Seoul travel, medical beauty, New Year's Eve celebration
佩秀 邱
4 days ago
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Seoul 5-day Trip2025-12-29 ~ 2026-01-02
This trip for medical aesthetics in Korea was actually seeded in my mind several months before departure. It wasn’t an impulsive decision but one reached after careful consideration. The pivotal opportunity was that I happened to be able to attend an informational session the clinic held in Taichung, Taiwan. At the event I met Branch Manager Amy from the Myeong-dong clinic and Director Chang. During the initial consultation in Taiwan, Director Chang’s meticulous observations and professional advice left a strong impression on me, and the professional, precise interpretation and explanations beside me also eased many of my concerns. Therefore, once the itinerary was confirmed, I didn’t hesitate to book the Myeong-dong branch and asked Branch Manager Amy, who had accompanied me at the time, via messaging app to arrange for Director Chang to perform the procedure personally.
Excellent location and environmental experience
The Myeongdong branch location is simply perfect for independent travelers. It is located in the B1 of the Myeongdong Ibis Hotel, making it extremely visible and easy to find. For people coming to Korea for cosmetic procedures, reducing the anxiety of finding the place is important and saves time getting lost. It’s just a few steps from the subway exit, and after the procedure you can quickly return to the hotel to rest or conveniently wander and shop around the Myeongdong commercial area.
As soon as you step into the clinic someone will greet you; in addition to English there is also Chinese translation, and the overall atmosphere is modern and bright. Before formal consultation and treatment, the clinic arranges a detailed skin analysis. Through scans with professional equipment, you can clearly see spots, fine lines, and moisture distribution hidden in the deeper layers of the skin—this is more convincing than simple visual inspection—and the test results provide a QR code that we can photograph and keep. Also, during the analysis and consultation, if the director does not speak Chinese you do not need to worry because a Chinese translator accompanies you throughout; for someone like me who does not speak Korean, this is truly reassuring and means you don’t have to worry about poor communication causing results to fall short of expectations.
Time planning
The next step is a five-hour marathon. Regarding time planning, this is the most sincere advice I can give to everyone who loves beauty: be sure to allow at least 'half a day' of time.
I originally thought it would be finished in two or three hours, but this time it happened to coincide with the last-day tax refund rush, and the Myeongdong branch is indeed very well known, so there were a lot of people from the morning. I had more procedures this time, and running through the whole process—from a skin analysis that began at ten in the morning until I left the clinic around three in the afternoon—it took nearly five hours. That period included two rounds of numbing ointment, waiting while various instruments were switched out, and the doctor's careful work.
Fancy experiments with compound items
The notes kept from the earlier in-depth consultation with Director Zhang sped up the appointment. Based on my skin condition at the time (such as laxity, fine lines and pigmentation around the eyes), the department head and I discussed and planned a combined treatment plan. The procedures tried this time were quite extensive (and not cheap 🤣)
1. Eye Phoenix (Thermage FLX for Eyes): This is the main treatment for sagging around the eyes; the procedure does cause a warming sensation, but it is within tolerable limits.
2. V-ro lifting: combines the advantages of radiofrequency and ultrasound, and is very effective for sculpting the jawline and facial contours. If you have a chubby face and are afraid of pain, you can try this first before trying more intense treatments.
3. Golden microneedling (Potenza) + topical Juvelook blue bottle 3 c.c. (juvelook skin): To improve pores, excessive sebaceous gland secretion, and overall skin texture refinement, the procedure involves many prickling sensations, like repeatedly stamping your face.
4. Excel V freckle removal: For uneven facial pigmentation and broken capillaries, Director Zhang is very skilled and quick during the procedure.
5. Collagen injections, mesotherapy, and localized Botox: This is the final touch-up — reinforcing sunken areas, relaxing dynamic wrinkles, and enhancing the skin's overall dewy glow.
During the procedure, the nursing staff and the director constantly ask, 'Are you okay? Does it hurt?' This kind of attentive emotional care feels especially precious in a busy aesthetic clinic. Before each device is used, the translator explains what will be done and what sensations to expect, which makes me feel very safe.
About small details of service and communication
Before I left, I had read quite a few reviews mentioning that the service quality at Korean cosmetic clinics can be inconsistent. Although some fellow travelers encountered Chinese translators who weren't very friendly, I think I was luckier, or perhaps my mindset was more positive. In my experience, whether it was Director Amy, Director Zhang, or the translators who accompanied me, everyone was very kind.
My takeaway is: if you have any questions, concerns, or budget issues, bring them up right away! Don't be afraid of causing trouble — you've spent a lot of money, so don't let yourself be treated unfairly!
During the consultation, if you feel there are too many items or the budget is exceeded, say your concerns directly; they will recommend corresponding plans based on priority and will not pressure you into purchases. This two-way communication process made me feel very comfortable, without the pressure of being forced into orders. For medical aesthetics, this kind of 'psychological comfort' helps with postoperative recovery and confidence.
The five-hour wait and treatment is indeed a big test of stamina, so if you’re afraid of getting hungry, remember to eat before you come. Another noteworthy feature in the clinic is a robot beverage station. While waiting for anesthetic to take effect or resting after the procedure, you can operate the robot to make coffee or juice for you. Although the juice was way too sweet for me (like authentic Korean-level sweetness), having a bit of sugar during a break in the treatment and watching the robotic arm move precisely is definitely a fun pastime.
Postoperative impressions
When I walked out of the Myeongdong Ibis Hotel B1, although my face was still a little flushed, I felt lighthearted. This Korean medical-aesthetic experience was not just a process of becoming more beautiful, but more like a careful pampering of myself. From the initial consultation in Taichung to the on-site procedures in Seoul, the entire process was very well planned. But I think you should pay attention to the following points when traveling to Korea for medical aesthetics:
• Make an appointment in advance: Especially for popular spots like Abijou Myeongdong branch, it's hard to get your preferred time without a reservation.
• Clinic pricing transparency: confirm the total price and tax-refund procedure during the preoperative consultation (on-site tax refunds are really much more convenient).
• Mental preparation: Cosmetic procedures are not a quick fix; include the postoperative redness and recovery period in your scheduling considerations.
Overall, I am very satisfied with the professional skills and service quality at the Myeongdong branch. Even in a busy, high-pressure environment, Director Zhang is still able to maintain professional yet warm techniques and respond to customers' needs, which is what I admire most. The results this time make me look forward to my next visit; maybe next year I'll come back here and entrust Director Zhang to continue taking care of my skin. 🥰
If you’re also considering medical-aesthetic travel to Seoul, Abijou Clinic in Myeongdong is definitely worth adding to your must-visit list — provided you make sure to allow plenty of time to fully enjoy this beauty experience!
