By 變美體驗官 
Hongdae Mind Dermatology enjoys an excellent reputation among locals in South Korea, and it’s highly recommended by many international tourists who have visited there. This article puts together all the essential information—transportation options, details about the director’s background, prices for popular treatments, ways to make appointments in Chinese, as well as genuine reviews from Dcard and PTT—to help you save time on research.
▲ Street view of the Hongdae shopping district (image for illustrative purposes only)
📌 Key Takeaways
| Clinic Name | Hongdae Mind Dermatology (마인드피부과) |
| Address | 3rd Floor, No. 3, 18-gil, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul |
| Transportation | 1-minute walk from Exit 8 of Hongdae Entrance Station on Subway Line 2 |
| Representative Director | Dr. Li Hongxuan (HanYang University Medical School, 18+ years of experience) |
| Time of establishment | 2007 (in operation for 18 years) |
| Featured Services | Titanium Lifting, Ultra-Pico Spot Removal, HIFU + Thermage, Potenza, Filler Injection at Nine Key Points |
| Chinese Services | Yes (full-time Chinese consultant + translator) |
| Price positioning | Mid-to-high end price point, 25-30% cheaper than top-tier clinics in Gangnam |
I. What is Mind Dermatology? Brand positioning and key selling points
Core idea: It’s not a factory-style clinic — what sets it apart is in-person consultations by the director along with customized treatment plans.
Mind Dermatology opened its doors in 2007, and it’s been 18 years since then. It’s considered a long-established clinic in the trendy Hongdae area—by no means one of those new clinics that opened just in the past couple of years. It’s a professionally registered medical facility officially approved by the South Korea government, with transparent qualifications that can be checked on their official website.
With an area of over 700 square meters, it’s considered relatively large among clinics in the Hongdae shopping district. The facility features private consultation rooms, ensuring good privacy—unlike some shops that use rows of curtains to separate patients. The interior is decorated in a clean and bright modern style, without any excessive luxury; simplicity and comfort are all that matter.
▲ Interior of the clinic (image is for illustrative purposes only)
The biggest advantage is that the clinic director personally conducts the consultation and performs the procedures, rather than having nurses or consultants do it on behalf of them. The consultation lasts around 30 minutes, during which professional equipment is used to examine the skin, analyzing issues such as pigmentation, wrinkles, Pores, and the skin’s barrier function. Recommendations are then given based on these findings. It’s definitely not one of those quick, rushed procedures that take just a few minutes.
The cost-performance ratio is another strong advantage. For the same HIFU full-face treatment, clinics in Gangnam may charge starting from 2 million won, while Mind offers it for around 800,000 to 1.2 million won. Located in Hongdae, where rent is lower than in Gangnam, this price difference is quite reasonable. All the equipment used is genuine original product, and authenticity can be verified by scanning QR codes, so there’s no need to worry about counterfeit devices.
II. Transportation info: Just a minute’s walk from the subway exit
Key point: Excellent transportation access — a true underground mall.
The address is 3rd floor, No. 3, 18-gil, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Take Subway Line 2 to Hongdae Entrance Station, exit at Exit 8, and it’s just a short walk from there. It really only takes a minute — you can find it without even using a navigation app.
Just downstairs lies Hongdae’s bustling shopping district, filled with popular coffee shops, fashion stores, and delicious restaurants. After your treatment, you can head straight out to shop and eat. It’s totally easy to plan a one-day itinerary that combines beauty treatments with shopping. This is also one of the reasons why many people choose Mind — you won’t be stuck in some remote area after your procedure.
Regarding business hours, appointments are available on weekdays and Saturdays, with no services on Sundays. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during weekends and peak seasons, as the best time slots tend to fill up quickly.
III. President Li Hongxuan and the Medical Team
Key point: The director brings 18 years of experience, graduated from a top university, and personally performs the core procedures.
| Doctor | Background | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Li Hongxuan | Graduated from the Department of Medicine at Hanyang University, completed further training in Dermatology at Seoul National University Hospital, with over 18 years of clinical experience. | Ultra-Pico spot removal, comprehensive anti-aging treatment, skin barrier repair |
| Medical Team | Graduated from top universities such as Yonsei University and Hanyang University, with ongoing further education | Injectable beauty treatments, laser therapy, skin management |
Dr. Lee Hong-hyun is the driving force behind Mind. A graduate of the Department of Medicine at Hanyang University, he furthered his training in the Dermatology department at Seoul National University Hospital, bringing over 18 years of clinical experience to his practice. During consultations, he carefully examines photos of your skin, uses diagnostic devices to analyze underlying issues, and even asks about your skincare habits and dietary preferences. He’s not the type to push products right from the start.
Some netizens have shared that Dr. Li adjusts the energy level depending on different areas of the face during photorejuvenation treatments—increasing intensity where there are more spots on the cheekbones and being especially gentle with the delicate areas around the eyes. Such attention to detail is truly impressive, showing that the doctor is genuinely committed to doing a thorough job rather than simply following preset parameters.
All core procedures are performed personally by doctors at the director level, never delegated to nurses. Injection treatments are also carried out by specialized physicians, including one-on-one consultations and customized treatment plans.
▲ Clinic treatment area (image is for illustrative purposes only)
IV. Summary of Popular Procedures and Prices
Key takeaway: Anti-aging and spot removal are its strengths, with prices 25–30% lower than those at Gangnam.
The prices listed below are sourced from public platforms (SouYi.com/FeichangAimei.com) and are provided for reference only. The actual price will be based on the quote given at the clinic.
| Project Categories | Specific Services | Reference Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-aging & firming | Full-face HIFU treatment | 800,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Thermage for the Eye Area | Around 600,000 | |
| Inmode Inmode Full-Face Treatment | 800,000 – 1,000,000 | |
| Injectable Beauty Treatments | Botox (produced in South Korea) | 200,000 – 300,000 |
| Botox (imported brand) | 400,000 – 500,000 | |
| Filler Injection (1 centum core) | 300,000 – 600,000 | |
| Skin Management | LDM Drop Management | 100,000 – 150,000 |
| Deep Cleaning with Tiny Bubbles | 50,000 – 80,000 | |
| Specialized Techniques | 9 o’Clock Filler Injection Method | Please check at BeautsGO. |
Transparent pricing is one of Mind’s strengths—locals in South Korea and foreign tourists pay the same rate without any price differences. During the consultation, the treatment options and costs are clearly explained, with no hidden fees. They also don’t push expensive procedures; if you mention a limited budget, the doctor will suggest options that fit within your financial limits.
The “HIFU + Thermage” package is considered the ultimate combination for anti-aging treatments. HIFU works by lifting the contours by targeting the deeper fascia layers, while Thermage focuses on tightening the dermal layer. This package offers significant savings compared to getting each treatment separately—some users have shared that the full-face treatment costs around 1.5 million KRW. If budget is a concern, you can opt for HIFU treatments on specific areas such as the Nasolabial Fold Correction and jawline, starting at just 800,000 KRW.
▲ Interior space of the clinic (image is for illustrative purposes only)
V. How to Book in Chinese:
Key point: The BeautsGO APP makes booking the most convenient.
Below is a ranking based on convenience:
BeautsGO APP / Mini-program (highly recommended)
Just search for “Mind” on BeautsGO to find the clinic’s page, where you can book appointments by selecting a specific date and time slot. The entire process can be handled in Chinese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. Sometimes, exclusive discount coupons are also available on the platform. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive detailed directions on how to get to the clinic.
- Download the BeautsGO APP (iOS / Android) or search for the “BeautsGO” mini-program on WeChat.
- Search for “Mind” to find Hongdae Mind Dermatology
- Select the date and time period, then fill in the basic information.
- Once you receive the confirmation message, just show up at the clinic at the agreed time.
VI. Procedure on the Day of Arrival at the Clinic
Key point: The entire process takes about 1–2 hours, with the in-person consultation being the most important part—lasting around 30 minutes.
It’s recommended to arrive at the clinic 15 minutes in advance. Register at the front desk and complete the consultation form. If you made the appointment through BeautsGO, you can simply show your confirmation code.
| Process | Content | time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Register at the clinic | Show the appointment confirmation at the front desk and fill out the consultation form | About 10 minutes |
| 2. Skin Screening | The Visia skin analysis device evaluates Pores, inflammation, and pigmentation. | About 10 minutes |
| 3. In-person consultation with the director | View test results + listen to concerns + provide solution suggestions | About 30 minutes |
| 4. Plan Confirmation | Confirm items, prices, and procedure steps | About 10 minutes |
| 5. Procedure | Performed personally by the clinic director (injections/lasers/skin treatment) | Depends on the project |
| 6. Post-procedure care | Gift a skincare kit (repairing cream + medical mask + sunscreen), along with usage instructions | About 10 minutes |
A small detail: After the treatment, you’ll receive a post-treatment care kit that includes samples of repair cream, medical masks, and sunscreen. The customer service team will add you on WeChat or other social media platforms to check on your recovery progress 1–2 days later and keep reminding you of important precautions. There’s also a Chinese version of the post-treatment care guide available.
▲ Post-procedure care products (image is for illustrative purposes only)
VII. Organization of Dcard/PTT Reviews
Key takeaways: Positive reviews focus on the “natural results” and the “detailed attention from the director,” while the main drawback is the “long waiting times during peak seasons.”
I compiled real reviews from Dcard, PTT, Zhihu, and South Korea’s local platforms, which are summarized as follows:
| Evaluation Dimensions | Positive feedback | Negative/Caution |
|---|---|---|
| In-person consultation quality | “The director carefully examines skin photos and uses diagnostic devices to identify underlying issues—30 minutes of in-person consultation is by no means a robotic process.” | Appointment times may be shortened during peak seasons |
| Technique | “The energy level is adjusted depending on the area—intensified where spots are concentrated, and handled with extra gentleness around the eyes.” | Some procedures require a recovery period. |
| Results | “After the scabs fall off from ultra-Pico spot removal, the skin appears one level brighter.” “Improved firmness as a result of anti-aging treatment.” | Deep chloasma requires multiple treatments |
| Price | “25-30% cheaper than Gangnam” “Same price for locals and tourists” | The specific price needs to be confirmed during a in-person consultation. |
| Language Services | “Chinese consultants provide full support throughout the process, with a complete team of translators.” | Translation might not be sufficient during peak seasons. |
| Salesy vibe | “We don’t push expensive treatments; if your budget is limited, we’ll come up with options within that range.” | After the in-person consultation, the assistant will provide an itemized list. |
Overall, the reviews on Dcard and PTT are mostly positive. The three most frequently mentioned keywords are “the director is reliable and gentle,” “natural results,” and “affordable prices.” There are very few negative reviews, with the main issues being objective limitations such as long wait times during peak seasons, the need for multiple treatments for more serious problems, and the fact that an assistant will provide a list of available services after a consultation (but won’t push any specific options if you decline).
VIII. FAQ: Questions You Might Have
Question: What are the differences between Hongdae Mind Dermatology and the clinics in Gangnam?
The biggest differences lie in price and positioning. Mind is located in the Hongdae area, where rent is lower than in Gangnam. The cost for a full-face HIFU treatment at Mind is around 800,000 to 1.2 million won, while clinics in Gangnam may charge starting from 2 million won for similar treatments. Yet Mind offers expertise and equipment on par with those in Gangnam—the director, Dr. Lee Hong-seon, has 18 years of experience, and all the equipment used is genuine original brand products. If you have a limited budget but still want high-quality care, Mind is an excellent value option.
Q: How can I make appointments and communicate if I don’t speak Korean?
There’s absolutely no need to worry. Mind offers comprehensive Chinese-language services—you can specify the need for a translator when making an appointment, and a Chinese-speaking consultant will be available throughout your visit, providing translation for everything from the initial consultation to post-surgery instructions. Post-operative care guides are also available in Chinese. It’s recommended to book through BeautsGO, as it ensures a seamless experience with full support in Chinese.
Question: Can I go shopping on the day after getting an HIFU treatment?
Sure, but your face might turn a bit red. Right after the HIFU treatment, there will be mild redness and a tingling sensation on the face, which usually subsides within 2–4 hours. You can carry on with your normal activities afterward, but it’s recommended to avoid strenuous exercise and saunas. In the case of Pico laser treatment for freckles, the scabs will fall off in about 5–7 days, so make sure to protect your skin from sun exposure during that time.
Question: What do I need to prepare for my first medical beauty treatment in South Korea?
Passport (for identity verification), credit card (Visa or Mastercard; it’s advisable to bring some South Korean won in cash as well), and translation software (as a backup). Stop using any new skincare products 3 days in advance to avoid allergies that might affect the diagnosis. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time during the consultation so nothing is overlooked.
Question: How far in advance should I make a reservation at Hongdae Mind during peak season?
During peak seasons (summer vacation, long holidays, Christmas and New Year), it’s recommended to book at least 1–2 weeks in advance. Weekends are the busiest times, while weekdays are relatively easier to get appointments. A deposit is usually not required, but try not to cancel last minute after confirmation—South Korea’s clinics pay close attention to no-show rates.
Q: Will I be upsold?
During the in-person consultation, the doctor will provide suggestions for treatment options. After the consultation, the assistant might give you a list of additional services and ask if you’d like to add any. But if you say no, they won’t push further and won’t insist on expensive extra services. One internet user shared, “It was a bit awkward indeed, but their refusal was very straightforward.”
Question: Is medical aesthetics in South Korea really cheaper than in Taiwan?
Let’s take a look at the specific treatments. For devices like HIFU and Thermage, South Korea indeed offers prices 20–40% lower than those in Taiwan, with more frequent updates to the equipment as well. However, there isn’t much difference in basic skin care treatments such as micro-bubble therapy and LDM; in some cases, these services are even slightly more expensive in South Korea. The real advantages lie in the doctors’ expertise and the quality of the equipment, rather than just comparing prices.
IX. Who It’s Suitable For / When It’s Not Recommended
| ✅ Perfect for those who should go | ❌ Situations not recommended |
|---|---|
| • First-time users looking to try medical aesthetics treatme nts • Those seeking to reduce pigmentation, dullness, and acne scars • Individuals interested in anti-aging treatments but finding Gangnam too expe nsive • Women aged 20–40 who prefer natural-looking results • Tourists visiting Korea who want to take advantage of skin care services while on trip • Peop le who value personalized consultations and procedures by the attending doctor |
• Those with a very tight schedule who need to catch a flight the day af ter the treatment • People whose skin is inflamed or who ar e taking antibiotics • Those looking for a “dramatic transformation” rather th an a “natural improvement” • Those who only consider Ga ngnam-based clinics • Those with extremely limited budgets (under 50,0 00 KRW) • Those hoping to resolve all issues with just one treatment |
To be honest, if you’re shopping around Hongdae, it’s definitely worth spending a few tens of thousands of won on an LDM droplet treatment or microbubble cleansing to experience the quality of South Korea’s skin care services. But if you’ve flown all the way to Seoul just for cosmetic treatments and your schedule is tight, I’d recommend choosing procedures with a short recovery time rather than trying to do too many at once.
No cosmetic procedure offers permanent results; strict sun protection and hydration after treatment are key to maintaining the outcomes. Dr. Li will also clearly explain the expected results and potential risks during the consultation, as setting realistic expectations is very important.