When it comes to cosmetic surgery in South Korea, “Seongsu-dong” and “Cheongdam-dong” are two places that one simply cannot ignore. Seongsu-dong has become an extremely popular trendy area in the past two years, attracting numerous new clinics to set up shop there; Cheongdam-dong, on the other hand, is a established luxury neighborhood, with most clinics having been operating there for over 20 years. The clinic I visited this time is Bellissimo – an anti-aging clinic that has been based in Cheongdam-dong since 2004. Although many peoen searching for “Dermatology in Seongsu-dong,” to be precise, it is located next to the Apgujeong Roda Station, just a 10-minute walk from the Seongsu-dong subway station.
atural beauty.”
Director: Lee Jae-hyo; founded in 2004. The injection techniques used are very precis
e.
Price range: Mid-to-high end; slightly more expensive than mass-produced clinics by 15–20%, but the consultation time is three times longer.
Top
recommendations: Asce+ Exosomes regenerative therapy, Rejuran anti-aging injections.
S
uitable for: People who are concerned about getting an “artificially enhanced look,” have sufficient budget, and want gradu
al improvements.
Not suitable for: Students on a limited budget who are looking for quick results through a single treatment.
① Why choose Bellis? It’s not one of those new stores in Seongsu-dong.
To be honest, when I first searched for Dermatology clinics in Seongsu-dong, all that came up were new establishments that had opened in the past one or two years. Their interiors were beautifully designed, and the prices seemed very attractive, but something bothered me: for a service like Dermatology, can I really trust a new clinic?
Later, I came across someone on Dcard mentioning Bellissimo, describing it as “an established establishment hidden in Cheongdam-dong”. It has been open since 2004 – that’s already 20 years. I thought to myself that to survive for 20 years in a place like Cheongdam-dong, where every inch of land is extremely valuable, either the business must be truly outstanding or the owners must be extremely good at selling their products. So I decided to go and check it out for myself.
The result was: it wasn’t any sort of deception. Director Lee Jae-hyo personally examined me and spent a full 40 minutes talking with me, covering everything from my daily routine to my skincare habits. In the end, he advised me not to undergo too many treatments right away, but instead to start with a course of Asce+ Exosomes to build a strong foundation for my skin. Such doctors who actually advise patients to spend less money are really rare in South Korea.
By the way, if you are also considering which new store in Seongsu-dong to choose, you might want to chec. That store has a very good reputation among the new establishments in Seongsu-dong. However, if you have a slightly higher budget and are looking for a more experienced doctor’s consultation, Bellis (Bellissimo) is definitely worth a visit.
Who is President Lee Jae-hyo, and why is he worthy of such recognition?
There are countless Dermatology doctors in South Korea, but few have been able to establish a firm foothold in the Cheongdam area for 20 years. Director Lee Jae-hyo is the founder of Bellissimo and has been in charge since 2004. His approach can be summarized in three words: “Take your time.”
During our in-person consultation, he looked at my skin test report and his first question wasn’t “What treatments should you undergo,” but rather “Have you been staying up late a lot recently? Your skin barrier seems to be a bit damaged.” He then advised me to start with basic restorative treatments first, and not rush into high-intensity procedures like Thermage right away.
This is completely different from some of the mass-produced clinics I’ve visited before – in those places, you’d sit down for just 5 minutes before being recommended a treatment package worth tens of thousands of yuan. Director Li’s philosophy is “small amounts, multiple treatments, natural progression.” He would rather have you receive 0.1 centum core less of the treatment than to sacrifice your unique features in pursuit of immediate, dramatic results.
③ Bellis Dermatology Price List (converted into Taiwanese dollars)
This is the aspect that concerns me the most. Bellissimo targets the mid-to-high-end market; its services are about 15-20% more expensive than those offered by the mass-produced clinics in Seomyeon, but the consultation time is three times longer. The following are the reference prices I found on the BeautsGO platform (converted into Taiwanese dollars; the exchange rate is approximately 0.024 Taiwanese dollars per Korean won, subject to actual fluctuations):
| Treatment options | Reference price in Korean won | Estimated in Taiwanese dollars | Unit | Primary benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asce+ Exosomes Regenerative Therapy | ₩ Consultation with customer service | Consultation for approximately NT$ [amount] | Once | Skin repair + hydration |
| Rejuran PN | 1.5 to 2.5 million yen | Around NT$3,600 to 6,000 | Once | Rejuvenation against the aging process |
| PDRN Hydrating Injection | 120,000 to 180,000 yen | Approximately NT$2,900 to 4,300 | Once | Deep hydration |
| Thermage for the entire face | 1.2 to 1.8 million yen | Approximately NT$28,800 to 43,200 | 600 shots | Tightening and lifting effects |
| Ulthrea | 9-1.5 million yen | Approximately NT$21,600 to 36,000 | 300 shots | Lifting of contours |
| Pico laser | 1.5 to 3 million yen | Around NT$3,600 to 7,200 | Once | pigment lightening |
| Basics of hyaluronic acid injections | 80,000 to 150,000 yen | Around NT$1,900 to 3,600 | Once | Basic hydration |
The above prices are merely indicative; the actual fee will be determined during a in-person consultation at the clinic. For certain services such as Asce+ Exosomes, a quote can only be provided after an on-site consultation. For a comh Korea, please refer to this article.
④ My entire experience at the hospital (time axis based on actual measurements)
Below is the actual timeline of my visits to the clinic for your reference:
| time | Steps | The actual situation |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | Arrived at Apgujeong Roda Station | Exit 2, then walk for 3 minutes to reach Room 11, No. 409, Daoshan Avenue. |
| 10:05 | Registration for check-in | Present the reservation confirmation letter, fill in the basic information, and then the nurse will guide you to the consultation room. |
| 10:10 | Skin examination | Use professional equipment to scan the entire face and analyze indicators such as pigmentation, Pores, and moisture levels. |
| 10:15 | The dean conducts personal consultations. | President Lee Jae-hyo personally conducted a consultation that lasted approximately 40 minutes, during which he inquired in detail about the patient’s daily routine and skincare habits. |
| 10:55 | Confirm the plan | After reviewing the proposal put forward by the dean, I signed the consent form. |
| 11:00 | Performing the treatment procedure | Mixed injection of Asce+ Exosomes and Rejuran, with 20 minutes of anesthesia application followed by 30 minutes of treatment. |
| 11:50 | Postoperative sedation | Apply the calming facial mask for 15 minutes, and the nurse will then inform you of any necessary precautions. |
| 12:05 | End and leave | The entire process takes approximately 2 hours, which is nearly twice as long as the consultation time at assembly-line-style clinics. |
⑤ A side-by-side comparison between Bellis and other clinics in Seongsu-dong/Gangnam
I visited a total of five clinics to gather information and compiled a comparison table. If you’re also struggling to decide which clinic to choose, you might find this helpful:
| clinic | region | Established | Appointment time | Price range | Recommendation Index | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Absolutely stunning. | Cheongdam-dong | 2004 | The dean personally conducted the consultation for 40 min. | Mid-to-high-end | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Anti-aging + Regeneration |
| Seongsu SERENE | Seongsu Cave | 2024 | The dean personally conducted the consultation for 20 minutes. | Mid-range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comprehensive skin care |
| Seongsu newlline | Seongsu Cave | 2025 | The dean personally conducted the consultation for 15 min. | Affordable prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | High cost-performance ratio |
| HEER Hel | Gangnam | 2018 | The doctor conducted a face-to-face consultation that lasted for 25 min. | Mid-to-high-end | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ANEW anti-aging equipment |
| Dayone Gangnam | Gangnam Station | 2020 | Semi-assembly line | Mid-range | ⭐⭐⭐ | Fast speed |
As can be seen from the table, Bellissimo’s greatest advantage lies in “time”. In South Korea’s Dermatology clinics, a 40-minute consultation is considered quite luxurious; most clinics only take 15–20 minutes to complete the process. If this is your first time undergoing cosmetic procedures and you have many questions, these 40 minutes are well worth the cost.
However, if your budget is limited, you know exactly what you want to achieve, and you don’t need a lengthy in-p’s Sfer better value for money.
⑥How to choose based on different budgets? A decision-making guide
I organized my own experiences and research into a budget decision-making chart, which I could simply use by matching the relevant items accordingly.
| Budget range (Taiwan dollars) | Recommended Projects | Recommended clinics | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under NT$5,000 | Basic glow/tiny bubbles | Seongsu newlline, Dayone | As a student, this is my first attempt in this field. |
| NT$5,000 to 15,000 | Rejuran/PDRN/Pico | SERENE, HEER Hel | Petty-bourgeois girls and regular skincare routines |
| NT$15,000 to 40,000 | Asce+ Exosomes/HIFU/HIFU | Bellissimo, BrandNew | If you have a budget and prefer a more natural look, that’s perfectly possible. |
| Over NT$40,000 | Comprehensive anti-aging solutions | Customized by Director Bellissimo | For mature skin with a generous budget |
My own choice fell within the range of NT$15,000 to NT$40,000, and I opted for a combination treatment using Asce+ Exosomes and Rejuran. If your budget is also within this range, Bellissimo is a great option, but remember to book your appointment 2 to 3 weeks in advance, as the schedule of the clinic director is usually quite full.
⑦ Environmental Testing: Unassuming yet comfortable
The decoration of Bellissimo follows a “subtle and understated” style, rather than the flashy, Instagram-worthy look commonly seen in this industry. The first impression upon entering is one of “cleanliness, tranquility, and professionalism”.
The waiting area is not large, but the sofas are very comfortable, and tea is available. On the walls hang the dean’s educational certificates and some medical posters; they are not just decorative art. This atmosphere gives people a sense of reassurance – you are at a clinic, not a café.
The treatment rooms are private, with one room assigned to each patient, ensuring excellent confidentiality. The beds are very clean, and all the supplies used are disposable. After the procedure, there is a dedicated relaxation area where the nurse will constantly check on you while you apply the mask, ensuring you don’t get neglected at any time.
⑧My 5 little tips (only shared after experiencing the pitfalls myself)
1. Reservations must be made in advance. Bellissimo does not accept walk-in patients; the director’s schedule is very busy, so it is recommended to book at least 2 weeks in advance. The easiest way to make a reservation is through BeautsGO, where you can directly select your desired time slot on the Chinese-language interface.
2. Be clear about your “dissatisfactions” during the consultation. Director Li will ask many questions, but if you don’t bring them up yourself, he won’t be able to guess. It’s recommended that you prepare a list beforehand: what exactly you would like to improve, what treatments you have already undergone, and whether you have any history of allergies.
3. The effects of Asce+ Exosomes are not immediate. It wasn’t until 3 days after my first treatment that I began to notice my skin becoming softer, and the results were most noticeable on the 7th day. Don’t conclude that it’s “useless” just because you don’t see any effects the day after the treatment.
4. Avoid the lunchtime period. The clinic has a lunch break from 13:00 to 14:00, so no treatments will be scheduled during this time. It is recommended to make an appointment at around 10:00 in the morning so that you can have lunch right after the treatment.
5. Don’t forget to claim your tax refund. Foreign tourists are eligible for tax refunds, so make sure to bring your passport along. Bellissimo offers assistance with tax refunds; just let the staff know at checkout.
⑨ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Bellis Dermatology located in Seongsu-dong?
Strictly speaking, it is not located in Seongsu-dong, but rather next to the Roda Station in Cheongdam-dong/Apgujeong. However, it is only about a 10-minute walk from the Seongsu-dong shopping district on the subway, which is why many people who search for “Dermatology in Seongsu-dong” end up finding this clinic. If you are looking specifically for a local clinic in Seongsu-dong, you may want to refer to my previous recommendations for Dermatology clinics in that area.
Q2: What is the difference between Asce+ Exosomes and Rejuran?
In simple terms: Rejuran focuses on “regeneration,” while Asce+ Exosomes emphasize “reparation.” Rejuran is derived from salmon DNA and stimulates the production of Collagen; Asce+ Exosomes, on the other hand, act as messenger molecules between cells, aiding in the skin’s self-repair process. When used together, their combined effects are greater than the sum of their individual effects. Dr. Li recommends this combined injection approach.
Q3: Do Taiwanese patients need to make a reservation before visiting?
Reservations are mandatory. Bellissimo operates on a reservation system and does not accept walk-in customers. Foreign visitors are required to arrange for Chinese interpretation in advance, so it is absolutely not possible to visit on a last-minute basis. It is recommended to make reservations through BeautsGO; the platform will take care of arranging both the interpretation service and the appropriate appointment time for you.
Q4: Are the prices cheaper than those in Taiwan?
Let’s take a look at the treatments. Injections produced locally in South Korea (such as Rejuran, Asce+ Exosomes, and the Ulthrea version) are 30-50% cheaper than those from Taiwan, due to the absence of import tariffs and additional markups by distributors. However, the price difference for imported devices from the United States (such as Thermage and the Ulthrea version) is not as significant. Considering the costs of airfare and accommodation, it is only worthwhile to undergo 2-3 treatments or more.
Q5: Will I be bombarded with sales pitches?
No. This is exactly what I like most about it. When Dr. Lee saw me in person, he actually advised me to reduce the frequency of these treatments, saying, “First, build a strong foundation before considering more intensive procedures.” Throughout the entire process, there wasn’t a single word of sales pitch at all – something that is truly rare in Dermatology clinics in South Korea.
Q6: How soon after the procedure can I start wearing makeup?
For injectable treatments (Asce+ Exosomes, Rejuran, hyaluronic acid injections), it is recommended to wait 24 hours before applying makeup. For laser treatments, the waiting time depends on the specific treatment; generally, it is around 48 hours. The therapists at Bellissimo will provide you with a detailed list of post-treatment precautions; just follow those instructions.
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For further reading:
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