When it comes to seeking cosmetic treatments in South Korea, most people’s first thought is Gangnam or Myeongdong in Seoul. Yet Busan actually has quite a few dermatology clinics worth considering seriously. The First Dermatology in Busan (더퍼스트피부과) is one such clinic—it has topped the list of best-selling dermatology services in Busan for four consecutive years. With four board-certified dermatologists on staff and a spacious two-story facility covering 400 pyeong, it stands out among local clinics in Busan. What’s even more remarkable is that the clinic’s management team explicitly states they do not push sales but only recommend the most suitable treatment plans for each patient—a practice that’s quite uncommon in South Korea’s cosmetic industry. This article will give you a comprehensive overview, covering transportation tips, the medical team, actual prices, and tips to avoid common pitfalls. All prices can be checked on the BeautsGO platform, with identical rates in both South Korea and China, plus no hidden fees—so you can go to Busan for cosmetic treatments with complete confidence.
I. Why Is Busan’s Dermatology Clinic F.D.F. Worth Visiting? The 5 F.I.R.S.T. Principles and 4 Consecutive Years at the Top in Sales
The name “The First” for Derfoster Dermatology wasn’t chosen arbitrarily—it comes from the acronym F.I.R.S.T., which stands for the hospital’s five core principles. These five letters represent:
- Faith (Trust): Insisting on the use of authorized genuine equipment, consumables, and medications, while ensuring they are used in sufficient quantities. This means that Thermage probes must be genuine, single-use original products, HIFU treatment sessions cannot be double-counted, and the dosage of injectable medications must match what’s indicated on the labels—few clinics in South Korea’s medical aesthetics market are willing to put such commitments in writing.
- Innate beauty: It aims for a natural look that’s subtle and unartificial, helping you rediscover your own healthy skin tone rather than creating a stereotyped “internet celebrity face.”
- Responsibility: From accurate diagnosis to science-based treatment plans, all the way to ongoing skin care, we take full responsibility throughout the process—it doesn’t end just after the treatment is completed.
- Safety: Patient safety comes first, with optimal treatment results being pursued on that foundation. The clinic has clearly stated that, due to strict requirements for controlling breathing, it voluntarily discontinued sleep anesthesia services on the 9th floor. This commitment to upholding fundamental standards—even at the cost of reduced profits—is in itself a testament to its quality.
- Tailored (Customization): Everyone has a unique skin type and face shape. We offer personalized, one-to-one treatment plans based on individual characteristics, avoiding generic, one-size-fits-all approaches.
Here are the hard numbers: Deofost leads by a huge margin in the number of treatments per month in the Busan area. Its monthly expenditure on Glow products alone exceeds 100 million won, with spending on premium anti-aging treatments reaching nearly 230 million won. Having topped sales rankings in Busan for four consecutive years isn’t just marketing talk—it’s backed by solid data. With 1 chief physician, 4 Dermatology specialists, and 4 assistants, this team composition is considered top-tier among dermatology clinics in Busan.
II. How to Get to Dermatology Dr. Defoost? A Complete Guide to Transportation, Hours of Operation, and the Process for VIP Access from Floor 9 to Floor 3
Defoster Dermatology is located on the 9th and 3rd floors of the Lumina Building at 299 Suyeong-ro, Nam-gu, Busan. It’s easily accessible just a short walk from Suyeong Station on the subway, with the beach reachable in just 2 stops—making it an ideal location for visitors to Busan. After your treatment, you can head straight to the beach for a stroll without any delay in your itinerary.
Business hours (make sure to note them down to avoid a wasted trip):
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
- Friday: 10:00 – 20:00 (evening appointments available, perfect for working professionals after work)
- Saturday: 09:00 – 14:00 (no lunch break, busiest schedule)
- Lunch break: 13:00 – 14:00
- Sundays and holidays: Closed
The consultation fee is ₩20,000, and this amount can be fully deducted from the cost of subsequent treatments—meaning the consultation itself is essentially free. It’s recommended to make an appointment 2 to 3 weeks in advance, as slots are often unavailable on Friday evenings and Saturdays. If you want to check the director’s availability on Friday nights, you can search for “The First De Forest” in the BeautsGO APP to view the current schedule.
1. Check-in on the 9th floor → VIP area on the 3rd floor: Separate circulation paths for the two floors
De Forest has clear rules regarding floor management: guests must first check in on the 9th floor, after which staff will guide them to the VIP Center on the 3rd floor for anti-aging treatments and other procedures. Direct access to the 3rd floor is prohibited. This rule is in place to prevent chaos in the process and ensure that every guest can go through the entire treatment in a controlled manner within the clinic.
Floor 9 is the main treatment area: high-end anti-aging treatments such as Thermage and HIFU are all located here, along with comfortable massage chairs for patients waiting to see a doctor.
The 3rd floor houses the VIP International specialty clinic, equipped with advanced massage chairs for rest after anesthesia, Potenza, lasers, and other devices. Treatments for pigmentation issues and scar repair are also conducted here. It features a dedicated reception area, VIP patient rooms, and separate dressing areas—allowing VIP clients to complete all their procedures on this floor without needing to move to other levels.
III. In-depth analysis by a team of 4 expert Dermatology specialists: Why Director Kim Jun-hee is trustworthy
Becoming a specialist in Dermatology in South Korea is far more challenging than one might imagine: 6 years at medical school → 1 year as an intern → 4 years of residency training in Dermatology → passing the specialized qualification exam administered by the Korean Society of Dermatology. Only about 50 people pass this exam nationwide each year, while South Korea has over 130,000 registered physicians, meaning specialists in Dermatology account for less than 2% of them. Among the 4 directors at Derfest, 3 are precisely those specialists who fall within that 2%.
1. Kim Jun-hee, Representative Director of the Clinic
A specialist in Dermatology, he has served as a clinical professor in the Dermatology department at Košin University Medical School and as the head of the Dermatology department at the Marine Medical Center. Academically, he is an active member of the Korean Society of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). He has published 12 academic papers at the SCI/SCIE level and 15 domestic papers—a record that is quite rare among dermatology department heads at the clinic level. Dr. Kim specializes in anti-aging treatments and injectable fillers such as Juvederm, boasting extensive experience in creating a natural yet sophisticated “natural-looking” appearance.
2. Kong Suk-hyun, Representative Director of the Clinic
A specialist in Dermatology, graduated as an intern from the Dermatology department at Busan National University Hospital (having received the award for Outstanding Intern). Full member of the Korean Society of Dermatological Laser Medicine and the Anti-Aging Research Association. In December 2024, she appeared on KBS2’s program “Good Morning, Korea,” where her expertise in laser applications was highly recognized.
3. Director Kim Hak-jun
A specialist in Dermatology who once served as the head of the Dermatology department at the Army Student Military Academy. He is an active member of the Korean Society of Dermatology and the Korean Association of Dermatologists, as well as a member of AAD since 2020. His experience as a military doctor has endowed him with a calm and meticulous approach to handling cases, along with excellent judgment when diagnosing skin problems.
4. Director Choi Hee-sun
A specialist in Family Medicine and a certified physician in obesity treatment. Graduated from Yonsei University, he has served as the director of the Oracle Dermatology Center in Daejeon and as a clinical lecturer at Yangsan Busan National University Hospital. In 2019, he published a research paper on metabolic syndrome and obesity in an SCIE-indexed journal. He is skilled at providing comprehensive management of both body shape and skin health from the perspective of overall health care.
Director’s Personal Insights: The interview includes a genuine consultation record — the client asked about improving facial contours. Director Kim Jun-hee recommended a combination of Shurink and Inmode, explaining that since there was fat in the lower face along with mild sagging, Inmode would be suitable for fat reduction first, followed by Shurink to lift the skin. When the client asked why Ulthrea wasn’t used directly, the director replied that since she was still young, she didn’t need HIFU, and besides it was more expensive; Shurink was better suited for her current stage. This approach of recommending treatments based on the client’s actual conditions rather than pushing the most profitable options is precisely what makes Derma Forest stand out.
IV. Honest Price Breakdown of Popular Treatments: Is HIFU, Thermage, and Hyaluronic Acid Injections Really Worth It?
The prices listed below are based on publicly available data from the BeautsGO platform and represent the listed rates at hospitals; the final price will be determined after an in-person consultation. It’s important to note that there are different prices for treatments at DeFoster in Korea and China, so it’s recommended to make a reservation through BeautsGO to ensure transparency in pricing.
| Project Name | Price (KRW) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| HIFU Second Generation: Ultherapy Prime | ₩1,460,000 | Moderate to severe facial sagging with prominent Nasolabial Fold Correction |
| Thermage for the Eyes | ₩1,850,000 | Slight drooping eyelids and fine lines around the eyes |
| Skinvive from Juvederm | ₩800,000 | Facial fine lines, skin texture Lifting, mild sagging |
| Collagen Glow Injection | ₩310,000 | Dry skin, dull complexion, and enlarged Pores |
| Korean-style HIFU | ₩390,000 | Mild tightening, preventive anti-aging, on a budget |
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, DermaFrost is also equipped with the Pico Plus Pico laser (with dual wavelengths of 532nm and 1064nm, supporting both scanning and spot treatment modes, and offering better results in Pores reduction and scar repair compared to the PicoWay), alltite devices (functionally similar to Onda, focusing on precise and standardized treatment; clinics opt for alltite due to concerns regarding the reliability of Inmode devices), and Potenza. The I25 insulated probe is suitable for sensitive skin and thin skin types, while the N25 non-insulated probe is used for regular skin care—patients can choose based on their specific skin conditions.
The new products set to launch soon are also worth paying attention to: Re2o Collagen Glow Serum and Hilowa BE Long-Lasting Glow Serum. The Collagen molecules in Hilowa BE are small in size and gentle in texture, helping to reduce minor facial hollows and fine lines, with effects lasting anywhere from 4 to 6 months per treatment. Clinics enforce strict approval processes for these new products—only those that meet all required certifications are introduced, ensuring they aren’t just rushed onto the market without proper evaluation.
V. Avoiding Pitfalls: 5 Things You Must Know Before Getting Cosmetic Procedures at Dermaforest
Before visiting any Dermatology clinic in South Korea, it’s far more important to do your research ahead of time rather than asking questions once you get there. Here are 5 key tips to help you avoid common pitfalls when choosing a Dermatology clinic, all of which were compiled from actual visits:
1. Don’t head straight to the 3rd floor—registering on the 9th floor is a strict requirement.
Many first-time visitors, upon seeing the address listed as “9th floor and 3rd floor,” head straight to the 3rd floor only to be asked to return to the 9th floor to check in again. At Derfost, the procedure requires guests to complete registration at the front desk on the 9th floor first, after which staff will guide them to the VIP center on the 3rd floor. This isn’t bureaucracy—it’s done to ensure that every patient’s treatment process stays under the clinic’s control and to avoid confusion caused by misleading external information.
2. The consultation fee of ₩20,000 can be fully deducted—but only on the day of the appointment.
The consultation fee of ₩20,000 may seem like an additional cost, but it can actually be fully deducted from the price of the procedure performed on the same day. In other words, if you have the procedure done that day, the consultation is essentially free. However, keep in mind that this deduction is only valid for that day; if you decide to think it over after the consultation and come back at a later time, the ₩20,000 cannot be refunded or transferred. It’s recommended to check prices and lock in the procedure you want through BeautsGO before the consultation, as having it done right away on the consultation day is the most cost-effective option.
3. Limited resources for Chinese translation — booking in advance is key
DeForest offers services in both Chinese and English, but when multiple groups schedule appointments at the same time, there may be a shortage of translation staff. During peak hours on Friday evenings and Saturdays, wait times to arrange a translator on site can exceed 30 minutes. It is highly recommended to specify your language needs when booking in advance through the BeautsGO APP or customer service, so that you can enjoy Chinese-speaking service upon arrival. Requesting a translator on the spot may result in a long wait.
4. Choosing the wrong HIFU model — just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best choice.
Dermaforest offers two types of HIFU devices: the Ulthrea Prime version (₩1,460,000) and the Korean-made version (₩390,000). While the price difference is more than three times, it doesn’t mean the more expensive one is necessarily the best choice. Dr. Kim Jun-hee’s reasoning is that for younger clients aged 25 to 35 with mild skin laxity, the Korean-made HIFU or Shurink is sufficient, and there’s no need to opt for the Ulthrea Prime right away. The Ulthrea Prime’s advantages lie in its real-time ultrasound guidance and more uniform energy delivery, making it better suited for those aged 35 to 55 with moderate to severe skin sagging. The decision on which device to use should be left to the doctor after a face consultation, rather than assuming that “the more expensive, the better.”
5. Choosing the Potenza tip — sensitive skin requires explicit notification
DeForest’s Potenza comes in two types of probes: the I25 insulated probe and the N25 non-insulated probe. Patients with sensitive skin or thinner skin should definitely inform their doctor so that they can choose the I25 insulated probe—this type releases energy only at the tip of the needle, with the body of the needle remaining insulated and heat-resistant, thereby minimizing thermal damage to the epidermis. It allows for higher energy levels while reducing the risk of burns. If you don’t mention it, the doctor might default to using the standard N25 probe. Although DeForest’s doctors conduct a basic skin assessment, communicating proactively is always the safest approach.
VI. How to Book an Appointment at Dermatology in Busan via BeautsGO
BeautsGO is a Chinese-language booking platform dedicated to medical aesthetics services in South Korea. It holds ISO 9001 quality management certification, ensuring that all prices at its partner hospitals are transparent and equal across South Korea and China, with no hidden fees. There are five ways to book appointments at Dermatology DFoster in Busan:
- Book through the BeautsGO APP (most comprehensive features): Download the BeautsGO APP → Search for “The First德佛斯特” or “더퍼스트피부과” → View the director’s full profile, service prices, and customer reviews → Click “Schedule a Consultation” and note your main skin concerns (such as “chronic acne,” “fine lines,” or “skin laxity”). Download from App Store | Download from Google Play
- One-on-one booking with official customer service (fastest response): Add the customer service’s WeChat ID bicimei6 and send a message stating “Defoster Dermatology + name + preferred time + main concern”. The customer service will check the director’s schedule and send important notes in Chinese.
- Reservation via WeChat Mini Program (no download required): Scroll down in WeChat and search for the “BeautsGO” mini program → look for “Derfoster Dermatology” → click “Schedule a Consultation”.
- WeChat reservation (preferred by domestic users): Follow the “BeautsGO彼此美APP” WeChat official account → go to “One-Click Reservation” in the menu → enter “Dermatology Dr. Foster”.
- Online booking via the official website (available on desktop): Visit the BeautsGO official website in your browser → search for “Dermatology by Derfest” → click “Consult Now”.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re dealing with more complex skin issues, it’s recommended to book directly through the app or with customer service for a one-on-one consultation. This allows you to provide details about your symptoms and preferred appointment times in advance. For the popular slots on Friday evenings and Saturdays, booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead is the safest option.
Conclusion: Busan’s beauty industry is more than just seafood and ocean views
The core strength of Dermatology in Busan lies not in how cutting-edge its equipment is, but rather in the director’s ability to recommend appropriate treatments based on each patient’s individual needs. Behind its status as the top-selling clinic in Busan for four consecutive years are a team of four specialized dermatologists, a two-story facility spanning 400 pyeong, and substantial purchasing power of hundreds of millions of won per month. If you’re planning a medical beauty trip to Busan, this clinic definitely deserves to be on your list. You can book appointments through BeautsGO, enjoying seamless Chinese-language support throughout the process so you can focus solely on looking better.
BeautsGO – Beauty for Everyone · One-Stop Booking Service for Korean Aesthetic Treatments
Say goodbye to language barriers and booking hassles—BeautsGO makes it easy for you to schedule appointments at reputable medical beauty clinics in South Korea.
- One-stop booking at legitimate cosmetic clinics in South Korea
- Chinese customer service for full communication throughout
- One-stop itinerary planning service
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
🌸 Head to BeautsGO now to book your service
📱 Download the BeautsGO App to stay ahead with the latest insights on medical
aesthetics in South Korea:
Download on App Store | Download on Google Play
