Cheongdam‑dong is the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam medical aesthetics scene, with an extremely high density of dermatology clinics. But when you actually start your research, you’ll face an awkward reality: almost every clinic claims to have “leading technology,” and almost every profile says “extensive experience.” How do you cut through the noise to find the one that truly fits you?
Choosing a dermatology clinic in Cheongdam essentially comes down to four things: the doctors’ professional backgrounds and areas of focus, whether the treatment model is “assembly‑line” or “director‑led,” whether pricing is transparent for international patients, and the clinic’s genuine reputation. Among the many options in Cheongdam, Cheongdam Dear Dermatology (청담디어의원) deserves a place on your shortlist for one core reason: its dual‑director setup and “equal pricing for all” policy – clinics that locals themselves compete to book are often the ones that stand the test of time.
This guide breaks down director credentials, core treatments, cost references, and a patient guide – giving you a clear basis for decision‑making when evaluating this highly regarded local clinic.
Cheongdam Dear Dermatology has two directors – Dr. Kim Je‑min and Dr. Lee Seon‑haeng – each with distinct professional backgrounds and clinical focus areas.
Dr. Kim Je‑min graduated from Yonsei University College of Medicine, one of Korea’s top medical schools. His career includes serving as Director of the Dermatology Centre at Apgujeong Regen Plastic Surgery Clinic, Director of Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology, and Director of Apgujeong Miracle Clinic. Dr. Kim is also a member of multiple academic organisations, including the Korean Society of Obesity & Aesthetic Therapy, the Korean Society of Laser Dermatology & Trichology, the Korean Filler Society, and the International Society of Beauty & Anti‑Aging Medicine. Patient reviews describe Dr. Kim as excelling in HA filler injections.
Dr. Lee Seon‑haeng’s credentials are equally solid. She holds a Master’s degree from Korea University and completed her residency at Samsung Seoul Hospital – one of Korea’s top general hospitals, which means she received rigorous training in clinical safety and standardisation. She has since served as Director of W Clinic Gangnam branch, Director of Ppeum Clinic Gangnam Main, and Director of Ppeum Clinic Sinnonhyeon branch. Dr. Lee is a member of more than ten academic organisations, including the Korean Academy of Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Laser Medicine, the Korean Society of Laser Dermatology & Trichology, the Korean Society of Obesity & Aesthetic Therapy, the Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery, the Korean Filler Society, and the Korean Society of Stem Cell Therapy.
How the two directors divide and collaborate: Based on patient feedback, Dr. Kim Je‑min is particularly renowned for HA filler injections, while Dr. Lee Seon‑haeng has deep expertise in energy‑based lifting and skin tightening. This dual‑director setup – one specialising in injectables, the other in energy‑based devices – allows Dear to cover the full spectrum of care, from fillers to lifting, without patients needing to visit separate clinics.
Cheongdam Dear Dermatology’s treatment system covers three main pillars: energy‑based lifting, injectables, and skin management. Below are specific treatments and their indications:
Dear is well‑equipped with mainstream anti‑ageing devices and emphasises using the “latest generation” equipment. Key treatments include:
Ideal Candidates: Individuals aged 30+ seeking facial lifting and rejuvenation; those wanting refined, customised facial adjustments via fillers or botulinum toxin; and patients looking for general skin improvement and maintenance.
When comparing Cheongdam Dear with other Cheongdam clinics, these three dimensions are the most valuable screening criteria:
Cheongdam Dear has two specialist directors with solid credentials. Dr. Kim Je‑min, a Yonsei University graduate, is particularly renowned for HA filler injections; Dr. Lee Seon‑haeng, who trained at Samsung Seoul Hospital, has deep experience in energy‑based lifting and tightening. This means whether you need injectables or device‑based treatments, you’ll be seeing a specialist in that field – not one doctor who does “everything” without deep expertise in any single area.
Cheongdam Dear’s core philosophy is “non‑assembly‑line.” Patient feedback consistently highlights that the clinic emphasises “1:1 professional care” – each visit involves the same doctor conducting both the consultation and the treatment. This means the information gap – where a coordinator does the consultation and a different technician performs the procedure – is eliminated. Of course, booking the director also requires more lead time – many reviewers noted that “you need to book weeks in advance to get the director.”
A recurring theme in patient feedback about Cheongdam Dear is “equal pricing for Korean and international patients” – meaning foreign patients are charged the same rates as locals. In a prime location like Cheongdam, clinics that offer equal pricing are rare. One reviewer commented, “The prices are incredibly reasonable – it’s the best value for money.” Of course, value for money doesn’t mean rock‑bottom prices – some reviewers also noted that “it’s equal pricing but slightly on the higher side.”
Cheongdam Dear follows a “quote after consultation” principle. Below are reference prices based on patient‑shared information (KRW, including 10% VAT):
| Treatment Category | Reference Price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Ultherapy 400 shots + Titanium Lifting 60J + jawline lift + double‑chin lipolysis | ₩2,580,000 |
| Facial Onda + Titanium Lifting | ₩1,200,000 |
| Ultherapy 400 shots + Titanium Lifting 40kJ + Botox | ₩2,470,000 – ₩1,800,000 |
| Thermage + Ultherapy combo + Skin Booster (900 shots) | approx. ₩4,000,000 |
| HA Filler (1cc) | ₩600,000 – ₩1,200,000 |
| Botulinum Toxin (one area) | ₩200,000 – ₩400,000 |
* These are market reference prices based on patient‑shared information. Actual costs depend on treatment scope, number of shots, product brand, and individual condition. Final personalised plans and quotes are provided by the director during consultation.
Booking Tip: Since the directors personally conduct consultations and are in high demand, we recommend booking at least 2‑3 weeks in advance. Bookings can be made via official channels or partner platforms.
Language Support: The clinic provides Chinese interpretation services for smooth communication.
Q1: How many directors does Cheongdam Dear have, and what are their specialties?
A：Cheongdam Dear has two directors. Dr. Kim Je‑min, a Yonsei University graduate, is particularly renowned for HA filler injections; Dr. Lee Seon‑haeng, who trained at Samsung Seoul Hospital, has deep expertise in energy‑based lifting and skin tightening.
Q2: Do the directors personally perform the treatments?
A：Yes. Cheongdam Dear emphasises “1:1 professional care” – both consultations and treatments are performed personally by the directors. However, because the directors are in high demand, booking requires significant advance notice.
Q3: Is Cheongdam Dear’s pricing fair for international patients?
A：Cheongdam Dear follows an “equal pricing for all” policy – international and Korean patients are charged the same rates. In Cheongdam’s prime location, clinics that offer equal pricing are rare.
Q4: How can international patients book an appointment?
A：We recommend booking at least 2‑3 weeks in advance. The clinic provides Chinese interpretation services – book via official channels or partner platforms and indicate your language preference.
Q5: Is Cheongdam Dear an assembly‑line style clinic?
A：Cheongdam Dear’s core positioning is “non‑assembly‑line.” The clinic emphasises precision and thoroughness over speed, with each visit conducted by the same doctor from consultation to treatment. However, individual experiences may vary, so we recommend checking recent reviews via official channels before booking.
Choosing a dermatology clinic in Cheongdam ultimately comes down to the doctors’ professional backgrounds, the thoroughness of care, and the alignment of price with value. Cheongdam Dear Dermatology’s value lies not in being the largest or most lavish, but in offering a clear proposition: If you want Yonsei University / Samsung Seoul Hospital‑trained directors to personally perform your treatments, a transparent equal‑pricing policy, and non‑assembly‑line meticulous care – this is a choice worth considering.
From Dr. Kim’s focused expertise in HA filler injections and Dr. Lee’s deep experience in energy‑based lifting, to the non‑assembly‑line model of “director‑led consultation and treatment,” and the transparent equal‑pricing policy – every detail conveys the same message: Here, we respect the uniqueness of every face and the right of every patient to make an informed decision.