A friend flew to Seoul last month. As soon as she landed, she messaged RETOO in KakaoTalk. The first reply she got was, “Dr. Kim’s consultation slots are fully booked for this week.” She was completely stunned in her hotel room in Myeongdong—her flight, accommodation, and itinerary were all arranged, but she couldn’t get a slot for the treatment she wanted the most.
I later helped her rearrange her schedule and noticed something: at high-end clinics like those in Cheongdam-dong that operate on a strictly appointment-based system, the real challenge isn’t knowing how to make an appointment, but figuring out when to start trying. So instead of writing a standard guide, I’ll put information on how to book appointments at RETOO Dermatology in Cheongdam right at the top—first, I’ll show you the actual differences among the three booking methods, followed by a timeline based on your return flight date.
I. Let’s start with appointments: There are only 3 ways to schedule an appointment at RETOO Dermatology in Cheongdam, and for foreigners, the third method is the most reliable.
Many people assume that clinics in South Korea allow you to book appointments online right away, but in fact, most clinics in the Cheongdam area still operate on a “manual response” system—you submit your request, and the staff at the counter checks the director’s schedule before letting you know if an appointment is available. RETOO is no exception; there are actually only three options available.
| Appointment Booking System | Language | Can I specify the director? | The Real Difficulty for Foreigners |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Phone/KakaoTalk official channel | Korean language primarily | Sure, but you need to be able to say the Korean name of the project. | ★★★★ It’s almost impossible to communicate without knowing Korean. |
| ② NAVER Booking / Official Website Form | Korean | Check the form availability | ★★★★★ Mostly stuck at South Korea phone number verification |
| ③ BeautsGO Online Scheduling | Chinese | You can leave a note specifying the amount to Dr. Lin | ★ Fill it out and wait for a reply; you can also ask about the event schedule at the same time. |
What really makes the biggest difference isn’t whether you can get an appointment or not, but rather whether you can ask about the price right when scheduling it. If you choose paths ① or ②, you’ll usually only get a response saying “Please come to the clinic for a consultation.” But by choosing path ③, at least you can first confirm whether the current promotion includes the treatment you’re interested in. I went into more detail about this in my article on breaking down RETOO’s prices in Cheongdam — great deals are almost always hidden within these promotions.
II. What’s even more critical than “how to make an appointment at RETOO Dermatology” is “when to make the appointment”: A timeline for scheduling appointments at RETOO Dermatology in Cheongdam
Most people arrange their itinerary in this order: booking flights → deciding on attractions → thinking about medical treatments → scheduling appointments at clinics. This sequence can cause problems in Cheongdam-dong, because the director’s available consultation times are already limited, and if you put it at the end, there will barely be any free slots left.
The right approach is to do it the other way around: first determine the return date, work backward from there to figure out the recovery period, and then determine the in-person consultation date and the service booking date. This schedule is what I actually used when helping a friend reorganize their plans—it works for both five days and four nights as well as seven days and six nights.
| Timing | What you need to do | What will happen if you don’t do it? |
|---|---|---|
| D-30 | Submit your appointment request, specifying your date range for visiting Korea and the treatments you’d like to have done. | The slots for the director’s in-person consultations are almost always booked by regular local patients. |
| D-21 | Check if the current event calendar includes your project, and decide whether to reschedule to fit in. | Miss out on the event price and end up spending hundreds of thousands of won more on the same service |
| D-14 | Finalize the date and time, and confirm whether Chinese translation support is needed | You can only pick it up during off-peak hours after 18:00 on weekdays. |
| D-7 | Stop using acid-based skincare products, and stop taking fish oil/aspirin (consult your doctor if you’re already on these medications). | I was advised to postpone the in-person consultation on the day it was scheduled, and the entire appointment had to be canceled. |
| D-3 | Double-check the appointment and ask clearly whether you need to show up bare-faced on the day. | Waste a trip or wait an extra hour on site |
| D-Day | Arrive 15 minutes early, bring your passport, and allow 2-3 hours | Being 10 minutes late might result in you being moved to the back or having your appointment canceled. |
| 48 hours before returning home | Avoid scheduling high-intensity lifting treatments. | If the swelling doesn’t go down, I still board the plane—the dry cabin only makes things worse. |
If your visit is simply to get a maintenance treatment without specifying a particular doctor, submitting the request by D-14 is usually sufficient. Those who really need to schedule it by D-30 are those opting for treatments performed personally by a designated doctor along with a comprehensive treatment plan. The same logic applies in the Apgujeong area as well—you can refer to South Korea’s DM Dermatology’s four scheduled appointment options; that clinic offers more flexible scheduling than RETOO.
III. The 4 hardest times to schedule: Avoid them first to instantly boost your chances of success
| Hard to book at certain times | Why | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday morning | It only operates until 16:30 — all local office workers crowd here during that half day. | First appointment on Monday morning (10:00-11:00) |
| The week before South Korea’s long holiday | Before Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Restoration Day, everyone wants to “get something done before heading back to their hometowns.” | The 3rd to 5th days after the long holiday are usually the least busy. |
| First week of the event schedule | As soon as the discount is announced, regular customers rush to take it first. | Let’s schedule it later in the period — the price stays the same, but it’s harder to find a suitable time. |
| Weekdays after 18:00 | During the off-peak hours, and as it’s close to closing time, consultation slots are often shortened. | Weekdays from 14:00–16:00 – perfect time for a relaxed in-person consultation |
From my own experience, the first appointment in the morning is truly the most comfortable—the doctor isn’t delayed by earlier appointments, and they’re willing to spend an extra ten minutes talking. This is a huge difference for those who need to discuss a comprehensive plan with the clinic director.
IV. 5 Things to Clearly Explain When Delivering the Appointment Sheet
Many people just write “I want a facial” when submitting a request, which leads to a long back-and-forth exchange of messages that can take up to three days. If you list all five items below at once, the response time is much faster:
- Date range of arrival in Korea + return date: Don’t just write “mid-August.” Write “8/12-8/16, flight on the afternoon of 8/16” so the counter can help you avoid the recovery period.
- Desired product line or project name: RETOO, which is divided into three categories — customized lifting treatments, skin therapy programs, and body sculpting services. If you can mention well-known brand names like “Em face,” “Juvelook,” and “Rejuran,” the quote will be much more accurate.
- Should you request a consultation with the director personally? This option directly determines how far in advance you need to make an appointment and also affects the price—don’t ask about it only when you get there.
- Medication and allergy history: Are you taking any anticoagulant medications? Do you have a history of angioedema? Are you allergic to anesthetics? — Especially since RETOO has an anesthesiology deputy director on staff, informing them in advance will help ensure everything is arranged properly.
- Do you need a Chinese translator? This is something foreigners most often overlook—last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
By the way, if you’re booking through a third-party service, be sure to ask clearly whether there’s an additional commission. I’ve written before about a friend who was charged an extra commission for having their appointment booked through someone else—same clinic, same treatment, and that’s where the price difference came from.
V. Do I need to pay the ₩33,000 consultation fee in advance? How should I inquire about the event schedule?
According to BeautsGO, RETOO’s basic consultation fee is ₩33,000, which can often be waived if you proceed with the treatment on the same day. This is quite common in the Cheongdam area, so there’s no need to worry about being overcharged—clinics that charge a consultation fee tend to be less likely to use aggressive sales tactics to push you into adding extra services.
It’s worth taking the time to ask about “availability.” RETOO doesn’t disclose its regular prices, but the schedule for each campaign is clearly listed, ranging from ₩700,000 to ₩5.25 million. When you receive the booking form, it’s recommended to ask these three questions directly:
- “What events are still running during this date range?”
- “Is the treatment I want included in the package deal?”
- “Do I need to pay the promotional price in cash on site, or can I use a credit card?”
For a complete comparison of pricing across various services, you can check out the article that reveals all the prices at RETOO in Cheongdam. If you’d like to compare prices in other areas as well, the breakdown of HIFU treatment costs at Sinsa Dikra and the quotes for collagen therapy at Umi in Myeongdong can serve as useful references.
VI. After making the appointment: 435 Shimaoka Dori, take the elevator to the 5th floor—don’t get lost wandering around the alleys.
It takes about 8 minutes to walk from Exit 4 of the Apgujeong Rodeo Station to RETOO. The storefront isn’t very eye-catching, with a modest sign that makes it easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Once inside the building, take the elevator to the 5th floor; there’s also a treatment area on the 6th floor as well. The reception staff will let you know which floor to go to for your appointment that day.
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Clinic Name | Cheongdam RETOO CLINIC in Dermatology |
| 📌 Address | 5th & 6th Floors, Building 32, 435 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (87-11, Cheongdam-dong) |
| 🚇 Transportation | Exit 4 at Apgujeong Rodeo Station on the Bundang Line, approximately an 8-minute walk |
| 🕐 Business Hours | Monday to Friday: 10:00–19:00 / Saturday: 10:00–16:30 (Closed on Sundays and public holidays) |
| 🚗 Parking | The underground parking lot of the building is available; it’s recommended to mention your vehicle needs when making a reservation. |
| 💬 How to Book a Appointment | Consult via LINE / WeChat WRB0826- / Email / One-click booking through BeautsGO |
The clinic’s team includes the director, Kim Jae-rim (with a background from Yonsei University), as well as the deputy director Kim Sun-min, who has expertise in anesthesiology. There are also several other deputy directors and a skilled nursing staff. This is precisely why RETOO dares to use high-powered devices and comprehensive treatment programs—pain management is handled by specialized professionals. If you’d like to compare it with other Gangnam clinics that also emphasize “direct consultation by the director,” you can check Dr. Ryu Dong-geun’s schedule at Gangnam V Dermatology.
VII. Who needs this backward calculation method? Who actually doesn’t need to go through such trouble?
| ✅ It’s recommended to follow the reverse schedule. | ❌ No need to be so particular about it. |
|---|---|
| Consult with Director Kim Jin-lim for a personalized anti-aging plan. | I just want a basic glow injection treatment—no need to find a top doctor. |
| The trip lasts only 4-5 days, leaving very little room for mistakes. | I’ll be in Seoul for over two weeks and can schedule additional appointments anytime. |
| Trying to fit into the event schedule with a tight budget | If you have a generous budget and don’t care about whether it’s an event price |
| Requires high-intensity lifting exercises and a recovery period | It’s a non-invasive treatment with no recovery period. |
| Need Chinese translation for full accompaniment | Capable of communicating in Korean or English |
💡 Quick tip: The suggestions above are just timing recommendations—whether a particular treatment is suitable for you still depends on the results of an in-person consultation. If you’re unsure which category applies to you, feel free to message us via LINE and share details about your trip duration; we can usually determine it in just a couple of sentences.
VIII. RETOO Dermatology in Cheongdam – FAQ + Booking Instructions + Recommended Reads
Q1: Does RETOO in Cheongdam accept bookings from foreigners? Is a South Korea mobile number required? Yes. While using
Naver’s official form often gets stuck at the South Korea mobile number verification step, booking through BeautsGO’s Chinese scheduling service or consulting via LINE eliminates the need for a South Korea number — you can simply register using your passport name.
Q2: How much advance notice is required to make a reservation?
For maintenance treatments without a specific doctor assigned, it’s usually possible to secure a slot around D-14. If you want Dr. Kim Jae-rim to personally treat you, it’s recommended to submit the request at least D-30 in advance, especially on Saturdays and around public holidays.
Q3: Do I need to pay a deposit in advance for an appointment? How much is the consultati
on fee? Generally, no deposit is required for online appointments. The basic consultation fee at the clinic is around ₩33,000, which can usually be deducted if you undergo the treatment on the same day. As for package deals, it’s best to ask clearly when making the appointment to see if payment needs to be done on site.
Q4: What should I do if I need to reschedule or cancel last minute? It
’s recommended to give at least 24 hours’ notice. The appointment slots with the doctors at clinics in the Cheongdam area are highly sought after, so last-minute cancellations not only get recorded but may also result in you being scheduled for a later time slot next time.
Q5: Is there Chinese-speaking service available? Do I need to bring my own t
ranslator? The clinic can arrange someone who speaks Chinese to assist, but you need to specify this during booking in advance. If you request it at the last minute, it may not be possible to arrange one. Just add a note when booking through BeautsGO or LINE.
Q6: What should I bring on the day? Can I wear makeup? Bring your passp
ort (it’s needed for registration and tax refunds). Most treatments require makeup removal, so it’s recommended to show up without makeup or with only basic skincare products. Also, set aside 2-3 hours—don’t schedule your next appointment too tightly.
Q7: Can I get a treatment the day before my return flight? Treatment types
that are more for maintenance, like hyaluronic acid injections, are usually fine, but high-energy lifting treatments require at least 48 hours of recovery time. The dry cabin environment and long periods of sitting make it uncomfortable to board a flight right after such treatments.
How to Make an Appointment at RETOO Dermatology in Cheongdam
You can choose one from the three options. It’s recommended to include three pieces of information: your planned stay in Korea, the procedures you’d like to have done, and whether you have a preferred doctor. This will help us respond much more quickly.
Recommended Reading
📌 Still on the topic of booking appointments
- How to Make an Appointment at Dicarat Dermatology in Sinsa: 3 Common Booking Mistakes That Foreigners Often Make
- Real experience booking at Gangnam V Dermatology: Director Ryu Dong-geun’s schedule is arranged this way; foreigners should use BeautsGO for the most reliable bookings.
- After my friend was overcharged a commission for a proxy reservation, I decided to book directly with Theippo.
📍 Clinics and price references in the same area
- Can’t find the prices for RETOO at Cheongdam? That’s because the best deals are hidden in the “Promotions” section.
- Stuck on “how to make an appointment at a Dermatology clinic in South Korea”? This one located at Exit 5 of Apgujeong Station – I’ve outlined 4 easy ways to schedule a consultation.
- Hands-on Test at Apgujeong Dermatology | How South Korea’s DM Dermatology Achieves a “Natural” Look That Feels Unaltered
Back to that friend we mentioned at the beginning—she later changed her plan to send in her application upon returning to her home country and fly a month later. This allowed her to secure an appointment for the first consultation on a weekday morning, right at the start of the promotional period. Booking appointments really isn’t about whether there’s a spot available; it’s about when you start making arrangements. Submitting your request before your itinerary is finalized will always give you more time than waiting until you arrive on site.