To be honest, after living in Myeongdong for almost half a year, the question my friends asked me most often wasn’t “Which place is the cheapest?” but rather “Should I choose BEAUTYON or LIJIN Dermatology?” Both of these places are considered mid-range options in Myeongdong and are friendly towards foreigners, but their styles and strengths differ significantly. What follows is a comprehensive comparison of both places based on my personal experiences—without any bias, and including all the shortcomings that need to be mentioned.

Let me state the conclusion first: Which company should you choose?

If your need is related to lip treatments such as Filler injections, lip contouring, or creating “smile lips” → BEAUTYON is more specialized for these services. If you are dealing with issues such as acne, acne scars, enlarged Pores, and are considering Potenza treatments → LIJIN would be more suitable for you. Here is a detailed breakdown:

BEAUTYON: A specialized clinic for lip plastic surgery in Myeongdong

I first learned about BEAUTYON when I searched for it on Naver. Its focus is very clear: it specializes in lip reshaping and Filler treatments for the lips. There are indeed many Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong, especially near Exit 6 of Myeongdong Station, that offer these services, but BEAUTYON is one of the few that makes lip treatments its main specialty.

The last time I went for treatment, I had Filler injected into my lips (1 centum core). The whole process, from consultation to injection, took approximately 40 minutes. The doctor would first use a pen to mark the areas that needed filling on my lips and confirm the shape with me before starting the injection. I think this is really important, because the shape of the lips is quite subjective, and everyone has different preferences. Before the injection, a numbing cream would be applied for 20 minutes, and the actual injection itself took about 5 minutes to complete.

Advantages:

• With extensive experience in lip treatments, this is not something done casually, but rather a true area of expertise.
• Located next to the main street of Myeongdong, it’s very convenient to access after finishing your shopping tour.
• There is no problem with communicating in English; using a translator to assist with Chinese communication is also completely acceptable.
• The prices are transparent, and no other services will be aggressively recommended during the consultation process.

Disadvantages:

• There are fewer options available for non-lip treatments such as laser therapy or hyaluronic acid injections.
• There are no permanent Chinese-speaking staff members, so some basic English proficiency is required for communication.
• The clinic is relatively small, so reservations are usually full on weekends.

To be honest—if you just want to perform basic skin care routines such as cleansing and moisturizing, BEAUTYON might not be the best choice. There are many other institutions in the top 5 in Myeongdong that offer better basic skincare services at more affordable prices. However, if you specifically want to get lip treatments, BEAUTYON is definitely worth trying.

LIJIN Dermatology: Experts in Potenza therapy, the savior for acne-prone skin

LIJIN’s approach is completely different from that of BEAUTYON. Its positioning is more akin to that of a “therapeutic Dermatology clinic” – it doesn’t focus on a single treatment option but offers a comprehensive range of services, ranging from acne treatment, Potenza, laser freckle removal to basic skin care. Moreover, the doctors at LIJIN are truly capable of diagnosing your skin problems and providing you with appropriate treatment recommendations.

When I went to LIJIN for Potenza treatment before, the doctor spent nearly 10 minutes just examining my skin condition. He used a magnifying glass to check the distribution of my Pores and acne scars and then recommended that I undergo a combined treatment using Potenza and IPL. At that time, I actually only wanted to try one treatment, but after listening to his explanation, I found it reasonable, so I decided to have both treatments done at once. About two weeks later, my acne scars had indeed faded significantly.

Advantages:

• Therapeutic Dermatology offers systematic solutions for issues such as acne, acne scars, and Pore problems.
• Potenza shows significant effects, and the recovery period is approximately 3 to 5 days.
• With fluent English communication, the doctor will carefully explain the rationale behind the treatment process.
• Equipped with a full range of facilities, from lasers to injections, we have everything needed.

Disadvantages:

• There are no permanent Chinese employees (just like in BEAUTYON).
• The price is not the cheapest; Potenza starts from ¥150,000 to ¥200,000.
• Reservation system is in place; walk-ins are almost impossible.

I previously wrote a detailed comparison between LIJIN and PPEUM. If you are still hesitating, that article can help you make a judgment from another perspective.

BEAUTYON vs LIJIN: A side-by-side comparison

I have broken down the comparison between the two companies into seven dimensions, which makes it more intuitive to understand.

How to choose when your budget is limited?

To be honest, neither of these two options is the cheapest in Myeongdong. If your budget is really tight, you might want to check out the list of affordable Dermatology clinics near Myeongdong Station; there are basic treatment options starting from ₩30,000. However, if your needs specifically relate to lip reshaping or acne treatment, the expertise offered by BEAUTYON and LIJIN makes it worth spending a bit more money.

⚠️ A word of advice from someone who has been there: Don’t go for cheap options when it comes to lip surgery. A friend of mine had Filler injections for her lips at another clinic for only ₩50,000. Not only was the result asymmetrical, but the Filler was also completely absorbed within two weeks. The lips are a part of the body that truly tests a doctor’s aesthetic sense and technical skills. It’s better to spend a bit more money and find a doctor with genuine experience.

What about language barriers in communication?

Neither of these two institutions employs permanent Chinese-speaking staff, but their English proficiency is sufficient. If your English skills are not very good, you can refer to the solution I previously wrote regarding language barriers at Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong. That article outlines how to use the Papago translation app, lists common Korean medical terms, and identifies which clinics offer Chinese-language services.

It is also recommended to check out the reservation methods for Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong. Both clinics require reservations; trying to visit without a reservation will most likely result in being turned away.

The final honest confession

I have actually visited both of these places and spent my own money on the treatments (not through any business arrangements), so what I am saying here are my genuine experiences. BEAUTYON’s lip treatments are indeed highly recommended. If you, like me, care a lot about the shape of your lips and want the results to look “natural and attractive” rather than obviously artificial, then it is one of the best options in Myeongdong. On the other hand, LIJIN is more like a “Dermatology clinic that can diagnose and treat real skin problems” – it is not a beauty salon but a legitimate medical dermatology practice.

If you’re still unsure which clinic is right for you, I suggest consulting the specialists on BeautsGO directly. They can recommend the most suitable institution based on your needs.

Recommended for further reading

• Prices and experiences of Potenza at LiJIN Dermatology in Myeongdong — Read this before considering getting Potenza treatment.
• Which is more suitable for beginners – LIJIN in Myeongdong or PPEUM? Those still hesitating can take a look at this comparative review of the three options.
• Going to Dermatology in Myeongdong for the first time? A must-read guide for beginners — What you need to know before your first cosmetic procedure in South Korea