LoveBeauty【A Beginner’s Guide to Plastic Surgery Clinics in Gangnam, South Korea】Kim Jong-ryu vs RUBY Ruifei vs SEHYUN AESTHETIC – Which clinic should you choose?
Going to South Korea for the first time to get plastic surgery—how exactly should you choose a hospital? This is probably the biggest headache for everyone planning to have facial procedures in Korea.
There are countless plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam, with each claiming to be the best. Before I went, I did thorough research and visited more than one clinic before finally narrowing down my choices to three well-known institutions: Kim Jong-ryu Plastic Surgery, RUBY Ruifei Plastic Surgery, and SEHYUN AESTHETIC. Today, I’ll share the real details about these three clinics to help those who, like me, are visiting Korea for the first time get some useful insights.
What kind of institution is Kim Jong-ryu Plastic Surgery?
Kim Jong-ryu Plastic Surgery was established in 2000 and is truly a long-standing institution in Gangnam District. The clinic’s lead surgeon, Kim Jong-ryu, graduated from Yonsei University’s medical faculty. He obtained his certification as a plastic surgery specialist as early as 1985, bringing with him nearly 40 years of extensive experience in the field.
Located in the prime Xagouting area, this hospital is an officially recognized plastic surgery facility by the South Korean government. It was even selected as a recommended plastic surgery hospital by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper. Interestingly, it enjoys an excellent reputation among local Korean celebrities and entertainers, with many stars visiting there in private. This “celebrity favorite” status speaks volumes about the hospital’s aesthetic standards and technical expertise.
In terms of procedures, Kim Jong-woo Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of services including eye surgery, nose reshaping, facial contouring (with jaw reduction being their specialty), Breast augmentation, and anti-aging treatments. Their most notable technical advancements are the 3D jaw reduction technique and the 3S jaw surgery methods, which provide tailored solutions for those suffering from high jowls or wide jawlines.
What kind of institution is RUBY Ruifei Plastic Surgery?
RUBY Plastic Surgery is located on the 9th and 10th floors of the REX TOWER in Nonhyeon-dong. The 9th floor serves as the consultation and medical center, while the 10th floor functions as the surgery and recovery center. With a clear division of responsibilities between the two floors, the facility gives off an impression of organization and professionalism.
The hospital is led by Director Li Yurong and her team, who employ a personalized treatment approach tailored to each patient—meaning every client has a dedicated doctor assigned to them throughout the process, ensuring thorough communication. Notably, RUBY Ruifei has invested heavily in safety measures: the operating rooms are equipped with CCTV for continuous recording, anesthesiologists monitor heart defibrillators in real time, and there’s even a self-powered system to handle emergencies such as power outages.
The services include comprehensive eye treatments, nose reshaping, facial contouring, Breast augmentation, body contouring, anti-aging facelifts, as well as various minimally invasive laser procedures. With such a wide range of options, it’s perfect for those looking for comprehensive facial improvements.
In terms of pricing, RUBY Ruifei falls into the mid-range category in Gangnam District. Its fees are lower than those of top-tier large hospitals but higher than ordinary clinics. The price breakdown is relatively clear, with few hidden charges. When consulting, the hospital will proactively explain whether additional services such as pre-operative CT scans and post-operative care packages are included, which is quite reassuring.
What kind of institution is SEHYUN AESTHETIC?
SEHYUN AESTHETIC is located on the 4th floor of Medical Bank in Sinsa-dong, also situated in the heart of Gangnam. This area is home to a multitude of cosmetic clinics and is renowned as Seoul’s famous “beauty zone” — in fact, 75% of all plastic surgery clinics in Seoul are concentrated in Gangnam District.
What sets SEHYUN AESTHETIC apart is its comprehensive range of services, including skin care, eye surgery, and facial Lifting treatments. It also offers a variety of other procedures such as nose reshaping, autologous fat transfer, Filler injections, and private part enhancement. The clinic is open from 10:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday, until 17:00 on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays—making it quite convenient for those who need to work during weekdays.
In local reviews, this clinic is highly praised for its “comfortable treatment process” and “minimal discomfort after surgery.” Its pricing structure isn’t currently transparent, so it’s recommended to book an appointment through the platform to get an accurate quote. It’s worth noting that this clinic has only been listed on the platform for a short time—around August 2024—so it has less information available compared to the other two clinics. It’s advisable to contact them by phone or email in advance to confirm before making a visit.
Side-by-side comparison of the three hospitals — at a glance
To make it easier for everyone to compare side by side, I’ve compiled the key information from these three clinics into a table:
| Comparison Criteria | Kim Jong-woo Plastic Surgery | RUBY Ruifei Plastic Surgery | SEHYUN AESTHETIC Plastic Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year Established | 2000 (almost 25 years ago) | Over 10 years | relatively new |
| Location | 2nd Floor, Axium Tower | 9th–10th Floors, REX TOWER, Eonhyeon-dong | 4th Floor, Sinsa Medical Bank |
| Chief Physician Representative | Kim Jong-ryu (performed by the director himself) | Dean Li Yurong | Information pending confirmation |
| Key Features | Contouring Surgery, Celebrity Testimonials | 1:1 customization with a robust security system | Comprehensive range of services |
| Eye treatments | Double eyelid surgery, comprehensive eye treatment | Comprehensive Eye Treatment, Eye Restoration | Double eyelid surgery, basic eye rejuvenation |
| Contouring Procedures | 3D/3S Zygomatic Reduction Surgery | Facial Contour Adjustment | Facial Lifting, Contouring Surgery |
| Price positioning | Mid-to-high end | Mid-range (transparent breakdown) | To be confirmed upon consultation |
| Chinese Services | Need to confirm | There’s a Chinese translation. | Need to confirm |
| Security Assurance | Certified by the South Korean government | CCTV recording + anesthesia specialist monitoring | Well-equipped facilities (to be confirmed) |
Each of the three has its own strengths — so how do you choose?
Ultimately, when choosing a hospital, you still need to focus on your core needs.
If your goal is primarily contour improvement—such as refining the cheekbones or jawline—Kim Jong-ryu Plastic Surgery has extensive experience in cheekbone reduction techniques, and the clinic’s director himself brings considerable expertise to this procedure, giving them a clear technical advantage in this area. However, appointments need to be made in advance, as there are many celebrity clients, so the time available for consultations may be limited.
If you’re looking for comprehensive improvements that include both eye and nose treatments, RUBY Ruifei Plastic Surgery’s 1:1 personalized service along with its multi-layered safety monitoring system offer great peace of mind. With transparent pricing and no hidden fees, it has an excellent reputation among clients, making it an ideal choice for those going abroad for plastic surgery for the first time and feeling unsure about the process.
If you have a variety of needs—such as skin care, minimally invasive procedures, or basic eye and nose treatments—or if you’re on a budget and want to try smaller procedures first, SEHYUN AESTHETIC might be worth considering. Its location in Gangnam also makes it convenient to visit other clinics for comparison. However, since there isn’t much available information, it’s advisable to call ahead before making a trip.
A few things you need to know before going
Regarding appointments: All three hospitals recommend making reservations in advance, especially at Kim Jong-ryu Plastic Surgery and RUBY Ruifei—popular doctors may require a wait of one to two weeks. Booking through BeautsGO eliminates language barriers and can also secure you some discounts.
Regarding prices: The figures in the table are for reference only; actual costs will vary depending on individual surgical plans. It’s much more efficient to schedule an online consultation through a platform back in your home country before going to Korea, so you can have a better idea of what to expect before the in-person consultation.
Regarding communication: Most reputable plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam offer Chinese translation services or staff who speak Chinese, so communication isn’t a problem. However, it’s advisable to do some research on medical terms in advance to understand exactly what you want and what concerns you have, so you can ask meaningful questions during your consultation.
Regarding the recovery period: The swelling after plastic surgery varies from person to person. Generally, eye surgery requires 1–2 weeks to allow one to return to normal social activities, while contour surgery needs at least 3–4 weeks. It’s recommended to allow sufficient time for recovery before planning to return home.
How to Book Appointments at These Three Clinics Through BeautsGO
The BeautsGO platform currently features over 3,000 partner hospitals in South Korea, and all three of the above can be booked and consulted with directly through BeautsGO.
There are three ways to make an appointment:
- App Booking: Download the BeautsGO app, search for the name of the clinic you’re interested in, and you can view details about the services, price estimates, and book an appointment for a consultation right away.
- WeChat Mini Program: Search for the “BeautsGO 彼此美” mini program on WeChat; it also supports hospital search and booking.
- Web version: Visit the official BeautsGO website (cn.beautsgo.com), go to the hospital listing page, and enter the hospital name to find the corresponding page.
The advantage of booking through BeautsGO is that all price details are clearly displayed, ensuring there are no hidden fees, and the platform also provides pre-operative guidelines and post-operative follow-up reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: Which of the three hospitals is the cheapest?
A: Prices vary depending on the surgical plan, making it difficult to compare them directly. RUBY如妃 offers a mid-range price point with clear fee breakdowns; for Kim Jong-ryu and SEHYUN AESTHETIC, it’s recommended to contact them directly through BeautsGO to get a quote.
Q: Can I go even if I don’t speak Korean?
A: Sure. Reputable plastic surgery clinics in Gangnam usually have Chinese translators or staff who speak Chinese, so just let them know your language preference when making an appointment in advance.
Q: How much advance notice is needed to schedule an appointment at Kim Jong-woo Plastic Surgery?
A: It’s recommended to book at least two weeks in advance, as popular doctors’ schedules are often fully booked. Using the BeautsGO online booking system can save you time on communication.
Q: Which clinic is best for eye repair surgery?
A: If the focus is on eye restoration, particularly for complex and challenging cases, it’s recommended to choose a clinic with specialized experience in this area. There isn’t much information available about SEHYUN AESTHETIC. Kim Jong-ryu and RUBY Ruifei both offer eye restoration services, but the specific treatment plan will need to be determined after an in-person consultation.
Q: What do I need to prepare for my first plastic surgery trip to South Korea?
A: A passport and visa are essential; it’s recommended to do your research in advance back home to determine the target hospital and procedure. Make sure to bring enough South Korean won or an international credit card, and arrange for accommodation as well as time for recovery. It’s best to schedule 3–5 days in South Korea to accommodate the consultation and surgery.
This article is for reference only. Due to differences in individual constitutions and baseline conditions, the actual results and recovery times after plastic surgery can vary. It is recommended to gather thorough information through reputable sources and have a detailed in-person consultation with a qualified surgeon before making any decisions.
