This year, I was one of them. Well, sort of. I went to Korea to explore my father’s native country. But after six weeks of witnessing age-defying complexions, I figured when in Rome. I had scouted Seoul’s K-beauty scene back in 2024, but with the industry’s rapid development, I was due for a follow-up. After several clinic visits, treatments, and interviews with Seoul- and New York-based Korean experts—here’s what I wish I’d known earlier.
Choosing The Right Clinic
“Start by identifying your goals: do you want lasers, injectables, regenerative treatments, or surgery?” Dr. Eunice Park, the founder of AIREM, a medical aesthetic spa in New York, asked me. We had traveled to Seoul together in 2024 to check out the latest treatments for an annual K-beauty retreat she runs. I didn’t know what I wanted; all I knew was I wanted something.
For those who are unsure about the treatments they should be seeking, New York- and Seoul-based esthetician Erica Choi, the founder of Superegg skincare, recommends visiting a clinic known for a specialization. If you’re like me and need treatment guidance, a reputable clinic will tailor your treatment plan to your aging pattern, skin quality, and facial structure. Either way, avoid factory-style clinics offering one-size-fits-all packages at suspiciously low prices, advises Dr. Joon Lee at DOD Dermatology, where I had a combined radio-frequency microneedling and exosome treatment, designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production
Instead of following social media trends, prioritize the clinic’s credentials. Be careful not to mistake a non-medical ‘aesthetic spa’ for a dermatology clinic offering medical-grade treatments. “I recommend looking for clinics with ‘의원’ (uiwon) in their name, which indicates a licensed medical clinic—they often have a red medical insignia displayed,” advises Choi.
Similarly, ‘specialist’ isn’t the same as ‘dermatologist.’ While there are specialists skilled in aesthetic procedures, a dermatologist is more trustworthy, says Dr. Chang Sik Kim at Chang Dermatology. Every expert I spoke with emphasized checking that the dermatologist or surgeon has board certification, which indicates years of rigorous, specialized training.
Another green flag is transparency during your virtual or phone consultation. The clinic should communicate who will perform the treatment, any risks, and the expected downtime. Once you’re in Korea, request an in-person meeting with the physician performing your procedure. “Even if the clinic charges an upfront consultation fee, it’s the best investment you can make to ensure you get exactly what your unique facial anatomy needs,” advises Dr. Kwangyeol Lee, director of Diore Clinic.
