Cheongdam OKAY De
rmatology
BeautsGO Certified
Seoul Cheongdam-dong | Direct consultation by the director | Same price in Korea and China | Transparent pricing
Why write this article
A while back, a friend sent me a link and asked, “Is Cheongdam OKAY Dermatology one of those assembly-line clinics? I’ve heard online that chain beauty clinics are very rushed—patients barely meet the doctor before getting started with treatments.” I’ve been asked this question several times as well. I’ve visited the Cheongdam branch myself and helped a few friends make appointments, so I’m not going to give any false claims here. I’ll share everything I’ve seen, asked about, and experienced, along with price estimates for 2026. If you’re also wondering whether chains mean assembly-line service, this article should help you make up your mind.
2026 OKAY Price Reference Table
Below are the reference price ranges for the most popular procedures I’ve compiled (priced in South Korean won). OKAY emphasizes identical prices between Korea and China along with transparent pricing. The actual quote will be based on what’s available on BeautsGO on the day of service, and there will be no extra charge just because you’re carrying a passport.
| Project | Specifications / Description | Reference Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| HIFU Ulthera / HIFU | About 300 shots, full-face contouring | ₩800,000–1.5 million |
| Onda RF Tightening | About 60kJ, targeted firming | ₩250,000–500,000 |
| Oligio Radio Waves (Full Face) | Standard Full-Face Tightening Treatment | ₩600,000–1.2 million |
| Clarity Dual-Wavelength Laser | Freckle Reduction / Brighter Skin, 1 Session | ₩100,000–250,000 |
| Rejuran | 2cc – Repair and Hydrate | ₩150,000–300,000 |
| Pico treatment for pigmentation spots | Single session, pigmentation | ₩150,000–350,000 |
| Botox for a Smaller Face | Single session, Masseter | ₩800,000–1.5 million |
※ The figures above are market reference ranges. Actual costs vary depending on individual factors, usage amount, and package options, and will be confirmed by the clinic after a face consultation. Exchange rates can affect the final amount received in RMB or TWD.
Compared to its peers in Seoul, what gives OKAY an edge?
I’ve tried a few places in the Cheongdam and Yangjae areas (including ones like RETOO in Cheongdam). THE OKAY gave me the impression of being “mid-range in price but offering everything you need.” A few specific points:
Same price for Chinese and Koreans — identical procedures and equipment, with the same quote for both foreigners and locals, no extra charge just because you’re holding a passport. Personal consultation by the director — during your first appointment, you’ll meet one-on-one with the director or a specialist, rather than having a nurse discuss things first and the doctor sign off later. No unsolicited sales pitches — my friend put it this way: “After discussing the options, the doctor said you should do just these two procedures for now; there’s no need to go for everything.” Such restraint is rare in chain clinics.
Several factors that affect prices
Number of hairs and treatment area: For HIFU treatments, the number of hairs plays a key role—there’s a significant difference between full-face and targeted treatments, which naturally leads to varying quotes.
Who will perform the procedure: Specify whether it should be the chief physician or a specialist, as this affects the price. The advantage of OKAY is that you can meet the doctor in person right from the initial consultation.
Instrument model and authenticity: Although both are called “radio waves,” models from different generations yield significantly different results. OKAY uses mostly original, authentic probes, and this cost is reflected in the price.
Package combinations: Booking 2–3 treatments at once usually comes with a discounted package price, which is cheaper than having them done separately. This is why many people can afford a round of “firming + restoration + brightening” treatments for around 2 million KRW.
Exchange Rate: Prices are listed in South Korean won. The actual amount received in RMB/TWD will fluctuate based on the exchange rate, with the most accurate rate available on the day of order placement.
Avoiding Pitfalls (Only shared after experiencing them)
Don’t be fooled by “all-inclusive prices”: For full-face packages that are significantly cheaper than market rates, first find out what equipment will be used, how many shots, and who will perform the procedure before making a decision.
Verify that the price is the same in China and South Korea on the spot: When making a reservation, simply ask, “Is the price for foreigners the same as that for locals in South Korea?” An OKAY response means they confirm the same price, but it’s best to double-check for certainty.
Reservation is essential: At popular clinics, waiting without an appointment often takes 2–3 hours. With a prior appointment, you’re usually seen within just 15 minutes—a huge difference.
Allow a recovery period: For injection treatments, it’s recommended to stay in Seoul for 3–5 days to facilitate follow-up visits and monitoring—avoid flying out on the same day.
What kind of clinic is OKAY? Is it a factory-style setup?
Returning to the initial question: Is OKAY a conveyor belt system? My answer—is no, at least not at the Cheongdam store. There are several reasons for this:
First, in-person consultations are conducted one-on-one under the doctor’s guidance. Director Zhao Xi’en has a background in plastic surgery and holds two medical licenses. Her approach is to “assess first before proceeding,” rather than immediately using any equipment as soon as the patient arrives.
Second, there was no rush. I had two other clients before them that day, but I spent over ten minutes with each client during the consultation, rather than just five minutes to get it over with.
Third, the treatment plan will involve some omissions. This is what worries me the most—many places would have you get everything done at once, but OKAY actually tells you, “Do it this way for now; we’ll address the rest next time.”
Being a chain store doesn’t mean it operates like an assembly line — what really matters is where it places “people” at the core of its operations. For the OKAYY Cheongdam branch, I’d classify it as falling into the “stable among chain stores” category.
Address, Transportation & Hours of Operation
Cheongdam OKAY is located on the 4th and 5th floors of the Jidong Building at 715 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (47-1 Cheongdam-dong). It’s just a 1-minute walk from Exit 8 of Cheongdam Station on Subway Line 7. The place is very user-friendly for first-time visitors. Its operating hours are approximately 10:30–20:00 on Mondays and Fridays, and 10:00–19:00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (subject to the monthly announcements, so be sure to check again before you go).
Dr. Cho Hee-eun’s Team
Dr. Zhao Xi’en has a background in plastic surgery, which is crucial for those seeking anti-aging or contouring treatments—esthetic results come from a combination of medical expertise and plastic surgical skills, rather than focusing on just one aspect. The team also includes specialized doctors who handle different procedures, so you can schedule a consultation with the appropriate doctor based on the treatment you’re interested in. The overall approach is natural, avoiding overloading the face with too many procedures.
Equipment Setup
I took the time to check out the equipment list — here are the key items:
| Ulthera HIFU | HIFU focused ultrasound for firmer contours |
| Onda RF | Localized tightening with minimal discomfort and quick recovery |
| Oligio Radio Waves | Full-face tightening – the key to fighting aging |
| Clarity Laser Therapy | Lutronic Dual-Wavelength Laser: Fade Spots & Revitalize Skin |
| InMode / Forma | Tightening Device Series |
| Rejuran / Juvelook | Injection Repair Series |
In short, it offers a one-stop solution for anti-aging and skin improvement—no need to switch clinics.
Chinese Services & Booking Options
OKAY – There’s a significant number of foreign clients, and Chinese-speaking communication services are available. I highly recommend using BeautsGO to make reservations (you can go directly through the button below), as this allows you to lock in your appointment time before you leave. You can also add WeChat to ask questions first. Replies usually come within 1–2 business days for advance bookings, but during peak seasons, it’s advisable to book 1–2 weeks in advance.
📱 Book via WeChat ID · Dermatology in South Korea
WeChat ID: xycheng2204
Scan the code or search for the WeChat ID to add → Send “Name + procedure desired + appointment date” → Wait for confirmation reply
My Real-On-the-Ground Experience
Let me share my actual experience that day as a reference for those visiting for the first time. I went to the 4th floor to check in, showed my passport for registration, and the staff at the front desk spoke basic Chinese. Next, I entered the consultation room where Director Zhao (or the specialist on duty that day) conducted a one-on-one consultation. He first asked about my concerns and examined my skin condition before suggesting a treatment plan—there was no pressure to buy any package deals. After agreeing to the plan, an anesthetic was applied, and the procedure was carried out. Post-procedure, I received cooling treatments and instructions on care, along with a Chinese version of the aftercare guidelines. Overall, what impressed me the most was the fact that there was no rush or pressure—something quite rare among chain clinics.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it a conveyor-belt service at OKAY? A: Not at the Cheongda
m branch. Patients receive personalized consultations one-on-one with the director or specialist doctors. Unnecessary procedures are eliminated, and there’s no pressure or rush.
Q: Do foreigners have to pay a higher price? A: The price is
the same for Chinese and Korean visitors. You can confirm it right at the time of booking, so there’s no need to worry about any “foreigner surcharge.”
Q: Is an appointment needed?
A: It’s recommended to make an appointment, as waiting without one could take a long time. You can schedule through BeautsGO or WeChat.
Q: What’s a good first procedure to try? A: Start wi
th a skin test and in-person consultation; let the doctor recommend options instead of choosing packages on your own.
※ The above content is based on my personal on-site visits and compiled from public information; for medical advice, please consult the doctors at the facility.
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