Apgujeong is known as one of Seoul's aesthetic districts, while Myeongdong is the city's central tourist hub. Here is how their dermatology and aesthetic treatment options compare for international visitors.
Apgujeong, south of the Han River in Gangnam-gu, has a long reputation for aesthetic and plastic surgery clinics, while Myeongdong in central Seoul offers doctor-led skin clinics within walking distance of many tourist hotels. For non-surgical treatments such as Botox, skin boosters, lasers and ultrasound or RF lifting, the options are broadly similar in both areas; the clinic, doctor and products matter more than the postcode. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 for 2cc and Ulthera Prime from ₩390,000 for 100 lines (excluding 10% VAT).
Prices are in Korean won, exclude 10% VAT and are confirmed by a doctor at consultation. Travel times are approximate.
Myeongdong vs Apgujeong: what is the difference?
Apgujeong and the neighboring Rodeo Street area of Gangnam-gu became famous for cosmetic surgery and aesthetic clinics, and many Korean and international patients still associate the district with beauty medicine. It is a polished, residential and upscale shopping area south of the Han River.
Myeongdong, in Jung-gu, is the traditional center of Seoul tourism. It is known for K-beauty stores, street food and hotels, and it is close to the palaces, Namsan and Seoul Station. For a visitor focused on non-surgical skin treatments, the key question is not which district is more famous but which clinic gives you a careful, doctor-led consultation and is easy to fit into your trip.
Which treatment options are available in each area?
Both areas offer the same main categories of non-surgical dermatology and aesthetic treatment. Apgujeong also has a high concentration of surgical clinics; Dernia does not offer surgery, so if you are considering a facelift, implants or eyelid surgery you would need a surgical opinion elsewhere.
| Category | Examples | At Dernia Myeongdong |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound and RF lifting | Ulthera Prime, Shurink Universe, Thermage FLX, Oligio X | Offered |
| Skin boosters | Rejuran Healer, Juvelook, Skinvive, Profhilo, HA boosters | Offered |
| Injectables | Wrinkle Botox, jaw Botox, dermal and lip filler | Offered |
| Pigment and tone lasers | Pico toning, laser toning, IPL, Excel V | Offered |
| Texture and scars | Potenza, pico fractional, CO2 fractional | Offered |
| Surgery | Facelift, eyelid surgery, chin implants | Not offered |
| PDRN injections, Sofwave | Other booster and device brands | Not currently offered |
See the full list on our treatments page. If you ask about a treatment Dernia does not offer, the doctor can explain alternatives with a similar goal, for example Rejuran Healer instead of PDRN injections.
How do consultations compare?
Larger clinics in any part of Seoul sometimes use a coordinator who discusses packages before you meet the doctor. That can be efficient, but it can also mean less time with the person who actually treats you. Whichever area you choose, ask for a consultation with a licensed doctor who examines your skin, asks about your medical history and explains risks.
At Dernia, the doctor sets every plan and confirms the price before treatment, and consultations are in English. Our consultation questions guide lists what to ask anywhere in Seoul.
Which area suits which kind of visitor?
Myeongdong may suit you if
- Your hotel is in central Seoul or near Seoul Station
- You want treatment between sightseeing and shopping
- You are focused on non-surgical skin treatments
- You prefer short subway rides on a busy itinerary
Apgujeong may suit you if
- You are staying in Gangnam or near the Han River's south bank
- You are also seeking a surgical consultation
- Your shopping plans center on Cheongdam and Garosu-gil
- You do not mind longer trips to central sights
How much do treatments cost in Myeongdong (2026)?
Prices for the same treatment vary across Seoul with the product brand, dose and shot count, the doctor's time and whether VAT is included. An upscale address can mean higher overheads, but it is not a reliable guide to quality or price. Compare written plans that state exactly what you get. Dernia's 2026 prices:
| Treatment | Plan | Price (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Ulthera Prime | 100 lines / 400 lines full face | ₩390,000 / ₩1,390,000 |
| Thermage FLX | 300 shots / 600 shots | ₩990,000 / ₩1,690,000 |
| Rejuran Healer | 2cc full face | ₩259,000 |
| Juvelook | 2cc / 4cc full face | ₩299,000 / ₩549,000 |
| Wrinkle Botox | 1 area, Korean toxin | ₩39,000 |
| Dermal filler | 1cc Korean HA | ₩150,000 |
Prices exclude 10% VAT. The tourist VAT refund on cosmetic procedures ended on January 1, 2026 — see VAT refund on cosmetic procedures. All prices are on our 2026 price list.
Safety: what to check in Myeongdong or Apgujeong
The same safety rules apply everywhere in Korea. Common side effects of non-surgical treatments are temporary redness, swelling, tenderness and bruising. Less common but important risks include burns or pigment changes with energy devices, lumps with some boosters and, with filler, vascular occlusion, which is rare but serious and needs urgent treatment. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection and some medications may mean postponing.
- Doctor-led plan. The person treating you should examine you first.
- Genuine products. Ask to see sealed syringes, vials or device tips.
- Clear units. Know the shots, lines, units or cc you are paying for — see shots, lines and cc explained.
- Aftercare and contact. You should know who to call if anything feels wrong after you leave.
Which treatments do visitors combine on a short stay?
Whether you book in Apgujeong or Myeongdong, the treatments that fit best into a one-week trip are the ones that need a single session or have little visible recovery. A doctor will tailor this to your skin, but common combinations look like this:
- Lifting plus booster. An ultrasound lift such as Ulthera Prime for the deeper layers, followed by a booster such as Rejuran Healer for skin quality. Small injection bumps from boosters usually settle within a day or two.
- Botox plus tone laser. Wrinkle or jaw Botox with a pico toning session for brightness. Botox takes about one to two weeks to reach its full effect, so it is often done early in the stay.
- Texture plan. RF microneedling or fractional laser for pores and acne scars, which have more redness and are better scheduled at the start of a longer trip.
Treatments that work best as a series, such as pico toning for melasma or a course of skin boosters, can be started in Seoul and continued at home with a local doctor. Ask for a written note of exactly what you received so another clinic can follow on safely.
Getting between Myeongdong and Apgujeong
From Myeongdong, Line 4 connects to Line 3 at Chungmuro, and Line 3 runs to Apgujeong Station; Apgujeong Rodeo is on the Suin-Bundang Line. Expect around 30–40 minutes door to door depending on traffic, connections and walking. A taxi can be similar or slower at rush hour. If you plan to visit both districts, keep your treatment day light and leave Gangnam shopping for another afternoon.
Planning your treatment around a Seoul trip
- Book ahead. Share your dates and goals through our consultation form before you fly.
- Avoid your arrival day. Schedule treatment for day two or later, when you are rested.
- Find us easily. Dernia is near Myeongdong Station (Line 4) and Euljiro 1-ga Station (Line 2) — see location and directions.
- Allow time before your flight. Plan injectables and lasers several days before departure.
Combining several treatments? Lifting, boosters and Botox can often be planned over one or two visits, but the order matters. Read combining treatments in one visit before you finalize your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apgujeong better than Myeongdong for skin treatments?
Not necessarily. Apgujeong is famous for aesthetic and surgical clinics, but non-surgical options are broadly similar in both areas. The doctor, products and clarity of pricing matter more.
Does Dernia offer plastic surgery?
No. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong focuses on non-surgical dermatology and aesthetic treatments such as lifting devices, boosters, injectables and lasers.
How long does it take to get from Myeongdong to Apgujeong?
Around 30–40 minutes by subway via Line 4 and Line 3, depending on connections and walking time.
Are clinics in Apgujeong more expensive?
Prices depend on each clinic, product brand and dose rather than the district. Compare written plans with the same units and check whether VAT is included.
Can I get Rejuran Healer in Myeongdong?
Yes. At Dernia, Rejuran Healer starts from ₩259,000 for 2cc full face, excluding 10% VAT.
Is the consultation in English?
Yes. Dernia provides consultations, treatment plans and written aftercare in English.
Comparing Seoul clinics for your trip?
Tell us your concerns and travel dates. A doctor will examine your skin in English and confirm the plan and price before anything is done.
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This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Results vary between individuals, and suitability, treatment plan and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor after an in-person examination. Dernia Clinic Myeongdong does not publish patient testimonials or before-and-after claims.