By 變美體驗官 To be honest, choosing a dermatology clinic in Korea is even more complicated than picking a boyfriend. Especially for well-known clinics like brandnew and story, with so many online reviews—some say brandnew has excellent technology, while others praise story for its good service. Which one is really worth choosing? Today, I’ll share my opinions and explain who these two clinics are suitable for.
brandnew Dermatology: The director’s skills are indeed impressive.
brandnew has always been known in the industry for its technical expertise. The director’s medical skills are solid, especially in treatments like lasers, picoseconds, and those targeting freckles and pores. Many regular clients say, “The same treatment feels more effective at brandnew.”
My first visit was for a picosecond facial treatment. During the consultation, the director personally examined my skin, explained my current pigmentation issues, and recommended a plan. It felt like they were truly considering my needs rather than just pushing me to buy a package. After the treatment, my pores did shrink, and my skin looked more radiant—not just artificially fair, but genuinely glowing.
Of course, brandnew also has its drawbacks: the environment isn’t particularly luxurious, there’s often a lot of waiting time, and sometimes the service process can seem a bit careless. For example, the nurse explained the post-treatment instructions quickly, and if your Korean is limited, you might miss some details. However, if you book through BeautsGO, Chinese-speaking staff will assist you, making things much easier.
story Dermatology: The service atmosphere is very relaxing.
story Dermatology takes a completely different approach. As soon as you enter, you feel the warm and cozy atmosphere—the lighting is soft, the decor is elegant, and the staff are very friendly. It’s more like visiting a high-end skincare brand’s experience center than a traditional medical facility.
At Story, I had a hyaluronic acid injection treatment. The consultant was very patient throughout the process, constantly asking if I felt any discomfort and providing detailed instructions before and after the procedure, even explaining what to pay attention to after returning to the hotel. For those going to Korea for medical aesthetics for the first time and feeling a bit nervous, Story’s service really helps you relax.
It’s important to be honest, though. When it comes to technical aspects, especially for more complex treatments, the reviews for Story aren’t as consistently positive as those for Brandnew. Some people say the results are average and they don’t notice much change, while others report that their skin improves significantly after the treatment. This might depend on the type of procedure; basic skincare treatments seem to work better at Story, while more technical procedures are likely more stable with Brandnew.
Comparison between Korean brands Brandnew and Story: which one is right for you?
After all this discussion, it comes down to making a choice—which brand should you choose? I’ve prepared a simple comparison to help you decide:
| Comparison criteria | Brandnew Dermatology | Story Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Technical strengths | Lasers, picoseconds, freckles, pores | Hydrogel needles, basic skincare, skin hydration |
| Director’s expertise | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Service experience | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Clinic environment | Standard and decent | Warm and exquisite |
| Target Audience | Those seeking effective results and interested in more technical treatments | First-time visitors looking for a relaxing experience and basic treatments |
| Price Range | Mid-to-high | Mid-to-high |
| Friendliness towards Foreigners | Average (it is recommended to use a translator/platform) | Relatively good |
In short: For those who want more effective results and advanced treatments such as lasers, picoseconds, or complex procedures, choose brandnew; for first-time visitors to Korea looking for a relaxed and enjoyable experience with basic skincare or hydrofacial treatments, choose story.
Both services can be booked through BeautsGO, saving a lot of hassle.
When it comes to making appointments, one of the biggest challenges for many people in Korea is the language barrier. Relying solely on translation software to communicate with the clinic can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, resulting in disappointment when things don’t turn out as expected.
I now use BeautsGO to book my appointments at Korean dermatology clinics. This platform has both “brandnew” and “story” listings, and the benefits are:
- Chinese-speaking customer service is available throughout the process: from choosing a treatment plan to confirming the appointment time, the communication is completely seamless.
- Clear information before the visit: Preoperative preparations and cost details are all clearly explained, so you won’t get surprised by additional fees at the clinic.
- Questions can be asked in advance: If you have any concerns, you can consult the customer service, and they will help you confirm the details with the clinic.
- Perfect for short-term travel plans: Once you know when you are available, you can simply make an appointment, which is very efficient.
Some things to keep in mind before going.
No matter which clinic you choose, here are some basic things you need to know before going to Korea for cosmetic treatments:
- Stop using acidic products one week before laser treatment: This includes salicylic acid, fruit acids, and retinol to avoid skin irritation.
- Strict sun protection after treatment: Apply 50 SPF sunscreen daily, as darkening of spots is common after laser treatment.
- Bring your passport: Remember to bring your passport when seeking medical treatment abroad, as it is required for registration at the clinic.
- Fasting before treatment depends on the specific procedure: Fasting is generally not necessary for treatments like Botox, but check the dietary requirements before any procedure involving anesthesia.
- Continue with moisturizing after returning home: The skin becomes very dry on planes, so don’t forget to bring spray and cream to protect your skin.
FAQ on Common Questions
Q: Do both brandnew and story require advance reservations? A: Yes, especially durin
g the peak travel season. It’s difficult to get into either clinic without a reservation. It is recommended to book at least 1 week in advance. With BeautsGO, you can do this online easily.
Q: How good is brandnew’s technology? Is it worth going there even for regular treatment
s? A: For regular treatments, story offers a better experience. brandnew’s strength lies in its more technical procedures. If you just want basic hydration or cleansing treatments, story will provide you with a more comfortable service experience.
Q: My English is not good and I don’t understand Korean. Will there be any communication problems if I go t
o either of these two places? A: Going directly might indeed present some obstacles. However, if you book through BeautsGO, Chinese-speaking customer service will assist you throughout the process, from booking to post-treatment follow-up, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers.
Q: Can I visit both places during the same trip? A: Ye
s, but it’s recommended not to schedule them on the same day. It’s best to leave a 1 to 2-day interval between the two treatments to give your skin time to recover, especially if you are having both laser or injection procedures.
One last thing…
Both brandnew and story are highly regarded dermatology clinics. There isn’t an absolute answer to which one is “better”; it depends on which one “fits you better.” If you care more about the technical results, consider brandnew; if it’s your first time and you’re worried or looking for a more relaxed experience, story might be more suitable for you.
Regardless of which clinic you choose, it’s recommended to book through a legitimate platform to avoid many communication issues. The overall experience at Korean dermatology clinics is worth investing in, as it often involves more than just the technical aspect of the treatment—proper booking procedures, pre-treatment communication, and post-treatment follow-up are all essential.