A non-influencer-run clinic with an astonishing customer retention rate: My firsthand experience with 3 sessions of Dermafiller plus Thermage FLX at UPIC Dermatology in South Korea

韓國UPIC皮膚科

Last time I went to a chain Dermatology clinic, I found the results “fair enough, but nothing spectacular.” After returning, I complained to a friend from South Korea, who immediately handed me an appointment form for a UPIC Dermatology clinic in South Korea and said, “Go give it a try

once, and you’ll see the difference.” I went there hesitantly—but after three visits, I’m now the one who actively recommends it t

o others. This isn’t an official promotional piece; it’s my honest experience after visiting three branches in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeongdong. If you’re also struggling to decide which Dermatology clinic in Seoul to choose, I hope this article can save you at least 3H Cosmetic worth of NAVER searching time.

UPIC Dermatology in South Korea

I. How to choose among the three UPIC Dermatology clinics in South Korea? Start by deciding “where you live”.

UPIC has three branches in Seoul, each with its own lead doctor and operating hours. Instead of worrying about “which one is the best,” start by checking their locations first:

Branches Address Recent subway news Regular business hours Chief Physician
Gangnam Store ⭐ Flagship Location 5th Floor, 403 Gangna
m-daero, Seocho-gu (343 Tower)
Exit 10, Gangnam S
tation, ANEW Sinpontang Line
10:30~20:30 (Lu
nch break: 14:00~15:00)
Multiple rotating hosts
Hongdae Store 9th Floor, H-CUBE Build
ing, 140 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu
Exit 9 at Hongdae Entrance S
tation on Line 2 (2 minutes’ walk)
10:00~20:00 (Lu
nch break: 13:00~14:00)
Dr. Sun Daniel, Chief Physician
Myeongdong Store ⭐ Friendly to foreigners 5th Floor, NOONSQUARE
, 14 Myeongdong-ro
Exit 6 at Eulji-ro Entrance Station
on Lines 2/4 / Exit 6 at Myeongdong Station
Mon-Fri: 11:00~21:00, Tue-
Thu: 11:00~20:00, Weekends
: 11:00~17:00, No lunch
break
Lee Se-hyun, Representative Director
Transportation Map to UPIC’s Gangnam Branch

My recommendation: For your first medical beauty treatment in Seoul, choose the store in Myeongdong—where Chinese-speaking services are the most comprehensive, there are no lunch breaks so you can get consultations back-to-back, and it’s located right in the shopping district. If you plan to stay near Hongdae or want to experience a more youthful vibe, go with the Hongdae store. If you already have experience in South Korea and prefer high-end services, opt for the Gangnam store.

💡 Also located in the Gangnam area, BEAUTY&YOUNG Dermatology offers layered Filler and PRP treatments—take some time to compare which one better suits your needs.

II. The core philosophy of UPIC Dermatology in South Korea: No “package factories” — only personalized one-on-one services

At many chain Dermatology clinics in South Korea, the process goes like this: enter the clinic → fill out a form → quick consultation with a nurse → recommendation of a treatment package → procedure → leave. It’s entirely streamlined, making you feel like just the 20th person to be brought in that day.

What sets UPIC apart is that they truly take the time to discuss your skin condition with you, rather than just handing you a price list.

Dr. Lee Se-hyun, Chief Physician at UPIC

Dr. Lee Se-hyun, Director of the Clinic (Myeongdong Branch)

A graduate of the College of Medicine at Korea University and a specialist in family medicine, he used to be the director of a well-known cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive treatment center. His approach is delicate and conservative—he won’t suggest getting fillers all over your face right from the first meeting. Instead, he analyzes your facial structure, skin thickness, and lifestyle habits to recommend a treatment plan that delivers the best results with the smallest amount of procedures possible. Some people on forums say he “talks honestly without pushing hard-selling tactics.”

Dr. Sun Daniel (Hongdae Branch)

Gatu-ri graduated from Kanto University and completed his internship at BARUNGYN Hospital of KaChun University. He is an official member of the Korean Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Medicine, with expertise in laser and energy-based treatment devices. If you’re looking for treatments using devices such as Thermage or HIFU, Director Sun receives high praise for his technique—comments like “precise depth control and excellent pain management” are common on Dcard.

What these two clinic directors have in common is their commitment to using only genuine medications in the correct dosage, performing all procedures personally on a 1:1 basis (without delegating tasks to nurses), and providing thorough follow-up care after treatment. While these practices seem obvious, not many clinics in Seoul’s Dermatology sector can actually uphold them.

The prices listed below are based on the consultation quotes available at the beginning of 2026. The actual price is subject to real-time checks on BeautsGO (with various discounts offered throughout different months).

UPIC CLINIC

UPIC CLINIC (유픽의원)

BeautsGO 認證

📍 403, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Gangnam) / 140, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Hongdae) / 14, Myeongdong-ro, NOON SQUARE (Myeongdong) 🚇 Exi
t 10 at Gangnam Station / Exit 9 at Hongdae Entrance Station / Exit 6 at Euljiro
Entrance Station 🕐 Weekdays 10:00~21:00 (varies by branch)

✨ Thermage, Hyaluronic Acid Injection, HIFU, Restylane, Pigment Spot Removal, Personalized 1:1 Treatment Plans

💰 Project price reference
Recommended Items Reference price
Thermage FLX Starting from ₩350,000
Hyaluronic Acid Injection (Luzuran) Starting from ₩150,000
HIFU Please check at BeautsGO.
Laser Treatment for Skin Pigmentation Issues Please check at BeautsGO.


📅 立即在 BeautsGO 預約檔期,查看完整項目報價

💡 Compared to other popular Thermage clinics in Gangnam, UPIC offers prices that fall in the moderate and affordable range — not the cheapest, but certainly not exorbitant either. What stands out is that their quotes are completely transparent, with no sudden price hikes halfway through.

IV. Actual Time Line for Lepulan Hyaluronic Acid Injection + Thermage FLX Treatment: Right after treatment / 7 days / 1 month

I got a combo treatment at the Myeongdong branch—Rejuran Hyaluronic Acid Injection plus Thermage FLX. Here are my honest thoughts:

Timing My honest thoughts Observation and analysis
Right after the procedure “It’s red and a bit swollen, like sunburn.” It’s a normal reaction. The comfort level of Thermage FLX is much better than that of the older version; only a few sessions cause discomfort. After applying ice for 15 minutes, the redness subsides significantly.
7 days later “A friend asked me if I’d lost weight, but actually I haven’t done any dieting.” The effects of the hyaluronic acid injection show up first—the skin becomes brighter, and makeup applies more evenly. With Thermage, the firming effect begins to become noticeable, giving the jawline a slightly sharper definition.
1 month later ✨ the golden period “IG being restricted has sparked countless questions—did she do something?” The synergistic effect is most noticeable with combined treatment programs: facial contours become more defined, skin tone becomes more even, and Pores appear significantly finer. It looks so natural that you can’t tell any intervention was done, yet the result is definitely a more beautiful appearance.

V. How does UPIC compare to the well-known chain brands in Gangnam?

Many people like to compare UPIC with other well-known brands such as ID, Wonjin, and BK. To be honest, each one has its own advantages.

Comparison Items UPIC CLINIC Large chain brands (such as ID/BK)
Scale 3 branches (Gangnam/Hongdae/Myeongdong) 10+ branch locations, some offering hotel-style services
In-person consultation style Personal 1:1 consultation with the director, lasting 20–30 minutes The standardized process is fast, usually completed within 10 minutes.
Operator The director personally performed the injections throughout the whole process. It varies by branch; some are performed by experienced doctors.
Chinese Services The Myeongdong store has dedicated translators, while other branches need to be verified. Most have a full Chinese-speaking team
Price range Medium (₩150,000~500,000) High (₩300,000–1+ million)
Ideal for Those who seek natural results and value in-depth communication Those seeking brand guarantees and one-stop services

In short: If you want to be “well-cared for,” go with UPIC; if you prefer the “reliability of well-known brands,” choose a chain store. There’s no right or wrong choice—it depends on what matters most to you.

VI. Who is it suitable for? Who is it not suitable for?

✅ Perfect for a visit to UPIC ❌ Not recommended
My First Try at Medical Aesthetics in South Korea: Budget under ₩300,000 Severe fear of injections and medical devices
Hope to get treatment while traveling and save time on commuting Recent skin wounds/sunburn/severe rashes
Dark spots/Pores/freckles/premature aging issues (for those aged 25–45) During pregnancy or breastfeeding
Prefers a treatment approach that involves thorough discussion before taking action Have important events coming up in the short term (requires a recovery period after surgery)
Want to know the full process of HIFU or anti-aging device treatments English consultations only, without translation (except at the Myeongdong store).

💡 Quick tip: The suggestions above are for reference only. To determine whether they’re suitable for you, please consult via LINE first.

VII. A Complete Guide to Transportation, Atmosphere, and Appointment Booking at UPIC Dermatology in South Korea

📍 Detailed transportation to the three branches

Transportation Map to UPIC’s Myeongdong Branch
Project Details
🏥 Clinic Name UPIC CLINIC (유픽의원) — Gangnam Branch / Hongdae Branch / Myeongdong Branch
📌 Address Gangnam: 5F, 343 Tower, 403 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu. H
ongdae: 9F, H-CUBE, 140 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu.
Myeongdong: 5F, NOON SQUARE, 14 Myeongdong-ro.
🚇 Transportation Gangnam: Take Line 2 or ANEW Line to Gangnam Station, exit No. 10, then walk for 2 minutes.
Hongdae: Take Line 2 to Hongdae Entrance Station, exit No. 9, and walk for 2 minutes.
Myeongdong: Take Line 2 or 4 to Euljiro Entrance Station, exit No. 6, or Myeongdong Station, exit No. 6.
🕐 Business Hours Gangnam: 10:30~20:30 | Hongdae: 10:00~20:00 | Myeongdong: 11:00~21:00 (17:00 on weekends)
🚗 Parking Gangnam store: Underground parking lot at 343 Tower | Hongdae/Myeongdong: Nearby mall parking lots are available
💬 How to Book a Appointment Consult via LINE / Email via Gmail / One-click booking through BeautsGO

📅 How to Book (Choose from 3 Options)

❓ FAQ — 7 Most Common Questions About UPIC Dermatology in South Korea

Q1: Does UPIC accept foreigners? Is Korean language required? A: All three branches we
lcome foreigners. The Myeongdong branch has a full-time Chinese translator available, while it’s recommended to check in advance via LINE or Gmail whether a translator will be arranged at the Hongdae and Gangnam branches. You can simply include a brief English/Chinese description when making a reservation.

Q2: What preparations are needed for my first visit? A: Br
ing your passport, go without makeup or with light makeup (to facilitate a quick consultation), and provide front and side photos taken in natural light. If you’re taking any medications (especially aspirin or blood thinners), please let us know in advance.

Q3: Can you go shopping right after the treatment? A: Hyaluro
nic acid injections and mild laser treatments allow it (with slight redness possible), but it’s recommended to take a half-day break before going out after Thermage and HIFU treatments. After your appointment at the Myeongdong store, you can head straight to NOON SQUARE to pick up more products—very convenient!

Q4: Is it possible to negotiate the price? A
: UPIC maintains fixed pricing, but bookings through BeautsGO often come with time-limited discounts (such as first-time trial offers), making them cheaper than going directly there in person. It’s recommended to check the quote online first before making a visit.

Q5: Is special care needed after the procedure? A: Firs
t 3 days: Focus on enhanced moisturization, avoid sun exposure, refrain from hot baths, and stay away from alcohol. Within a week: Use adequate sun protection (physical barriers are best), and avoid saunas and intense exercise. The clinic will provide you with a complete post-procedure care guide.

Q6: Are the facilities the same across all three branches? A:
The core equipment—such as Thermage, Ultherapy, and various lasers—is available at all three locations, but some imported devices might only be found at specific branches. It’s recommended to check in advance which branch offers the procedures you want to undergo.

Q7: Is there a fee for canceling an appointment? A:
Generally, cancellations made 24 hours in advance are free, but last-minute cancellations on the day of the appointment may incur a no-show fee of around ₩50,000 to ₩100,000. It’s recommended to give as much notice as possible.

⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance List (Real-Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way)

  1. Don’t rush into getting every procedure done at once: Many people think, “Since I’m already here, might as well get everything done,” but this can disrupt their travel plans during the recovery period. It’s recommended to start with 1–2 core treatments for your first visit.
  2. Don’t hide your medication history: Be sure to mention if you’re taking vitamin E, fish oil, or any supplements. A Dcard user suffered severe post-surgery bruising because they failed to disclose that they were taking Ginkgo.
  3. Don’t fall for “lowest price” ads: Some platforms list prices that don’t include anesthesia or postoperative care costs. UPIC’s quotes cover everything, with no hidden extra charges.
  4. Avoid flying long distances right after the procedure: The dry cabin air and pressure changes can exacerbate post-surgery reactions. If you need to fly the next day, it’s recommended to opt for only mild treatments.
  5. Don’t wait until you’re in South Korea to make an appointment—popular times (weekends and public holidays in South Korea) are often fully booked. Booking in advance through BeautsGO is the safest way to secure your slot.

📋 Quick Guide to Pre- and Post-Procedure Tips

Preoperative Preparation

  • Prepare natural-light photos: front view, side views, and 45-degree angles — avoid using beauty filters.
  • Medical history inquiry: Whether taking aspirin/anticoagulants, and whether prone to telangiectasia.
  • Be specific about your goals: Clearly state “I want to improve issue XX,” rather than just saying “I want to look better.”
  • Avoid acidic skincare products and exfoliants 3 days before the procedure.

Post-surgery precautions

  • After Thermage/HIFU treatment: Avoid taking hot baths within a week, and refrain from applying heavy pressure to the face.
  • After hyaluronic acid injections/Leejulan treatment: Maintain mild moisturization for three days and avoid excessive sun exposure.
  • After all treatments: avoid alcohol and saunas for one week, and make sure to use adequate sun protection.
  • If redness or pain persists for more than 3 days, contact the clinic immediately.

🎯 The final honest answer

UPIC isn’t one of those viral clinics that trend on Instagram, nor is it the largest chain brand. But it’s a place you’ll want to return to after your treatment and feel confident recommending to your friends.

Facilities at UPIC Dermatology in South Korea

If you, like me, value “sincerity” more than “reputation” and “carefulness” over “speed,” then UPIC deserves to be among the top three choices for Seoul I medical beauty treatments.

Not sure how to choose a treatment plan for your first visit? Leave a message on LINE and tell me your needs — I’ll help you figure out the best option for you 👋

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