If you are planning a trip to South Korea and have the idea of taking advantage of the opportunity to get some skin treatment along the way, then you will most likely want to add the clinic I’m about to mention to your favorites list. SELENA Clinic in Hongdae, Seoul, has recently become a highly recommended hidden gem on Chinese social media platforms. It boasts three key treatments: Thermage FLX, ONDA microwave Lifting, and the American version of Ultherapy. What’s more, the combination of its prices and services is truly outstanding. In this article, I will break down this clinic in detail from five aspects: location, treatment principles, prices, services, and environment, so that you can easily determine whether it’s worth making a special trip just for it.
1. Where is the Hongdae Siyanana Dermatology Clinic? What is the most convenient way to get there after getting off the plane?
Direct transfer from Incheon Airport to Hongdae – no need to change trains at any stage of the journey.
Si Yan Na SWOMAN Dermatology is located on the 9th floor of the Good People Building at 162 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 양화로 162 좋은사람들빌딩 9층). Its Korean name is “Selena’s Clinic,” and the chief physician is Lee Sang-kyung. What makes it particularly convenient is its transportation options: after arriving at Incheon International Airport, you can take the AREX slow train directly to the “Hongdae Entrance Station” in about 53 minutes, without the need for transfers or detours. Upon arrival, exit at Exit 8 and look up to see the Kakao Friends Building—the clinic is right on the 9th floor of this building, just a 1-2 minute walk away, making it easy to get there even with heavy luggage.
If you arrive at Gimpo Airport, it only takes 20 minutes to take the subway Line 5 and get off at the Hongdae Entrance Station, which is even faster. For those who are short on time and want to “go straight to the treatment site upon arrival,” this location ensures virtually no wasted time at all – exit the airport, take the subway, get off at the station, take the elevator upstairs, and then proceed with the consultation in one smooth process.
Why must one choose the dermatology department in the Hongdae shopping district?
In Seoul, there are mainly three areas renowned for their dermatology clinics: Gangnam (Apgujeong/Sinsa), Myeongdong, and Hongdae. Gangnam tends to focus on high-end anti-aging treatments and surgical procedures, resulting in naturally higher prices; Myeongdong attracts a large number of tourists, but the quality of services varies greatly, requiring considerable effort to distinguish good from bad options. As the heart of Seoul’s youth culture and fashion scene, Hongdae offers several natural advantages for dermatology clinics: its prices are moderately high but not excessively so (due to lower rental costs compared to Gangnam); its target customer base is primarily aged 20-40 (resulting in more tailored treatment options); and it boasts well-developed Chinese-language services, given the large number of Chinese tourists and students in the area. Sienna is a prominent example among the dermatology clinics in Hongdae – it emphasizes the aesthetic concept of “natural beauty,” avoiding exaggerated results and focusing instead on achieving subtle improvements that others can notice but cannot specifically identify.
II. What are the advantages of Sienana’s products? Let’s take a detailed look at these three powerful anti-aging tools.
Thermage FLX – The “Collagen Factory” for a Firmer Whole Face
Thermage FLX is one of the most well-known anti-aging radiofrequency treatments worldwide. Its mechanism involves monopolar radiofrequency waves generating high-frequency current oscillations at approximately 6.78 million times per second, which create a thermal effect in the dermis layer, causing existing collagen fibers to contract immediately and stimulating the regeneration of new collagen. The fifth-generation FLX model has been upgraded with AccuREP™ intelligent detection technology compared to the fourth-generation CPT, allowing it to automatically adjust the energy output for each treatment session, thereby enhancing both the precision and comfort of the procedure. This treatment is suitable for individuals aged 35 to 50 who experience moderate skin laxity, deepened nasolabial folds, or increased fine lines around the eyes. A full facial treatment typically takes around 60 to 90 minutes, and patients can leave immediately after the procedure with virtually no recovery time required. The effects peak after 3 to 6 months and last for approximately 1 to 1.5 years.
The highlight of experiencing Thermage at Siyanana is the use of genuine equipment combined with QR code verification to ensure authenticity. In South Korea, all Thermage probes used in legitimate dermatology clinics are disposable items, and their authenticity can be verified by scanning the QR code on the packaging before opening it. Siyanana is clear and transparent about this; during the consultation, a brand-new probe will be opened right in front of you.
ONDA Microwave Lifting – A “Contour Jogak” That Combines Fat Dissolution and Toning in One
ONDA is a project that remains relatively unknown in China but has been very popular in South Korea for the past two years. Its core technology is the 2.45GHz ultra-microwave Coolwaves™ – this frequency matches the natural vibration patterns of fat cells and collagen molecules, enabling a resonant effect that allows approximately 80% of the energy to be precisely targeted at the subcutaneous tissues located 3-7mm below the skin surface. The device comes with two different probes: one with a length of 3mm, designed to act on the epidermis and dermis (mainly for tightening effects), and another with a length of 7mm, designed to target the fat layer and dermis simultaneously (providing both lipolysis and tightening effects).
ONDA’s biggest advantage is that it “almost causes no pain at all.” Unlike Thermage, which requires the use of anesthetic, ONDA only produces a mild warming sensation throughout the treatment, making it the perfect choice for those who are sensitive to pain. Moreover, it features a unique mechanism that “first breaks down fat and then tightens the skin,” resulting in quick and noticeable results for issues such as fat sagging, double chin, and blurred jawlines. It is ideal for people aged 30 to 45 who have localized fat accumulation (such as around the jawline or double chin) and who also need to tighten their skin. The effects of a single treatment last for approximately 8 to 12 months.
The American version of Ultherapy – the “non-surgical facelift” for deep lifting effects
The American version of Ultherapy is the most effective among the three treatments. It uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to penetrate directly into the SMAS fascia layer, which is located at a depth of 4.5 mm – exactly the same layer that is targeted during surgical facelift procedures. By generating heat of 60-70°C in this layer, it achieves deep lifting effects without damaging the surface skin.
The American version of the HIFU device is fundamentally different from various “Korean versions” and “domestic versions” of this technology available on the market: it is the only HIFU device to have received FDA certification. It features real-time ultrasound imaging technology (DeepSEE™), allowing doctors to visually monitor the skin layers in real time and ensure that each treatment beam is delivered precisely at the desired depth. This treatment is suitable for people aged 40 to 60 who experience moderate to severe skin laxity, sagging of the apple muscles, or a blurred jawline. The effects of a single treatment last for 2 to 3 years. However, the procedure may cause noticeable discomfort and soreness, requiring some patience from patients; nevertheless, there is no recovery period after the treatment.
III. Just how affordable is it really? A reference to market prices in South Korea in 2026
Why are these procedures much cheaper in South Korea than in China?
Here is a general framework for reference: In legitimate dermatology clinics in South Korea, the cost of Thermage FLX for the entire face ranges from approximately 9.15 million to 9.25 million won (equivalent to around 8,000 to 13,000 yuan), while the US version of the ultrasonic knife costs around 9.2 million to 9.35 million won (about 11,000 to 18,000 yuan). Onda facial Lifting procedures range from 9.3 million to 9.8 million won (approximately 1,600 to 4,300 yuan). In China, the prices for these same treatments at legitimate institutions are typically 40% to 80% higher. There are three main reasons for this: import tariffs and markups by distributors, higher rental and labor costs, and brand premiums. Since South Korea is either the manufacturer or a direct importer of these devices (Thermage is produced in the United States, but South Korea serves as its key market in the Asia-Pacific region), coupled with the intense competition resulting from a high density of medical beauty services, prices there are naturally more transparent.
The prices at Siena are considered mid-to-high in the Hongdae area, but they are completely transparent. After a face-to-face consultation, you will be provided with a detailed quotation list that explains each charge item in detail, with no hidden fees or price increases after the procedure. In addition, Siena often offers bundled packages for specific treatments, such as the “Thermage + ONDA” combination package, which is significantly cheaper than purchasing the treatments separately.
IV. Service and Environment – Companionship in Chinese throughout the process, no sales pressure – enjoy a worry-free beauty experience.
One-on-one in-depth consultation, with the room manager accompanying you throughout the process in Chinese.
When going abroad for cosmetic treatments, the biggest concern is certainly the language barrier, which could lead to mistakes in the procedure or unfair pricing. Siyanana takes great care to address this issue – their clinics are equipped with Chinese-speaking supervisors who accompany patients throughout the entire process. From making appointments, filling out consultation forms, during the actual treatment, to post-treatment care instructions, everything is communicated in Chinese, ensuring no misunderstandings. The doctors’ diagnostic recommendations are also translated in real-time by these supervisors, guaranteeing that you fully understand your treatment plan.
The in-person consultation service is a one-on-one, in-depth evaluation system that avoids rushing patients or following a standardized process. The doctor will first use a professional skin analysis device to assess the condition of your skin – including indicators such as moisture level, elasticity, and pigmentation – and then develop a personalized treatment plan based on the test results and your specific concerns, rather than simply recommending the most expensive package. Another notable feature of this clinic is the complete absence of sales pressure. In numerous reviews on various Chinese platforms, users repeatedly mention that “no one pressures them into making purchases” and that their decisions are truly respected – which is quite rare in the medical aesthetics industry.
Korean-style minimalist decoration for private medical treatment areas
The environment at Siyanna follows the Korean minimalist style – featuring white and natural wood tones, free from the pungent smell of disinfectants and the oppressive atmosphere created by traditional hospital lighting. The privateity of each individual treatment room is well-designed, with complete barriers between them, eliminating the awkwardness of neighbors potentially overhearing what’s going on inside. The overall atmosphere is more akin to that of a high-end SPA than a clinic, providing a sense of relaxation as soon as you enter. The Kakao Friends building itself is also a prominent landmark in Hongdae, with shopping areas right below it. After your treatment, you can simply go out and enjoy some shopping and dining – achieving a seamless integration of “medical beauty treatments” with “travel”.
V. Conclusion: Was this trip to Korea worth it?
Let’s return to the sentence in the title: “Get off the plane and head straight for the Sienna Dermatology Clinic at Hongdae in South Korea.” If you belong to any of the following three categories of people, I can say with certainty that it is definitely worth it.
- For those with a tight schedule who want to combine a trip with anti-aging treatments in one go: The Hongdae entrance station offers direct connections to the airport railway. Just 1 minute after exiting the station, you can arrive at the clinic. After completing the treatment, you can head downstairs to shop and enjoy some fried chicken – it’s truly the most efficient way to do it all.
- For those who are afraid of pain but still want effective anti-aging treatments: ONDA’s virtually pain-free experience, combined with the deep-reaching effects of Thermage and HIFU, makes Sisena’s treatment menu perfectly meet the needs of both comfort and effectiveness.
- For those who are worried about being cheated and seek transparent consumption experiences: full-time Chinese interpretation services + one-on-one in-depth consultations + public quotation sheets + no sales pitches at all. For people going abroad for skin treatment for the first time, a sense of security is of utmost importance.
One final reminder: It is necessary to make an appointment in advance at any legitimate dermatology clinic in Korea, especially for procedures such as Thermage or ultrasound knife treatments that require direct medical intervention and take a considerable amount of time. It is almost impossible to get treated on a walk-in basis. It is recommended to book an appointment at least 1-2 weeks in advance, and determine the exact date and time of your visit so that you can arrive directly without wasting time. Through the BeautsGO platform, you can easily view a list of qualified dermatology clinics in Korea, learn about the prices of various treatments, and read real customer reviews. In addition, Chinese-speaking customer service is available to help you arrange your appointment time.
A trip to South Korea allows you to get the same treatments at 40% of the domestic price, while also enjoying the opportunity to travel. Considering all these factors, it’s definitely a great deal. ✈️