International Patients · Apgujeong, Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist in Gangnam, Seoul
How Korean dermatology certification compares with your home country, and when a specialist is worth insisting on.
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 explanation of credentials, diagnosis and plan |
| Consultation | Examination and plan by a board-certified dermatologist on every visit |
| Booking | Online enquiry via the contact page |
| Hours | Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00), Sat 10:00–16:00, closed Sun and public holidays |
Overview
How does Korean dermatology certification compare with home?
Visitors from the United States, the UK, Australia or Singapore often ask whether "board-certified" means the same thing in Seoul. The structure is similar. In Korea a doctor completes six years of medical school, a one-year internship and a four-year dermatology residency at a teaching hospital, then passes the specialist examination administered under the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The result is the dermatology specialist licence, the Korean equivalent of American Board of Dermatology certification or entry to the UK specialist register. What differs is the market: Korean law allows any licensed physician to perform cosmetic procedures, so in Gangnam a large share of "skin clinics" are not run by dermatologists. The title 피부과 전문의 is the thing to look for.
A specialist matters most for skin that is changing, for darker or more reactive skin types where lasers must be chosen carefully, and for conditions such as psoriasis or vitiligo that overlap with cosmetic concerns.
The board-certified team 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, Representative Director, was previously Director at Cheongdam Oracle Dermatology Clinic and is a full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser, Korean Filler Society, Korean Anti-Aging Society, Korean Society of Acne & Rosacea, Korean Society of Vitiligo & Pigmentation and Korean Society of Atopic Dermatitis. He advises manufacturers of Agnes, Dubbletite RF, the Helios 785 Pico laser and Rejuran Healer. Full profiles are on the doctors page; appointments are arranged through the contact page.
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
When people insist on a board-certified dermatologist in Gangnam
Lasers on Asian, olive or dark skin
Pigment and resurfacing lasers carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory marks on darker skin; a specialist selects wavelength and settings accordingly.
Injectables near high-risk areas
Nose, tear-trough and temple fillers call for a doctor with formal anatomy training and vascular-complication protocols.
Chronic skin disease while living abroad
Expats with eczema, psoriasis or acne on long-term medication want a specialist who can continue or adjust treatment.
A second opinion on a package quoted elsewhere
Checking whether a multi-treatment plan from another Gangnam clinic is medically sensible.
Planning your visit
What to expect
1. Booking and pre-travel questions
Through the contact page you can ask which doctor you will see and request credentials before you commit; we answer by email or messenger and confirm a time.
2. The visit
Bring your passport and any previous treatment records or medication list. The dermatologist examines, discusses options and risks, and writes an itemised plan. Laser test spots can be offered for cautious skin types before a full session.
3. Timing and follow-up
Book higher-downtime treatments in the first days of your Seoul stay; keep a review slot before departure. After you leave, follow-up continues by message with photos, and your care notebook travels with you.
Pricing & payment
Board-certified dermatologist cost in Gangnam, Seoul
Specialist-led clinics in Gangnam do not necessarily charge more than chains; the difference is that each item is quoted by the doctor and listed separately.
| Option | Typical range (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Specialist consultation (non-insured) | 30,000–60,000 |
| HA filler, one syringe | 300,000–700,000 |
| Pico laser, pigment session | 150,000–450,000 |
| Potenza RF microneedling, one session | 400,000–900,000 |
Itemised quotes before treatment and itemised receipts after; cards are accepted. Medical services are excluded from the tourist tax refund. Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.
After your visit
Aftercare
- Follow the device-specific sheet; a specialist's aftercare for Pico, CO2 or RF differs and is written for your skin type.
- Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential for pigment-prone skin after any laser in Seoul.
- Wait 24 to 72 hours before flying after fillers, toxin or energy-based lifting as advised.
- Report unusual pain, blanching or spreading redness immediately by message or phone.
- Share your care notebook with your dermatologist at home.
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
Is a Korean board-certified dermatologist equivalent to a US or UK dermatologist?
The training length and examination structure are comparable; both require a dedicated dermatology residency after general medical training.
How do I know which doctor will treat me?
Ask when booking; at Oaro Dermatology Clinic the treating doctor is one of the two board-certified co-directors.
Why are some Gangnam clinics so much cheaper?
High-volume clinics use package pricing and delegate more work; specialist clinics quote per item and the doctor performs the procedure.
Do specialists treat darker skin tones differently?
Yes. Device choice, energy settings and pre-treatment preparation are adjusted to lower the risk of pigment changes.
Can I verify the doctors' memberships?
Society memberships and certifications are listed on our doctors page and can be checked with each society.
Start here
Popular with international patients
- Laser Skin Clinic — lasers selected and performed by a specialist
- Medical Dermatology — chronic and acute skin disease care
- Facial Fillers — anatomy-led filler planning
- Skin Boosters — regenerative boosters for texture and hydration
- Pico Laser — Helios 785 Pico, a device the director advises on
- Potenza RF Microneedling — pores, scars and texture
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.