.
② How to choose between Thermage FLX and HIFU Prime? The real difference comes from the director’s personalized treatment plans.
③ An exclusive
VIP room, multilingual service, and 100% authentic products delivered unpacked—these aren’t features every Dermatology clinic can offer.
④ J
ust a 50-meter walk from Exit 12 of the Myeongdong subway station; you can head straight to Lotte Duty Free after your treatment—perfectly planned in one go.
To be honest, I first heard about this Dermatology clinic called Lijin not through any ads or Xiaohongshu posts, but while shopping in Myeongdong. A Korean friend pointed to the big building across New World Department Store and said, “That Lijin Clinic is a popular spot among many South Korean office workers—they’re really good at lifting treatments.”
In a prime location like Myeongdong, where space is at an extreme premium, there are countless Dermatology clinics. Those that earn the trust and recommendations of local South Koreans must surely have something special about them. That’s why I made a special effort to schedule an in-person consultation, going through the whole process from booking, arriving at the clinic, getting advice, to finally undergoing the treatment—this article is my genuine account of that experience.
I. Why Do People in South Korea Also Choose Lijin? Three Reasons to Feel At Ease
I asked my friend from South Korea why she recommended Lijin. She listed three reasons, and I think each one hits right at the core concerns when choosing a Dermatology clinic:
First and foremost, the clinic’s director is a true expert in lifting procedures. Director Hwang Yeo-ju boasts over 15 years of clinical experience in Dermatology, with a specialization in lifting treatments and injections. Unlike many “factory-style” clinics, she conducts extremely thorough consultations—using multi-light source skin analysis systems and high-resolution facial imaging to develop a customized treatment plan based on your skin thickness, facial features, and bone structure. It’s important to note that not everyone needs the same number of sessions or at the same depth.
Secondly, privacy and comfort are top priorities. The entire floor is dedicated to this space, with every treatment room being a fully private suite. Unlike some clinics where treatments take place behind curtains, you can hear everything going on in adjacent rooms clearly. Additionally, the VIP treatment rooms offer stunning views of Myeongdong, allowing you to relax after your treatment as if you’re enjoying a high-end spa experience.
Third, zero language barriers. All staff at the clinic speak Chinese, English, and Japanese. There is a dedicated Chinese-speaking manager who handles consultations one-on-one, with only one group of patients served per 30 minutes. From booking appointments, filling out forms, the initial consultation, to post-surgery instructions, communication in Chinese is seamless—far beyond a basic level of “a few words in Chinese”; it’s at a fluency that allows for detailed discussions about post-operative care. The official website also has a Chinese version, making it very convenient to schedule appointments.
II. Basic Hospital Information: Located in the heart of Myeongdong – one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and cosmetic treatments
The location is simply outstanding. Exit at Gate 12 of Myeongdong Station, cross the street to find ANEW Department Store, and Lijin is on the 3rd floor across from the K-Finance Tower. After your treatment, you can head downstairs straight to Myeongdong Street, where Lotte Duty Free and Myeongdong snack streets are all within walking distance. It’s the perfect way to combine medical aesthetics treatments, shopping, and delicious food in one trip.
III. Admission Process: From booking to aftercare, you’ll have someone guiding you through every step
What do first-time visitors to a Dermatology clinic in South Korea fear the most? Language barriers, unfamiliarity with the procedures, and being pressured to try unwanted treatments. Lijin’s streamlined process takes all these concerns into account:
① Make an appointment in advance → It’s recommended to book 3–7 days ahead (BeautsGO is highly recommended—it has a Chinese interface and confirms appointments within 30 minutes). If you show up on the day, there’s a high chance you won’t be able to see a Chinese-speaking director.
② Check-in at the clinic → Personal consultation with the Chinese-speaking clinic director at the front desk, where you’ll fill out basic information and a skin condition questionnaire (in Chinese).
③ Free in-person consultation + skin analysis → This was by far the most impressive part of my visit. Dr. Huang used a multi-light source skin analyzer (with three modes: standard light, polarized light, and UV light) to detect my stratum corneum thickness, deep-seated spots, and Collagen loss levels, then explained everything on a high-resolution screen. The entire consultation lasted about 20 minutes, with absolutely no sense of trying to sell anything—just an objective assessment of “this is the current state of your skin, and if you want to make improvements, which treatments would be best for you.”
④ Plan confirmation + on-site unboxing → After the treatment plan is finalized, all supplies (Thermage probes, fillers, injections, etc.) will be unboxed right in front of you before the procedure begins, ensuring they are 100% genuine and brand new. This is truly a huge relief for those worried about “fake products used by clinics in South Korea.”
⑤ Procedure + Post-procedure care instructions → After the treatment is completed, you’ll receive a detailed post-procedure care guide that includes things to keep in mind on the day of the procedure, care steps for the next few days, when it’s safe to wear makeup, and when a follow-up appointment is needed. The Chinese-speaking clinic director will explain each item in detail, so there’s no need to worry about not understanding.
IV. In-depth Look at Signature Services + Price Reference
Lijin specializes in “lifting and anti-aging treatments.” Its two flagship services are the customized Thermage FLX and HIFU Prime. It also offers other procedures such as fillers, Botox, and hyaluronic acid injections. What sets it apart from regular clinics is its focus on customization rather than using standardized package deals.
① Custom Thermage FLX
Thermage FLX is currently one of the gold standards for anti-aging and lifting treatments. It works by using radiofrequency energy to heat the dermal layer, thereby stimulating the regeneration of Collagen. However, what really matters isn’t the device itself—many clinics already have FLX—but rather who operates it and how the parameters are set.
Dr. Huang’s customized treatment approach works like this: First, a skin analyzer is used to measure your Collagen density and skin thickness. Then, different energy levels are applied to various areas—such as higher energy to the regions under the Apple Zone where Collagen loss is more severe, while lower energy is used for sensitive areas around the eyes, often combined with cooling effects. It’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment where the same procedure is applied to the entire face; instead, it involves precise, zone-specific adjustments, just like Jogak.
The treatment takes around 40–60 minutes, with an anesthetic cream applied for 20–30 minutes beforehand. AccuREP™ technology handles automatic energy adjustment and cooling throughout the procedure, significantly reducing discomfort. There’s almost no recovery period needed, and the results last for approximately 6–12 months.
② HIFU Prime (Design Ultherapy Prime)
If Thermage is known as a “comprehensive anti-aging solution,” then HIFU functions as a “precision lifting tool.” It uses focused ultrasound energy to reach directly the SMAS fascia layer—precisely the layer targeted in facelift surgeries—thereby lifting facial tissues from deep within.
Lijin’s customized HIFU treatment features “dual-depth technology” — it uses probes with depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm simultaneously. The clinic director determines which depth to use and how many sessions are needed for each area based on the degree of facial sagging. The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes, and the results can last for over a year.
Reference Table of Prices for Popular Procedures
V. Side-by-side comparison: Lijin vs other Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong – which one should you choose?
In the Myeongdong area, there are more Dermatology clinics than coffee shops. So what’s Lijin’s role in that ecosystem? Based on my own visits, I’ve done some comparisons:
In short, Lijin isn’t the cheapest option, but its transparency and professionalism mean you don’t have to worry about “you get what you pay for” or being treated like a number just because you’re spending a lot of money. If your goal is lifting and anti-aging treatments, and you’d prefer the clinic director personally design your treatment plan rather than having it decided by a consultant, then Lijin is an ideal choice.
If you’re also interested in other options in Myeongdong, take a look at our previous in-depth review of Ruby Dermatology in Myeongdong. Both clinics have their own unique strengths and are suitable for different needs.
VI. Important Notes and Tips
Based on my experience this time, here are a few practical tips:
1. Make a reservation in advance—don’t show up unannounced. Lijin’s Chinese-speaking manager only sees one group of clients every 30 minutes, so it’s almost impossible to get in if you go there on the same day. It’s recommended to book through BeautsGO at least 3 days ahead, and during peak seasons (Spring Festival, winter and summer vacations), book 1–2 weeks in advance.
2. It’s better to schedule your appointment during the week rather than on the weekends. Myeongdong is extremely crowded on weekends, and clinics are no exception. There are fewer patients from Monday to Friday mornings, allowing for more ample time for a face consultation.
3. Sun protection after treatment is non-negotiable. After undergoing Thermage or HIFU, the skin is in a recovery phase, and UV exposure can undermine the treatment results. Be sure to use SPF 50+ sunscreen and avoid tanning beds and saunas.
4. Go to the consultation with your specific goals in mind. Director Huang doesn’t like clients who want everything; she values those who have clear objectives. For example, “I want to improve my jawline” or “I’m troubled by fine lines around my eyes” — this way, she can offer the most targeted solution.
5. Don’t rush to leave after your treatment is over. Delicious food can be found right downstairs in Myeongdong, but it’s recommended to sit in the clinic’s relaxation area for 15–20 minutes first to make sure you feel fine before heading out. The clinic also offers drinks and snacks—feel free to enjoy them.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
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