Is Imageup Dermatology in Gangnam, South Korea really worth visiting? After having a consultation with Director Guo, I came to these conclusions.

To be honest, when I first heard about Imageup (이미지업성형외과), I felt a bit resistant—there were so many Dermatology clinics in Gangnam, so what was different about this one? But a friend kept mentioning it to me, saying that she always went there for skin treatments whenever she flew to Seoul. Later, when I made an appointment with Director Guo Ruchen myself and had a consultation, I realized that this clinic really was different.

I. Is Imageup in Gangnam really worth visiting? After having a face-to-face consultation with Director Guo, I realized these things.

Imageup was established in 2012 and is located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, approximately 150 meters away from Exit 4 of Sinsa Station on the Seoul Metro Line 3. It occupies an entire building, with floors 1 to 4 dedicated to its operations, making it easily recognizable from the street.

Before I went, I was actually a bit skeptical—with so many Dermatology departments in Gangnam, what exactly was Imageup’s unique selling point? When Director Guo Ruchen received me, he didn’t rush to promote any specific treatments. Instead, he first asked about my daily skincare habits and any recent concerns I was facing, before gradually explaining the recommended treatment plan. This approach of “understanding first, then suggesting a solution” was indeed much more comforting.

It was only later that I realized they were not the kind of clinic that pushes every available treatment on patients. Director Guo explained that the clinic’s principle was to “reject unnecessary treatments” – it’s not necessary for every client to undergo the full range of HIFU and Thermage treatments; what suits them best is what should be chosen. This statement is quite practical indeed.

II. Imageup Ultra clear Pico Laser: With fewer than 10 units available in the entire of South Korea, what are its strengths?

When it comes to the differentiating features of Imageup, the Ultra clear Pico laser cannot be overlooked. This device is available in less than 10 clinics in South Korea, and the cost of introducing it is quite high; therefore, ordinary Dermatology clinics would not consider using it. The core advantage of the Ultra clear Pico laser lies in its ability to simultaneously address issues such as pigmentation, enlarged Pores, and fine lines, with a much shorter recovery period compared to traditional lasers.

My main skin concerns are the pigmentation on my cheekbones and the Pores on my cheeks. Approximately two weeks after undergoing the Ultra clear treatment, I noticed a noticeable reduction in these issues. Dr. Guo also mentioned that this device performs quite well in terms of controlling heat damage, so my face doesn’t swell up like a pig’s head after the treatment, making it much easier to take care of my skin afterwards.

In addition to Ultra clear, Imageup also offers a comprehensive range of anti-aging treatments: the 2nd generation of Ulthrea, Titanium, Oligio, Inmode (with both FX+Forma modes), and more. However, Director Guo advised me to focus first on resolving my pigmentation issues and wait until my skin foundation was improved before proceeding with anti-aging treatments. This approach, which avoids promoting expensive procedures, actually makes people trust her more.

III. Where is actually Imageup Dermatology in South Korea? Right next to Sinsa Station in Gangnam – get the address and transportation details all at once.

Imageup is located at 76 Narute-ro, Hanbit-ro, Silwon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (나루터로 76), within the Imageup building – the address is very easy to find.

Subway transportation: Exit from Exit 4 of Sinsa Station on Line 3, and walk along the main road in the direction of Nonhyeon-dong. It is only about 150 meters away. If coming from Itaewon, you can also transfer to Line 3 at the express bus terminal, and it will only take you two stops.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00-19:00; Saturday, 10:00-16:00; closed on Sundays. If you want to avoid the weekend rush, Tuesday to Thursday in the morning tend to have fewer people, making it easier to get a reservation.

IV. How should we choose among President Kim Seong-nam, President Guo Ru-chen, and President Kwon Du-hyun, each of whom has their own areas of expertise?

Imageup has three chief directors, each with different areas of expertise. Understanding their specialties in advance will help you choose the one who is most suitable for you.

President Kim Seong-nam: Specializing in facial contour and eye plastic surgery, he is the representative figure of this clinic. He possesses expertise in overall aesthetic design and is ideal for patients who wish to undergo procedures that enhance their facial contours.

Director Guo Ruchen (곽여진): Director of the Dermatology Department, with a doctorate in Dermatology from Yonsei University School of Medicine. She has 15 years of clinical experience, and laser therapy and anti-aging treatments are her areas of expertise. It was her that I decided to consult this time. Her approach is gentle and practical; she does not recommend procedures that are not necessary for the patient.

Director Kwon Do-hyun: With extensive experience in minimally invasive cosmetic injections, he specializes in Filler treatments and botulinum toxin injections, making him ideal for patients who wish to improve their Nasolabial Fold Correction, forehead wrinkles, or jawline.

If you are in the field of cosmetic dermatology (using Pico treatments, hyaluronic acid injections, lasers, etc.), I highly recommend Director Guo. For minimally invasive injection procedures, Director Quan has an excellent reputation. For surgical procedures related to body contouring, it is advisable to make an appointment directly with the representative in charge.

V. What is the environment like at Imageup Dermatology in South Korea? Let’s take a look through pictures and text.

Imageup is a single-story building, with ample space on all floors from 1 to 4. The lobby is clean and bright, lacking the oppressive atmosphere commonly found in traditional clinics.

The waiting area and the consultation rooms are located separately, ensuring good privacy protection. The treatment rooms for injections and skin care procedures are also designed to accommodate only one person at a time, providing sufficient space and avoiding the awkward situation of several people being in the same room simultaneously.

It is worth mentioning that the clinic is equipped with a 3D CT scanning room, which allows for precise examinations before contour surgery – a facility that is not commonly found in ordinary Dermatology departments. The post-operative recovery area is also a separate space, providing patients during their recovery period with a peaceful and comfortable environment to rest.

VI. Basic Information about Imageup & How to Make an Appointment

VII. How to Make an Appointment at Imageup Dermatology in South Korea – LINE, Gmail, or BeautsGO

After reading this, if you think Imageup meets your needs, you can make an appointment directly through the following methods. It is recommended to book 3 to 5 days in advance; if you would like to schedule an appointment with Director Guo Ruchen, it is even better to book earlier, as her schedule is usually quite full.

Guests who visit for the first time need not worry, as the clinic provides services in Chinese, so the problem of language barriers is virtually non-existent. When making an appointment, you can also mention your main concerns, and the clinic will prepare the relevant information in advance.