Starting from ₩4.0 million to improve acne scars, ₩6.0 million to smooth out the Nasolabial Fold Correction, and ₩12.0 million to lift sagging jawlines – in Myeongdong, the same treatment can cost three times as much, and the results can be completely different. I spent two weeks visiting three completely different Dermatology clinics: UPIC, ThreeWishes, and PPEUM. Now, I’m sharing with you all my real experiences, the detailed prices, and the key things to avoid when choosing a clinic.
First, let’s clarify what “doing facial treatments” actually means, and which procedures are suitable for different areas of the face.
“Doing facial treatments” is a common term in South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry. It refers to various medical beauty procedures for the face—ranging from basic treatments like hyaluronic acid hydration and laser freckle removal to more advanced procedures such as Thermage and Filler injections. The core goal of these treatments is simple: to improve the appearance of the skin and facial contours based on the patient’s current condition.
Specifically, the common cosmetic procedures that meet these needs include the following:
- Acne scars and pits → CO2 fractional laser, Pico laser, Potenza
- Large Pores → Rejuran Hydrating Serum, INMODE, Toning Laser
- Nasolabial Fold Correction/Tear trough correction → Filler injections, Collagen-based products (such as Juvelook/Shuyan Cui)
- Loose skin/Double Chin → American version of Thermage FLX, HIFU, Titanium Lifting
- Discolored spots and dull skin → Honeycomb PicoSure, Super PicoPlus, and pigmentation laser treatments
For many people who come to Myeongdong to consider cosmetic procedures, their first concern is: “There are so many options available—which clinic should I choose?” The key thing to understand is that no single clinic can excel in all areas. You need to identify your main needs first and then find a clinic that specializes in that particular field.
Three new options for facial treatments in Myeongdong: UPIC vs ThreeWishes vs PPEUM
The following three clinics are ones that I deliberately selected, ensuring that their services do not overlap in any way – none of them are DAN-A, LIJIN, or HeyDay; all of them represent new and noteworthy entities in the medical aesthetics industry.
① UPIC Dermatology Myeongdong Branch — Specializes in the Ulthrea HIFU treatment and provides Chinese-language consultations by Dr. Kim
Address: In the area of Myeongdong, Jung, Seoul (5 minutes walk from Myeongdong Station on the subway)
UPIC has branches in both Gangnam and Hongdae, while its Myeongdong branch is specifically designed to serve foreign customers as an international flagship store. The biggest advantage is that the chief director, Dr. Lee Se-hyun, speaks Chinese, so from the initial consultation to the post-treatment instructions, all communications are conducted in Chinese without any barriers. This is a significant benefit for those who are considering getting cosmetic procedures in South Korea for the first time and are concerned about language barriers.
Recommended facial treatment services and their prices:
| Project | Price (Korean Won) | Suitable for solving such problems |
|---|---|---|
| Ulthrea for the entire face | ₩1,200,000 | Full-face sagging, Nasolabial Fold Correction, Apple Zone |
| Chin line + Double Chin | ₩600,000 | The face sags, and there is a Double Chin. |
| Nasolabial Fold Correction + Apple Zone | ₩400,000 | The Apple Zone sags, and the Nasolabial Fold Correction becomes more pronounced. |
| American version of Thermage FLX | Starting from approximately ¥1,500,000 | A face that looks firm and youthful, with collagen regeneration taking place |
| Honeycomb PicoSure PicoSure | Face-to-face consultation and pricing | Birthmarks, acne scars, uneven skin tone |
Key features of this service: pre-operative VISIA 3D skin examination (about 10 minutes), on-site opening of the HIFU probe to verify its authenticity, and free post-operative cold compresses and medical face masks. The entire facial HIFU treatment takes approximately 40 minutes. Students or first-time clients can enjoy a discount of ¥100,000, and two people visiting together will receive a basic hydrogel treatment for free. The main advantages of this service are its Chinese-speaking staff and the use of individualized equipment for each client.
② ThreeWishes Dermatology Myeongdong Branch —— Director Zhang Chenghao, an expert in treating acne scars and Pores
Address: 3rd Floor, Ghana Building, 33 Myeongdong 8-beon, Jung, Seoul (3 minutes’ walk from Myeongdong Station on the subway)
ThreeWishes is a small, exquisite clinic that focuses on specialized treatments in the Myeongdong area. Unlike chain stores with a standardized process, it is highly likely that Dr. Zhang Chenghao, the clinic’s director, will personally examine and perform the procedures himself. Dr. Zhang’s strength lies in his “all-round expertise” – he is proficient in using both optical and electrical devices as well as performing injection fillers. Moreover, his aesthetic approach emphasizes a natural look, avoiding the creation of “sponge-like faces”.
Top recommended facial treatments and their prices:
| Project | Price (Korean Won) | Suitable for solving such issues |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 laser matrix | In the range of hundreds of thousands of Korean won | Acne scars, enlarged Pores, superficial scars |
| Jalupro Centum Core Collagen Glow Serum, 1 centum core volume | Starting from ¥999,000 | Soft, radiant, and hydrated skin |
| Rejuran Healer 2 centum core | ₩220,000 | Deep repair and Pore tightening |
| Bellast Filler 1 centum core | Starting from ¥660,000 | Nasolabial Fold Correction and Tear trough correction |
| Oligio (layered lifting) | Face-to-face consultation and pricing | The contour lines sag, and there are pouches at the corners of the mouth. |
Key features: The CO2 fractional laser used here is specifically tailored to the skin characteristics of Asians, significantly reducing the risk of post-treatment darkening. Jalupro Hydrating Treatment contains a high concentration of Collagen, giving the entire face a natural “hydrated” glow after treatment. The price of Bellast Filler, starting from 66,000 Korean won, is considered very competitive in Myeongdong. It is ideal for those who suffer from noticeable acne scars, want to address Pores issues, or seek a natural, premium look.
③ PPEUM PPEUM Dermatology Myeongdong Branch — A chain brand with the same prices as in China and South Korea, offering the widest range of products
Address: 5th & 6th floors, Building A, Lihua Building, No. 11, 8th Myeongdong Street, Jung, Seoul (in the same building as the Apple Store in Myeongdong)
PPEUM is a well-known chain Dermatology brand in South Korea, with 8 branches in Seoul. Its Myeongdong branch serves as the luxury international flagship store, featuring a spacious two-story space and fluent Chinese-speaking staff. PPEUM’s main selling point is “same prices in China and South Korea” – foreigners are not charged extra, and all prices are clearly displayed. Most customers praise the reasonable prices and comprehensive range of services, but note that the experience is more standardized and less suitable for those seeking in-depth, one-on-one attention.
Top recommended facial treatments and their prices:
| Project | Price (Korean Won) | Suitable for solving such issues |
|---|---|---|
| INMODE Full-Face Care | Starting from ¥149,000 | Lifting of skin texture and tightening of contours |
| The American version of Thermage FLX: 600 treatments in total | ₩1,790,000 | Full-face relaxation and collagen regeneration |
| Titanium Lifting with 40KJ+Onda technology | ₩690,000 | Double Chin and blurred jawline |
| ULTRA 200 treatments for the eyes + 1 centum core of Rejuran | ₩490,000 | Fine lines around the eyes, dark circles under the eyes |
| Rejuran full-face glow treatment | Starting from around ¥200,000 | Moisturize and refine Pores |
Key highlights: PPEUM is the only medical aesthetics institution collaborating with Lotte Department Store and Olive Young. All the genuine equipment used (such as Thermage and Titanium Lifting devices) are officially authorized and traceable. The discounts available in 2026 include: a reduction of NT$500,000 for purchases totaling NT$950,000 or more from Tuesday to Thursday; a NT$50,000 discount voucher for each person accompanying a customer; and an additional 95% discount on the final amount. However, there may be long queues during peak hours, and the consultation process might involve some aggressive sales tactics.
A comparison of the facial treatment services offered by these three companies
| Comparison dimensions | UPIC | ThreeWishes | PPEUM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Specialized services + Chinese-language support | High-quality specialized clinics | Chain of luxury flagship stores |
| The strongest project | HIFU/Radiofrequency ablation | CO2 Laser Matrix/Jalupro | INMODE/Thermage |
| The Dean’s Unique Approach | Proficient in Chinese, with 12 years of experience. | All-round capabilities and a natural aesthetic sense | The Seoul National University team |
| Acne scars and pits | Honeycomb Pico (China) | CO2 Laser (Intense) | Pico Flash (Chinese) |
| Enlarged Pores | Rejuran (Chinese) | Jalupro+ Rejuran (Intensive) | Rejuran + INMODE (Intensive) |
| Nasolabial Fold Correction | HIFU + filling (intensive) | Filler injection (intensive) | Thermage + Filling (Chinese Version) |
| Loose skin | HIFU + Thermage (Intense) | Oligio (Chinese version) | Thermage + Titanium Lifting (Intensive) |
| Spot Whitening | Honeycomb Pico (High-Power) | Pigment laser therapy | Pico + PLA PEEL (Chinese version) |
| Price range | ₩400,000 to 1.2 million | From 660,000 to 2.2 million yen | From 1.49 million to 1.79 million yen |
| Chinese communication | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Degree of customization | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Important Notes for Reserving a Facial Treatment in Myeongdong (Essential Reading to Avoid Mistakes)
- Making reservations in advance is a rule of thumb: Popular Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong are almost always fully booked on weekends, so it is recommended to book 1–2 weeks in advance. Due to their smaller scale, it is practically impossible to get into UPIC and ThreeWishes by walking in without a reservation.
- Doctor performing the procedure: In some clinics, the consultation is conducted by the clinic director, while the actual procedure is carried out by another doctor. When making an appointment, simply ask “Who will perform the procedure?” Director Jin from UPIC and Director Zhang from ThreeWishes can both be specified in advance.
- Choose genuine equipment and probes: The probes used for HIFU and Thermage must be disposable. Reputable clinics will open the packages in your presence and allow you to scan the anti-counterfeiting codes; both UPIC and PPEUM have explicitly promised this process.
- Make sure you understand what is included in the total price: Some low-cost packages do not include post-treatment masks or anesthesia fees. UPIC’s quote is all-inclusive (including both the VISIA assessment and the mask), while for PPEUM, you need to confirm whether there are any additional costs.
- Not all companies offer the same prices in China and South Korea: PPEUM explicitly promises to charge the same rates in both countries; UPIC includes a service surcharge in its prices for foreign customers, but overall, its fees are still more than 50% lower than those in China; ThreeWishes mainly serves local customers, so its prices are already fair and reasonable.
- Post-treatment care is essential: Within 3 days after undergoing laser or hyaluronic acid treatments, apply medical face masks daily, strictly avoid sun exposure (SPF50+), and refrain from using saunas or engaging in intense physical activities. Only with proper care can the effects be maximized.
A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the three companies
| clinic | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| UPIC | The dean speaks Chinese; the price of HIFU is competitive; all equipment used is genuine and guaranteed; pre-operative VISIA examinations are also available. | It has a small scale, fewer branches than chain stores, and its technology is not the strongest among those based on Thermage. |
| ThreeWishes | The director personally performs the procedure; the CO2 laser has a high intensity; the prices are affordable; and the results maintain a natural aesthetic style. | It has no Chinese-speaking director, is the smallest in scale, and requires advance reservations for a considerable amount of time. |
| PPEUM | Same prices as in Korea, the widest range of products, guaranteed by a chain brand, and located in the best area of Myeongdong. | Assembly-line experiences, long queues during peak hours, and a strong sense of sales pressure during consultations |
How to choose according to different needs? A quick guide for various scenarios
| Your core needs | Recommended clinics | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Acne scars and pits are truly a source of frustration. | ThreeWishes | CO2 laser treatment performed personally by Director Zhang results in a very low rate of adverse reactions. |
| If you have large Pores and want them to become finer, | ThreeWishes or PPEUM | Jalupro Collagen Glow Treatment / INMODE+ Rejuran |
| Profound Nasolabial Fold Correction and a sagging face | UPIC | HIFU lifting combined with Filler injection – explained in Chinese by the hospital director |
| Looking younger with sagging facial skin | UPIC or PPEUM | Both the Ulthrea and Thermage models are genuine products. |
| The first time I had facial treatments, I was worried about language barriers. | UPIC | Director Jin communicated entirely in Chinese, which gave us the greatest sense of reassurance. |
| With a limited budget, I want to get the most value for my money. | ThreeWishes | Filler prices start from 66,000 yuan, while Jalupro glow treatment costs begin at 99,000 yuan. |
| I want to experience multiple treatments at once. | PPEUM | The most comprehensive package available: a discount on the combination of Thermage and Titanium Lifting. |
| Looking for ways to brighten dull and spotted skin | UPIC | The Honeycomb PicoSure+ and Super PicoPlus dual machines |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between facial treatments and regular skin care?
Regular skin care treatments (such as skin hydration, microneedling, and LED glow therapy) are primarily maintenance-oriented and offer short-term results; in contrast, cosmetic procedures at a medical level (such as laser treatments, HIFU, or injections) can truly transform the quality and texture of the skin, as well as its contours. The costs range from NT$966,000 to over NT$92 million, and the effects last for several months to over a year. In simple terms, skin care is about daily maintenance, while cosmetic treatments aim to achieve genuine improvements.
Q2: Why is there such a big difference in prices among these three clinics?
The price differences stem from three main aspects: ① the model of the equipment (there is a significant price gap between the American version and the Korean version); ② the positioning of the clinic (chain clinics vs. premium boutiques); and ③ the qualifications of the physicians. The Bellast Filler offered by ThreeWishes starts at ¥966,000 because it focuses on a premium yet affordable approach, targeting local customers; the UPIC HIFU is priced at ¥912,000 and comes with a comprehensive package that includes a VISIA assessment, making it very cost-effective. When comparing products, it is important to consider not only the price but also the completeness of the services offered.
Q3: Does getting a facial procedure hurt? How long is the recovery period?
It depends on the specific treatment: HIFU causes a mild stinging sensation; CO2 laser treatment results in a burning feeling, so anesthesia is usually required; HIFU, on the other hand, produces a sore and swollen sensation (Dr. Kim, the director of UPIC, said that it can be tolerated without anesthesia). In terms of recovery time, red spots from HIFU treatment disappear within 24 hours, while laser treatment leaves scars that crust over and fall off after 3 to 7 days. HIFU and Thermage treatments require almost no recovery time at all – you can go out shopping right after the procedure.
Q4: Is it possible to undergo multiple treatments in one day?
It is not recommended to perform all these treatments simultaneously. The general rule is that you can combine “photothermal treatments + hydrotonic treatments” in the same session (for example, using HIFU followed by Rejuran hydrotonic therapy), but treatments such as CO2 fractional laser or deep laser need to be followed by separate recovery periods. Whether such combinations are possible must be determined after a face-to-face consultation with a doctor. Due to the wide range of products available at PPEUM, there are numerous options for combining different treatments.
In conclusion: My choice
If you, like me, are troubled by acne scars and Pores and also want to improve the overall contours of your face, my suggestion is as follows: First, go to ThreeWishes for a CO2 fractional laser treatment combined with Jalupro hyaluronic acid injection to address the fundamental issues related to acne scars and Pores (costing around NT$915,000 to NT$300,000). One month later, visit UPIC and have Dr. Kim perform a full-face HIFU treatment to tighten the Nasolabial Fold Correction and the jawline. Taking these two steps will yield much better results than trying to achieve everything at once.
If you only have limited time and can only visit one clinic, here are some recommendations: If you want peace of mind, choose UPIC – it offers both Chinese-speaking staff and genuine equipment; if you’re looking for good value for money, go for ThreeWishes, where the chief physician personally performs the procedures at fair prices; if you want a wide range of treatments, consider PPEUM, which provides chain-of-supply guarantees and the same prices in both China and South Korea. Regardless of which clinic you choose, making an advance reservation and confirming the name of the doctor performing the procedure are two essential rules to avoid any pitfalls when getting cosmetic treatments in Myeongdong.
👇 Want to book directly? You can use the BeautsGO platform to book appointments at these three clinics with just one click. The interface is available in Chinese, prices are transparent, and there is no need for a South Korea
phone number: 👉 Click here to book a facial treatment at a clinic in Myeongdong through BeautsGO.
📌 For further reading
- Which Dermatology clinic in Myeongdong offers Oligio treatments? I’ve compared the prices of DAN-A, KLEAM, LIJIN, and PPEUM—let me tell you all the details.
- Will Oligio last for a year or just half a year after use? I will explain clearly the 6 factors that affect its duration of effectiveness.
- Is the price difference for Oligio treatments really that significant in Myeongdong? 750,000 won vs. 880,000 won vs. 1.25 million won – four different dermatology clinics offering completely different prices for the same treatment!
- Complete prices for LIJIN Thermage treatments in Myeongdong are now available: Korean version of Oligio costs ₩750,000, while the American version of FLX costs ₩1,890,000.
- How much does it cost to treat acne scars at the REBERRY Myeongdong store? I asked about the prices of Pico laser treatments, Potenza, and subcutaneous exfoliation.