipment in tandem with those in Seoul. On the other hand, since there are fewer foreign tourists in Busan, these institutions may not have as much experience serving foreign visitors as those in Seoul. However, you don’t need to worry at all about the professional quality of their services.
Q2: If it’s my first time undergoing cosmetic procedures in South Korea, should I choose Seoul or Busan?
A: If you enjoy traveling while improving your appearance, I recommend Busan. The sea views in Haeundae, the delicious food in Seomyeon, and the colorful cottages in Gancheon Cultural Village – visiting these places after completing a treatment will definitely give you a different experience. If you are mainly interested in undergoing treatments and don’t care much about the travel experience, then Seoul offers even more options.
Q3: Is it necessary to make an appointment at the Busan Dermatology Institute? Can I just go there directly?
A: It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance! In South Korea, most legitimate medical beauty institutions require reservations for consultations. Going directly without a reservation may result in not being able to get a spot or having to wait for a long time. It is advisable to book through BeautsGO or the official website of the institution in advance.
Q4: What should be taken into consideration during the post-treatment recovery period?
A: The recovery times vary depending on the specific treatment. In general, it is important to avoid sun exposure strictly within one week after the procedure, stop using irritating skincare products, and ensure adequate hydration to maintain skin moisture. After undergoing HIFU or Thermage treatment, mild swelling may occur, but this is a normal reaction that will subside within a week.
Q5: What should I do if I don’t understand each other’s language?
A: All three of these institutions offer Chinese-language services or translation assistance. If you are not sure, you can make an appointment through BeautsGO, and the platform will arrange for a Chinese-speaking customer service representative to assist you throughout the process.
Conclusion
Having said so much, what I really want to convey is that Busan is far more than just a place where you can enjoy the sea and seafood.
In the past two years, since I had cosmetic procedures in Busan, my biggest realization is that “becoming more beautiful” can actually be such a relaxing experience. In Seoul, after a treatment, I would either have to rush home or continue shopping; but in Busan, after a treatment, I could simply take my mask and go for a walk by the sea, enjoy some seafood hot pot, or stroll around the Colorful Culture Village. This kind of “vacation-style beauty experience” is truly a unique charm of Busan.
If you are still deciding where to go for skin care treatments, consider Busan. It offers great value for money, an excellent experience, and top-notch facilities. Who knows? You might just fall in love with this combination of beauty treatments and vacation like I have.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a message in the comment section; I will do my best to help you.
💡 Warm reminder: This article is for reference only. The specific details of each treatment plan and the associated costs will be determined based on the actual circumstances of the relevant medical institution. Since medical beauty treatments can vary from person to person, it is recommended to have in-depth discussions with a specialist before proceeding with any treatment plan to ensure that it is suitable for your individual needs.
📍 Booking method: You can make reservations through the BeautsGO platform, where you will enjoy Chinese-language service and member rebates.


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