By 變美體驗官 When it comes to getting cosmetic treatments in Seoul, many sisters immediately mention “Gangnam Dermatology,” as if it’s the only option. But to be honest, when I was in Korea last time, I specifically compared institutions in Gangnam and Seoraeuting and found that their styles are quite different.
It’s not that one place is definitely better than another—it depends on what kind of person you are. If you prefer a more bustling environment with more choices, Gangnam has indeed a wider range of options; but if you value privacy or want the director to personally oversee your treatment, Seoraeuting might be more suitable for you. 🙌
In this article, I’ll share my own experiences and introduce some representative institutions, hoping it can help sisters who are still deciding.
1. Gangnam Dermatology: Many choices, but also a lot of people.
Dermatology clinics in Gangnam generally follow a “large-scale, comprehensive, fast-service” approach. There are many clinics, advanced equipment, and high popularity—but this also means long waiting times, and some services can be somewhat impersonal.
For example, a sister from Taiwan once told me that she waited almost two hours at a well-known clinic in Gangnam before being seen. The consultation and additional treatments took less than 40 minutes, but she still left with many questions. 😅
Of course, there are also clinics that take their work seriously. I particularly recommend those of medium size where the director still personally sees patients. Among the clinics in Gangnam, Barog Dermatology’s Gangnam branch has a good reputation, with up-to-date equipment and friendly service for foreigners.
Summary of the characteristics of Gangnam dermatology clinics.
| Dimensions. | Jiangnan Dermatology |
|---|---|
| Organizational Scale | Primarily large chain stores, with some being multi-story facilities |
| Waiting Times | At least 40 minutes on weekdays, longer on weekends |
| Service Pace | Relatively fast, suitable for multiple treatments at once |
| Foreign Language Support | Often provides Chinese interpretation or guided services in Chinese |
| Price Transparency | Relatively transparent, with many promotional offers. |
| Privacy. | Average; the waiting areas are often crowded. |
II. Xiayuting Dermatology: Quiet, but professional.
Xiayuting can truly be called a “healing sanctuary” for cosmetic treatments—within just a few streets, there are hundreds of dermatology and plastic surgery clinics. Strangely enough, these clinics are generally quieter than those in Jiangnan, lacking the hustle and bustle.
Most clinics in Xiayuting focus on high-quality, personalized services. The directors personally oversee many treatments, and consultations are more thorough. Many patients who had undergone routine procedures in Jiangnan found that Xiayuting treated them like individuals, not just numbers. 😂
Notable examples include INEE Aini Dermatology, located near Xiayuting Station. They offer ultrasound + collagen treatments, with long consultation times conducted by the director. Another great option is Maylin Qingtan Dermatology, which specializes in customized fillers and injections; they have a very loyal customer base with many repeat customers.
Summary of Xiayuting Dermatology’s features.
| Dimensions. | Shirotani Dermatology Clinic |
|---|---|
| Organizational Scale | Focusing on small to medium-sized, high-quality services |
| Waiting Time | Reservation system; appointments are generally kept on time |
| Service Pace | Slightly slow; the doctor takes longer to consult patients |
| Foreign Language Support | Some information is available in Chinese; other parts require translation |
| Price Transparency | Quotations are provided after a face-to-face consultation, offering a high degree of customization. |
| Privacy | Good; the waiting area is quiet. |
III. Comparison of service styles: Which one suits you better?
To put it simply, these two places cater to different needs; it’s not an either-or situation.
If this is your first time getting cosmetic procedures in Korea and you’re not familiar with the process, I recommend Jiangnan Da Yuan – they have well-established consultation services, accurate Chinese translations, and standardized treatments, so you’re less likely to encounter problems.
However, if you’ve been there several times and want more personalized consultations, or if you’re undergoing procedures like fillers or facial contouring that require precise techniques, Xieliuting is worth trying. The director personally performs the treatments, the private consultation rooms ensure confidentiality, and you won’t be rushed throughout the process – such experiences are indeed rare at Jiangnan Da Yuan.
From my own experience, the consultation process at Xieliuting made me feel that I was being taken seriously. The director actually spent over ten minutes examining my face instead of just having me fill out a form. 🌿
IV. Comparison of the directors’ expertise
When it comes to the director, this is really crucial. In the Apgujeong area, the directors tend to be more “communicative” — during a face-to-face consultation, if you ask them why a particular treatment plan was designed that way, they will explain it in detail instead of just giving you a standard answer and asking you to sign a form.
The director at INEE Aini specializes mainly in ultrasound lifting treatments and has many years of experience; her techniques are very reliable. The director at Maylin in Cheongtan also has an excellent reputation in the field of fillers, and many clients come specifically for her services; the satisfaction rate is particularly high.
Of course, there are also very competent directors in the Jiangnan area, but it’s difficult to ensure that always the same person will be in charge at large institutions. If you have a specific director in mind, make sure to check in advance whether they are always assigned to that role, so you don’t run into any issues.
V. Project Prices and Transparency
The prices at Jiangnan Hospital tend to be more standardized, and there are many package deals available, making them a good option for sisters with limited budgets who want to try out these services. However, there’s one thing to be aware of: the promotional prices are sometimes tied to other treatments, so don’t just look at the lowest figure.
Xieyou Pavilion doesn’t offer as many “tempting promotions,” but the quotes are usually tailored to your specific needs after a face consultation, so the actual cost is not much different from what is discussed during the consultation. Many sisters who have used their services say that there are no situations where the initial estimate is 180,000 yuan but the final amount turns out to be 300,000 yuan.
It has become common for both Chinese and Korean services to have the same prices. For tax refunds, going directly to the tax office is the most reliable option; some clinics can also assist with this process. 💴
Comparative prices of representative treatments (for reference)
| Treatments | Jiangnan Hospital (large scale) | Xieyou Pavilion Boutique Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Juvelook Hydrating Treatment (4cc for the entire face) | ₩350,000–₪50,000 | ₩380,000–₫00,000 |
| 100 Thermage treatments for the eyes | ₩220,000–₩30,000 | ₩250,000–₩35,000 |
| Ultrasound treatment for the entire face | ₩600,000–₁,₂00,000 | ₩800,000–₁,₅00,000 |
| Gold microneedling treatment for the entire face | ₩260,000–₪00,000 | ₩300,000–₅00,000 |
⚠️ The above prices are for reference only; the actual fee on the day of consultation will prevail.
VI. Convenience of Location
This is also a frequently asked question. The complexes around Jiangnan Station are easily accessible just a few steps away from the subway exit, making them very convenient; however, to get to Xiayouting, you need to take the Bundang Line to “Xiayouting Rodaero Station,” which takes about 20–30 minutes extra if traveling from downtown or Myeongdong.
But this doesn’t significantly affect your travel plan. After your visit to Xiayouting, you can explore the nearby areas—Cheongtan-dong and Xiayouting Rodaero Street are great places to wander around, with many shops and restaurants in close proximity, so your time won’t be wasted. 🛍️
Transportation Comparison
| Starting Point | To Jiangnan (Jiangnan Station) | To Xiayouting (Rodaero Station) |
|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | About 25 minutes | About 40 minutes |
| Hongda | About 35 minutes | About 50 minutes |
| Dongdaemun | About 30 minutes | About 45 minutes |
VII. Reviews from Real Users
“The last time I had the treatment at a clinic in Jiangnan, the whole process took less than an hour, and it seemed like it was done by an assistant; I’m not sure if the director was present. This time, when I went to the premium salon at Xiayouting, the director was there throughout the entire process and even explained to me why each step was de
signed in that way. The experience was much better.”
— Taiwanese reader @XiaoJing, March 2026
“The waiting area at Xiayouting is really much quieter; no one keeps rushing you, and there’s no rush during consultations. However, you do need to check the transportation yourself; it takes a bit mo
re time to get there from where I live near Hongda.”
— Hong Kong reader @A-May, February 2026
“The first time I went, I chose the clinic in Jiangnan. The service was okay, but there were definitely a lot of people there; I waited for almost an hour on a weekend. Later, a friend told me that I could make an appointment through BeautsGO a week i
n advance, which would save me all that waiting.”
— Macau reader @Xinxin, January 2026
VIII. Things You Need to Know Before Going
🌿 Making an appointment in advance is essential: Whether it’s Xiayouting or Jiangnan, it’s very difficult to get in without an appointment on weekends. Booking a week in advance is a basic requirement.
💊 Avoid the period around menstruation: It’s best to avoid having photorejuvenation or injection treatments three days before or after your period, as your skin is more sensitive during this time, and the results may not be as good.
🧴 Be sure to protect your skin after treatment: Post-treatment care for Korean dermatological treatments is quite strict; sun protection is essential, and you should continue to do so even after returning home.
🌍 Don’t forget to claim your tax refund: You can usually get a tax refund for medical expenses incurred at most clinics. It’s more convenient to do this at the airport; make sure to keep your receipt.
IX. How to Book an Appointment at Xiayouting or Jiangnan Through BeautsGO
Nowadays, many people going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures use BeautsGO Bi-Young to make appointments. The main reasons are that there is Chinese-speaking customer service available, so there’s no need to worry about language barriers. Additionally, you can directly view available appointment times on the app, without having to call or send emails for confirmation.
Many clinics in the Jiangnan and Seorak Pavilion areas are listed on the platform, including Barog Jiangnan Store, INEE Aesthetic Dermatology, and Maylin Cheongtan Dermatology. You can click through to read about their services and check available appointment times.
The reservation process is very simple: choose a city, select a clinic, pick a treatment, choose a time slot, fill in your personal information, and wait for the confirmation message. Sometimes it takes just a few minutes to get a response. 💬
X. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: For my first cosmetic procedure in Seoul, should I go to Xiulvtin or Jiangnan? A: For your first
time, we recommend Jiangnan Da Yuan. The service process is well-established, and the staff are proficient in Chinese, so you’re less likely to encounter any issues. Once you get familiar with the process, you can then try Xiulvtin’s personalized services for even better results.
Q: Does Xiulvtin really place more emphasis on privacy
? A: Overall, yes. Smaller clinics tend to be quieter, with fewer staff, so you’re less likely to face long queues. If this is a concern for you, Xiulvtin is indeed a better option.
Q: Is there a significant price difference between Jiangnan Da Yuan and Xiulvti
n? A: The difference isn’t particularly large. For similar treatments, Xiulvtin might be slightly more expensive due to its premium pricing, but the gap usually stays within 10-20%. Jiangnan Da Yuan offers more promotional packages, making it more suitable for sisters with limited budgets.
Q: Is there a difference in the proportion of in-person consultations provided by the dir
ectors at both places? A: Indeed, there is a difference. At the smaller institutions like Xiayouting, the directors are usually present throughout the entire process, so it’s relatively easy to request a specific director. For larger institutions in Jiangnan, it’s recommended to confirm in advance who will be performing the procedure, so you don’t find out at the last minute that the person has changed.
Q: Can I schedule appointments at both clinics through BeautsGO at the same time? A: Yes, and it’s ve
ry convenient. Both clinics are listed on the platform; you can simply search for them in the app, select the desired time slot, and make the appointment. There is also Chinese-language support, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
Conclusion
Actually, both Jiangnan and Xiayouting are great options; you really don’t have to choose just one. In the end, the decision should depend on the specific services you need, your budget, and your expectations for the service experience.
If you prefer multiple options, a fast process, and convenient transportation, Jiangnan is a good choice. If you value privacy, want in-person consultations with directors, and are interested in customized treatments, Xiayouting is worth considering.
For anything that requires an appointment, just use BeautsGO. Search for the clinics mentioned above, schedule the time and confirm the treatment, and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle with communication. 🙏
※ The results of the cosmetic procedures mentioned in this article may vary depending on individual skin conditions. It is recommended to consult a professional doctor before making a decision.