I’m completely honest here—no exaggeration or negative reviews! Review of THE HEAL Dermatology’s Dongdaemun branch: How to choose the right anti-aging treatment without making mistakes? The latest guide to avoiding pitfalls in 2026.

Among the many renowned Dermatology clinics in South Korea, Dongdaemun is a lesser-known option that is often overlooked by travel guides yet frequently visited by local residents of Seoul. In recent years, with the development of luxury residential areas in the vicinity of Cheongnyangni Station, the landscape of Dermatology clinics in this area has also begun to change. THE HEAL Clinic Dongdaemun is one of the new establishments that have attracted particular attention from foreign patients seeking cosmetic treatments.

Many people have asked me: Is THE HEAL really worth visiting? What makes it different from those traditional Dermatology clinics in Dongdaemun? Are the anti-aging treatments actually deceptive or reliable? In this article, I will share my honest observations—without exaggeration or bias—and summarize what I consider to be the most important information, hoping it can help those of you who are still hesitating.

I. What is the background of THE HEAL Dermatology? An overview of the Dongdaemun branch

THE HEAL Clinic is a rapidly expanding South Korean chain of Dermatology clinics. Its headquarters are located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul—a location that clearly defines its positioning: Sinsa-dong in Gangnam has long been regarded as the hub for high-end Dermatology services in Seoul, and any brand that manages to establish itself there generally possesses considerable technical expertise.

The Dongdaemun branch (also known as the Cheongnyangni store) represents THE HEAL’s strategic expansion in the Seongdong area and officially opened in July 2024. Located on the second floor of the Hillstate Cheongnyangni residential building, it is just next to Exit 6 of the Cheongnyangni subway station, with a walking distance of less than 2 minutes. Cheongnyangni station serves as the intersection of Line 1, the Suin-Bundang Line, and the Gyeongui Central Line, making it extremely convenient to reach from all parts of Seoul. Even if you live in Hongdae or Gangnam, it only takes about 40 minutes by car to get here.

From a brand perspective, THE HEAL’s biggest selling point is its “direct consultation by the chief physician” policy – something that is not uncommon in chain Dermatology clinics. However, THE HEAL promotes this as a core brand commitment. The Dongdaemun branch is led by Chief Physician Ko Byung-yong, who previously served as the head of the Dermatology department for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon. With over 1,000 skin resection surgeries and more than 10,000 centum core Filler injections under his belt, he is a physician with extensive practical experience.

II. Detailed Explanation of THE HEAL’s Three Core Anti-aging Treatments at Dongdaemun Store

THE HEAL positions itself as a “high-end anti-aging” brand, with its core services focusing on three main areas: lifting, tightening, and Collagen regeneration. The following is a detailed explanation of these three core services:

① Thermage FLX

Thermage is virtually an essential treatment in all Dermatology clinics specializing in anti-aging treatments. THE HEAL’s Dongdaemun branch uses the latest FLX generation equipment. The most significant improvement of the FLX generation compared to its predecessors lies in the AccuREP intelligent energy regulation system, which allows for precise control of radiofrequency energy at a depth of 0.1mm. This system dynamically adjusts the energy output according to different skin types, ensuring greater stability in the effective heating temperature throughout the treatment process.

For more detailed information on Thermage’s probes and related equipment, you can refer to another guide we have written: A Comprehensive Comparison of South Korea’s Thermage FLX and CPT. We will not repeat the same information here.

THE HEAL’s Thermage treatment stands out for its “customized energy therapy.” During the consultation, the chief physician uses a skin elasticity meter to assess three specific areas: the jawline, the eye area, and the forehead. Different energy settings are determined based on the degree of skin laxity, rather than applying a uniform standard for all clients. This approach results in noticeably different tightening effects for those with mild skin laxity (in their early thirties) and moderate skin laxity (over forty years old).

② HIFU (Ultherapy / HIFU)

Ultrasound lifting therapy targets the deeper SMAS fascia layer, making it ideal for individuals who have already developed noticeable signs of sagging. THE HEAL Dongdaemun branch offers a comprehensive treatment plan that combines ultrasound lifting (which targets the SMAS fascia layer) with Thermage (which stimulates the regeneration of Collagen in the dermis). By combining these two techniques, a more effective anti-aging outcome can be achieved.

It should be noted, however, that the cost of the combined treatment using ultrasonic lifting is relatively high. If it is your first time undergoing anti-aging treatments, doctors usually recommend starting with a single Thermage session to assess the results before considering adding additional treatments during the follow-up visit. Do not opt for multiple procedures all at once just because you are given a “recommended optimization plan” during the consultation; starting with a single treatment is a more cautious and rational approach.

③ Thread Lift

Thread lift is another key treatment offered by THE HEAL. The Dongdaemun branch uses PDO/PLLA dissolvable threads and employs a 0.5mm microporous implantation technique to directly stimulate the production of Collagen in the deeper layers of the dermis, resulting in effects that last for approximately 1 to 2 years.

President Gao’s philosophy of Lifting emphasizes a “natural and slim look.” He refuses to use excessive fillers to create a plump appearance; instead, he develops treatment plans based on each individual’s facial bone structure, ensuring that the results look more like “one’s natural state” rather than the result of cosmetic surgery. For those concerned about potential scarring after the procedure, this approach is certainly worth considering.

III. Dongdaemun Store vs Gangnam Headquarter: Which one is more suitable for you?

Many people who hear about THE HEAL for the first time wonder: What is the difference between the Dongdaemun branch and the main Sinsa branch? Is it really necessary to go all the way to Gangnam? The following table helps you make a clear comparison:

In short: If your travel plan already includes areas such as Dongdaemun, Hongdae, or the alleys in those regions, the Dongdaemun branch is the more convenient option; if you have already planned to shop in Gangnam, you can simply go directly to the Sinsa headquarters. Since their core technical systems are the same and both branch managers have extensive experience, there is no need to take an extra detour just because one location is considered the “original site”.

IV. The real strengths and weaknesses of THE HEAL’s Dongdaemun store: I’ll be straightforward about it.

Advantages

① Direct subway access – one of the most conveniently located Dermatology clinics in the Dongdaemun area: Just 1-2 minutes’ walk from Exit 6 of Cheongnyangni Station, where three different subway lines intersect. It’s extremely easy to get here from any direction in Seoul – a geographical advantage that is quite rare among Dermatology clinics in South Korea.

② The director personally performs all treatments: Director Gao Bingyong has over 10,000 centum core Filler injections and 1,000 skin surgery cases under his name. At THE HEAL Dongdaemun, the focus is not on having a “famous name” but on actual in-person consultations. If you confirm that he personally performs the treatment after an in-person consultation, there is no issue of “someone else doing the work instead.”

③ Three complementary anti-aging treatments: Thermage + ultrasonic lifting + thread lifting – each of these treatments acts at different depths (epidermis → dermis → fascia). THE HEAL offers all three options at once, allowing patients to choose a single treatment or a combination based on the degree of their skin laxity, without the need to visit multiple clinics.

④ Good privacy design: With independently designed consultation rooms, each patient’s consultation, procedure, and post-operative care are carried out in a private room, eliminating the awkward situation of waiting in the lobby and being observed by others, which is common in South Korea’s chain Dermatology clinics.

Disadvantages and things to note

① It only opened in 2024, so the number of cases available for reference is relatively limited: The Dongdaemun branch has gained a good reputation over the years due to its long-term operations in Sinsa-dong. However, the Dongdaemun store didn’t open until July 2024, meaning that less than two years have passed since its inception. As a result, there is relatively little data on long-term follow-up cases and post-operative feedback. If you have very high expectations regarding the results of these procedures, it would be advisable to inquire in detail about the actual case records of the Dongdaemun branch during your consultation.

② A high-end positioning means that the prices are not the lowest: THE HEAL does not pursue a low-cost mass-production strategy. The price of anti-aging treatments such as Thermage FLX with 600 pulses is around 2.75 million Korean won, which is considered a mid-to-high-end price in the Dongdaemun area. If your main concern is cost-effectiveness, then the nearby Doctors Dermatology (for detailed reviews, see this article) has a longer-standing reputation for offering “high cost-performance and high quality,” making it worth considering.

③ Caution should be exercised when recommending combined treatment plans: In THE HEAL’s consultation process, doctors may recommend a combination of Thermage and thread lifting based on the condition of your skin. This is indeed a reasonable suggestion, but those seeking anti-aging treatments for the first time are advised to stay calm. Clearly state your main concerns before making decisions under pressure to undergo multiple procedures at once. You have every right to say, “For now, I would like to consider only Thermage; we can evaluate other options later.”

V. How to choose the right anti-aging products without falling into pitfalls? Dongdaemun’s guide to avoiding mistakes in beauty treatments

Whether you ultimately choose THE HEAL or another Dermatology clinic in Dongdaemun, the following tips for avoiding common pitfalls are applicable regardless. These are not just theories; they are lessons learned from real-life experiences of making mistakes:

Trap 1: Seeking advice without knowing exactly what problem you want to solve

Before going to a Dermatology clinic for anti-aging treatments, take a photo of your face in natural light with your phone. Compare it with a photo from three years ago and identify the three issues that bother you the most (for example: deeper Nasolabial Fold Correction, drooping eye corners, loose jawline). Present these specific concerns during the consultation so that the doctor can develop a targeted treatment plan. If you simply say, “Help me figure out which areas need improvement,” you are likely to be recommended a whole range of treatments. As a result, you may end up spending money without addressing the issues that really matter to you.

Pitfall 2: Assuming that “the more expensive, the better the results”

In the pricing structure of medical aesthetics in South Korea, high prices do not necessarily equate to superior results. Sometimes, high prices are simply a form of purchasing a “better experience” – including more comfortable waiting rooms, post-treatment care packages, and VIP reception services. For equipment-based treatments like Thermage, the effectiveness mainly depends on factors such as the model of the device (FLX Gen 5), the authenticity of the probes (genuine new probes), the number of treatment sessions (900 sessions for the entire face is the standard), and whether the doctor has properly set the energy parameters. Understanding these key elements will significantly enhance your ability to negotiate prices and make informed decisions.

Trap 3: Being trapped by the “First-Time Experience Discount” offer

If a Dermatology clinic requires you to pay the full amount in advance on the spot in order to enjoy a “first-time CDU discount,” please be cautious. In regular clinics, discounts are usually offered as “discounts for same-day consultations,” rather than “only valid if paid in advance today” – the latter is actually a sales tactic designed to create pressure on customers to make a decision immediately.

Pitfall 4: Ignoring post-operative care arrangements

Within 24 hours after the Thermage treatment, the skin may experience mild redness. It is recommended to avoid saunas and hot baths for 3 days after the procedure, and to take strict sun protection measures for 1 week following the treatment. If your travel schedule includes outdoor activities or beach trips on the day after the Thermage treatment, it will be quite difficult to properly care for your skin. Therefore, it is advisable to schedule the treatment 1-2 days before returning home, so that the initial reactions have subsided before you expose yourself to the sun again.

Trick No. 5: “Backward discounts” trick you into adding extra services unnecessarily

The evaluation of post-treatment results requires at least 4 to 6 weeks. Some clinics take the opportunity during follow-up visits to recommend “enhancement packages,” but at this point, you have not yet seen the full effects of the treatment. The general rule is to wait for at least 6 weeks after the initial treatment before deciding whether additional treatments are needed. Do not make any decisions without knowing how the treatment has initially worked out.

VI. Reservation Process and Practical Information for THE HEAL’s Dongdaemun Store

THE HEAL’s Dongdaemun store accepts online reservations in Chinese. Below is the complete reservation process I have compiled:

Please confirm the list before making your appointment.

• Identify your main goals (lifting, tightening, filling), and bring along photos from now and three years ago.
• Check your current skin condition: If you are going through a sensitive period, have purulent acne, or are taking medications that thin the blood, please inform us in advance.
• Book your appointment 1-2 weeks in advance, as popular times (such as Saturdays and around holidays) tend to fill up quickly.
• If you require a personal consultation with a specific doctor, such as Director Gao Bingyong, please make sure to specify this in your reservation.

Basic Information

• 📍 Address: 2nd Floor, THE HEAL at 6 Wangsan-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun District, Seoul
• 🚇 Transportation: Exit 6 of Qingliangli Subway Station, just a 1-2-minute walk away.
• 🕐 Business hours: Monday/Thursday/Friday 10:00-20:00 (lunch break 13:00-14:00); Tuesday/Wednesday 10:00-19:00; Saturday 10:00-16:00; closed on Sundays.
• 🌍 Language Services: Translation in Chinese, English, and Korean
• 💳 Tax Refund: A tax refund receipt can be issued (applicable to foreign tourists).

If you wish to book directly through BeautsGO, click on the card below to view the latest schedule:

THE HEAL Dermatology, Dongdaemun Branch

BeautsGO 認證

📍 2nd Floor, No. 6, Wangshan Road 36-gil, Dongdaemun Dis
trict, Seoul
🚇 About a 2-minute walk from
Exit 6 of Cheongnyangni Station
🕐 Monday/Thursday/Friday: 10:00-20:00 | Saturday: 10:00-16:00

✨ Thermage FLX · Ultrasound Lifting · Thread Lifting

💰 Project price reference

Recommended Projects	Reference prices
Thermage FLX 600 treatments	Starting from ⩡2,750,000.
400 ultrasonic lift treatments	Starting from ⩱1,590,000.
Thread lift (10 threads)	Starting from ⩱1,200,000.

📅 立即在 BeautsGO 預約檔期，查看完整項目報價

VII. Let me share with you how I make my appointments.

If you are interested in THE HEAL’s Dongdaemun store or any other projects mentioned in this article, you can make an appointment in the following ways:

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common questions from readers. If you have any other inquiries, feel free to contact us directly via WeChat at F394666.

Related Reading Recommendations