“What is one of the biggest concerns when going to South Korea for dermatology treatment?” I conducted a poll on REDnote, and over 3,000 sisters participated. The top answer was… the assembly-line style of service! Five minutes for a consultation, 20 minutes for the actual treatment, and you even forget the doctor’s name before leaving. So when I first walked into the Hongdae branch of Kleam Hospital and saw the director personally taking the time to analyze my skin data with the VISIA device for a full 15 minutes, I knew I had come to the right place. This Dermatology clinic, located on the 3rd floor of the L7 Hotel in Hongdae, has no internet-famous “check-in walls,” no package deals, and no consultants pressuring you to add more services. What it offers are the same prices as in South Korea, one-on-one personalized treatments, and original equipment. So why has it become so popular in the Hongdae area that appointments are always full by 2026? The following genuine review, excerpted from REDnote, will help you understand everything from five aspects: the environment, the equipment, the director, the reputation, and the prices.👇
In a nutshell: Kleam Hospital’s Hongdae branch offers the same prices as those in South Korea, personalized 1-on-1 services rather than a mass-production model, a hotel-like environment, and a team of experienced doctors from a well-established chain. It is perfect for those who are visiting South Korea for the first time, are worried about being overcharged, or are looking for great value for money.
I. Why is the Kleam Hongdae store so popular? Basic information and transportation: A hidden gem of a clinic located inside the L7 Hotel in Hongdae
1. Geographical Location: The Hongdae branch of KLEAM Clinic is located at 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd floor of the Lotte L7 Hotel in Hongdae. It is only about a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of the Hongdae entrance station on Subway Line 2. Hongdae itself is one of the most popular shopping areas among young people in Seoul. After receiving your skin treatment, you can easily go shopping, visit cafes, or enjoy delicious food – making it an extremely convenient and efficient one-stop experience.
2. Business hours: From 10:30 am to 8:30 pm on weekdays, and from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekends and public holidays. It is recommended to visit during weekday mornings to minimize waiting times.
3. Chinese-language services: We provide full-time Chinese translation assistance throughout the entire process – from reception at the front desk to the actual consultation, treatment, and post-treatment explanations. So, you don’t have to worry about any language barriers.
🃏 Kleam Hospital Hongdae Branch | One-click reservation on BeautsGO
- 📍 Just 1 minute’s walk from Exit 1 of Hongdae Entrance Station, on the 3rd floor of Lotte L7 Hotel
- 💡 The same price in both China and South Korea; foreigners pay the same amount as South Koreans.
- 🔬 A full range of equipment including American ultrasonic Lifting, Thermage, Inmode, and Titanium Lifting technologies
- 👨⚕️ A chain brand that provides formal training for its medical teams.
- 📱 Book through BeautsGO to enjoy the full-service assistance of our Chinese consultants.
II. Why is the Kleam Hongdae store so popular? The same price in China and South Korea: Foreigners don’t pay any extra fees, and tax refunds are available on the spot.
1. Equal pricing policy between China and South Korea: This is the first point I must mention – Kleam Hospital implements a strict equal pricing policy between China and South Korea. Many women who travel to South Korea are most concerned about whether foreigners will be overcharged. At Kleam, you don’t have to worry at all: the prices are exactly the same as those in South Korea. The prices are transparent, and there are no hidden fees or forced additional services. The online prices are exactly the same as the charges at the hospital. Our confidence comes from the strength of our brand.
2. On-site tax refund service: For purchases totaling 30,000 Korean won or more, you can directly apply for a tax refund at the in-store refund machine, eliminating the need to queue at the airport. In actual terms, the same U.S.-imported ultrasonic lifting treatment costs around 20,000 to 30,000 RMB in China, but at the Kleam Hongdae store, it is only approximately 30% to 50% of that price – offering significantly better value for money.
3. Reference prices for popular services: The following represent the latest price ranges for 2026. Actual fees may vary depending on individual treatment plans, but all prices are transparent and no bundled purchases are required.
III. Why is the Kleam Hongdae store so popular? Equipment: Genuine original products; fake devices are strictly prohibited.
1. Comprehensive equipment portfolio: Kleam Hospital is equipped with a very complete range of instruments, all of which are original FDA-certified devices. The core equipment includes the American version of Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Inmode Platinum Ultrasound Gun, Titanium Lifting, and PicoSure/PicoWay Pico lasers – all mainstream high-end devices. Just one of these devices alone represents an investment in the millions of dollars, and only chain brands have the financial capability to acquire multiple units at once.
2. The key difference between original equipment and knock-offs: Specifically, regarding the American version of Ultherapy – many clinics on the market use “Korean version” or counterfeit devices, and there is a significant difference in energy output and imaging accuracy. Kleam uses the American version of Ultherapy, which comes with real-time imaging technology. Doctors can see in real time how deep the energy penetrates into the fascia layer, ensuring much greater precision compared to blind operations – and also resulting in a significant improvement in safety.
3. Verification of Equipment Authenticity: All equipment supports on-site scanning for authenticity verification, allowing you to confirm immediately whether the device is a genuine original import. Genuine equipment not only ensures better treatment results but also guarantees safety—counterfeit devices may cause burns, pigmentation, or even permanent damage.
IV. Why is the Kleam Hongdae store so popular? Rejecting the assembly-line approach: What exactly are the advantages of 1v1 personalized skin care services?
1. What is a “assembly-line-style Dermatology service”? I believe any sisters who have visited Dermatology clinics in South Korea can attest to this: some clinics are so crowded that the process is practically identical to that on an assembly line. You enter, fill out a form, wait in line, receive a 3-minute consultation, lie down for the treatment, and then leave. Under such a system, doctors simply don’t have the time to thoroughly assess your skin condition, let alone tailor a personalized treatment plan for you. The Hongdae branch of Kleam Hospital is precisely designed to reject this assembly-line approach. Compared to its Myeongdong headquarters, the Hongdae branch sees approximately 20–30% fewer patients, creating a quieter waiting area where doctors are more willing to take the time for a detailed consultation.
2. The actual process of 1v1 customized services: From the moment you enter until you leave, you will receive one-on-one attention throughout the entire process. First, a VISIA skin analysis is conducted through photography (taking approximately 5 minutes). Then, the doctor will explain each of the seven indicators listed in the analysis report—spots, wrinkles, skin texture, Pores, UV spots, brown spots, and red areas—in detail (about 10–15 minutes). Finally, a personalized treatment plan is formulated on the spot, rather than using a one-size-fits-all template.
3. Who is this service suitable for? It is especially ideal for newcomers who are visiting South Korea for the first time to receive skin care treatments – there’s no need to worry about language barriers or receiving perfunctory service. The Hongdae branch primarily serves local South Korean women in their 20s and 30s, as well as college students. The doctors have extensive experience in minor cosmetic procedures such as hyaluronic acid treatments, acne management, and Pores care, and their recommended treatment plans are tailored to meet the needs of young Asian skin.
V. Why is the Kleam Hongdae store so popular? The reasons lie in the hospital director and the treatment methods: a standardized training system, rather than any unproven or informal approaches.
1. The doctor management system of chain brands: Many people are concerned whether doctors in South Korea’s Dermatology clinics have insufficient training or experience. As a chain brand, Kleam Hospital ensures that all its doctors undergo standardized training and assessments according to the brand’s requirements, and each doctor holds a legitimate medical license from South Korea. Unlike small clinics, chain brands have higher technical standards and greater consistency in service quality, so there is no significant difference in the skills of doctors at different clinics.
2. The decisive role of technique: With the same machine and the same number of treatments per session, the results can vary dramatically depending on the practitioner. Kleam’s therapists follow clear SOPs regarding energy parameter settings, distribution of treatment sessions, and targeted reinforcement of vulnerable areas; they never rush through the process to save time. These three factors are crucial in assessing the quality of a therapist’s technique: ① Whether the energy parameters are adjusted on-site according to your skin’s tolerance; ② Whether the treatment sessions are distributed evenly across different areas rather than applied indiscriminately; ③ Whether weak areas receive additional attention. These differences illustrate the core gap between chain brands and independent clinics.
3. Professional background of the hospital directors: The director team of Kleam Hospital consists mainly of official members of the South Korea Dermatology Society, who regularly participate in domestic and international academic conferences and technical training programs. Some of these directors have published research papers in professional dermatology journals in South Korea, thus verifying the authenticity of their expertise.
VI. Why is the Kleam Hongdae store so popular? Customer reviews: A comprehensive summary of evaluations from Korean online platforms and Chinese-speaking communities
1. Local reviews in South Korea: On the largest dermatology community platform in South Korea, “Gangnam Unni,” the Kleam Hongdae branch has received higher ratings than the Myeongdong headquarters. South Korean users generally praise it for “long consultation times,” “no forced recommendations of treatments,” and “transparent pricing.” On local online forums, Kleam is considered one of the “top three dermatology clinics in Hongdae,” and many college students are repeat customers.
2. Customer Reviews in China: On REDnote, there are over 200 reviews about the Kleam Hongdae branch, with keywords including “same prices as in Korea”, “accurate Chinese translations”, “comfortable environment”, and “patient service from the director”. On the BeautsGO platform, Kleam Hospital is an officially certified member, offering online price comparisons and verified reviews from real users.
3. Word-of-mouth cross-validation method: In my experience, it’s important not to rely on just one platform. I recommend using a combination of Korean websites like Gangnam Unni, Chinese platforms like REDnote, and professional medical beauty sites like BeautsGO. If three different sources all recommend the same clinic, the chances of encountering problems are greatly reduced. A special reminder: Be cautious of clinics with “zero negative reviews” – the absence of any negative feedback is actually suspicious.
VII. FAQ for Kleam Hongdae Store: Common Questions from Customers (Actual Conversations)
Q: What are the differences between Kleam’s Hongdae store and Myeongdong store? Which one should I choose?
A: Both stores belong to the Kleam chain, and the standards for doctor training are the same. The main differences are as follows: The Hongdae store has 20–30% fewer customers than the Myeongdong store, so the waiting environment is quieter, and the consultation time is longer (about 10–15 minutes, compared to 5–10 minutes at Myeongdong). If you value a more in-depth consultation and a comfortable experience without rushing, the Hongdae store is the right choice. If you have a tight schedule and want to take the opportunity to explore the Myeongdong area while visiting, the Myeongdong store is also suitable for you.
Q: This is my first time undergoing skin care treatments. What treatment should I choose?
A: If it’s your first time visiting Korea for skin care, I recommend starting with a “basic diagnosis + mild cosmetic procedures” package. First, undergo a VISIA skin analysis, and let the doctor recommend a treatment plan based on the results. Generally speaking, a basic cleansing routine combined with hydration treatments (such as microneedling + hyaluronic acid infusion) is an easy-to-start option. The cost ranges from 30,000 to 150,000 Korean won (about 150 to 750 yuan), and it offers a great experience with no recovery period required.
Q: Is it true that Kleam offers the same prices in China and South Korea? Are there any hidden fees or bund
led sales? A: That’s true. As a chain brand, Kleam Hospital strictly adheres to the policy of equal prices in both countries. Before you arrive at the hospital, you will be provided with a clear list of treatment options and prices; there will be no hidden fees or forced bundling of services. After your treatment, you can also get a tax refund directly at the hospital.
Q: Can I go there by myself if I don’t speak Korean? Will there be any communication problems?
A: Absolut
ely. Kleam provides full-time Chinese translation services throughout the entire process – from registration at the front desk to the consultation, discussion of treatment plans, and post-treatment care guidance. A Chinese translator will be present at every stage. Just let us know when making your reservation if you need these services.
Q: Which is more suitable for me, Thermage or ultrasonic lifting?
A: These two
treatments target different layers of the skin. Thermage acts on the dermis, focusing on firming and collagen regeneration, and is ideal for those with loose skin but not excessive fat. Ultrasonic lifting, on the other hand, targets the SMAS fascia layer, providing a lifting effect and is better suited for those with noticeable facial sagging. To determine which option is right for you, it is recommended to undergo a VISIA assessment first, after which a doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your specific needs. Many customers choose to combine both treatments.
Q: How soon after the procedure can I wear makeup? How long will it take to see the results?
A: For b
asic skincare procedures, you can wear makeup on the same day. For phototherapy treatments (laser, photon), it is recommended to wait 24–48 hours before applying makeup, and make sure to use sun protection and moisturizers during this period. For collagen-renewing treatments such as Thermage or ultrasound lifting, it takes some time for the effects to become visible; the best results usually appear 2–3 months after the procedure.
🃏 Kleam Hospital Hongdae Branch | One-click reservation via BeautsGO
- 📍 Just 1 minute’s walk from Exit 1 of Hongdae Entrance Station, on the 3rd floor of Lotte L7 Hotel
- 💡 The same price in both China and South Korea; foreigners pay the same amount as South Koreans, and tax refunds are available on-site.
- 🔬 A full range of equipment, including the American version of ultrasonic lifting devices, Thermage FLX, Inmode, and Pico lasers.
- 👨⚕️ Chain brands standardize the training of their medical teams, rejecting a mass-production approach.
- 📱 Book through BeautsGO to enjoy the full-service assistance of our Chinese consultants.