How about the Dermatology department at SELENA in Hongdae, South Korea? Personal experience in 2026: I had laser freckle removal treatment there. The equipment is new, and the director personally examines patients in detail. The prices are also cheaper than those in Gangnam.

“What is one of the biggest concerns when considering laser freckle removal treatment in South Korea?” I asked this question on REDnote, and over 500 comments all gave the same answer:

I was worried that the equipment might be outdated and result in poor treatment outcomes; I was also afraid that after just a 30-second consultation with the director, I would be immediately taken to the treatment room. Moreover, I feared that despite paying the high prices typical of Gangnam, the service quality might still be inferior to that in China. So this time, I deliberately avoided Gangnam and headed straight for Hongdae, choosing Si Yan Na SELENA Dermatology – a clinic with an ILCHI reputation online for having “new equipment, attentive directors, and fair prices”. Last month, I completed a Pico laser freckle removal treatment course (a total of 5 sessions, with the third session already done). The following is my detailed record of the entire process, from making an appointment to the actual treatment and follow-up care. To conclude: This Hongdae Dermatology clinic truly lives up to its positive reviews on REDnote and Korean social media. 👇

I. What about Hongdae Siyanna SELENA Dermatology? A detailed account of my entire laser freckle removal experience

1. Making an appointment: It only took 10 minutes through WhatsApp’s Chinese customer service. One week before my trip, I added Siena’s customer service on WhatsApp (+82-10-7262-9282) and explained my needs in Chinese—I had obvious sunspots and pigmentation on both sides of my cheeks and wanted to undergo Pico laser treatment. The customer service member immediately replied in Chinese, asking for my passport information, the expected arrival date, and any history of allergies. She then recommended a available schedule with Director Lee Sang-kyung. The entire process took less than 10 minutes, and I quickly received a confirmation screenshot of my appointment. Compared to some clinics in Gangnam that require a deposit or the uploading of passport photos, Siena’s low-barrier approach makes it much more accessible for those visiting South Korea for medical aesthetics treatments for the first time.

2. First Impression upon Arriving: The SWOMAN Dermatology clinic is located on the 9th floor of the 좋은사람들빌딩, just a 2-minute walk from the Hongdae entrance station. Sitena SELENA Dermatology can be found at 162 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Exit exit 8 at the Hongdae entrance station and walk straight for approximately 161 meters; you will pass by several cafes and cosmetics stores along the way, so it’s very easy to find. Take the elevator to the 9th floor, and as soon as the door opens, you’ll be greeted by a bright, white reception area featuring a minimalist design in the Korean style. Service instructions in multiple languages (Chinese/English/Japanese/Russian) are displayed on the walls. My first impression was…

3. Treatment Experience: Pico glow treatment for the entire face with additional focal areas; the whole process took 30 minutes without any rush. After the initial consultation, the nurse led me into the treatment room. It was a private booth with soft lighting, and the sheets had just been changed, emitting a faint scent of disinfectant. Director Li was present throughout the entire procedure. He first tested the device on the back of my hand to let me feel the energy emitted by it (a slight stinging sensation but no pain) before starting the actual treatment. After scanning my entire face, he focused the treatment on the areas where my freckles were most concentrated. Immediately after the treatment, the nurse applied an ice-cold calming mask and then took me to the LDM repair device for 15 minutes of ultrasonic therapy. The whole process was well-organized and efficient, completely different from the chaotic experience I had at a certain institution in China, where I “spent 15 minutes there without even knowing the doctor’s name”.

II. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: In-depth Evaluation of Environment and Facilities

1. Geographical advantage: Located at the heart of the Hongdae shopping district, patients can still go shopping after the treatment. Siyanana’s headquarters is situated on Yanghwa-ro, the main street of Hongdae, just a few steps away from the most bustling areas of the district – surrounded by stores like Olive Young, SPAO, as well as various cafes and barbecue restaurants. After my laser treatment, I wasn’t allowed to expose myself to the sun, so I put on a mask and walked down to Olive Young to apply some sunscreen and repair cream, then spent half an hour sitting in the nearby cafe. This combination of medical beauty treatment and shopping is something that those clinics hidden inside office buildings in Gangnam simply cannot offer.

2. Internal Environment: Simple yet not cheap, offering both privacy and professionalism. The entire 9th floor is dedicated to Siena’s facilities, which include a reception area, two consultation rooms, four separate treatment rooms, an LDM restoration area, and a makeup preparation zone. Each treatment room is completely enclosed – unlike some clinics in Gangnam that use curtains for separation. The restrooms are equipped with disposable toothbrushes and mouthwash, while the restoration area provides independent charging outlets and Wifi access cards with passwords. Such details make me believe that, despite its lower pricing compared to Gangnam’s clinics, Siena has certainly invested seriously in its infrastructure.

3. Multilingual service system: Consultants available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Russian – no need for translation apps. One of the most notable features of Selenaskin is its full-time multilingual consultants, rather than part-time translators. On my visit, I was greeted by a South Korean manager who spoke fluent Chinese. From filling out forms, interpreting the results of the VISIA test to providing instructions on post-treatment care, everything was explained in Chinese without any barriers. The official website (selenaskin.com) also supports switching between five languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Russian. For those who are concerned about language barriers, this is indeed a significant advantage that provides peace of mind.

III. Hongdae SWOMAN Dermatology: Just how detailed is the consultation conducted by Director Lee Sang-kyung?

1. 11 years of specialized medical experience + membership in five major South Korean medical associations. Director Lee Sang-kyung is the sole representative director of Siena Clinic. With 11 years of experience in Dermatology, he is also a member of five prominent associations: the South Korea Filler Society, the South Korea Obesity Research Medical Association, the South Korea Anti-Aging Society, the South Korea Obesity Aesthetics Society, and the South Korea Cosmetic Laser Medicine Association. This indicates that he is not just a surgeon with limited expertise, but a comprehensive Dermatology specialist with multidimensional expertise in anti-aging treatments, injectable fillers, laser therapies, and body contouring. On the BeautsGO platform, he has received an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5.0.

2. The 15-minute in-person consultation was entirely conducted in a way where no sales pitches were made. This is what impressed me the most: when Director Lee entered the consultation room, there was no nurse present to assist with translation, nor did he rush to recommend any treatment packages. Instead, he sat down and listened to what I had to say first. I used a mobile translation app to type in some key terms (such as pigmentation, sunspots, and previous experiences with fruit acids that had been ineffective), and after reading them, he nodded and then began communicating with me in Korean, combined with simple English and through the translation app. He used a VISIA device to take photos of my face and explained each indicator one by one—UV spots, brown spots, Pores, wrinkles—and for each one, he told me “what level this corresponds to among South Korean women of the same age group.”

3. Treatment Plan: No forced recommendations; treatment is carried out in a layered manner based on different areas of the body. The VISIA report showed that my brown spots on the cheekbones were at a severity level of 70% (the average for people of my age in South Korea is 50%). Dr. Lee recommended that I undergo 5 sessions of Pico Toning laser treatment, once every two weeks, followed by LDM therapy for recovery and sun protection measures after each session. When I asked if I could also have hyaluronic acid injections during this treatment, he said, “Let’s first address these spots properly. After the third Pico Toning session, we can then decide whether to add Rejuran or JUVELOOK Blue Bottle for further rejuvenating and hydrating effects.” This approach of “addressing the main issues first and not rushing to add additional treatments” gave me confidence to trust him with the entire treatment process.

IV. Hongdae Siyanana SWOMAN Dermatology: An Overview of Equipment (Are the machines modern enough?)

1. Laser equipment portfolio: PicoSure Pico laser + Fraxel Dual laser + LEGATO II. Siena’s collection of laser devices is arguably the most comprehensive in the Hongdae area. The PicoSure laser used is the American version (not a South Korean brand), with a wavelength of 755nm – this wavelength is particularly effective in addressing pigment-related issues for people of Asian skin types, and it is currently considered the gold standard device in the field of freckle removal worldwide. In addition, there are also the Fraxel Dual laser (ideal for treating acne scars, enlarged Pores, and superficial fine lines) and LEGATO II (a multi-functional laser platform that can be used to treat vascular issues and superficial pigmentation spots). All three devices were purchased within the past three years, and their probes come in original packaging for on-site verification.

2. Tightening treatments: Ultherapy HIFU + Thermage FLX + Shurink Universe. Apart from lasers, Siena has also invested significantly in tightening devices, on par with large clinics in Gangnam. The HIFU treatment uses Ultherapy, while Thermage FLX is the latest fourth-generation model (with a larger treatment head and 25% shorter treatment time). Additionally, there are South Korean-made devices such as Shurink Universe (focused ultrasound) and Potenza microneedle radiofrequency (suitable for Pores and acne scars), forming a comprehensive range of treatments that target areas from the epidermis to the fascia layer.

3. Supplementary treatment equipment: LDM ultrasonic repair device + Apogee Plus hair removal system. Siena also boasts an LDM ultrasonic repair device that is not commonly found in most small clinics – this device is used for soothing and repairing the skin after laser treatments or lifting procedures. By utilizing ultrasonic frequencies, it stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, significantly reducing the redness and swelling period. After each Pico treatment, I use the LDM device for 15 minutes, and the redness on my face subsides much more quickly than without it. In addition, we also have the Apogee Plus laser hair removal system and the InMode body shaping device, providing comprehensive coverage for over 80 different treatments.

🃏 Book an appointment at Siena Dermatology at BeautsGO.

V. Hongdae Siyanna SWOMAN Dermatology: How much cheaper is its price compared to Gangnam’s services? (Including a detailed comparison table)

1. The difference in rental costs constitutes the fundamental underlying reason. The commercial property rents in Apgujeong-dong and Sinsa-dong of Gangnam District are the highest in all of Seoul – the monthly rent for each pyeong (3.3 square meters) ranges from approximately 150,000 to 250,000 Korean won, while in Mapo District, where Hongdae is located, the rent for the same area is around 60,000 to 100,000 Korean won. This difference in rent amounts to roughly a factor of 2 to 3. Such fixed costs ultimately get reflected in the pricing of treatment services. Sienna clearly positions “local prices in Hongdae” as its core selling point, and from a commercial perspective, this makes perfect sense.

2. Price comparison of the same service (Hongdae Siyanana vs similar clinics in Gangnam):

3. Comparison with domestic prices: The total cost, including airfare, is still more affordable. Taking Pico laser treatment as an example, the price for a single session of full-face treatment at regular institutions in China ranges from ¥2,500 to ¥4,000. At Siena, the cost for a single session is ¥800 to ¥1,350. Even if you add the round-trip airfare (about ¥1,500 during off-season), the total cost for a complete 5-session treatment in South Korea is still approximately 40% cheaper than in China. Moreover, patients receive genuine PicoSure equipment and are treated personally by the clinic director. This excellent cost-performance ratio is widely recognized in the South Korean cosmetic industry as the “Hongdae advantage.”

VI. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: Word-of-mouth and customer repeat rate (cross-reverified across three platforms)

1. Hanwang Gangnam Unni (Gangnam Sister): 1,452 genuine reviews. Siena has accumulated 1,452 genuine user reviews on Hanwang Gangnam Unni, South Korea’s largest Dermatology review platform, ranking among the top five in terms of the number of reviews in the Hongdae area. The most frequently mentioned positive aspects include “extensive consultation time,” “no excessive recommended treatments,” and “friendliness towards foreigners.” There are very few negative reviews; occasionally, customers mention long waiting times for appointments on weekends, which is related to the high concentration of young people in the Hongdae area and the surge in demand during weekends.

2. REDnote Reviews: Over 300 reviews, with the key evaluations being “state-of-the-art equipment” and “fair prices without overcharging”. Before visiting, I read more than 50 REDnote reviews about Siena, and three positive terms that appeared frequently were “state-of-the-art equipment”, “meticulous consultations”, and “fair prices”. Multiple bloggers mentioned the same detail: Dr. Lee Sang-kyung would use the VISIA device to analyze a patient’s skin data before recommending a treatment plan, rather than immediately suggesting the most expensive package. The main negative feedback focused on the longer waiting times on weekends (around 15–20 minutes), but none of the reviews mentioned poor results or forced price increases.

3. Cross-platform verification: A high rate of repeat customers. Siena has also maintained high ratings on two South Korean medical beauty platforms, Babitalk and ModooDoc. Numerous reviews mention customers returning for a second time or bringing friends along. From a commercial perspective, it would be extremely difficult for a clinic located in Hongdae – which is not in the core Gangnam area for medical beauty services – to attract both local residents and foreigners to return repeatedly without solid technical expertise and a good reputation. Yet, this clinic has successfully achieved just that.

VII. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: Same prices as in Korea, with a transparent fee structure

1. “Foreigners pay local prices” is not just a slogan; it is a concrete policy. On the homepage of Selenaskin’s official website (selenaskin.com), the same statement is clearly displayed in five languages: Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, and Russian: “Prices are also reasonably and transparently disclosed for overseas visitors.” Such an open commitment is extremely rare among Dermatology clinics in South Korea – since most clinics do indeed practice “dual pricing” for foreigners, with the difference in prices ranging from 30% to 50%. The fact that Selenaskin dares to state this clearly on its homepage proves that it truly implements the policy of charging local prices to foreigners.

2. Every item on the quotation sheet is clearly listed: the treatment name, the equipment used, the dosage/frequency of treatments, and the total cost. In the quotation sheet I received after my first consultation at Siena, all the details were clearly stated: the treatment (Pico Toning for the entire face using PicoSure 755nm), the equipment used, the recommended number of treatments (5 sessions), the cost per session (₩200,000 including 10% VAT), and the total cost (₩1,000,000). There were no vague terms such as “post-treatment care package” or “additional service fees”; all the costs were clearly displayed at a glance. This is in sharp contrast to some clinics in Gangnam that suddenly charge extra fees for “soothing masks” or “ointments” after the treatment.

3. Clear tax-refund process: Consumers who spend ₩30,000 or more are eligible for a tax refund, with a refund rate of 5-7%. Siena offers on-site tax refunds. The treatment fees include 10% VAT, and foreigners holding a passport can proceed with the tax refund process at Incheon Airport or Gimpo Airport upon departure. Taking the total cost of 5 Pico treatments amounting to ₩10 million as an example, the tax refund would be approximately ₩50,000-₩70,000 South Korea won (equivalent to approximately ¥270-¥378), which means an additional discount of 95%. After the tax refund, the actual price is exactly the same as that for local South Koreans, so there is no so-called “hidden premium for foreigners.”

🃏 Quick inquiry about the SELENA laser freckle removal package from S Medical Beauty

Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: FAQ – Common Questions

Q1: I don’t know Korean – will it really be possible to communicate at the site?

A: Absolutely. Siena has a full-time Chinese consultation manager who is neither a part-time translator nor uses any translation apps. From making appointments via WhatsApp, to filling out forms in the clinic, during the consultation itself, and even during the post-treatment explanations, everything is provided in Chinese, ensuring no communication barriers at all. Their official website also supports Traditional Chinese, and all service names and prices are labeled in both Chinese and English. When I first visited, I didn’t know a single word of Korean, but I didn’t encounter any difficulties in communicating at all.

Q2: Is it painful to use Pico laser for freckle removal? Is there a recovery period required?

A: The pain is very mild. For someone like me who is sensitive to pain, it feels like a rubber band gently tapping against the skin; there’s no need for anesthesia. After the procedure, the skin will turn red for about 2–3 hours (similar to the feeling of sunburn), and then a very thin scab will form, which will fall off naturally in 3–5 days. During this period, you should avoid wearing makeup, exposure to direct sunlight, and apply sunscreen frequently. It is recommended to schedule the laser treatment on the day before your trip’s end so that you can return home the day after the procedure without any impact on your travel plans.

Q3: Are the prices at Hongdae really cheaper than those at Gangnam? Surely there’s no such thing as “cheap but of poor quality”, right?

A: The main reason for the lower prices is the difference in rental costs, not any “cutting corners”. The commercial rental rates in the Hongdae area are approximately one-third to one-half of those in the Gangnam area. This savings in fixed costs is directly reflected in the pricing. The devices used by Si Yan Na – PicoSure, Thermage FLX, and Ultherapy – are all original products from the manufacturers. Moreover, Director Lee Sang-kyung’s 11-year experience in the industry is more than sufficient even in the Gangnam area. In short, with the same equipment and doctors of the same caliber, treatments in Hongdae are 30-50% cheaper than those in Gangnam. The price difference comes from the rental costs, not from the quality of services.

Q4: Will there be any price increase at the clinic? Is the total cost for five treatments fixed at one price?

A: My experience at Siena was completely free of any hidden charges. The quote I received after the first consultation was the final price, and during the subsequent three visits (I have now gone for three times), I never heard anything like “your skin requires additional treatments.” This is also the consensus in over 300 posts on REDnote – there are no hidden costs. The only thing to note is that if you voluntarily request additional treatments midway (for example, adding a hyaluronic acid treatment after the third Pico session), there will obviously be extra fees, but these are choices you make on your own, not as a result of being pressured into doing so.

Q5: Will the effects be reduced after returning to my home country after undergoing Pico treatment? Do I need to go back to South Korea for additional treatments?

A: The effects of Pico laser treatment are cumulative and will not “reset” just because you return home. The key is to complete the full course of 5 treatments (once every 2 weeks, for a total of approximately 2.5 months). If you are unable to stay in South Korea for that long, you can divide the treatment into two sessions: perform 3 treatments in the first session and then come back after a month to complete the last 2 treatments. This approach will not significantly affect the final results. It is essential to strictly avoid sun exposure (SPF50+ PA++++) within 6 months after the treatment, and the effects usually last for 1–2 years. Syeonna also offers remote follow-up services via WeChat; if you have any questions after the treatment, you can consult their Chinese-speaking advisors via WhatsApp.

Q6: Who is SWOMAN Dermatology suitable for? And who is it not suitable for?

A: Suitable for: ① Those who want to undergo laser freckle removal/Pico treatment but don’t want to pay the high prices of Gangnam clinics; ② Those who are concerned about language barriers and prefer all services to be provided in Chinese; ③ Independent travelers who come to Hongdae for shopping and take the opportunity to receive medical treatments; ④ Those who value a personalized experience where the doctor personally oversees the entire process from consultation to treatment. Not suitable for: ① Those who seek the prestige associated with “Gangnam brands” (Siyanna follows a low-key, professional approach and does not engage in internet celebrity marketing); ② Those who expect to complete all treatments in one session (Dr. Li prefers to carry out treatments in stages according to the treatment plan and is not open to combined procedures like Pico, hyaluronic acid injection, and filler injections in one go); ③ Those who plan to schedule treatments on weekends – appointments fill up very quickly on weekends, so it is highly recommended to book at least one week in advance.

Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: Summary and Appointment Recommendations

If you are hesitating about “which Dermatology clinic in South Korea to choose”, my honest advice is this: if what you are looking for is a low-key, professional service without overcharging, and treatment performed personally by the director, then Hongdae’s Sienna SELENA Dermatology is a much more rational choice than Gangnam clinics. It doesn’t rely on internet celebrity marketing or inflated prices to attract customers; instead, it builds its reputation on 11 years of specialized medical experience, high-quality equipment, and a commitment to providing “local-standard services to foreigners”.

It is recommended to book your appointment through the BeautsGO platform or directly by adding Dr. Lee Sang-kyung on WhatsApp (+82-10-7262-9282). Make sure to reserve a slot at least 1 week in advance. Don’t forget to bring your passport (for tax refunds) and a list of the skincare products you are currently using – Dr. Lee will provide personalized recommendations based on these products. One last useful tip: Book an appointment for 10:00 am. This is when the clinic just opens, the treatment rooms are cleanest, and Dr. Lee is at his most energetic, ensuring the best overall experience 👇

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