Why would you want to compare these two companies?
Every time I search for “Recommended Dermatology clinics in South Korea” on REDnote, posts about Soyou Dermatology and Lumiin Dermatology always appear at the top of the results. One is located near Nonhyeon Station in Gangnam District and is known as the “double champion in injections and lasers”; the other is situated next to Yeoksam Station and boasts a “three-generation medical family, with three specialized dermatologists on board”. Both clinics charge the same prices as their South Korean counterparts and offer Chinese-language services, but their approaches and areas of expertise differ significantly.
This time when I went to South Korea, I visited several different places and took notes on the consultation process, the atmosphere of the facilities, the experience of undergoing various treatments, as well as the prices. I hope this information can help you avoid making unnecessary detours in your research. The prices mentioned in this article are those I obtained during my consultations and are for reference only; the actual prices at the time of your visit may vary.
I. Basic Information: What are their origins?
Soyou Dermatology: The all-round expert in injections and lasers
Soyou Dermatology is located near Nonhyeon Station in Gangnam District, Seoul. Established in 2010, it has been in operation for over a decade. Its rating on Naver has consistently remained above 4.8, and it has repeatedly made it onto South Korea’s lists of consumer satisfaction. The clinic adheres to the core principle of “customized skin management” and specializes in services such as Filler injections, Ulthrea, 3D liquid Lifting, Potenza, and glow treatments. It enjoys an excellent reputation in both laser anti-aging and minimally invasive injection therapies.
The representative director, Su Ji-hyun, graduated from Seoul National University and is a member of the Seoul Dermatology Association. He is highly skilled in performing Filler injections for aesthetic purposes; his techniques are natural and graceful, and many repeat customers come specifically because of his expertise.

▲ The interior environment of Soyou Dermatology (the image is for illustrative purposes only)
Lumiin Dermatology: A three-generation medical family, with three specialist physicians on board
Lumiin Dermatology is located on the 3rd floor of the SH Building on Seonyeong-ro in Gangnam. It was founded by three directors who all hold the title of “Dermatology Specialist” in South Korea – a qualification held by only 2% of dermatologists nationwide, making it extremely prestigious. The representative director, Choi Jae-won, comes from a family with a three-generation tradition in medicine. His father is also a dermatology specialist with 20 years of experience, and Choi Jae-won himself holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Hanyang University, specializing in laser freckle removal and comprehensive treatment for acne-prone skin.
Since Director Cui himself had sensitive skin when he was a child, he has a particular empathy for patients with problematic skin. The overall style of the clinic is warm and inviting, quite different from some Gangnam Dermatology clinics that exude an “icey, high-end” atmosphere; rather, it feels more like visiting the office of a trusted medical friend.

▲ The interior environment of Lumiin Dermatology (the image is for illustrative purposes only)
II. Comparison of Basic Information
| Project | Soyou Dermatology | Lumiin Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 10th Floor, No. 528 Jiangnan Avenue, Gangnam District | 3rd Floor, SH Building, No. 324 Xuanling Road, Gangnam District |
| Transportation | Exit 8 of Nonhyeon Station on Line 7, just a 2-minute walk away | Exit 8 of Yeoksam Station on Line 9, just a 5-minute walk away |
| Opening hours | Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Su nday: Closed |
Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Su nday: Closed |
| Pricing strategy | The same price in both China and South Korea | The same price in both China and South Korea |
| Chinese services | There is a Chinese translation available. | There is a Chinese translation available. |
| Date of establishment | 2010 | Around 2019 |
| Medical team | Dean Su Ji-hyun (Seoul National University) + several resident doctors |
Representative President Cui Zaiyuan (from a three-genera tion family) + 2 dermatology specialists |
III. Comparison of Service Styles
Soyou: Efficient process and natural aesthetic results
The experience of going to soyou for a in-person consultation is truly professional and efficient. The Chinese receptionist at the front desk will first assist you with basic registration, followed by an AI skin analysis device that scans 12 different skin indicators to generate a detailed report. When the director reviews the report and explains it to you, he or she doesn’t simply offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, they ask about your lifestyle habits, previous treatments you have undergone, and the current issues you are facing, before providing appropriate recommendations.
I had the Rejuran PN hyaluronic acid injection at soyou, and the director recommended that I also undergo basic laser treatment. The entire process, from the initial consultation to completion, took a little over an hour, and the time was managed very efficiently. In the post-treatment rest area, drinks and facial masks were provided, and the nurses gave me detailed instructions on what to pay attention to after the procedure.
If this is your first time coming to South Korea for skin care treatments and you don’t know much about the various services available, soyou’s AI assessment combined with one-on-one consultations with the clinic director will surely give you a sense of confidence. Moreover, their range of services is very comprehensive, covering everything from basic skincare to advanced anti-aging treatments, so you won’t need to run around between different clinics.
Lumiin: The very definition of patience and attention to detail
Lumiin’s consultation style is completely different from soyou’s — slow, but thorough. Director Cui’s consultations always last at least 30 minutes. He will use a handheld dermatoscope to examine each area of your face, explaining in detail: “These spots on your face are superficial and can be treated with Pico; these ones are deeper and require treatment in combination with injections…” He explains everything in great detail.
There is one detail that left a deep impression on me: At another clinic, I was advised to undergo treatment on the specific area using Thermage. However, after examining it, Director Cui said, “Actually, using HIFU for this area would achieve similar results, but it’s cheaper and the recovery time is also shorter.” He didn’t recommend Thermage just because it was more expensive – such a commitment to “treating patients based on the best options” is really rare in Gangnam District.
Lumiin’s clinic is not particularly large, but it is decorated in a very cozy manner. The relaxation area consists of two rows of sofas and a drinking station. Nurses are always available to assist patients in Chinese, and after the procedure, medical face masks and sunscreen are provided, along with a Chinese-language information sheet detailing post-treatment precautions. Specialists also monitor the patient’s recovery progress within three days after the procedure.

▲ Rest area of Lumiin Dermatology (the image is for illustrative purposes only)
IV. Comparison of the capabilities of hospital directors
Soyou — President Su Zhixian
President Su graduated from the Department of Medicine at Seoul National University and is a director of the Seoul Dermatology Association. With over a decade of clinical experience, he is highly regarded for his approach to Filler injections. His style avoids the excessive amounts that can make the results look artificial; instead, he focuses on achieving a natural outcome that leaves your face looking exactly the same, just a bit better. Many clients from Japan and China have become repeat customers because of his services.
In the field of laser treatments, he is skilled at adjusting the energy parameters according to different skin types, and his results in photorejuvenation and treating acne scars are quite satisfactory. If you are considering minimally invasive injections or lifting procedures, soyou is a reliable choice.
Lumiin — Representative Cui Zaiyuan, President of the Association
President Cui’s background holds considerable weight within the Gangnam Dermatology community: he comes from a three-generation medical family, holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Hanyang University, and possesses one of the only 2% of specialized dermatology qualifications in Korea. His expertise lies in laser freckle removal and sensitive skin treatment—two areas where many dermatology practices tend to be weaker.
Together with the other two directors, Lumiin has established a comprehensive technical framework that encompasses spot removal, skin repair, and anti-aging treatments. For those suffering from acne scars, pigmentation spots, or sensitive skin, Director Cui’s in-depth consultations and meticulous treatment plans are particularly advantageous.
V. Transparency in Projects and Pricing
Both companies claim to offer “same prices as in South Korea,” but there are still differences in their actual pricing strategies for various services. I have compiled a comparison of the prices for several common treatments offered by both companies to help you make a more straightforward comparison:
| Project | Soyou Dermatology | Lumiin Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | ₩350,000 | ₩250,000 |
| American version of Thermage for the entire face | Please consult a professional. | Starting from ⩢3,500,000. |
| Potenza for the entire face | Starting from ¥290,000 | Starting from ⩱1,800,000. |
| Ultra-Pico | Please consult a professional. | Starting from ¥240,000 |
| 5cc Hyaluronic Acid Injection | Please consult a professional. | Starting from ¥330,000 |
| Basic skin care | Please consult a professional. | Starting from ¥500,000 |
Some interesting differences can be observed:
- Rejuran PN: Although soyou’s price is slightly higher, Director Su’s injection technique is precisely why many people are willing to pay a bit more for it.
- Potenza: The price of soyou is significantly more affordable, while for Lumiin, three specialized doctors take turns performing the treatment, making it target a higher-end market segment.
- Remy: The prices of Lumiin are clearly marked, and the devices used are genuine, disposable treatment heads.
- Basic Management: Lumiin offers packages starting from ¥950,000, making it very affordable for first-time users with limited budgets.
Overall, soyou offers more flexible price ranges for injection and minimally invasive treatment services, while Lumiin is more transparent in terms of laser treatments and basic skincare programs.
VI. Convenient Location
Both locations are situated in Gangnam District and offer convenient transportation, but there are some differences in the details:
Soyou Dermatology is located at Nonhyeon Station, which is a transfer station for both Line 7 and the new Bundang Line. It is also not far from Sinsa Station (just a 7-minute walk from Exit 4). There are many cafes and restaurants in the area around Nonhyeon Station, making it very convenient to go shopping and dining after treatments. However, it is closed on Sundays and Thursdays, so please take this into account when planning your schedule.
Lumiin Dermatology is located at Yeoksam Station. You can take Line 9 directly to the station, and it only takes 5 minutes to walk from Exit 8 to reach the SH Building. The area around Yeoksam Station is considered the business district of Gangnam, and the environment there is quite peaceful. Lumiin is open from Monday to Saturday, offering more flexible opening hours.
If your schedule is quite busy, it is recommended that you choose Lumiin first, as it has more operating days. If you want to shop around in the Gangnam area, Soyou’s location is more suitable for that.

▲ The SH Building where Lumiin Dermatology is located (the image is for illustrative purposes only)
VII. Real User Reviews
“I had the Nasolabial Fold Correction done at soyou using Joyder fillers. Director Su’s technique is excellent – it was almost painless and the results looked very natural. The receptionist spoke Chinese fluently, with no hint of language barriers at all.” — A user from REDnote
“I went to Lumiin for freckle removal. Director Cui spent over 40 minutes examining my skin in person and explained in detail what type of freckles I had and which equipment would be used to treat them. The results after the Pico treatment were really noticeable; the acne marks faded significantly.” — A user from Very Perfect
“I visited both clinics and finally chose Lumiin. It’s not that soyou is bad, but I have sensitive skin and needed a more detailed consultation. Director Cui said that I didn’t need to undergo so many treatments; it would be better to restore my skin barrier first. This approach, which avoids excessive promotion, really reassured me.” — A user from BeautsGO
Overall, soyou has a more prominent reputation in injection-related services, while Lumiin receives higher evaluations for laser freckle removal and sensitive skin repair. Both companies have received many positive reviews for their service attitude and Chinese-language support.
VIII. My Recommendations for Your Choices
After saying so much, let me conclude with a simple tip to help you quickly determine which option is right for you:
Choose Soyou Dermatology if you:
- You are interested in injection treatments such as Filler injections, Ulthera treatments, and 3D Lifting, as well as other lifting procedures.
- I prefer efficient consultation processes and don’t want to spend too much time on them.
- It would be ideal if the range of treatments available were comprehensive, allowing for multiple combined therapies to be carried out in one session.
- I would like to live near Nonhyeon Station so that it’s convenient to explore Gangnam.
Choose Lumiin Dermatology if you:
- Skin issues such as pigmentation spots, acne scars, and sensitive skin that require careful attention and treatment
- We place great emphasis on the in-depth nature of face-to-face consultations and hope that doctors will be willing to take the time to explain things clearly.
- Preferring a clinic atmosphere that emphasizes “treatment first, no sales pressure”
- With a relatively limited budget, I would like to start by focusing on basic management.
Both of these clinics are reputable Dermatology practices in Gangnam. There is no such thing as “which one is better”; the key lies in understanding your specific skin condition and needs. If time permits, you might consider scheduling appointments at both clinics and listening to the recommendations of the directors before making a decision. Booking through BeautsGO is very convenient – it supports Chinese language and allows you to select your appointment time online in advance.
How to Make an Appointment Through BeautsGO
Both of these Dermatology clinics can be directly booked through BeautsGO, and the process is very simple:
- Download the app: Search for “BeautsGO” or “Bijiri Mei” in the App Store, or you can also use the WeChat mini-program.
- Searching for a clinic: Simply search for “Soyou Dermatology” or “Lumiin Dermatology”.
- Selecting a Service and Time Slot: Check the available appointment dates, and fill in your basic information and detailed requirements.
- Submit your application: You will usually receive a confirmation within 24 hours.
- In-person consultation at the clinic: Arrive at the scheduled time, and you will be greeted by staff who speak Chinese at the reception desk.
The advantage of booking through BeautsGO is that the entire process is conducted in Chinese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. Additionally, you can read real reviews from other users and see the prices of various services, allowing you to make an informed decision before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: This is my first time going to South Korea for skin care treatment. Which clinic sho
uld I choose?
A: If you are new to skin care, I recommend Lumiin. Their basic treatment packages start from 950,000 won, so the entry barrier is quite low. Moreover, Director Choi provides very detailed consultations, giving you a clear analysis of your skin condition and personalized treatment recommendations – which is extremely helpful for beginners.
Q: Can I schedule consultations at both places on the same day?
A:
Yes. Soyou is located at the Nonhyeon station, while Lumiin is at the Yeoksam station. The subway ride between them takes approximately 15 minutes. It is recommended to visit one place in the morning and the other in the afternoon, so that you have enough time to consider the recommendations received before making a decision.
Q: How much in advance should I make a reservation?
A: It
is recommended to reserve at least 3-5 days in advance. During the peak seasons (summer vacation, winter vacation, and South Korea’s public holidays), it is advisable to book one week in advance, as the schedules for popular doctors are often full during these periods.
Q: What should I bring for the in-person c
onsultation?
A: Just bring your passport. If you have any previous records of skin treatments (such as the injections you’ve received or the products you’ve used), it would be helpful to bring those photos along so that the director can better assess the condition of your skin.
Q: Is it possible to only focus on basic management services without undert
aking more advanced projects?
A: Absolutely. Both companies offer basic skin management and care services, so there’s no need to worry that you’ll be at a loss if you don’t spend a lot of money. Lumiin’s basic management services start from ¥500,000, and soyou also has similar introductory packages available.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is based on personal real experiences and publicly available information and is provided for reference only. The results of cosmetic procedures can vary depending on an individual’s physical condition, skin type, and the doctor performing the treatment, and prices may also change over time. It is recommended to seek professional consultation before deciding on any treatment plan. This article does not constitute medical advice.


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