A few days ago, a friend asked me, “If I were going to Myeongdong for medical beauty treatments for the first time, which clinic should I choose, LIJIN or PPEUM?” I had to admit that this question wasn’t easy to answer in just a few words—because the styles of these two clinics are quite different, and they are suitable for completely different types of people.

I have visited both of these places myself and also taken different friends there, so I have a fairly good understanding of my experiences at both of them. Today, let’s start by discussing “what people who are doing medical aesthetics for the first time care most about” and help you clearly distinguish the differences between these two places.

If you’re not even sure how many Dermatology clinics there are in Myeongdong, it’s recommended that you first read this article listing the top 5 clinics in Myeongdong. This will give you a general idea before making your choice.

Let me conclude first: The choice of which company to use depends entirely on your specific needs.

If you don’t want to read a long article, here’s a quick way to make a decision:

• If you want “peace of mind and someone to guide you throughout the process”, choose LIJIN: The dean will conduct a personal consultation for you, the schedule is flexible, and Chinese-speaking services are available on-site.
• If you want “a wide range of services at attractive prices and high efficiency”, choose ppeum: we offer significant discounts on various services, a vast selection of treatments, and a complete range of equipment from well-known brands.

Alright, the conclusion is drawn. Now, let’s take a detailed look at the comparisons.

A side-by-side comparison of the five dimensions: LIJIN vs PPEUM

Comparative dimensions	Myeongdong LIJIN Dermatology	PPEUM Myeongdong Store
subway station	Walk for 3 minutes from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station on Line 4	From Exit 6 of the Entrance Station on Branch Road B of Line 2, it takes just 1 minute to walk.
Opening hours	Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM / Weekends: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM	Monday/Friday: 10:00–21:00; Other days: 10:00–19:00
Chinese-language services	✅ On-site Chinese translation	✅ On-site Chinese translation
The dean conducts personal consultations.	✅ Personal consultation by the representative director	This is usually done through a face-to-face consultation with the on-duty doctor.
Strengths	Potenza, HIFU, Onda, LDM	Titanium Lifting, Rejuran, Pico laser, Inmode
Price range	Mid-to-high range	Many discounts are available during these promotions, offering great value for money.
Chain scale	Single store	Chain stores (with locations in Gangnam, Hongdae, Jeju Island, and Busan)
Suitable for beginners	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

LIJIN: The dean personally conducts consultations – the most reassuring option for newcomers.

The most prominent aspect of going to LIJIN is the sense of stability and reliability. The dean, Huang Yuzhu, personally conducts consultations. It’s not just a quick glance and then you’re sent away; instead, she will carefully ask you questions like “What aspects would you like to improve?”, “Have you undergone any treatments before?”, and “Are you sensitive to pain?”, and then recommend appropriate treatment options based on your specific situation.

This is extremely important for those who are trying medical beauty treatments for the first time – you simply don’t know what works best for you. Having a director help you make decisions can save you a lot of unnecessary detours.

LIJIN’s strength lies in the package that combines Potenza with Juvelook Blue Bottle – a treatment that many tourists from Taiwan and Hong Kong specifically come for. Additionally, HIFU and Onda lipolysis are also very popular. If you’re looking to “improve your skin quality while also anti-aging”, LIJIN’s approach offers a more comprehensive solution.

The Chinese-speaking services include on-site translation, with accompanying assistance throughout the entire process—from consultation to the actual procedure—ensuring no barriers to communication at all. The overall pace is not rushed; after the treatment, you can even stay in the relaxation area without feeling any pressure to move on to the next client immediately.

In terms of price, LIJIN is not particularly cheap, but it is also not excessively expensive; it falls into the category of “you feel it’s worth the money spent”. For specific price quotes for various services, it is recommended to check BeautsGO.

ppeum: Countless projects with huge discounts – the king of cost-effectiveness!

PPEUM is a large-scale chain Dermatology clinic in South Korea. In Seoul alone, it has branches in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong. Their biggest strengths lie in the wide range of services offered and the substantial discounts available – upon checking their price list, you will find dozens of treatment options, and nearly every one comes with special discounts, with some even at 50% off.

Here are a few examples: The discounted price for the Titanium Lifting treatment is ₩259,000 (original price: ₩450,000); the Pico Laser full-face treatment costs ₩79,000 (original price: ₩155,000); and the full-face Inmode treatment is available for ₩59,000 (original price: ₩115,000). Such prices are truly competitive in Myeongdong.

Moreover, they offer limited-time promotional prices. For example, the Korean-style HIFU Universe version with 100 treatments is available for just ₩922,000, and the Pico whitening laser treatment costs ₩99,900 – these prices are extremely affordable for those who are considering trying these services for the first time.

However, the pace at PPEUM is relatively faster. As it is a chain store with a large number of customers, the procedures are more standardized: consultation → treatment → rest → departure, with each step strictly timed. If it’s your first time undergoing medical beauty treatments, you might think, “Huh? Is that all there is?” It feels quite like working on an assembly line.

The dean, Zheng Zhenjiu, is a veteran doctor who graduated from Seoul National University and has 20 years of experience. However, it is the on-duty doctor who actually conducts the consultation, not necessarily the dean himself. In Chinese, this is sometimes translated as “on-site doctor,” but during busy hours, such doctors may be quite occupied.

For different types of beginners, which products are recommended respectively?

• I have never undergone any cosmetic procedures before and am very nervous → LIJIN: The director personally conducts the consultation, all communications are in Chinese, and there is no rush, so the stress is minimal.
• Having tried it 1-2 times and already knowing what I want → ppeum: Numerous projects + significant discounts + high efficiency – straight to the point.
• With a limited budget, I want to try several different treatments → ppeum: There are so many affordable treatment options available; you can try Pico treatment for just ¥99,900.
• If you want to “dedicate yourself fully to a project and complete it thoroughly” – then for LIJIN, the Potenza + Juvelook package is definitely their signature offering, and the results are impressive.
• My colleagues also want to do it and join in → ppeum: Large stores have more space and more doctors, so it’s easier to schedule appointments at the same time.

If you’re still unsure, you can start by reading this guide for newcomers to Myeongdong. It will help you understand the basic process before making a decision.

⚠️ Tips to avoid common mistakes when getting medical beauty treatments in Myeongdong for the first time

• ⚠️ Do not follow those who solicit customers on the street: Near the exit of Myeongdong Station, some people will approach you and offer to take you to a Dermatology clinic. These are actually commission-based intermediaries, and the prices they charge may be 20–30% higher than if you book directly. Whether it’s LIJIN or PPEUM, it is recommended to make your appointments through BeautsGO.
• ⚠️ Be sure to read the terms carefully when it comes to the special prices offered by PPEum. Some limited-time offers are only available for “one purchase per person” or cannot be used in combination with other discounts. Make sure to ask about these details before booking to avoid discovering at the venue that you are not eligible for the special price.
• ⚠️ Neither institution accepts same-day appointments: For the popular clinics in Myeongdong, it is recommended to make reservations at least 3 days in advance, and even longer on weekends. This is especially true for LIJIN, as the number of slots available for in-person consultations with the director is limited, and late reservations will likely result in unavailable appointment times.

Pre-departure checklist (a must-read for those undergoing medical beauty treatments for the first time)

• ☐ Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
• ☐ Book the clinic 3-5 days in advance to secure your preferred translation schedule.
• ☐ Stop using irritating skincare products such as retinol and salicylic acid 3 days before the procedure.
• ☐ One day before the procedure, avoid drinking alcohol, engaging in intense physical activity, or using a sauna.
• ☐ Went out without any makeup or sunscreen that day.
• ☐ Bring your passport (some institutions require identity verification).
• ☐ Download KakaoTalk for easier communication with medical institutions.
• ☐ First, identify 1-2 issues you really want to address (mentioning them directly during the consultation will improve efficiency).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which cosmetic procedure is the safest for first-time users?

The safest options for beginners are LDM skin management (available at LIJIN) or microbubble + moisturizing treatment (available at PPEUM). Both of these procedures are painless, do not require any recovery time, and allow you to go shopping immediately after the treatment. For those looking for more advanced options, Potenza and Pico laser treatments are also popular choices among beginners.

Q: What are the differences between the Chinese services provided by these two companies?

Both services provide on-site Chinese translation, not online translation. The difference lies in the following: Since LIJIN has relatively fewer clients, the translators can provide one-on-one service throughout the entire process. On the other hand, PPEUM handles a larger number of clients, so the translators may need to serve several groups at the same time, and there might be some waiting times during peak hours.

Q: Are the promotional prices offered by ppeum available on a long-term basis?

No, the promotional prices offered by PPEUM are limited in time and are usually updated on a monthly basis. By the end of May, the prices for May may have already changed. So if you see a price that interests you, please confirm whether it is still valid before making a reservation.

Q: Can I go shopping on the same day after the procedure?

After treatments such as LDM, microbubble therapy, or Pico treatment, you can resume your normal activities on the same day. After Potenza or Juvelook treatment, there may be mild redness for 1-2 days. For treatments that involve lifting effects, such as HIFU or Titanium, mild swelling may occur for 2-3 days. It is recommended to schedule these treatments a few days before your travel plans.

Q: Are both of them located near the Myeongdong station?

Both are located within the Myeongdong shopping district. LIJIN is approximately 3 minutes away from Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station on Line 4, while PPEUM is about 1 minute away from Exit 6 of Eupji-ro Entrance Station on Line 2. In fact, it only takes 5-6 minutes to walk between the two places, so the distance difference is not significant. For more location details, please refer to the map showing the distribution of these institutions in Myeongdong.

For further reading

• 👉 How much does the Potenza treatment at LIJIN Dermatology in Myeongdong cost? I’ll share the actual price and my experience after getting the treatment – my complete review of the Potenza service and its pricing at LIJIN Dermatology in Myeongdong.
• 👉 TOP 5 Recommended Dermatology Clinics in Myeongdong | 2026 Latest Reviews and Selection Guide for Foreign Visitors — If you’re not interested in just these two clinics, take a look at the 5 most reliable ones in Myeongdong.
• 👉 Going to Myeongdong for your first Dermatology appointment? A must-read guide for beginners (2026 full version) — An essential introductory guide for those with no prior experience in medical aesthetics.