Do you feel the same too? When you search for “Dermatology clinics recommended in Myeongdong” online, you see great reviews for Abijou Yami Zhu, but at the same time, you also come across comments saying “almost got scammed by the sales pitch”, “couldn’t get a appointment”, or “not worth the price”. It starts to bother you: is this clinic really that unreliable?
To write this article, I spent an entire weekend reviewing hundreds of real reviews found on Naver, Google Maps, Dcard, and REDnote. I also incorporated my own personal experiences visiting stores in Myeongdong, trying my best to provide a comprehensive analysis of both the positive and negative aspects.
This article is not intended to praise Yami Zhu as “impeccable” or to defend it in any way; rather, it aims to provide you with an honest and unfiltered answer: under what circumstances you might encounter problems, and under what circumstances you might find it to be truly worth the money.
In short: Abijou Yami Zhu is not a miracle cure, but it certainly isn’t a choice suitable for everyone.
If you are willing to make an appointment 2-3 weeks in advance, have a budget of between 960,000 and 450,000 won, and care a lot about the fact that the treatment will be performed by the director himself/herself – then this clinic is probably one of the most reliable options you can find in Myeongdong.
However, if you belong to the type of person who only thinks about finding such a place when you’re actually in Myeongdong, this establishment is likely to cause you trouble—not because of poor service, but because it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to get a reservation.
🤔 What are the three most common misconceptions about medical aesthetics online, and what is the truth behind them?
If you search for “Yami Zhu: Stepping on Landmines” on Dcard or REDnote, you’re likely to come across these three different claims. Let me explain the actual situation regarding each one of them.
Theory one: “When I went to the location, they told me that all the appointments were already booked – it was simply a way of tricking people.”
The truth is: it’s not about tricking people, but rather that President Jiang Daxing really only accepts a limited number of cases.
I can fully understand why some people might be upset about this: you travel all the way to Seoul, excitedly head to Myeongdong in search of a reliable Dermatology clinic, only to be told, “Sorry, we are full today; the earliest available appointment is next week.” Anyone would feel disappointed by such a response.
But the actual situation is this: President Jiang Daxing only receives 3 to 5 overseas patients per day, and he personally examines them and performs the treatments himself, rather than relying on interns to do the work in his name. Anyone who has worked in the medical aesthetics industry knows that the number of patients a doctor can personally attend to in a day is limited. If a doctor receives 20 patients in a day, then you would have reason to worry about whether the process is being automated or streamlined.
So, this so-called “surprise” is actually the result of information asymmetry – you didn’t know in advance that you needed to make an appointment, and the clinic didn’t clearly state on its official website that “appointments should be made 2-3 weeks in advance.” But this doesn’t mean that the clinic is bad; it simply means that you need to use the right method to schedule your appointment.
Opinion 2: “I felt very uncomfortable during the consultation because I was constantly being pushed to buy certain products.”
The truth: This is the most controversial aspect, but the problem doesn’t lie solely with the clinics.
Regarding the matter of “promotion,” after reading hundreds of reviews, I noticed an interesting pattern:
- People who say they were “pushed into making a decision” usually didn’t clearly specify what treatment they wanted or what their budget was when making the appointment.
- Those who claim that there is “no sense of sales pressure at all” usually have a specific requirement in mind when they make such statements. For example, they might say “I want to get hyaluronic acid injections” rather than “I would like to undergo some skin care treatments”.
This is not to say that “the people who are targeted for sales deserve it” – rather, it illustrates a common phenomenon in any medical aesthetics clinic: when you are not clear about your own needs, the consultant will naturally try to help you “discover those needs.” To be honest, Yami Zhu is no different from other clinics in Myeongdong – it’s neither particularly good nor particularly bad.
But what I can say is that, based on my experience, once you clearly state something like “My budget is 9.1 million yuan, and I only want to have hyaluronic acid injections,” the other party will no longer try to push other options on you. The key lies in whether you have done your homework beforehand.
Opinion three: “The price is higher than that of other companies, so the cost-performance ratio isn’t very good.”
The truth is: when comparing prices, what really matters is “what you get,” not just the numbers.
The prices of Yameizhu in Myeongdong are indeed not the lowest in the industry – hyaluronic acid treatments start from 960,000 won, Pico treatments from 912,000 won, and Filler treatments from 945,000 won. If you compare them with affordable Dermatology clinics near Myeongdong Station, some of them can offer prices that are 100,000 to 200,000 won cheaper.
However, what makes Yami Zhuzhi so expensive is precisely this aspect:
- The dean personally performed the injection himself (not an assistant, not an intern).
- Genuine imported pharmaceuticals from the manufacturer (each vial comes with a unique batch number; these are not repackaged products or of unknown origin).
- Comprehensive Chinese-language services—from consultation to post-operative follow-up—rather than just using translation apps to get by.
- The equipment’s probes are regularly replaced to ensure that the energy output remains within the standard range.
For example, considering hyaluronic acid injections: Clinic A charges 940,000 yuan, but the injections are performed by interns and the medication is repackaged; Clinic B charges 960,000 yuan, but the injections are done by the director himself and the medication is original and properly packaged. Which one would you choose?
If you are willing to pay an additional 91,000 to 120,000 won for “peace of mind,” then the cost-performance ratio of Yami Zhu is indeed very high. If what you pursue is “the lowest price,” then there are other options in Myeongdong that offer even better cost-performance ratios.
⚠️ Mistakes I’ve Made: A Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls
⚠️ Mistake 1: Thinking that you can just show up whenever you want – only to find out that appointments are completely unavailable.
Many people who go shopping in Myeongdong suddenly need to visit a Dermatology clinic. Seeing that Yami Zhu has received good reviews, they rush there only to be told that all appointments for that day are full, and they will have to wait at least a week. Director Jiang Daxing only accepts 3 to 5 overseas patients per day, and during peak times (on weekends and holidays), the appointments are usually filled up two weeks in advance.
→ How to avoid it: Make a reservation through BeautsGO at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Only after confirming that the clinic director is available should you book your flight. Don’t try to find a place last-minute when you arrive in Myeongdong – that’s absolutely impossible.
⚠️ Mistake 2: Failing to confirm the project details and budget in advance – only upon arrival at the site did we realize that the costs would exceed our expectations.
Some people only mention “I want to undergo skin care treatments” when making an appointment, but only upon arriving at the clinic do they realize that the cost of the specific treatment they want (such as HIFU) is higher than they expected, or they are informed that it is necessary to combine it with other treatments for better results. Although the prices at Yameizhu are transparent and there are no last-minute price increases like at some other clinics, such discrepancies can still cause discomfort.
→ How to avoid this: Clearly state the treatments you want and your budget range when making an appointment. For reference, the prices start from ¥960,000 for hyaluronic acid injections, ¥912,000 for Pico treatments, and ¥945,000 for Filler procedures. Determine your acceptable price range before booking.
⚠️ Pit 3: Thinking that you’ll instantly look better after the procedure — only to find that your face remains red for the first three days.
Newcomers in the medical aesthetics industry often have a misconception: they think that after receiving a hyaluronic acid injection or laser treatment, they will immediately look radiant and youthful as soon as they leave the clinic. In reality, on the first day after the treatment, the skin may become red and slightly warm. It is not until the third day that the Pores will begin to show obvious Reduction surgery results, and by the seventh day that the effects will start to stabilize. If you schedule a photo shoot or a date right after the treatment, you might be disappointed.
→ How to avoid it: Schedule the cosmetic procedure on the day before your trip ends or on the day before you return home, leaving at least 2-3 days for recovery. After the procedure, make sure to protect your skin from the sun and keep it well-hydrated for optimal results.
👍 The pros and cons in one sentence
| ✅ Advantages | ⚠️ Be sure to pay attention to this. |
|---|---|
| ✅ President Jiang Daxing personally conducted the examinations and injections himself, rather than having assistants or interns perform these tasks. | ⚠️ Director Jiang only accepts 3 to 5 overseas clients per day, so reservations are quite difficult to secure. |
| ✅ Genuine pharmaceuticals imported directly from the manufacturer, each vial comes with a unique batch number for traceability. | ⚠️ Reservations must be made 2–3 weeks in advance; last-minute visits are almost impossible. |
| ✅ Throughout the entire process, a Chinese-speaking manager will accompany you, ensuring no language barriers from the consultation stage to the post-operative follow-up. | ⚠️ We are closed on Sundays and public holidays; please avoid scheduling appointments during these days. |
| ✅ Clear pricing: Official website displays all charges transparently, with no hidden fees. | ⚠️ The prices in Myeongdong are considered mid-range; it’s not the cheapest option available. |
| ✅ Just walk 80 meters from Exit 5 of Myeongdong Station – the location is truly convenient. | ⚠️ Some popular treatments, such as HIFU, are relatively expensive; those with limited budgets should consider their options carefully. |
| ✅ Open until 8:30 PM (Monday to Friday), perfect for shopping during the day and getting cosmetic treatments in the evening. | |
| ✅ A 5-10% discount is available for follow-up consultations, and regular customers receive additional benefits. |
Who is this product suitable for? And who is it not suitable for?
| dimension | Suitable | Not suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | ✅ You are considering minor cosmetic procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections, botulinum toxin treatments, Pico treatments, or Filler injections. | ❌ If you are considering major surgeries such as Double eyelid surgery or rhinoplasty – Yamei Zhu is a Dermatology clinic, not a plastic surgery center. |
| Budget | ✅ ₩60,000 and above (starting from hyaluronic acid injections), medium-priced options are acceptable. | ❌ For those willing to spend less than 50,000 yuan and seek the highest cost-performance ratio at the lowest price possible |
| Language | ✅ If you need Chinese-language services and don’t want to take the risk of translation errors | ❌ I speak Korean fluently and was thinking about finding a cheaper local clinic on Naver. |
| Attitude | ✅ I’m willing to plan in advance and don’t mind waiting for 2–3 weeks. | ❌ Don’t decide at the last minute and only think about looking for a Dermatology clinic when you arrive in Myeongdong. |
| Doctor | ✅ You prefer that the treatment be performed personally by the attending director, rather than by an intern. | ❌ — |
| time | ✅ — | ❌ If your stay in Seoul is only 1-2 days, it will be impossible to arrange appointments in advance. |
How should people in different situations make their choices?
- If you plan your trip to Seoul one month in advance, you can simply book a consultation with Director Kang Dae-sung and schedule the cosmetic procedure on the day before your departure. Allow yourself one day to rest after the treatment before returning home. We recommend the combination of hyaluronic acid injections and Pico treatments for the best value.
- If your budget is limited (₩70,000 to 100,000), and you want to opt for basic treatments, you can choose hyaluronic acid injections (starting from ⩹₩60,000) or basic skin care programs. The products used in Yami Zhu treatments are original and fully packaged, not repackaged. Although these basic treatments are not the cheapest options, their quality is guaranteed.
- If your schedule is already full and you are only available on one evening, Yami Zhu is open from Monday to Friday until 8:30 PM, so you can schedule a visit in the evening hours. However, you must reserve your spot in advance, as the popular times in the evening are usually booked up quickly.
- If you are considering undergoing HIFU but are worried about the high cost, it should be noted that the second-generation Ulthrea in the American version is considered moderately expensive in Myeongdong. It is recommended that you determine your budget before making a decision. If you are not sure about your budget, you can first consult with BeautsGO; they will recommend suitable clinics and treatments based on your financial constraints.
My conclusion is: If it were me, I would make the same choice.
To be honest, after writing this article, my own conclusion is actually quite simple.
Yami Zhu isn’t a thunderbolt, but rather a door that can only be opened with the “right key”.
If you are willing to spend time preparing in advance, make a reservation 2–3 weeks in advance, have a budget of over 960,000 won, and really care about “who is competing with me”, then you will find it well worth it. Director Jiang’s skills, the quality of the original brand medications, and the smoothness of the Chinese-speaking service are indeed among the best in Myeongdong.
However, if you only decide to look for a clinic in Myeongdong at the last minute, want to keep your budget as low as possible, and dislike any suggestions for additional treatments – then Yami Zhu might not be the best option for you. You might want to check out the list of affordable Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong; there are some options available for less than ₩50,000.
No matter which option you choose, it’s recommended that you check BeautsGO first to confirm the schedule and the latest prices before making your trip — they respond even faster than I do 😂
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Abijou Ya Mi Zhu really offer Chinese-language services? Will the translation be of poor quality?
A: Yes, and a Chinese-speaking manager accompanies the entire process—nothing is done through translation apps. From the initial consultation to the explanation of the treatment and the follow-up care after the procedure, all services are provided in Chinese. I saw several clients from Taiwan and Hong Kong communicating very smoothly at the site.
Q: Will I keep being bombarded with offers to add more services or treatments?
A: There are different opinions about this on the internet. From my own experience, when consulting, they would suggest combination treatments, but it never felt like forceful sales. If you clearly state, “This is my budget,” they won’t push anything on you. However, if you haven’t decided what you want to do or how much you’re willing to spend, the consultant will definitely recommend a combination of treatments – this is the case at any clinic.
Q: Does President Jiang Daxing really perform the treatments himself? Or is he just holding the title without actually doing the work?
A: Judging from hundreds of reviews, Dean Jiang indeed personally examines and performs the treatments himself. This is also the reason why there is a daily limit on appointments – it’s simply impossible for one person to serve so many clients at the same time. If you have scheduled an appointment with Dean Jiang, make sure to check whether the appointment confirmation states “Dean Jiang Daxing”.
Q: How does Yami Zhu compare in terms of cost-performance compared to other Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong?
A: To be honest, if you only look at the price, Yami Zhu is not the cheapest option – LIJIN and PPEUM may offer more cost-effective basic packages. However, if what matters to you is the combination of “treatment performed by the clinic director in person + original brand medications + Chinese-speaking service”, then Yami Zhu offers the best value in Myeongdong. Here, you really get what you pay for.
Q: How long does it take before I can wear makeup after getting hyaluronic acid injections?
A: It is recommended not to wear makeup for at least 24 hours after the procedure to allow the needle holes to heal properly. You can start wearing light makeup on the third day, but avoid products that contain acidic ingredients or whitening agents. A complete post-treatment care guide will be provided to you when you leave the clinic; just follow those instructions.
Q: Is Yami Pearl open on Sundays?
A: No. We are closed on Sundays and during South Korea’s public holidays. We are open from Monday to Friday until 8:30 pm, and on Saturdays until 4:30 pm. Please make sure to avoid Sundays and public holidays when planning your schedule.
📖 For further reading
If you are still hesitating about which Dermatology clinic to choose, these articles should be of some help to you:
- Experience the second-generation Ulthrea in Myeongdong’s Yamizhu Center: 300 treatments in total – Complete record from reservation to one month after the procedure. Different treatments at the same clinic: Comprehensive record of the Yamizhu HIFU experience.
- Top 5 Recommended Dermatology Clinics in Myeongdong | 2026 Latest Reviews and Selection Guide for Foreign Visitors — A compilation of the latest evaluations from foreign visitors; this article should be your first reference when choosing a clinic.
- Which Dermatology clinic in Myeongdong is really reliable? I’ve been to 5 of them, and I’ll share my honest reviews (including a “red list” and a “black list”) – will you stumble upon a bad experience, or not? This “red list” and “black list” can help you make up your mind.