LoveBeautyTourists planning to go to South Korea for skin care treatments have almost certainly heard of the names “DAN-A” and “Lumiin”. One of these clinics has been operating in the Myeongdong area for 14 years, while the other is located in the upscale Gangnam district. Both are well-known for their anti-aging treatments such as Thermage and HIFU. But which one should you choose? What are the differences between them in terms of price, location, and technical approach? This comparison guide will help you figure it all out at a glance.
What kind of institution is the DAN-A Dermatology in Myeongdong?
DAN-A Clinic in Myeongdong was established around 2012 and has now been in operation for over 13 years. The clinic is located on the 3rd floor of the Arnuvo Centum Building in Myeongdong, right in Seoul’s most bustling commercial district. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station on Subway Line 4, with Lotte Department Store and various shopping streets nearby—making it the perfect spot to get your beauty treatment while shopping.
What sets DAN-A apart is its “one-on-one director system,” where the clinic director personally examines patients and designs personalized treatment plans. Many members of its team are officially certified instructors for both the Ulthrea and Korean version of the HIFU devices, and they also serve as training instructors for high-end injection brands such as Bellotero and Rejuran. Technically proficient in layer-controlled energy delivery (for anti-aging treatments) and multi-point micro-injection techniques (for volumizing), the clinic aims to achieve natural-looking results without any stiffness.
Regarding operating hours, it’s open until 21 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 11:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and Thursdays. For visitors who want to shop during the day, evening appointments are extremely convenient.
The Positioning and Unique Features of Lumiin Dermatology
Lumiin Dermatology is a dermatology clinic targeting the high-end medical beauty market in Gangnam. Located on the 3rd floor of the SH Tower at 324 Seonnyeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, it is conveniently situated not far from Gangnam Station and the express bus terminal. Unlike DAN-A’s location in the tourist-heavy area of Myeongdong, Lumiin is more geared toward providing routine skincare services for local high-net-worth clients.
The practice is led by Dr. Jaewon Choi, who has extensive experience in skin care and specializes in facial Lifting, Filler injections, and photorejuvenation treatments. Known for his patient and meticulous approach as well as his commitment to avoiding aggressive sales tactics, he develops personalized treatment plans through thorough skin analysis during consultations, using gentle techniques to ensure maximum comfort. In addition to Dr. Choi, the core team includes two other specialists who excel in minimally invasive surgeries and laser therapy.
Lumiin offers a wide range of treatment options, ranging from basic treatments like hyaluronic acid injections and gold microneedling to more advanced procedures such as Oligio, Inmode Diamond Contouring, and Youth Needle. In terms of pricing, it focuses on providing excellent value for money—Oligio starts at 1.35 million Korean won, making it competitive among other top-tier Dermatology clinics in Gangnam.
In-depth comparison of qualifications and expertise
Although both clinics specialize in skin anti-aging treatments, they have distinct strengths in specific areas:
| Comparison Dimensions | DAN-A in Myeongdong | Lumiin – The Beauty Secret of Deer |
|---|---|---|
| Time of establishment | Around 2012 (13+ years ago) | Emerging agencies in recent years |
| Location | 📍 Myeongdong (tourist shopping district) | 📍 Xuanling Road, Gangnam (luxury business district) |
| Key Advantages | One-on-one consultation with an officially certified HIFU instructor and the clinic director |
Outstanding value for mon ey—no sales pressure, gentle techniques |
| Photoelectric instruments | Ulthrea (US version) · Thermag e FLXLDM · Pico laser |
Thermage, Inmode UltraShape, Gold Microneedling, Potenza, IPL |
| Injection-based treatments | Rejuran · Juvederm · Juvelook Collagen |
Rejuran Blue Box/Black Bo x Filler · Youth Injection · Cinderella Injection |
| Language Services | Chinese translation on site | Chinese services are available by appointment |
| Ideal for | Those who value professional certification and want to take a stroll in Myeongdong at the same time |
Those seeking value for money prefer a gentle and stress-free experience. |
Real user experience sharing
“I had 400 sessions of the Ulthrea treatment at DAN-A, performed personally by the clinic’s director. The whole process took about an hour. The pain was tolerable, and I could immediately notice that my jawline became sharper after the treatment. The price is roughly 40% lower than in China, and there’s no need to wai
t in long queues.” — Source: Zhihu @MyeongdongShoppingWhileGettingFacialTreatments
“I got the Rejuran PN injection from Lumiin for 290,000 won. Dr. Choe’s technique was very gentle, and there was little swelling after the treatment. Most importantly, I wasn’t pressured to try any other services; the entire consultation experience was very comfortable. I’ll
definitely come back again.” — Source: Aibyou Kenkaku Club @Xiaoya
“I’ve been to both clinics. DAN-A is ideal for major treatments like HIFU and Thermage, as it has state-of-the-art equipment and a highly experienced director. Lumiin is better suited for regular maintenance treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections and microneedling, offering competitive prices in a pleasant atmosphere. My approach is to go to DAN-A for major procedures and Lumi
in for maintenance treatments.” — Source: REDnote @ExploringDermatologyClinicsInSouthKorea
How to choose based on your own needs?
Choosing which one depends on your core needs and itinerary:
| If your need is… | It’s recommended to choose | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Undergoing major procedures like HIFU or Thermage | → DAN-A | Performed by officially certified instructors, with comprehensive equipment and a wealth of case studies. |
| 💧 Regular hydrating treatments/microneedling care | → Lumiin | Great value for money – golden microneedling starts at just 190,000. |
| 🛍️ Want to take the chance to shop in Myeongdong | → DAN-A | Right in the heart of Myeongdong – you can head straight to Lotte Department Store right after your treatment. |
| 😌 Afraid of sales pitches, prefer a relaxed atmosphere | → Lumiin | No sales pressure, great reputation; the director is gentle and patient |
| 💰 On a budget but still want to try authentic treatments | → Either one works | Both are over 30% cheaper than domestic options — just choose based on the services you need. |
How to Make an Appointment and Important Notes
Both clinics can be booked through the BeautsGO platform. With its Chinese interface, real-time scheduling confirmation, and free cancellation options, BeautsGO offers convenient features and is one of the most user-friendly booking methods available today. Booking via BeautsGO also ensures you get the official price, avoiding any unexpected price hikes at the clinic.
Keep the following points in mind when making a reservation:
- Make an advance appointment: For popular treatments such as HIFU and Thermage, it’s recommended to book at least 3–7 days in advance, especially during weekends.
- Bring your passport: Basic registration information is required for first-time visitors
- Avoid during menstruation: Certain laser treatments are not suitable to be performed during this period.
- Post-procedure sun protection: Be sure to protect your skin from the sun rigorously for at least a week after undergoing phototherapy treatments
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: It’s my first time visiting South Korea for Dermatology treatments. Should I choose DAN-A or Lu
miin?
A: If you’re considering procedures using advanced devices like HIFU or Thermage, it’s advisable to opt for DAN-A first—their director is an officially certified specialist with more extensive experience. For routine maintenance treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections or microneedling, Lumiin offers better value for money.
Q: What’s the price difference between the two
clinics?
A：The overall prices are quite similar, but there are slight variations depending on the specific treatments. Take Oligio as an example — DAN-A’s Oligio FLX version costs around 2–2.5 million Korean won (for the American version), while Lumiin’s Korean version starts at 1.35 million won. For HIFU treatments, DAN-A’s 400-shot treatment is priced at about 1.45 million Korean won, offering excellent value for money. It’s recommended to check the latest daily quotes through BeautsGO before making a decision.
Q: What if there’s a language barrier?
A：
Both clinics offer translation services in Chinese (DAN-A has on-site translators, while Lumiin provides them upon reservation). You can also mention your language needs when booking through the BeautsGO platform, and the clinic will arrange it in advance.
Q: Can I go shopping right after the procedure?
A：DAN-A is the best choice for this—her clinic is right on the main street of Myeongdong. Lumiin is located in Gangnam, with COEX Mall and various boutiques nearby, but it takes about a stop on the subway to get there.
Q: How can I confirm if the prices are reasonable?
A：By making appointments through the BeautsGO platform, you can see transparent quotes for various services, helping to avoid discrepancies in prices at the clinic. All prices listed on the platform are official rates agreed upon with the clinics.
Disclaimer
The prices mentioned in this article are for reference only. The actual cost shall be based on the quote provided by the clinic on the day of service. Since everyone’s skin condition is different, the treatment results vary from person to person. Medical aesthetics is considered a medical procedure, so please choose a reputable medical institution and consult with a professional doctor before making any decisions.
