International Patients · Apgujeong, Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist in Apgujeong
What board certification means in Korea, how to verify it, and how to book a dermatologist-led consultation in Apgujeong.
Quick answer
Oaro Dermatology Clinic sits on the 8th floor of Cheongdam Tower on Dosan-daero, eight minutes on foot from Apgujeong Rodeo Station. Message us before your trip and we will reserve a consultation slot that fits your itinerary.
At a glance
| Location | Cheongdam Tower on Dosan-daero, Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul |
|---|---|
| Nearest station | Apgujeong Rodeo (Suin-Bundang Line), about 8 minutes on foot; Sinsa (Line 3) also reachable |
| Languages | Korean; English-friendly consultation and coordination for international patients |
| Consultation | 1:1 with a board-certified dermatologist; consultation fee applies |
| Booking | Online enquiry via the contact page; same-day treatment where suitable |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00), Sat 10:00–16:00, closed Sun and public holidays |
Overview
What does "board-certified dermatologist" mean in Korea?
In Korea, dermatologist (피부과 전문의) is a protected specialist title. Earning it takes medical school, a one-year internship, a four-year residency in dermatology and a national specialist examination, after which the Ministry of Health and Welfare issues the specialist licence. Many clinics in Seoul with "skin" in the name are run by doctors from other specialties who may legally offer cosmetic procedures but have not completed dermatology training. The difference matters most when a cosmetic concern turns out to be a medical one, such as a pigmented spot that needs a mole check rather than a laser.
You can verify certification yourself. Specialist-led clinics display the dermatology licence at reception, the Korean Dermatological Association lists clinics led by its members, and the sign outside reads 피부과의원 rather than 의원 with "skin" added in smaller text. Our doctors page lists the training and society memberships of both co-directors so you can check before you travel.
How a board-certified consultation works at Oaro
Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul is co-directed by Dr. Chang-hyun Kim and Dr. Ji-ho Park, both board-certified dermatologists. Dr. Kim is also an Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider and Thermage FLX Master Certified, and holds full membership of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser and the Korean Filler Society. Every visit starts with a 1:1 skin diagnosis by the doctor, who then writes a tailored plan. Medical and aesthetic dermatology sit under one roof, so a rash, a hair-loss question or a filler consultation are all handled by the same specialist team. Book through our contact page and tell us what you would like assessed.
Why international patients choose Oaro
- Board-certified dermatologists, verified under the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Genuine Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, Helios Pico, Rejuran and Juvelook
- Private 1:1 rooms, itemised quotes and receipts in English
- Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
- Follow-up by message after you fly home
What we help with
Common reasons people look for a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Checking a skin change properly
New moles, persistent redness or a rash that has not settled are assessed medically first, with dermoscopy where useful, before any cosmetic plan is discussed.
Specialist-led aesthetic treatments
Lasers, injectables and lifting devices are selected and performed by a dermatologist who understands skin structure and how different skin types respond.
Peace of mind while abroad
Visitors want a clinic where the doctor's credentials are public and the plan is explained in plain English before anything is done.
Continuity after you leave
Written aftercare and a care notebook let your home dermatologist understand exactly what was done in Seoul.
Planning your visit
What to expect
1. Booking from abroad
Send your concern, preferred dates and a few photos through the contact page. We confirm a time by email or messenger and tell you whether a treatment could be done on the same day as the consultation.
2. On the day
Bring your passport and a list of medications or allergies. The dermatologist examines your skin, explains the options and gives an itemised quote. Simple treatments can often start the same day; others are scheduled for later in your trip.
3. Timing around your Seoul trip
Plan the consultation early in your stay so there is time for a review visit. Treatments with downtime are best booked at least five to seven days before your flight.
Pricing & payment
Consultation and treatment cost in Seoul
Consultation fees are charged separately from treatments and are quoted before you are seen. International visitors without Korean national insurance pay the non-insured rate.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Dermatologist consultation (non-insured) | 30,000–60,000 |
| Consultation with dermoscopy or skin analysis | 50,000–100,000 |
| Consultation credited toward a same-day treatment | Fee often waived or offset |
You receive an itemised quote before treatment and an itemised receipt afterwards; major cards are accepted. Medical services are not eligible for the tourist tax refund. Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
After your visit
Aftercare
- Keep your written aftercare sheet and care notebook; they summarise what was done and when to follow up.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, especially after lasers or peels, and avoid strong midday sun in Seoul.
- Flying is generally fine after consultations and most non-invasive treatments; ask first if you had injectables within the previous 24 hours.
- Send photos by message if anything looks unexpected after you return home.
- Share your care notebook with your home dermatologist for continuity.
Your dermatologist
Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Ulthera Certified Treatment Provider, Thermage FLX Master Certified, Korean Filler Society member.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How can I check that a Korean dermatologist is board-certified?
Look for the specialist licence displayed at reception, the 피부과의원 designation on the clinic sign and Korean Dermatological Association membership; our doctors page lists both co-directors' credentials.
Is a "skin clinic" the same as a dermatology clinic in Korea?
Not always. Any licensed doctor may offer cosmetic skin procedures, but only a doctor who has completed a dermatology residency may use the specialist title.
Does the dermatologist perform the treatment personally?
Yes for injectables, lasers and lifting devices. Trained staff assist with preparation, skin analysis and aftercare under the doctor's supervision.
Can I see the doctor on my first visit?
Yes. Every first visit at Oaro Dermatology Clinic includes a 1:1 consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, not only a coordinator.
Can I combine a medical check with an aesthetic treatment?
Usually. The dermatologist assesses the medical concern first and will tell you if a cosmetic treatment should wait.
Start here
Popular with international patients
- Medical Dermatology — specialist care for rashes, moles, hair loss and infections
- Laser Skin Clinic — lasers and lifting performed by the dermatologist
- Skin Boosters — Rejuran, Juvelook and hydration boosters
- Facial Fillers — HA fillers planned by a Korean Filler Society member
- Pico Laser — a popular single-visit option for pigmentation
- Rejuran Healer — a frequently requested skin booster for visitors
Visiting Seoul?
Plan your skin consultation before you land
Send us your dates and concerns. We will reserve a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong, confirm what can be done safely before your flight home, and prepare an itemised quote in English.