By 變美體驗官 Next month, on the 21st, BTS will hold a massive concert at Gwanghwamun, attracting 260,000 people. For those of you who simply want to get beautiful while visiting Seoul, this is absolutely a **“ultimate test of transportation and physical endurance”**!
If your surgery or appointment happens to fall on that day, or if your hotel is located in the city center, don’t even think about taking any chances. Considering the scale of this event, I’ve compiled some **“life-saving” tips** for those going to Korea for cosmetic procedures:
7 tips for avoiding traffic chaos when getting cosmetic treatments in Korea
1. Avoid appointments in the shopping districts of “Jungno, City Hall, Myeongdong”
Gwanghwamun is the heart of Seoul, and traffic will be completely paralyzed on that day. If your hospital is in this area (such as many established dermatology clinics), it’s highly recommended to reschedule! Otherwise, you might end up stuck in a taxi watching the performance while your appointment is canceled, which would be extremely frustrating.
2. After the procedure, never take a taxi back to your hotel!
Due to road closures on that day, taxis and Uber will hardly be able to reach the central area. If you have just had nose surgery, breast augmentation, or liposuction and are still weak, don’t expect to be able to get a taxi back to your hotel smoothly. It’s better to choose a hotel in areas like Gangnam or Hongdae, which are farther away from the restricted zones.
3. Mobile signal will be poor: save “offline maps” and “screenshots of the hospital address” in advance
What does it mean when 260,000 people all post on social media at the same time? The cell towers will be overwhelmed! If you can’t find your way to the hospital or need to contact the nurse in charge, your phone might not work at all. Be sure to save screenshots of the hospital’s address in both Korean and Chinese, contact information, and your appointment details in advance!
4. Don’t go to banks, visa offices, or tax refund agencies on that day
There are numerous government agencies and large banks near Gwanghwamun. Due to crowd restrictions on that day, the efficiency of services at these places will be extremely low, and some may even close early. Please make sure to complete these miscellaneous tasks related to your beauty routine in advance.
5. Avoid the “exploitative practices” on that day.
Hotels and restaurants may temporarily increase their prices. If you plan to eat near Gwanghwamun on that day, be sure to check the menu prices before placing your order. If you encounter forced price hikes, simply take a photo of the situation and report it using the provided QR code.
6. Prepare enough energy for after the procedure: bring your own food and water.
Due to long queues at restaurants and restrooms on that day, you might spend up to 5 hours without being able to drink water. For those who need to replenish energy after the procedure, pack chocolate, energy bars, and water in your bag—don’t let low blood sugar make you pass out in the crowd!
When attending a massive event with tens of thousands of participants, “avoiding the crowds” is the highest form of wisdom. Please coordinate with your hospital in advance to avoid post-procedure check-ups and appointments on that day. Wouldn’t it be better to have a peaceful experience while getting prettier?
Everyone can schedule their appointments in advance to avoid congestion. Reservations at Korean dermatology clinics can be made through the BeautsGO app, which is very user-friendly for foreign tourists. There are Chinese-speaking staff available to assist you, so communication won’t be a problem.
