I. Why choose Seongsu-dong instead of Gangnam?
When it comes to going to South Korea for skin care treatments, many people’s first thought is “to go to Gangnam”. I used to do the same; there are indeed plenty of dermatology clinics in areas like Apgujeong and Sinsa-dong. However, after visiting several of them, you’ll notice one problem: there are too many people, and the service process is very fast, almost like working on an assembly line.
This time, I tried a different approach – Santosu-dong. This area has changed dramatically in recent years; it has transformed from an old industrial zone into Seoul’s “Brooklyn,” with cafes, boutiques, and designer brands clustered together, resulting in a high concentration of young people. What’s more important is that the dermatology clinics here have a different approach from those in Gangnam: they are more “small but sophisticated.” The doctors take the time to really talk to their patients, rather than just conducting a ten-minute consultation, performing the treatment in five minutes, and moving on to the next patient.
A friend recommended the Serene Clinic – a dermatology clinic specializing in medical aesthetics. She said that the director is a woman, has a great sense of aesthetics, and never tries to push any products on customers. These three points really caught my attention, so I made an appointment right away.
II. First impression upon arrival at the clinic: small but exquisite
Exit from Exit 3 of Shengshui Station on Line 2 of the subway, and it takes less than two minutes to get there. The clinic is located on the 4th floor of Baishi Building. The entrance may not be very large, but once you push the door open, you immediately feel a comfortable atmosphere – the lighting is soft, and the colors are clean and pleasant. It doesn’t have that cold, “medical” vibe; instead, it looks more like a high-end beauty salon.
The receptionist at the front desk spoke Chinese very fluently. After filling out the basic information form, I was taken to the consultation room to wait for the dean. The waiting area could accommodate about six or seven people. When I arrived, only two local Korean ladies were waiting there. The atmosphere was quiet, completely different from the crowded situations in those large clinics in Gangnam.
Here’s an additional detail: The Chinese name for the Serene Dermatology clinic is “Shilin Dermatology,” but most people prefer to refer to it simply as Serene. The director, Dr. Kim Shi-lin, graduated from the Medical College of Konkuk University and holds a Doctor of Medicine degree. With 19 years of clinical experience, she previously served as the director of several well-known hospitals, including Belle Note, Cell Clinic, and Dr. Designer, making her background particularly impressive.
III. In-person consultation experience: This is the dean I’ve ever met who is the least inclined to promote any products or services.
After waiting for about five minutes, Dean Jin walked in. In her forties, she exuded a gentle demeanor and spoke at a slow pace. Without letting the consultant start with any preliminary introductions, she simply sat down and began asking questions.
First, she used a skin analysis device to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of my entire face. On the screen, I could see various data regarding my Pores, pigmentation levels, and skin elasticity. Then she pointed at the screen and said, “Your T-zone Pores are relatively large, and there is slight discoloration on your cheeks, but fortunately, your skin elasticity is still quite good. Logically speaking, you don’t need any Lifting treatments right now. However, if you want to improve the overall quality of your skin, I suggest starting from two aspects.”
I thought what would follow would be something like, “We recommend packages A, B, C, and D. The original price is [X], and now there is a discount of [Y].” But that was not at all the case. She only recommended two treatments: Potenza Gold Micro-Needling for Pores issues, and Lizhu Lan Black Box for full-face repair and hydration. She also added specifically, “You don’t need to do the rest for now. Focus on improving the foundation of your skin first, and then we can reevaluate after three months.”
To be honest, I’ve met several department heads in the dermatology field in South Korea. For the first time, someone told me, “There’s no need to do so much.” Such restraint actually makes people trust you more.
IV. Treatment Process: The meticulousness of the female dean is truly unique.
After deciding to undergo the gold microneedling treatment along with the Lijulan procedure, I applied the anesthetic for 30 minutes first. Director Jin personally performed the procedure, and it wasn’t the kind of quick-and-dirty service where they just leave as soon as it’s done.
The Gold Micro Needle treatment uses the Potenza device, and the probe can be customized. The director adjusted the depth according to the thickness of my skin in different areas – the T-zone was treated with a slightly deeper setting (since I have more severe Pores issues), while the cheeks received a milder treatment. Throughout the process, the technician kept asking, “Does it hurt here?” and the pressure was carefully controlled at all times.
To be honest, the gold microneedling procedure does hurt a bit, but Director Jin is very skilled and works quickly – the whole process takes about ten minutes. Right after the treatment, my face turned slightly red, but it was much less intense than I had expected.
Next, I underwent the Lijuzilan black box treatment. This process was quite comfortable: first, the Lijuzilan essence was injected through microneedle channels, followed by the application of a repair mask and cold compresses using ice packs. The entire procedure took a little over an hour from starting to finishing, and I didn’t feel any discomfort at all. After the treatment, the therapist also taught me how to take care of my skin at home.
V. Postoperative results: It’s not a stunning transformation that leaves you in awe, but rather a gradual and pleasing improvement that lasts over time.
After the treatment, my face did get a bit red, kind of like a mild sunburn, but it didn’t prevent me from going out. By the next day, most of the redness had gone, and my skin felt covered with a very thin layer of scabs – these are all normal reactions.
The real surprise came on the fourth or fifth day – after the scabs fell off, I could clearly see that my Pores had become much smaller, especially on both sides of my nose. My skin tone was also more even than before, and my foundation applied much more smoothly. When friends saw me, they asked if I had changed my skincare routine; I told them I had gotten a facial treatment in Korea, and they said, “No wonder – you look so naturally radiant.”
This is exactly the effect that Dean Jin mentioned: it’s not about those dramatic changes that make you look completely different right after the treatment, but rather about a “overall improvement in skin quality” – natural and pleasing to the eye. I think this is precisely what distinguishes the female dean’s aesthetic sense; she truly knows what it means to be “beautiful just the right way”.
VI. Who is SWOMAN suitable for, and who is it not suitable for?
Based on my experience this time and the discussions I had with the director, I would like to summarize as follows:
Suitable for those who want to join SERENE:
- This was my first time going to South Korea for skin care treatments. I didn’t know much about the industry and was worried about being overcharged. However, the director didn’t try to sell me anything; instead, he provided me with a practical and realistic treatment plan.
- The pursuit of “a natural improvement” rather than “an obvious change” – this is the aesthetic philosophy of the female dean: a natural, subtle approach.
- I detest chain clinics; I want doctors to treat me with genuine care – one-on-one consultations, no delegation to others.
- Looking for a place where communication is barrier-free? Chinese-speaking services are available online, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
Not very suitable for those who prefer SERENE:
- The pursuit of extremely low prices and taking advantage of promotional offers – here, prices are transparent, but we don’t rely on low prices to attract customers. We’re not one of those places that offer “99 yuan trial prices”.
- An extremely comprehensive range of treatment options is essential. SERENE is a boutique clinic equipped with advanced facilities, but it does not belong to the category of large-scale general hospitals.
- I wanted to undertake more than three major projects at once, but the dean’s approach is more conservative; he prefers to carry out these treatments in phases.
VII. Price Transparency and Appointment Procedures
The prices at SWOMAN Dermatology are the same as those in South Korea, ensuring transparency and fairness. There will be no extra charges just because you are a foreigner. The reference price I found on BeautsGO (subject to the daily rates of the clinic) is as follows:
| Potenza Gold Micro-Needle (Pores Probe) | Starting from ¥181,500 |
| Lizhu Lan Black Box (Full-Face Restoration) | Starting from ¥270,000 |
| Titanium Lifting (for the entire face, our signature treatment) | ₩800,000 to 1,500,000 |
| ONDA microwave lifting treatment (60KJ for the entire face) | ₩700,000 to 1,200,000 |
| American Ulthera device (300 pulses) | ₩990,000 to 1,600,000 |
The prices listed above are for reference only; the actual fees will be determined based on the in-person consultation plan. Prices are denominated in Korean won and will be converted according to the current exchange rate on the day of service.
If you plan to make an appointment, I highly recommend using BeautsGO. It’s much more convenient than making a call directly – you can use the Chinese interface to check the director’s schedule and read real reviews from patients, and you’ll also get exclusive discounts offered by the platform.
VIII. Suggestions for a One-Day Tour of Holy Water Cave
If you plan to work on a project at SERENE, I recommend scheduling your day as a “half-day tour of Holy Water Cave”.
Morning: Stop by the popular cafes near the SWOMAN Holy Water Station (Onion or Empty are recommended) → Noon: Work on projects at SERENE (reserve 2-3 hours) → Afternoon: Shop at the boutiques in the Holy Water Cave area (such as Dior’s store there and Ader Error) → Evening: Finish up with some Korean barbecue nearby.
This pace is really comfortable – neither too fast nor boring at all.
IX. What Real Users Have to Say
“I had the ultrasonic lifting treatment at SERENE, and it was performed by the director herself – the results exceeded my expectations! My friends all thought I just got some better sleep recently; they couldn’t tell at all that I had undergone any cosmetic procedures.” — Miss Lin, 30 years old, Taipei
“The female director really understands what women want! I thought I would need to get many injections, but she suggested that I start with basic skincare first. It’s so rare to meet a doctor who doesn’t try to push unnecessary treatments on you.” — Miss Chen, 28 years old, Hong Kong
“The location near the Holy Water Station is really convenient; after the treatment, I can even go to the café next door to relax. The clinic is small, but it feels so upscale, just like visiting a high-end spa.” — Ms. Kim, 25 years old, Seoul
X. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still go to SERENE if I don’t speak Korean?
A: There’s no problem
at all. Both Dr. Kim and the nurses can communicate in Chinese, so the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post-treatment instructions, will be smooth and hassle-free.
Q: How much in advance should I make a reserv
ation?
A: It is recommended to book 3-5 days in advance. Weekends are usually very popular, so it’s best to reserve 1-2 weeks ahead of time. You can check the real-time schedule on BeautsGO.
Q: Can I wear makeup and go out on the same day after the procedure?
A: It
depends on the type of treatment. For basic skincare procedures, it’s usually okay. However, for treatments like the gold microneedling I perform, it’s recommended to wait until the next day before wearing makeup. The director will provide clear post-treatment instructions.
Q: Compared with the large clinics in Gangnam, are the facilities at SERENE inferior?
A: Althou
gh SERENE is not large in scale, its equipment is quite impressive – it includes Serf, Ulthera ultrasound devices, Potenza gold microneedling systems, and various laser therapies. However, it focuses on providing high-quality services rather than trying to cover everything in a large-scale setting.
Q: Can the price be negotiated?
A: Our
prices are transparent and the same as those in Korea; there are no hidden fees. When booking through BeautsGO, you may sometimes enjoy exclusive discounts offered by the platform, which can be more cost-effective than booking directly on your own.
Eleven, finally, a few words in conclusion.
This article is a bit lengthy because the experience was truly excellent, and I wanted to explain it in detail. Many people who go to South Korea for skin treatments end up facing problems: either they are treated as mere “one-time visitors” and charged exorbitant prices, or they get perfunctory services at standardized clinics.
What SERENE gives me the impression of is that it may not be the best dermatology clinic in Korea, but it is definitely the kind of place where you would want to return after your first visit. The female director’s aesthetic sense, professionalism, and patience are qualities that are quite rare in today’s medical aesthetics industry.
If you happen to be planning a trip to Holy Water Cave, consider adding SERENE to your list of options. Don’t forget to make your reservation through BeautsGO – it’ll save you a lot of trouble.
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal real experiences and should not be considered medical advice. The effects of skin care treatments can vary from person to person; please consult a doctor for personalized recommendations. Price information may change over time, so please refer to the current rates at the clinic.
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