A while back, my skin was severely damaged on Instagram—Seongsu-dong isn’t just home to beauty cafes; it actually hides a Dermatology clinic that’s highly recommended by local South Koreans. As someone who has struggled with acne for over three years, I took the opportunity of a business trip to Seoul to experience firsthand the “lunchtime cosmetic treatment” available in Seongsu-dong.
This article serves as a detailed record of my entire experience, from making an appointment to the follow-up consultation. If you’re also looking for a Dermatology clinic in Seongsu-dong that offers transparent pricing and personalized care without the impersonal, mass-produced treatment approach, IRIS Dermatology is definitely worth adding to your list of options. You can book appointments directly through the BeautsGO platform—no Korean skills required.
I. Seongsu Iris Dermatology: Why Do Locals in Seongsu-dong Recommend This Clinic?
IRIS Dermatology, also known as Seongsu Iris Dermatology, has its Korean name as 아이리스피부과의원. It is located on the 2nd floor of the MILK Building at 26 Sangwon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Unlike the large chain clinics in Gangnam that see dozens of patients per day, this clinic focuses on a premium service approach — with each treatment room operating independently and the director handling everything from initial consultations to actual procedures personally, ensuring there’s no issue of “nominal directors while someone else actually performs the treatments.”
On local beauty forums in South Korea, this clinic is often rated by users as “a must-visit Dermatology practice in Seongsu-dong,” especially popular among office workers. It offers lunchtime treatment options—laser spot removal can be completed in just 30 minutes, so it doesn’t interfere with work in the afternoon at all. The clinic is primarily served by local South Korean customers, and there are no special rates for tourists; the fact that prices remain the same for both locals and foreigners is a big plus for foreign visitors.
I was actually a bit nervous before my first visit—what if I didn’t speak Korean? I later found out that when making an appointment through BeautsGO, their customer service would prepare all the necessary communication details in advance and pass them on to the clinic. Although there’s no on-site Chinese translator, as long as you bring your Papago device along with the prepared information, the whole process goes much smoother than I expected. If you’d like to learn more about this clinic, click here to view the complete details of Seongsu Iris Dermatology on BeautsGO, including the director’s profile, service prices, and real user reviews.
II. Must-Know Info for Visiting Iris Dermatology’s Seongsu Clinic: Address, Transportation, and Hours of Operation (Updated for 2026)
- Chinese Address: 2nd Floor, MILK, 26 Sangwon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Korean address: 2nd floor, MILK, 26 Sangwon-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (can be copied directly into navigation)
- English address: 2nd Floor, MILK, 26 Sangwon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
- Google Maps: Search for “아이리스피부과의원” or “Iris Dermatology”
Transport by subway: Take Subway Line 2 to Seongsu Station. Exit through Exit 2 or Exit 3, and it’s only about a 7-minute walk to get there. Another faster option is to exit through Exit 5 at Dodo Island Station—just a 100-meter walk, taking less than two minutes. The clinic is located on the 2nd floor of the MILK Building, right below Seoul I’s famous coffee street, making it easily recognizable.
The clinic is located right next to SM Entertainment’s headquarters. If you happen to be a K-POP fan, it’s a perfect opportunity to make a pilgrimage after your cosmetic treatment on the way back. Download the BeautsGO APP to get step-by-step walking directions from the Seongsu shrine to the clinic, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
| day of the week | Business hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday | 10:00 – 19:00 | Lunch time: 13:00 – 14:00 |
| Thursday | Rest | Fixed closed days |
| Saturday | 9:30 – 14:30 | No lunch break available — perfect for quick morning management tasks |
| Sundays and holidays | Rest | — |
Appointment tips: It’s open only half a day on Saturdays with no lunch break, making it perfect for a quick appointment early in the weekend. There’s more availability on weekdays, so it’s recommended to book through BeautsGO 2–3 days in advance—especially for Saturday slots, which are often hard to get.
III. Introduction to Dr. Choe Ju-yeon, Director of Iris Dermatology: A specialist with expertise in Red Flag Dermatology from Ulsan National University
The biggest asset of Iris Seongsu Dermatology is its chief physician, Dr. Choe Ju-yeon. In South Korea, dermatologists are divided into “general physicians” and “dermatology specialists.” The latter must go through extremely rigorous specialized training and exams to obtain a “red badge” certification—a title that cannot be bought with money, but rather represents genuine expertise and clinical experience.
Dr. Cui has an exceptionally solid background:
- Education: Graduated from the School of Medicine at Ulsan National University
- Internship: Eumsan Medical Center in Seoul
- Resident Physician: Dermatology Department, Gangbuk BYUL Hospital
- Experience: Has served as director at multiple Dermatology clinics, with over 15 years of clinical experience.
- Academic Background: Former member of the editorial board for the journal of the Korean Dermatological Association
- Certification: Certified Dermatology Specialist with South Korea’s “Red Mark” designation
Her primary area of expertise lies in the comprehensive treatment of acne, redness, and sensitive skin. Rather than pushing expensive procedures right from the first consultation, she conducts thorough skin assessments and inquiries about lifestyle habits—such as diet, sleep, stress levels, and skincare product ingredients—to identify the root causes of the issues. From there, she provides a holistic solution that combines medical treatments with at-home care. Unlike many dermatologists who focus on minor cosmetic procedures, Dr. Choe takes a fundamental approach rather than just treating surface symptoms, making her approach especially suitable for those who have struggled with recurring acne, visible blood vessels, and skin redness for years.
On BeautsGO, you can find a detailed profile of Director Choe Ju-yeon, her academic background, and genuine customer reviews. When making an appointment, you can also mention your main skin concerns so the clinic can prepare in advance.
IV. Full Disclosure of Prices for Iris SWOMAN Projects at Seongsu Cave (2026 Updates)
Iris Seongsu Dermatology offers a wide range of treatments, from daily cleansing and care to anti-aging and lifting procedures. Its prices fall in the upper-mid range in Seongsu-dong (after all, it’s a specialty clinic with a premium reputation), but thanks to in-person consultations by the director and identical pricing for Korean and foreign patients, the overall cost-performance ratio is extremely high. Below are the main treatments currently available on BeautsGO along with their price references:
| Project Name | Korean Won Price (₩) | Approximately equivalent to New Taiwan Dollars (NT$) | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne Cleaning & Care | ₩90,000 | Approximately NT$2,070 | Mild to moderate acne-prone skin, daily cleansing routine |
| LDM Hydrating & Soothing Treatment | ₩150,000 | Approximately NT$3,450 | Sensitive skin, post-surgery sedation, dryness and peeling |
| 2nd Generation Ultrasound Knife | ₩1,800,000 | Approximately NT$41,400 | Relaxation and sagging, blurred contours, anti-aging lifting |
Price Information: The prices listed above are the public reference rates provided by BeautsGO. The actual cost will be determined by Dr. Choe during a consultation, based on your skin condition. Please refer to the results of the consultation for final pricing. Compared to other specialized medical clinics in Gangnam, Seongsu Iris offers prices that are approximately 20% to 40% lower. It’s an excellent choice for those who seek high-quality treatments without having to pay the premium rates found in Gangnam.
I decided to go there only after checking the price list on BeautsGO. The transparency is truly reassuring. If you’d like to know the prices first before making a decision, click here to view the full price list on BeautsGO.
V. Real Consultations and Experience Sharing at Seongsu Iris Dermatology
Below are the genuine feedbacks from three users who have shared their experiences with Seongsu Iris on various platforms, covering acne treatment, laser spot removal, and HIFU.
I’m a 28-year-old Designer who has been struggling with acne for five years. I visited three Dermatology clinics in Taiwan, but they all just prescribed medications for topical use. This time at Seongsu Iris, Dr. Choe used a skin analysis device to identify the distribution of oil and red areas beneath the skin. She then spent 20 minutes asking about my eating habits—and it turned out that the milk I drink daily and high-GI foods were the main culprits! Her treatment plan involved a initial acne cleansing treatment combined with oral medications to control inflammation, followed by LDM therapy for soothing and repair after two weeks. Now, in the third week, most of the redness and swelling on my face has gone away, and my friends
keep asking if I changed my entire skincare routine.
— Xiao An, 28-year-old Designer (Source: BeautsGO official website)
Due to my work, I fly to Seoul several times a year. This time, I chose IRIS in Seongsu-dong for a Pico treatment. The consultant used a skin analysis device to examine the distribution of pigmentation deep within my skin, and the entire analysis took over half an hour—extremely thorough. Dr. Choe adjusted the energy level based on my skin thickness. After the treatment, my skin only turned slightly red, and it returned to normal by the third day. What’s more, the price was actually about 30% lower than that of similar services in Gangnam—same quality at the same pri
ce without any hidden fees.
— Choi Su-jin, a business professional who travels frequently to South Korea (Source: Instagram)
I’m a 35-year-old working professional whose main concerns were sagging cheeks and a blurred jawline. The clinic director suggested starting with the second-generation ultrasound device. She explained everything to me in Korean (I had a translation app), going into detail about which areas needed more treatments. The pain was much less severe than I expected—I heard they’re particularly known for their pain-minimized, efficient treatment methods. After the procedure, she reminded me not to use saunas or acidic skincare products for three days, and the aftercare instructions were very thorough. Two months later, my jawline became noticeably clearer; my friends thought I
had gone on a medical beauty trip, as the results looked so natural.
— Local user from South Korea, 35-year-old female worker (Source: BeautsGO app)
From these three reviews, several common themes emerge: the chief physician performs all procedures personally without assigning substitutes, thorough pre-operative checks are carried out with great care, comprehensive post-operative care instructions are provided, and prices are transparent and clearly stated. This is exactly why, despite not relying on influencer marketing strategies, this clinic has managed to establish itself in Seongsu-dong through word of mouth for over 15 years.
VI. Guide to Food, Drinks, and Entertainment Around Seongsu Cave: Where to Hang Out After Your Aesthetic Treatment?
Seongsu-dong is already one of Seoul’s most popular artsy neighborhoods. After your skincare treatment, you can head downstairs to explore right away—no need to plan anything extra. Here’s the route I personally recommend:
- Blue Bottle Coffee Seongsu Flagship Store (about a 5-minute walk): One of Seoul’s most iconic coffee shops, originally built from an old warehouse. After enjoying your coffee, you can also explore the art space right next to it.
- Daelim Changgo Museum (about 7 minutes on foot): A must-visit cultural complex in Seongsu-dong, this exhibition and coffee hub built inside an old warehouse makes for perfect Instagram photos no matter how you frame them.
- Seongsu Federation (about a 10-minute walk): A shopping mall featuring design brands, specialty stores, and bakeries — the perfect place to take a relaxed stroll after undergoing cosmetic treatments.
- SM Entertainment Headquarters (about a 3-minute walk): A must-visit spot for K-POP fans. It’s right next to the clinic, and you might even run into celebrities if you’re lucky.
- Seongsu Dong Rib Meat (about 8 minutes on foot): A popular barbecue restaurant where even locals queue up for its dishes. Having a bowl of hot beef bone soup after cosmetic treatment is truly soothing.
Recommended itinerary: Visit the clinic in the morning for cosmetic treatments → Have lunch at Seongsu-dong’s pork rib restaurant → Explore Daelim Warehouse and Blue Bottle in the afternoon → Shop for stylish accessories at Seongsu Federation in the evening. This half-day tour combines cosmetic services, delicious food, great coffee, and design options all in one.
VII. How to Book a Consultation at Seongsu Iris Dermatology via BeautsGO: A Complete Guide to 5 Treatment Options
BeautsGO is a Chinese-language booking platform dedicated to medical beauty services in South Korea. It holds ISO 9001 quality management certification, ensuring that all prices at its partner hospitals are transparent and identical in both China and South Korea, with no hidden fees. There are five ways to schedule appointments at Seongsu Iris Dermatology.
- Book through the BeautsGO APP (most comprehensive features): Download the BeautsGO APP → Search for “IRIS” or “Iris” → View Director Choe’s full profile, service prices, and customer reviews → Click “Schedule a Consultation” and note your main skin concerns (such as “chronic acne” or “redness”). Download on App Store | Download on Google Play
- One-on-one booking with official customer service (fastest response): Add the customer service WeChat account bicimei6 and send a message saying “IRIS Dermatology + name + preferred time + main concern.” The customer service will check Dr. Cui’s schedule and send important instructions in Chinese.
- WeChat Mini Program Booking (No Download Needed): Scroll down in WeChat and search for the “BeautsGO” mini program → look for “Iris” → click “Book 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 “IRIS”.
- Online booking via the official website (available on desktop): Visit the BeautsGO official website in your browser → search for “IRIS” → click “Consult”.
The biggest advantage of booking through BeautsGO is having Chinese-speaking customer service to assist you throughout the process. You don’t have to worry about there being no on-site Chinese translator. You can also share information about your acne or sensitive skin issues in advance, allowing Dr. Chui to prepare a treatment plan tailored to your needs. 👉 Open BeautsGO now to book an appointment at Seongsu Iris Dermatology.
VIII. Iris Seongsu Dermatology FAQ: Answers to Common Questions in One Place
Q1: Can I visit the Seongsu Iris Dermatology clinic if I don’t speak Korean?
There is no on-site Chinese translator, but when booking through BeautsGO, the customer service team will provide support in Chinese—they’ll translate your questions in advance and pass them on to the clinic. Once you arrive, you can use the Papago translation app to communicate. Director Cui is extremely patient, so even with gestures and translation software, communication goes smoothly.
Q2: How many visits are usually needed for acne treatment?
For mild acne, 2–4 treatment sessions combined with over-the-counter medications are usually sufficient to see results. Moderate to severe cases or those with redness issues may require 6–8 sessions along with laser therapy. Dr. Cui will use a skin analysis device during the initial consultation to provide an accurate estimate of the number of treatment sessions needed.
Q3: What are the differences between the second-generation ultrasound scalpel and Thermage?
The ultrasound device targets the SMAS fascia layer, making it ideal for deep lifting and tightening of facial contours. Thermage, on the other hand, works on the dermal layer, primarily promoting Collagen production. Dr. Cui will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your level of skin laxity and age, and many people opt to combine both treatments for better results.
Q4: Can I visit Grotto of Seongsu on the day after getting medical beauty treatments?
Most non-invasive treatments such as acne cleansing, LDM hydration, and Pico therapy allow patients to resume normal activities on the same day, with the only requirements being to avoid excessive sun exposure and makeup. For deeper treatments like ultrasound therapy, it’s recommended to get plenty of rest on the day of the procedure, and to steer clear of saunas and strenuous exercise for three days after. Seongsu Cave Coffee Street is right downstairs, so it’s completely fine to grab a coffee or browse some shops after a mild treatment.
Q5: Is it really cheaper than Gangnam?
Yes. For the same anti-aging treatments, the quotes from specialized medical clinics in the core area of Gangnam are usually 20% to 40% higher than those from Seongsu Iris. Moreover, fewer procedures are performed personally by the directors of large clinics in Gangnam. Seongsu Iris offers “the same price as Korea and China, with personal consultation by the director,” resulting in a significantly better cost-performance ratio.
Summary: Who is a good candidate for Seongsu Iris Dermatology?
Looking back at this experience, what impressed me the most at Seongsu Iris Dermatology wasn’t so much how state-of-the-art the equipment was (though it was indeed top-notch), but rather Director Choe Ju-yeon’s calm and patient approach to addressing issues at their root. In her clinic, you don’t feel pressured to make purchases; instead, you get the confidence that “this doctor truly wants to help you get better.”
Ideal candidates for Seongsu Iris Dermatology treatment: those plagued by recurring acne, red marks all over the face, or sensitive skin; individuals who prioritize treatment performed by experienced doctors and want to avoid unqualified practitioners; office workers who prefer efficient treatments during lunch breaks; and travelers who want to experience the artistic vibe of Seongsu Cave while getting medical beauty treatments.
It’s crucial to make appointments through official channels. As a Chinese-language platform dedicated to medical aesthetics in South Korea, BeautsGO offers transparent information and identical prices in both China and South Korea, without any hidden fees, so you can get all the key details about the clinics before you go. Download the BeautsGO APP or open its mini-program, search for “Iris,” and you can instantly book an appointment at Seongsu Iris Dermatology, where Director Choe Ju-yeon can help resolve your skin concerns at their source.
※ Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience. Medical outcomes vary depending on individual constitutions, so it is recommended to consult a professional doctor for an assessment of the most suitable treatment plan after an in-person consultation. The price information provided is the publicly listed reference rate from BeautsGO at the time of writing; the actual cost will be determined upon consultation at the clinic.
