To conclude: If you plan to shop in Myeongdong and take the opportunity to get some skin care treatment at the same time, UMI is definitely the most reliable option at the moment. The director personally examines patients, the prices are transparent, and all services are provided in Chinese, making it completely accessible for customers. It’s nothing like those standardized chain stores where you get bombarded with sales pitches as soon as you enter.
Before going, I searched through numerous posts about Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong on Dcard and PTT. The more I read, the more confused I became—some people said DAN-A was great, others recommended Lijin, while still others claimed that all the clinics in Myeongdong were nothing but “tourist-targeted businesses.” Later, I came across several reviews mentioning UMI’s “direct consultation by the director + no sales pressure,” and since it was also mentioned in the 1in Myeongdong, I decided to make an appointment to give it a try.
The results were surprisingly satisfactory. Below, I’ll share everything I’ve learned so you can make your own judgments.
What is the background of UMI Dermatology?
UMI Dermatology (우미의원) is located in the heart of the Myeongdong business district in Jung, Seoul. The clinic promotes the concept of “ink-wash beauty” – which may sound a bit abstract, but in essence, it represents an aesthetic approach that emphasizes naturalness and flexibility. The leading director, Dr. Yoon Jong-woo, graduated from the Dermatology department of Ewha Womans University and possesses 18 years of experience in anti-aging treatments. He is also a certified specialist recognized by the Korean Dermatology Society.
Compared to other clinics in Myeongdong, the most distinctive feature of UMI is that the director personally conducts the consultations himself, rather than having a staff member discuss the options with you first before the nurse proceeds with the procedures. During the consultation, he will clearly tell you whether a certain treatment is necessary or whether it will be of no benefit, instead of trying every means to persuade you to add additional services. This is truly a rare practice in the Myeongdong area.
Address and Transportation
Address: 2nd Floor, No. 13, Myeongdong 7-gil, Jung, Seoul (Myeongdong Securities Buil
ding)
Nearest subway stations: Exit 4 or 6 of Myeongdong Station on Line 4, 3 minutes’ walk; Exit 2 of Eupji-ro Entrance Station on
Line 2, 6 minutes’ walk
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:30–21:00, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays 10:30–17:00
The location is extremely easy to find – it’s right next to the Myeongdong Pedestrian Street, with Tianhaoyun right beside it. If you get tired from shopping, you can simply head upstairs, which is very convenient. However, precisely because of its great location, there are usually more people on weekends. For beginners visiting Soutis recommended to avoid Saturdays and choose an afternoon on a weekday instead.
My experience during the in-person consultation
I made an appointment for 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Upon arrival, the Chinese-speaking manager came out to greet me immediately. After completing the passport registration process, I was taken into a private consultation room. First, I underwent a three-dimensional skin analysis—not the kind of casual check-up, but a multi-dimensional evaluation similar to that provided by VISIA, which allowed us to see data such as pigmentation levels, Pore distribution, and elasticity indices.
Then the director personally came in for a consultation. He examined my skin very carefully—not in the usual routine way of asking “what do you want to achieve,” but by first analyzing the condition of my skin: where it was loose, where there were depressions, and where the texture was rough, before giving me his recommendations. I had originally planned to undergo full-face Thermage treatment, but he said that while my Nasolabial Fold Correction indeed needed it, my Apple Zone could be adjusted with fillers first, without the need for such a intensive treatment as Thermage. At that moment, I felt that this doctor wouldn’t try to force me into something just to make a profit.
The final decision was as follows: 300 shots of Thermage for the entire face + 2 centum cores of Rejuran PN for hydration + Filler injections to treat the Nasolabial Fold Correction. The price was confirmed on the spot and was exactly the same as what was listed on the platform, with no additional charges upon arrival at the clinic.
Project and price reference
UMI’s pricing structure in Myeongdong is relatively transparent. The following are the official prices for 2026 (including taxes):
Anti-aging equipment
| Project | Price (Korean Won) |
|---|---|
| 300 shots of the Ulthrea version | 539,000 cases |
| The Ulthrea model comes with 400 HIFU treatments. | 1,804,000 |
| The Ulthrea model comes with 600 HIFU treatments. | 2,508,000 |
| The fourth-generation Thermage FLX 300 device | 1,749,000 |
| The fourth-generation Thermage FLX 600 device | 2,805,000 |
| The fourth-generation Thermage FLX 900 device emits 900 pulses per second. | 3,289,000 |
| 225 Hot Magnums around the eyes | 1,309,000 |
| 100 HIFU treatments of the Korean version | 75,900 |
| Korean version of HIFU: 300 treatments | 198,000 |
| Korean version of HIFU: 600 treatments | 363,000 |
Injection treatments (botulinum toxin, fillers, hyaluronic acid injections)
| Project | Price (Korean Won) |
|---|---|
| Botulinum toxin produced in South Korea (for 1 area, excluding wrinkle removal) | 27,500 |
| South Korean botulinum toxin (50U for the Masseter) | 42,900 |
| Imported botulinum toxin (Botox/Xima/Jishi) | 176,000 cases |
| Full-face SWOMAN Botox injections | 192,500 cases |
| Rejuran PN 2 centum core | 330,000 |
| Rejuran PN 4 centum core | 572,000 |
| Rejuran i Eye Area 1 centum core | 209,000 |
| Juvederm filling | Let’s discuss it in person. |
| Restylane filling | Let’s discuss it in person. |
| 1 bottle of Shuranyaya (DongAn Center Introduction needles) | 880,000 |
NEW TECHNOLOGIES/LIFTING TREATMENTS
| Project | Price (Korean Won) |
|---|---|
| ONDA Third-generation Microwave Lifting System, 60 kJ | 759,000 |
| ONDA Third-generation Microwave Lifting System, 100 kJ | 1,199,000 |
| Titanium Traction System with 60kJ of Energy | 759,000 |
| Titanium Lifting Treatment with 100kJ of Energy | 1,199,000 |
| All-Tight Ultimate Tightening and Lifting Set – 400 pieces | 759,000 |
| Potenza | Let’s discuss it in person. |
To be honest, the prices of UMI’s HIFU and Meichao in Myeongdong are considered on the higher side of the mid-range – not the cheapest options available. However, considering that the treatments are performed by the director himself, the products are inspected in person, and all services are provided in Chinese, these prices are actually quite reasonable. For those with limited budgets but still interested in trying HIFU, the Korean version of this treatment is available for just ⩺75,900 for 100 sessions, making it extremely accessible for beginners.
How was the procedure carried out?
After the face-to-face consultation, the nurse applied an anesthetic, which took about 30 minutes. Then the director personally performed the procedure, starting with Thermage treatment. The probe did feel hot against the skin, but it was within a range that I could tolerate. The director kept asking how I was feeling throughout the process, and I was free to express any discomfort at any time.
After the Thermage treatment, injectable products are used instead. Rejuran uses blunt needles, so the pain is much less than I expected. When Filler is used to fill the Nasolabial Fold Correction, there is a slight swelling, but it only lasts for a few seconds. The entire process takes about an hour. It is carried out in a private room with one-on-one service, and no one else enters or exits the area during the treatment.
After the procedure, the nurse applied a healing mask, and the Chinese-speaking supervisor came over to explain in detail the post-treatment precautions: avoid wearing makeup, drinking alcohol, or taking baths for 24 hours, and refrain from strenuous exercise for a week. A detailed Chinese instruction sheet would be provided for you to take home, so there’s no need to worry about not understanding the instructions.
How effective is it? What’s the real experience like?
On the same day, it was immediately noticeable that the Nasolabial Fold Correction had become less pronounced, and the skin overall felt tighter. The next day, there was a slight redness, but it didn’t prevent me from going out. By the third day, the redness had mostly subsided, and I was able to apply makeup as usual. A week later, the results had stabilized: the contours of my face were noticeably tighter, and the skin felt much more hydrated.
To be honest, if you expect to see immediate changes after a treatment, then no form of minor cosmetic procedure will meet your expectations. UMI’s approach is to ensure that the results are better than nothing, but still recognize you as yourself – this aligns perfectly with its brand positioning of “Ink-Wash Beauty”.
Are Chinese-language services really effective?
No problem at all. UMI has a dedicated Chinese-speaking coordinator who handles everything from making appointments to the actual treatment process – including translation during consultations, communication during procedures, and post-treatment guidance. And this coordinator is not someone who can only handle a few simple conversations; they are truly capable of helping you communicate your needs accurately with the clinic directors. When the directors speak Korean, our Chinese coordinator translates simultaneously, ensuring that the entire process proceeds smoothly.
In addition, UMI also supports various consultation methods via WeChat, WhatsApp, LINE, and KakaoTalk, making it very user-friendly for Chinese tourists. Payment is also available through Alipay and WeChat Pay, eliminating the need to carry large amounts of cash.
Practical suggestions I’ve compiled
1. Make reservations in advance; don’t show up without a booking
.
Myeongdong is extremely crowded, and UMI operates on a fully reservation-based system, making it particularly difficult to get a spot on weekends. It is recommended to reserve your place at BeautsGO at least 2-3 days in advance. It will be better to go on a weekday for a more hassle-free experience.
2. Go without makeup
For treatments invo
lving lasers or injections, it is necessary to have your face evaluated with your skin bare. Washing off your makeup before arriving at the clinic would be rather troublesome. It’s better to go without makeup and just wear a mask.
3. Determine in advance what issue you want to address
During th
e consultation, time is limited, so it’s important to consider in advance what matters most to you—whether it’s the Nasolabial Fold Correction, the sagging of your Apple Zone, or dull skin tone. This will help ensure more efficient communication with the doctor.
4. Be sure to compare prices carefully
The UMI The
rmage full-face treatment starts at ⩱1,749,000, which is considered moderate compared to other Dermatolor, it’s important to note that while some clinics may offer lower prices but use nurses for the procedure, UMI is performed by the director himself, which makes a significant difference. If your budget is limited, prices in Bummute distance might be a consideration.
5. Combination packages offer better value for money
UMI
offers VIP International packages. For example, the combination of HIFU treatment for 300,000 VND, Thermage treatment for 300,000 VND, and whitening skincare treatments costs only 33,300,000 VND – which is significantly cheaper than opting for these services individually. If you plan to undergo multiple treatments, it is more cost-effective to choose a package.
6. Don’t forget your passport
When visiting the cli
nic for the first time, you will need to register your passport information – make sure to bring it along and don’t forget it.
Who is UMI suitable for?
Ultimately, UMI is most suitable for the following types of people:
✅ Going to South Korea for medical beauty treatments for the first time and not wa
nting to make any mistakes
✅ Wanting to take care of my skin while shopping in Myeong
dong
✅ Disapproving of standardized service processes and preferring personal consultation
s with the clinic director
✅ Not speaking Korean and needing all communications
to be in Chinese
✅ Seeking natural results and not wanting to “get a completely different face”
If you are an experienced consumer who values extreme cost-effectiveness, you might think that UMI isn’t the cheapest option. However, for most people, the combination of having consultations conducted by the clinic director in Myeongdong, receiving services in Chinese with no language barriers, and being free from any aggressive sales tactics is already quite rare in Myeongdong.
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