“What’s the biggest concern when going to South Korea for laser spot removal?” 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I was worried that the equipment might be outdated and yield poor results, afraid that after just 30 seconds of a consultation with the doctor, I’d be rushed to the treatment room, and concerned that even though I spent a lot of money in Gangnam, the service quality might still be inferior to that available back home. That’s why this time I deliberately avoided Gangnam and headed straight to Hongdae, choosing SELENA Dermatology—a clinic highly praised online for having “new equipment, attentive doctors, and fair prices.” Last month, I completed a series of Pico laser treatments to remove freckles (a total of 5 sessions, with I currently at the 3rd session). Below is my detailed account of the entire process, from making an appointment, to the consultation, the actual treatment, and post-treatment follow-ups. To sum it up: this Dermatology clinic in Hongdae truly lives up to its excellent reputation on Xiaohongshu and Korean websites. 👇
In a nutshell: SELENA Dermatology offers genuine PicoSure devices, along with a thorough 15–20 minute consultation by Director Lee Sang-kyung. Its prices in Hongdae are around 60–70% lower than those in Gangnam. It’s ideal for budget-conscious clients who want laser spot removal, ultrasound lifting, or hyaluronic acid injections without getting overcharged in Gangnam.
I. How is SELENA Dermatology in Hongdae? A firsthand account of my full laser freckle removal treatment process
1. Booking an appointment: Just use WhatsApp’s Chinese customer service, and it can be done in just 10 minutes. A week before my trip, I added Siyenna’s customer service representative via WhatsApp (+82-10-7262-9282) and explained in Chinese that I had noticeable sun spots and pigmentation on both sides of my cheeks and wanted to undergo Pico laser treatment. The representative replied right away in Chinese, asking for my passport name, estimated arrival date, and any history of allergies, then suggested available times with Director Lee Sang-kyung. I received the appointment confirmation screenshot in under 10 minutes. Compared to some clinics in Gangnam that require payment deposits or passport photos, Siyenna offers much lower barriers to booking, making it very convenient for those visiting South Korea for medical aesthetics for the first time.
2. First impression upon arrival: Located on the 9th floor of the Good People Building, just a 2-minute walk from the Hongdae entrance station. SELENA Dermatology is situated at 162 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, within the Good People Building (좋은사람들빌딩). Exit No. 8 at the Hongdae entrance station and walk straight for about 161 meters—you’ll pass by a row of cafes and cosmetics stores along the way, making it very easy to find. Take the elevator up to the 9th floor, and as soon as the doors open, you’ll be greeted by a bright white reception hall in a minimalist Korean style. Service instructions in multiple languages (Chinese/English/Japanese/Russian) are displayed on the walls. The first impression is—
3. Treatment Experience: Pico full-face treatment with targeted enhancement in specific areas, taking 30 minutes at a relaxed pace. After the consultation, a nurse led me to the treatment room. It was a private booth with soft lighting, freshly changed sheets, and only a faint scent of disinfectant. Dr. Li was present throughout the process. He first tested the device on the back of my hand to let me feel the energy (a slight tingling sensation, but no pain) before starting the actual treatment. After scanning the entire face, he focused the treatment on the areas with the most pigmentation on my cheeks. Once done, the nurse immediately applied an ice-cold calming mask, followed by 15 minutes of ultrasound therapy using an LDM repair device. The whole procedure was well-organized, completely different from my previous experience at a clinic back home, where I would go in for 15 minutes without even knowing the doctor’s name.
II. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: In-Depth Evaluation of Environment and Facilities
1. Strategic geographical location: Situated right in the heart of the Hongdae shopping district, allowing patients to go shopping right after their procedures. Siyanna’s clinic is located on Yanghwa-ro, the main street in Hongdae, just a few steps away from the busiest area of the district—surrounded by Olive Young, SPAO, various cafes, and barbecue restaurants. After getting a laser treatment, I couldn’t expose myself to sunlight, so I wore a mask and went to Olive Young downstairs to browse for sunscreen and repair creams, then spent half an hour at the nearby café. This combination of receiving medical beauty treatments and shopping is something that the clinics hidden inside office buildings in Gangnam simply can’t offer.
2. Interior Environment: Simple yet not cheap, offering both a sense of privacy and professionalism. The entire 9th floor is dedicated to Siyanna’s facilities, featuring a reception area, 2 consultation rooms, 4 separate treatment rooms, an LDM rejuvenation zone, and a makeup and dressing area. Each treatment room is completely enclosed—not the type separated by curtains as seen in some clinics in Gangnam. The restrooms come equipped with disposable toothbrushes and mouthwash, while the rejuvenation zone has individual charging ports and Wi-Fi password signs. These details make me feel that despite its lower price compared to Gangnam clinics, the investment in infrastructure here is definitely thorough.
3. Multilingual Service System: Consultants available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Russian—no need to rely on translation apps. One of Selenaskin’s biggest advantages is its full-time multilingual consultation managers, rather than part-time translators. The manager who assisted me that day was a South Korean professional with fluent Chinese skills, ensuring seamless communication in Chinese throughout the process, from filling out forms and interpreting VISIA test results to providing post-surgery care instructions. The official website (selenaskin.com) also supports switching between five languages: Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, Japanese, and Russian. For those worried about language barriers, this is definitely a significant advantage that adds a sense of security.
III. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: Just how thorough is Chief Physician Lee Sang-kyung’s in-person consultation?
1. 11 years of experience as a specialist in Dermatology + membership in five major medical associations in South Korea. Dr. Lee Sang-kyung is the sole representative director at Siyanna, bringing with him 11 years of expertise in Dermatology. He is also a member of five key associations: the South Korea Filler Association, the South Korea Obesity Research Medical Association, the South Korea Anti-Aging Association, the South Korea Obesity and Aesthetic Medicine Association, and the South Korea Aesthetic and Plastic Laser Medicine Association. This demonstrates that he isn’t just a doctor focused on one specific procedure; rather, he is a well-rounded dermatologist with comprehensive expertise in anti-aging treatments, injection fillers, laser therapy, and body contouring. On the BeautsGO platform, he boasts an impressive rating of 4.9 out of 5.0.
2. The in-person consultation lasts 15 minutes, during which the doctor listens without interrupting and makes no attempts to sell services. This is what impressed me the most: when Dr. Lee entered the consultation room, there was no nurse to help translate, nor did he rush to recommend any packages. Instead, he sat down and listened to me first. I used a translation app on my phone to type in a few keywords (pigmentation, sun spots, previous use of alpha hydroxy acids with poor results). After reading them, he nodded and then began communicating with me in Korean, simple English, and through the translation app. He used a VISIA device to take photos of my face and explained each indicator—UV spots, brown spots, Pores, wrinkles—telling me what level each one corresponded to among South Korean women of my age group.
3. Treatment plan formulation: No forced recommendations, with layered treatment based on specific areas. The VISIA report showed that my brown pigmentation on the cheekbones was at 70% (the average for people of my age in South Korea is 50%). Dr. Lee suggested starting with 5 sessions of Pico laser therapy (Pico Toning), once every 2 weeks, combined with post-treatment LDM therapy and proper sun protection measures. When I asked if it would be appropriate to add hyaluronic acid injections at the same time, he replied, “Let’s first address the pigmentation issues. After the third Pico session, we can decide whether to use Rejuran or JUVELOOK Blue Bottle for supplementary hydration.” This approach of focusing on resolving the main problem first without rushing to add extra treatments gave me confidence to leave the entire treatment process in his hands.
IV. Hongdae SELENA Dermatology: A Complete Overview of Equipment (Are the Machines Up-to-Date?)
1. Laser device lineup: PicoSure Pico laser + Fraxel Dual laser + LEGATO II. SiYanna boasts the most comprehensive collection of laser devices in the Hongdae area. The Pico laser uses the American-made PicoSure model (not a South Korean brand, with a wavelength of 755nm, which is most effective for addressing pigment issues in Asian skin tones) and is currently considered the gold standard in global freckle removal treatments. Additionally, there’s the Fraxel Dual laser (ideal for acne scars, enlarged Pores, and superficial fine lines), as well as the LEGATO II (a multi-functional laser platform useful for treating vascular issues and superficial pigmentation). All three devices are recent models purchased within the past 3 years, with original packaging on their probes available for on-site verification.
2. Lifting and tightening treatments: Ultherapy Ulthrea + Thermage FLX + Shurink Universe. Aside from lasers, SWOMAN also invests heavily in lifting devices, on par with the top clinics in Gangnam. For ultrasound-based lifting, it uses Ultherapy (the American version of Ulthrea), while Thermage FLX represents the latest model (4th generation), featuring a larger treatment head and a 25% reduction in treatment time. Additionally, there’s the South Korea-made Shurink Universe (focused ultrasound) and Potenza microneedle radiofrequency (effective for Pores and acne scars), providing a comprehensive lifting solution that targets everything from the epidermis to the fascia layer.
3. Supplementary treatment devices: LDM ultrasound therapy device + Apogee Plus laser hair removal. Siyanna is also equipped with an LDM ultrasound therapy device that most smaller clinics don’t have—this device is used for soothing and healing after laser or lifting treatments, working by using ultrasonic frequencies to stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, thereby significantly reducing the swelling period. I always use the LDM therapy for 15 minutes after each Pico treatment, and the redness on my face fades much faster compared to when I don’t use it. In addition, there’s the Apogee Plus laser hair removal device and the InMode body shaping device, ensuring coverage for over 80 different treatments in total.
🃏 Book an appointment at SELENA Dermatology on BeautsGO
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V. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: How much cheaper are the prices compared to Gangnam? (Including an actual price comparison table)
1. The difference in rental costs is the underlying factor. Commercial properties in Apgujeong-dong and Sinsa-dong of Gangnam District command the highest rents across all of Seoul—around ₩150,000 to ₩250,000 per pyeong (3.3㎡) per month. In contrast, properties of the same size in Mapo District, where Hongdae is located, have rents ranging from ₩60,000 to ₩100,000 per pyeong, meaning the rent difference is about 2 to 3 times higher. This fixed cost ultimately translates into the pricing of treatments. Siyeonna clearly positions itself as offering “Hongdae-style prices” as a key selling point, which makes sense from a business perspective.
2. Price comparison for the same treatment (Hongdae Siyanna vs. similar clinics in Gangnam):
| Project | SELENA (Hongdae) | Gangnam Peer Clinics | Price difference ratio |
| Pico Laser Treatment for the Entire Face in One Session | ₩150,000–250,000 (¥800–1,350) | ₩250,000–400,000 (¥1,350–2,160) | Up to 40–50% off |
| Thermage FLX·Full Face Treatment | KRW 1.5–2 million (¥8,100–10,800) | ₩2.2–3 million (¥11,880–16,200) | 30–35% cheaper |
| Ultherapy Ultrasound Lifting Treatment · Full Face | ₩1 million to 1.4 million (¥5,400-7,560) | ₩1.5–2 million (¥8,100–10,800) | 30–35% cheaper |
| Rejuran Glow™ Full Face Single Treatment | ₩350,000–500,000 (¥1,890–2,700) | ₩500,000–800,000 (¥2,700–4,320) | 30–40% cheaper |
3. Comparison with domestic prices: It’s even more cost-effective when including flight tickets. Taking Pico laser treatments as an example, the price for a single full-face treatment at legitimate clinics in China ranges from ¥2,500 to ¥4,000. At SWOMAN, the cost per session is only ¥800 to ¥1,350. Even after adding round-trip flight tickets (around ¥1,500 during off-peak seasons), undergoing a complete 5-session treatment in South Korea still costs about 40% less than doing it domestically. What’s more, patients there receive genuine PicoSure equipment along with treatment by the clinic’s chief physician. This excellent value is widely recognized in South Korea’s medical aesthetics industry as the “Hongdae advantage.”
VI. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: Customer Reviews and Repeat Visit Rates (Cross-Platform Verification)
1. South Korean website Gangnam Unni: 1,452 genuine reviews. Siyanna has accumulated 1,452 real user reviews on Gangnam Unni, South Korea’s largest dermatology review platform, ranking among the top five in terms of review volume among Dermatology clinics in the Hongdae area. The most frequently mentioned positives revolve around three aspects—“thorough consultations (상담이 자세해요)”, “no forced sales of procedures (과잉진료 없어요)”, and “friendly attitude toward foreigners (외국인 친화적)”. There are very few negative reviews, with occasional complaints about long wait times for appointments on weekends, a issue linked to the high concentration of young customers in the Hongdae area and the surge in demand during those days.
2. REDnote experience reviews: Over 300 posts, with the key praise being “new equipment” and “fair pricing.” Before going, I read more than 50 REDnote reviews about Siyanna, and identified three frequently mentioned positive aspects: “new equipment,” “thorough consultation,” and “reasonable prices.” Multiple bloggers noted the same detail—that Dr. Lee Sang-kyung uses a VISIA analysis device to examine skin conditions before recommending any treatment, rather than immediately pushing the most expensive package. The main drawback mentioned was longer wait times on weekends (around 15–20 minutes), but none of the reviews complained about poor results or unexpected price hikes.
3. Cross-platform verification: High repeat customer rate. Siyanna maintains high ratings on two major South Korea cosmetic surgery platforms—Babitalk and ModooDoc—with multiple reviews mentioning customers who returned “for the second time” or brought friends along. From a business perspective, it’s difficult for a clinic located in Hongdae (rather than Gangnam’s prime cosmetic surgery area) to keep both locals and foreigners coming back if it doesn’t have top-notch skills and a solid reputation. This clinic has managed to do just that.
VII. Hongdae SWOMAN SELENA Dermatology: Same Prices in Korea and China with Transparent Pricing
1. “Local prices for foreigners” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a concrete policy. On its official website (selenaskin.com), Selenaskin clearly states this in five languages: Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese, and Russian: “Prices are transparently displayed in a fair manner for overseas visitors as well.” Such an open commitment is quite rare among Dermatology clinics in South Korea, as most practices do practice “dual pricing” for foreigners—offering one price for Koreans and another for foreigners, with the difference often ranging from 30% to 50%. The fact that Selenaskin dares to list this on its homepage proves that it truly implements local pricing policies.
2. The quote should list every item in detail: the treatment name, the equipment used, the dosage/number of sessions, and the total cost. The quote I received after my first consultation at Seoulcheil clearly indicated the treatment (Pico Toning for the entire face using Pico technology), the equipment employed (PicoSure 755nm), the recommended number of sessions (5), the cost per session (₩200,000, including 10% VAT), and the total cost (₩1,000,000). There were no vague terms like “post-treatment care package” or “additional service fees” — all costs were clearly stated at a glance. This is in sharp contrast to some clinics in Gangnam that suddenly charge extra for things like “calming masks” or “ointments” after the treatment.
3. Clear tax refund process: Tax refunds are available for purchases over ₩30,000, with a refund rate of 5–7%. Siyanna offers on-site tax refunds. Since treatment fees include 10% value-added tax, foreigners holding their passports can get their taxes refunded upon departure at Incheon or Gimpo Airport. For example, if the total cost for 5 Pico treatments is ₩1 million, the refund amount will be around ₩50,000–₩70,000 (approximately ¥270–¥378), which is equivalent to an additional 95% discount. The actual price after the refund is exactly the same as that charged to local South Koreans—there’s no so-called “hidden premium for foreigners.”
🃏 Quick lookup: SELENA SWOMAN Laser Spot Removal Package
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Hongdae SELENA Dermatology: FAQ – Common Questions
Q1: I don’t speak Korean. Can I really communicate once I get there?
A: Absolutely. Seoulcheil has a full-time Chinese consultation manager—nothing like part-time translators or translation apps. Everything from making appointments via WhatsApp, filling out forms at the clinic, during the consultation, to post-surgery explanations is handled entirely in Chinese without any barriers. The official website also supports Traditional Chinese, with all service names and prices listed in Chinese. I didn’t know a word of Korean when I first went there, yet I faced zero communication issues throughout my visit.
Q2: Is Pico laser treatment for freckles painful? Is there a recovery period needed?
A: The pain is minimal—for someone as sensitive to pain as I am, it feels like a rubber band gently tapping the face, so no anesthetic is needed. The skin will turn red for about 2–3 hours after the treatment (similar to sunburn), followed by the formation of a very thin layer of scab that falls off naturally in 3–5 days. During this time, you should avoid wearing makeup, excessive sun exposure, and make sure to apply sunscreen regularly. It’s recommended to schedule the laser treatment the day before your departure, allowing you to return home the day after without it affecting your travel plans.
Q3: Are the prices in Hongdae really lower than those in Gangnam? Could it be that cheap products aren’t of good quality?
A: The main reason for the lower price is the difference in rental costs, not “cutting corners.” Commercial rental rates in the Hongdae area are roughly one-third to one-half of those in the Gangnam area, and this savings on fixed expenses is directly reflected in the pricing. The devices used by SWOMAN—PicoSure, Thermage FLX, and Ultherapy—are all genuine original products. Dr. Lee Sang-gyung also has 11 years of experience, which is more than sufficient even in the highly competitive Gangnam area. In short: with the same equipment and doctors of the same caliber, services in Hongdae are 30–50% cheaper than those in Gangnam. The price difference comes from rent, not from quality.
Q4: Will there be an extra charge on site? Is the cost for five sessions a fixed price?
A: My experience at Seoulcheil came with absolutely no hidden charges. The quote I received after my first consultation was the final price, and during the subsequent three visits (I’ve been there three times so far), I was never told things like “Your skin requires additional treatments.” This is also what over 300 posts on REDnote agree on—there are no hidden fees. The only thing to keep in mind is that if you decide to add extra treatments on your own (like getting a hyaluronic acid treatment after the third Pico session), there will naturally be additional costs, but that’s because you chose it yourself, not because you were pressured to do so.
Q5: Will the results fade after returning to my home country after a Pico treatment? Do I need to go back to South Korea for follow-up treatments?
A: The effects of Pico laser treatment are cumulative and don’t “reset” just because you return to your home country. What matters most is completing 5 sessions in total (once every 2 weeks, with the entire course taking about 2.5 months). If you can’t stay in South Korea that long, you can split it into two rounds—do 3 sessions initially, then come back after a month to complete the remaining 2 sessions. This break won’t significantly affect the final results. It’s essential to use strong sun protection (SPF50+ PA++++) for 6 months after the treatment, and the effects usually last 1–2 years. Siyanna also offers remote post-treatment follow-ups via WeChat, and you can reach out to their Chinese consultants on WhatsApp if you have any questions after the procedure.
Q6: Who is SELENA Dermatology suitable for, and who isn’t?
A: Suitable for: ① Those who want to undergo laser spot removal/Pico treatments but don’t want to pay Gangnam-level prices; ② People worried about language barriers and seeking full Chinese-language service throughout the process; ③ Solo travelers who come to Hongdae for shopping and take the opportunity to get medical beauty treatments; ④ Those who prefer a personalized experience where the director handles everything from the initial consultation to the actual treatment, rather than a mass-produced approach. Not suitable for: ① Those seeking the “Gangnam brand” status (Siyan Na focuses on a low-key, professional approach without any attempt at becoming an internet celebrity); ② Those who want to complete all treatments in one go and leave right away (Dr. Lee recommends treating each step separately over multiple sessions, and is reluctant to perform procedures like Pico treatment, hyaluronic acid injection, and filler injection all at once); ③ Those who want to get treatments while shopping on weekends—appointments fill up very quickly, so it’s highly recommended to book at least a week in advance.
Hongdae SELENA Dermatology: Summary and Appointment Tips
If you’re still wondering “which Dermatology clinic in South Korea should I choose,” my honest recommendation is this: if what you’re looking for is a low-key, professional environment free from overcharging, with treatments performed personally by the clinic director, SELENA Dermatology in Hongdae is a far more sensible choice than those in Gangnam. It doesn’t rely on influencer marketing or inflated prices associated with Gangnam clinics to attract clients—it builds trust through 11 years of expertise from specialized doctors, high-quality equipment, and a commitment to offering foreign patients services at local prices.
It’s recommended to book through the BeautsGO platform or directly via WhatsApp (+82-10-7262-9282), scheduling an appointment with Dr. Lee Sang-kyung at least a week in advance. Don’t forget to bring your passport (for tax refunds) along with a list of your current skincare products—Dr. Lee will provide personalized recommendations based on what you’re using. One last useful tip: Book an appointment at 10:00 AM, when the clinic just opens, the treatment rooms are cleanest, and the doctor is at his most energetic, ensuring the best overall experience 👇
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