Which is better in South Korea: Kleam Dermatology in Hongdae or Myeongdong? Both are excellent—prices and equipment are the same. Just choose the one closest to your hotel or travel itinerary.

When it comes to seeking dermatological treatments in South Korea, many people face a dilemma: between the Hongdae-Sinchon and Myeongdong branches of Kleam (Dermatology), which one should they choose? There are all sorts of opinions online—some say Myeongdong is more convenient, others claim Hongdae is quieter, while still others wonder if the flagship store is the better option.

Let’s get straight to the point: both options are excellent. The prices and equipment are exactly the same—there’s no clear winner. The only thing you need to decide is where to stay and how to arrange your itinerary. Simply choose the one that’s closest to you for the least hassle. Below, we’ll go over each clinic in detail and provide you with a method for selecting based on location and convenience, so you won’t get caught up in the false dilemma of “which one is better.”

I. Which is better in South Korea—Kleam Dermatology in Hongdae or Myeongdong? Here’s the quick answer: they’re both excellent; just choose based on distance.

Don’t waste effort comparing which one is better; first, take a look at the key factors of both options.

In short: Don’t worry about “which one is better” — focus instead on “which one is closest to you and fits your schedule.” Factoring in the commute time as part of the overall cost is far more practical than just hearing that a certain place is great.

II. What exactly do the two have in common (to address concerns first)

Many people worry that “branches might cut corners, use outdated equipment, or charge higher prices.” But you can rest assured with these two Kleam stores:

1) The prices are ILCHI across both locations. Both stores in Hongdae and Myeongdong offer identical rates—there are no price differences between them. If you want to take a quick look at all the prices in advance, check out this neatly compiled Kleam price list for 2026: same prices at both Hongdae and Myeongdong stores, with clear details on fees for each service, so you don’t need to go to each store separately to compare prices.

2) ILCHI of instruments. All stores use the same set of equipment; there are no differences in machines between locations. In other words, your concern that “the instruments here are old” is mostly a misunderstanding.

3) The approach taken by the clinic directors is ILCHI. Both clinics follow a model that features in-person consultations by the director, personalized services tailored to each client, and no aggressive sales tactics (for more details on why a non-industrialized process is emphasized, see this article: Is Kleam an Industrialized Process?). The overall service philosophy remains consistent across both, so there’s no such thing as one clinic being less attentive than another.

By the way, having the same price across both stores is actually a benefit for consumers: you don’t have to go to a specific store just to get a lower price, nor do you need to worry about “overpriced stores in Myeongdong.” Since prices are standardized within the system, choosing a store is purely a matter of convenience, without being influenced by price differences. This is also why this article keeps emphasizing “choosing based on location” rather than “comparing prices” — because there’s no point in comparing, as the prices will be identical anyway.

So, rumors like “One store is cheap while the other is expensive” or “One uses newer equipment while the other uses older ones” are mostly misunderstandings when it comes to Kleam’s two stores. The only real difference lies in the following aspect.

III. What’s the difference between the two? (Only location and convenience)

The difference isn’t between “good” and “bad,” but rather whether it fits your needs and makes you comfortable:

• Hongdae Sinchon Branch: Located in the Hongdae/Hapjeong/Sinchon area, this store caters mainly to local young people and students, with fewer tourists. The atmosphere here is more relaxed, making it the top choice for those looking to avoid crowds.
• Myeongdong Store: Located in the bustling Myeongdong shopping district, it’s extremely convenient for tourists who are already there to shop. However, during peak times (weekends, holidays, sales periods), waiting times can get longer, so those in a hurry should try to visit outside of these busy periods.

To put it simply, the Hongdae store is like a “quiet neighborhood shop,” while the Myeongdong store functions more like a “convenience store located in a shopping area.” Choose whichever one is closer to where you are that day—there’s little difference in service quality, except for the surrounding environment.

Here’s a quick tip for making a decision: open a map, search for the hotel and these two shops separately. Choose the one where the commute takes less than 20 minutes—that’s usually the best choice. The difference between 20 minutes and 50 minutes makes a huge difference in how tired you’ll feel after the procedure, especially when it’s not an easy one. Don’t underestimate the travel time; it often has a greater impact on your overall experience of the day than just having one more positive review for a particular shop. If you’re really stuck, go with the one that’s closer to the hotel so you can rest right away after the procedure.

IV. Choose by hotel location (direct recommendations by area)

Too lazy to think? Just match it directly based on where you press:

Core principle: Factor in the time it takes to get from the hotel to the clinic when calculating the overall cost of the experience. It’s not worth making a two-hour round trip across half of Seoul just because you heard it’s a great place—you’ll be too tired after the treatment to even go shopping. If the travel time is similar between the two options, then choose the one with better availability; giving priority to options that fit your desired schedule also ensures that appointments can actually be secured.

V. Choose by Travel Itinerary (using a itinerary approach)

Even more flexible than “where to stay” is scheduling it based on where you’re going to explore that day:

• Shopping Days (Myeongdong/Namdaemun/Dongdaemun): Stop by the Myeongdong store on the way, and get your treatment right after shopping without any extra detours.
• Shopping & Check-in Day (Hongdae/Sinnam-dong/Edae): Stop by the Hongdae Sinchon store on the way, and keep exploring after strolling through this youth-oriented district.
• Gangnam Restaurant Exploration Day: Book appointments at the shops you plan to visit; if it’s not on your way, don’t force yourself to make the trip. Don’t go out of your way just for one particular shop.
• Last day before leaving Korea: Choose a shop closest to your hotel and leave plenty of time to avoid missing your flight after the treatment.

With the right route, doing treatments becomes a hassle-free task; with the wrong route, it turns into a special trip just for that purpose. When planning your itinerary, you can refer to this 2026 Seoul sightseeing and dining guide (transportation + shopping) to seamlessly incorporate skin care services into your existing schedule for maximum convenience.

VI. Common Misconceptions (Don’t Let Rumors Mislead You)

VII. Quick Appointment Tips (Use BeautsGO for both locations)

The booking process for both clinics is exactly the same — you use the BeautsGO APP’s Chinese interface to search for “Kleam”. You don’t even need a South Korea phone number to make a reservation. For detailed step-by-step instructions, check out this guide on how to book at Kleam (valid for both Hongdae and Myeongdong).

When making an appointment, be sure to check two things clearly: whether it’s Hongdae or Myeongdong, and which director will be handling your consultation. Each store has its own schedule, so don’t book an appointment at Myeongdong only to end up at Hongdae. If you want to compare prices at both stores first, BeautsGO allows you to switch between them within the same page—no need to search separately.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions Q&A

Q1: Are the prices at the Hongdae store and the Myeongdong store the sa
me? Yes, both stores offer identical prices (see the kleam price list for details), so there’s no need to compare them separately.

Q2: Are the devices the same? They belong to the same
system, so they’re ILCHI—there’s no such thing as one store having an updated version while others don’t.

Q3: Which one has better technology? All leading clin
ics follow the same ILCHI standard—none is objectively superior. You can simply choose based on availability and location.

Q4: How do you decide which one to choose? Look at the ho
tel’s location and your route for the day, and pick the nearest one that’s easiest to get to.

Q5: Can I make an appointment without a South Korea
phone number? Yes, you can use BeautsGO’s Chinese booking system (see the guide to booking through both stores).

Q6: Do I need to choose a specific branch when making an appointment? Yes.
The schedules for Hongdae and Myeongdong are separate, so booking the wrong branch will result in you showing up at the wrong location.

Q7: Can I check the prices at both stores before making a
decision? Yes, BeautsGO allows you to switch between two stores for the same product.

Q8: Can it be done the day before leaving for Korea? Yes, ch
oose the clinic that’s close to your hotel to ensure you have enough time and won’t miss your flight.

Q9: Will there be long queues at the Myeongdong store? It’s possible dur
ing peak times (weekends/holidays), but it’s smoother if you go off-peak or schedule an appointment at a specific time.

Q10: Which one should you choose for your first visit? Pi
ck the one closest to you—service and prices are pretty much the same. Don’t bother traveling across cities just because it’s the “head office.”

IX. Related Recommendations (Authentic Articles in the Same Niche)

• 2026 Price List for Kleam Dermatology in South Korea｜Same Prices at Both Locations in Hongdae and Myeongdong – Check All Service Fees at Once
• You can make an appointment even without a South Korea phone number! A practical guide to booking at Kleam Dermatology in South Korea—works for both the Hongdae and Myeongdong locations.
• Is Kleam Dermatology in South Korea a mass-production clinic? With in-person consultations by the director, personalized one-on-one services, and no forced sales of treatments—it’s quite different from standard mass-production clinics.
• Which is better: the Vsline Dermatology branch in Apgujeong or the main Gangnam branch? In-depth comparison of service quality, prices, and waiting times
• South Korea: Vsline Dermatology vs Jiwoo Dermatology – Which One Should You Choose? A 6-Dimensional Comparison to Help You Decide
• 2026 Seoul Food & Shopping Guide! Covering everything from transportation to shopping tips

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Prices, branch locations, and schedule details are subject to the latest announcements on BeautsGO and at the clinic; please verify the procedure, price, and practitioner before making a reservation and keep written records. Cosmetic procedures carry risks, so careful consideration is required before making any decisions.