I. Why are these two companies so frequently compared to each other?
Recently, many people have been struggling with this decision when researching Dermatology clinics in South Korea: should they choose DAN-A in Myeongdong or RETOO in Cheongdam? Both clinics have an excellent reputation and receive a lot of discussion in Chinese-speaking communities, but their services and target audiences are actually quite different. Today, I will use the information I have gathered to help you compare these two clinics and determine which one better meets your needs.
Let me state the conclusion first: DAN-A is suitable for those with a reasonable budget who are looking for an established Key Doctor to perform HIFU or hyaluronic acid treatments; RETOO, on the other hand, is more appropriate for those willing to spend a bit more money, who prefer a completely personalized consultation process, and who are not interested in being pressured into making purchases. Of course, we still need to look at the details in more detail below!
II. Basic Information of the Institution
DAN-A Dermatology, Myeongdong
DAN-A has been operating in Myeongdong for over 14 years and is considered a well-established presence in this commercial area. Its address is 3rd Floor, Arnuvo Centum, 21 Myeongdong 7-ro, Jung, Seoul – located in a shopping mall just next to the main pedestrian street of Myeongdong. Starbucks and Olive Young are also in the vicinity, making it convenient to visit while out shopping.
The nearest subway station is the Myeongdong station on Line 4, which is within a 5-minute walk. This makes it extremely convenient for those visiting South Korea for the first time, as it’s easy to find.
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12:00 to 21:00 (lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00); Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00. Closed on Thursday and Sunday.
The representative director is Dr. Lee Eun-ji, whose qualifications are truly remarkable: she is a Key Doctor for HIFU, a core instructor for Oligio, a Key Doctor for Lijulan, and a Key Doctor for Microcrystalline Ceramic. In other words, she serves as the core teaching physician for these brands. She was among the first in South Korea to use HIFU and was also one of the first doctors in the country to employ Radiesse Microcrystalline Ceramic and Botox Filler.
RETOO CLINIC, Dermatology, Cheongdam
The full name of RETOO is Cheongdam RETOO CLINIC. It is located on the 5th and 6th floors of the First Light Tower, 417 Isandae-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul. You can reach it by exiting Exit 4 of Yapgyoingeong Roda Station on the Bundang Line and walking approximately 500 meters in the direction of the Bundang Exhibition Center.
The overall atmosphere here resembles that of a high-end, boutique-style clinic. The space design is very thoughtful, with private treatment rooms and unobstructed access routes, ensuring that you will never encounter other clients.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 to 19:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 21:00 (extended hours, a real lifesaver for working professionals), and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30. Closed on Sundays. ⚠️ 100% reservation system; walk-ins are not accepted.
The director of the clinic is Dr. Kim Jae-lim, who graduated from the School of Medicine at Yonsei University and completed his residency training at Yonsei University Severance Hospital. He is a full member of the Korean Association of Aesthetic Plastic and Laser Medicine and has also received an award from the Minister of Health and Welfare of South Korea. The most notable feature of this clinic is the ample time allocated for consultations—sometimes up to 40 minutes. There is no unnecessary anxiety or aggressive sales tactics; instead, a HeatView thermal imaging device is used to analyze the subcutaneous structure before providing any recommendations. In addition, Dr. Kim Sun-min, a resident anesthesiologist at the clinic, offers sleep anesthesia services, which are much safer than having a freelance anesthesiologist called in at the last minute.
III. Comparison of service styles: Who is more suitable for you?
DAN-A: A veteran expert in technical approaches, known for her delicate techniques
DAN-A’s expertise is highly focused on two main areas: HIFU and injectable fillers. Dean Li Enzhi emphasizes that the operation of HIFU requires precise targeting of different sublayers of the skin, and different tip types are used for different areas – it’s definitely not the case of simply applying the treatment to the entire face once.
The injection process also enjoys a very good reputation. At Lijulan, the needle is changed after just 1 centum core of product is injected (while many clinics wait until the entire syringe is used up before changing the needle). The injection is done at a deeper layer, resulting in less pain; moreover, bruising is almost impossible after the procedure, and the effects last for a relatively long time. The needles used for Juvederm are quite long, and they are handed to the customer from behind—to truly ensure that you don’t see the needle and get scared.
Overall, this clinic is the kind of place where you just know what you need to do and can simply make an appointment to proceed. The service is efficient, making it ideal for regular clients who come back for multiple treatments.
RETOO: For the customization service, in-person consultations are truly the key part.
RETOO is completely different in style. What makes Dean Jin Zailin most famous is not actually any specific treatment, but rather his philosophy of face-to-face consultations: he takes great pains to understand your individual situation, uses the HeatView thermal imaging device to analyze the structure of your subcutaneous tissues, and then tells you, “In fact, you don’t need to undergo that particular treatment right now.” Yes, he will actively advise you that certain procedures are not necessary for you.
This approach of “not promoting excessively” is actually quite rare in the Dermatology community of South Korea. As a result, he has built a group of very loyal fans, especially among customers in Japan, Europe, and the United States, who have highly praised his work.
Their signature treatment, TUNEFACE MAX, is their flagship program. Different from traditional Thermage or HIFU treatments, it does not use a fixed energy ratio. Instead, it customizes the entire treatment plan based on your individual facial shape and tissue structure, enabling truly personalized facial sculpting. Additionally, there is the RE:STEM stem cell regeneration treatment, which is ideal for those looking to improve their skin quality and reduce Pores.
IV. Comparison of the capabilities of hospital directors
I think this part is really worth taking a closer look at, because the styles of the two directors are truly very different.
DAN-A’s director, Lee Eun-ji, is considered a “technical expert” in the field of medical aesthetics. Her in-depth expertise in the use of HIFU makes it no exaggeration to say that she belongs to the most senior group of professionals in South Korea. Having served as the Key Doctor for several brands, she not only acts as a user of these technologies but also participates in the technical promotion and training related to these brands. When you undergo HIFU treatment at her clinic, you will find that the process is different from what you experience elsewhere – she pays great attention to the precise control of various parameters, such as the depth of treatment, the intensity of the energy used, and the choice of the HIFU probe for each specific area. Her approach is based on a thorough and logical framework, rather than simply following a standard procedure mechanically.
RETOO’s President Kim Jae-lin is more of a “strategic” type; his strength lies in assessment and judgment. He uses the HeatView thermal imaging device to analyze subcutaneous tissue—a tool that is not commonly used in the industry, but one that he specifically introduced as an auxiliary diagnostic instrument. In several cases, after examining the patients in person, he would tell them, “You are actually not suitable for this procedure.” Of course, doing so meant earning less money in the short term, but in the long run, it helped build a solid reputation for him. His training background at Yonsei University School of Medicine and the Gar Sah Frank Hospital qualifies him as having very prestigious credentials in South Korea’s medical community.
V. Transparency of Projects and Prices
To be honest, it’s not particularly easy to find price information about these two companies in Chinese-speaking communities. However, their overall positioning differs from each other.
Located in the Myeongdong business district, DAN-A attracts a high proportion of Like visitors. With extensive experience in serving foreigners, it provides Chinese-language services, eliminating any language barriers in communication. Offering a wide range of treatments—from anti-aging to skin care—DAN-A is ideal for those who wish to address multiple needs in one go.
RETOO targets the high-end market. Cheongdam-dong itself is one of the most expensive areas in Seoul, and the clinics there focus on premium, private services, resulting in relatively higher per-client costs. However, the advantage is that the consultations are more in-depth, so you won’t end up spending money on treatments that aren’t suitable for you – which, in the long run, can actually save you money.
Both companies allow users to check the latest prices and make reservations through the BeautsGO platform, eliminating the need for language barriers and enabling direct access via the Taiwanese Traditional Chinese interface.
VI. Convenient Location
| Comparison items | DAN-A in Myeongdong | Cheongdam RETOO |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Myeongdong (Jung) | Cheongdam-dong (Gangnam District) |
| Recently, the subway station… | Myeongdong Station on Line 4, about a 5-minute walk away | Exit 4 of Rodaero Station on the Bundang Line, walk approximately 500 meters |
| Surrounding facilities | Shopping, restaurants, Olive Young | Cheongdam-dong Boutique Shopping District |
| Suitable for travelers to stop by on their way | ✅ Highly suitable | 🔶 It is necessary to travel specifically for this purpose. |
| Walk-in appointments are accepted. | It depends on the circumstances; it is recommended to make an appointment in advance. | ❌ 100% reservation system required |
VII. Real User Reviews
The following are some representative opinions that I have compiled from Chinese communities and review platforms:
Regarding DAN-A, some sisters said: “Director Li’s use of HIFU is truly different from what I’ve experienced elsewhere. She will mark on your face exactly where extra treatment is needed, and the whole process feels very safe and comfortable—not like those machines that just buzz loudly before you’re sent away. When using Lizhu Lan’s glow treatment, only 1 centum core of the product is used before changing the needle, and the technique is so gentle that there are almost no traces left on your face the next day.”
Another reader who had undergone the treatment three times with DAN-A shared: “Since it’s a well-established institution, even local South Koreans from Myeongdong come here for treatments. I’ve seen some customers who were clearly familiar faces, which made me feel very at ease. There is no problem communicating in Chinese at all, so you don’t have to worry about not understanding anything.”
RETOO also has several reviews that left a deep impression on me: “Director Jin Zailin spent nearly 40 minutes examining me in person. During the consultation, he asked about my lifestyle habits, sleep patterns, and stress levels. In the end, he told me that my skin actually didn’t need lifting at this stage; focusing on restoration would be more effective. None of the doctors I had met before had ever said anything like that.”
Some people also mentioned: “After using RETOO’s TUNEFACE MAX, the pain is not as intense as that experienced with traditional HIFU treatments, and the recovery period is much shorter. The next day after the procedure, the facial contours appear much tighter, but the sensation is not at all uncomfortable; it’s very natural.”
VIII. How to choose the option that suits you best?
Having said so much, I ultimately want to return to one question: What kind of person are you?
🔎 Choose DAN-A if you belong to the following category of people:
- The itinerary is in the vicinity of Myeongdong, so I would like to take care of this matter on the way.
- If you are looking for a doctor certified by Key Doctor to perform HIFU or injections, please proceed.
- The budget is set within the range commonly seen in Dermatology clinics in South Korea.
- I already have a specific project in mind, so I don’t need too much consultation time.
- Chinese services are required.
🔎 Choose RETOO if you belong to the following category of people:
- I’m not sure what I need to do, so I would like to have in-depth consultations first.
- I don’t like being pushed into undergoing procedures that I don’t need.
- Interested in customized anti-aging treatments, especially TUNEFACE MAX
- The budget is relatively flexible, and I am willing to pay more for a personalized experience.
- It’s also OK to plan in advance and implement a 100% reservation system.
Of course, both companies allow users to search and make appointments through the BeautsGO platform using the Traditional Chinese interface. With the assistance of Chinese-speaking customer service, many language barriers are eliminated. It is recommended to compare their latest prices before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: Which one is cheaper, DAN-A or RETOO?
A: General
ly speaking, DAN-A is positioned in the “Myeongdong business district”, while RETOO is located in Cheongdam-dong, so its overall positioning is a bit more upscale. However, for the most accurate prices, it is recommended to check directly through the BeautsGO platform, as the pricing of clinics in South Korea often varies seasonally and may also differ after on-site consultations.
Q: If it’s my first time going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, which clinic would
be the safest choice?
A: If it’s your first time and you’re not quite sure what treatment you want, RETOO’s in-depth consultation service would be of great help to you. If you’ve already done some research and know that you want HIFU or hyaluronic acid treatments, then going to DAN-A and seeing Director Lee Eun-ji would be the most efficient option.
Q: Can I just go in without making an appointment?
A: At DAN-A, it depends
on the availability of appointments on that day; sometimes it’s possible, but it’s still recommended to make an appointment in advance. At RETOO, however, appointments are mandatory – without an appointment, you will not be admitted, so please make sure to book one in advance.
Q: Do both companies provide Chinese-language services
?
A: DAN-A confirms that it offers Chinese-language services; RETOO primarily uses Korean and English for communication. If you make a reservation through the BeautsGO platform, the platform will assist with providing Chinese-language consultation and translation services.
Q: What are the benefits of making an appointment through BeautsGO?
A: You can view informati
on about clinics in Traditional Chinese, get real-time quotes, and read genuine reviews. After the appointment is confirmed, you will also receive notifications in Chinese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. For those visiting South Korea for the first time, this saves a lot of hassle.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for reference only. The actual effects of medical beauty treatments vary depending on an individual’s skin type and physical condition. Surgical procedures carry certain risks; it is recommended to consult a professional in person to fully understand the associated risks and expected outcomes before making a decision. Price information may change over time, and the final price shall be subject to the actual quotation provided by the clinic.
