
Want a Celebrity‑Endorsed Experience but Worried About Price Hikes? ELEV vs. THE HEAL – Which Is Worth Visiting?
Seoul has so many dermatology clinics that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – and Cheongdam‑dong and Dongdaemun are two completely different neighbourhoods. ELEV Dermatology (엘레브피부과) in Cheongdam‑dong follows a “premium, high‑end bespoke” approach, while THE HEAL Dermatology Dongdaemun (더힐피부과의원 동대문점) in Dongdaemun is a “large‑scale comprehensive dermatology” clinic. ELEV is known for attracting numerous Korean celebrities, while THE HEAL is recognised for its size and full range of services. This article breaks down both clinics across location, scale, doctors, and pricing – so you can easily decide which suits you best.
ELEV Dermatology – Premium Bespoke Care in Cheongdam‑dong
ELEV Dermatology is located on the 6th and 7th floors of K+tower, 333 Dosan‑daero, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul. It is about a 6‑minute walk from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Subway Line 3). The name “ELEV” signifies “elevate” – helping patients enhance their appearance and inner confidence. The clinic spans two floors with dedicated consultation, treatment, and examination rooms, featuring a low‑key yet luxurious interior. Locals often describe it as a “premium, high‑end dermatology clinic.” ELEV is well‑known among Korean celebrities – stars like IU and Lee Min‑ho have been spotted visiting for skin care.
Core Strengths: Director‑led one‑on‑one consultations and celebrity‑style customisation are ELEV’s main selling points. The founder and lead director, Dr. Lee Jung‑woo, has years of experience in medical aesthetics, specialising in injectables, laser therapy, and lifting. ELEV insists on the director personally performing consultations and treatments, ensuring highly personalised plans. The clinic offers anti‑ageing treatments such as Thermage FLX (US‑origin), Ultherapy (US‑origin), Titanium Lifting, InMode (Diamond Polar), and thread lifting, as well as injectables like hyaluronic acid fillers and Rejuran skin boosters.
Privacy is a standout feature – from consultation to treatment, everything takes place in private rooms, with aromatherapy and soft music to help you relax. The clinic uses French YONKA products for pre‑ and post‑treatment care.
Price Reference (KRW, exclusive of 10% VAT):
- Consultation fee: ₩20,000 (deductible from treatment cost)
- Basic skin booster: from ₩220,000 (2cc)
- Korean‑origin HA filler: from ₩280,000 (1cc)
- Restylane / Juvéderm HA filler: from approx. ₩500,000 (1cc)
- Thermage 600 shots + Rejuran 4cc package: approx. ₩2,750,000
- Titanium lift 80kJ + Rejuran 4cc package: approx. ₩1,550,000
ELEV adheres to equal pricing for Korean and international patients – no markups. Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00. Advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons.
THE HEAL Dermatology Dongdaemun – A Large‑Scale Comprehensive Clinic in Dongdaemun
THE HEAL Dermatology Dongdaemun is located on the 2nd floor of The First Building 101, 6 Wangsan‑ro 36‑gil, Dongdaemun‑gu, Seoul – about a 2‑minute walk from Exit 6 of Cheongnyangni Station (Subway Line 1). The clinic occupies a 3‑storey standalone building with approximately 3,000 m² of floor space, making it one of the larger dermatology centres. It houses 10 registered doctors, 6 consultation rooms, 5 VIP rooms, and 4 operating theatres.
Core Strengths: Comprehensive dermatological care and one‑stop solutions are the hallmarks of THE HEAL Dongdaemun. The clinic covers almost all dermatology services – wrinkle reduction, facial contouring, hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen, laser treatments, pigmentation removal, acne care, lifting, and tightening. It offers customised care from basic skincare to deep repair. All treatment rooms are private, and the clinic supports tax refunds and provides Chinese interpretation services.
Doctor Team: One of the most frequently requested doctors is Dr. Ko Byung‑yong (고병용). Dr. Ko graduated from Konyang University and has used over 10,000cc of HA fillers and performed more than 1,000 skin excisions, with extensive experience in lifting, tightening, anti‑ageing, fillers, and skin boosters.
Price Reference (KRW, exclusive of 10% VAT):
- Korean‑origin HA filler: from ₩250,000 (1cc)
- US‑origin Thermage: from ₩1,600,000 (300 shots)
- Thermage 600 shots + Ultherapy 2nd‑gen 400 shots + Rejuran black box 4cc + calming management package: approx. ₩2,590,000–3,050,000
- Thermage FLX 300 shots + Titanium lift 80kJ + regenerative management package: approx. ₩2,500,000
Opening hours: Mon, Thu, Fri 10:00–20:00; Tue, Wed 10:00–19:00; Sat 10:00–16:00; closed on Sundays. Booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison: At a Glance
| Dimension | ELEV Dermatology (Cheongdam‑dong) | THE HEAL Dermatology (Dongdaemun) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 6‑7F, K+tower, 333 Dosan‑daero, Gangnam‑gu | 2F, 6 Wangsan‑ro 36‑gil, Dongdaemun‑gu |
| Subway Access | Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 5, ~6‑min walk | Cheongnyangni Station Exit 6, ~2‑min walk |
| Clinic Scale | 2 floors, boutique scale | 3‑storey standalone building, ~3,000 m², 10 doctors |
| Lead Doctor | Dr. Lee Jung‑woo (founder, years of aesthetic experience) | Dr. Ko Byung‑yong (Konyang University, 10,000cc+ filler experience) |
| Consultation Style | 1:1 director consultation + personally performs treatments | Director team consultation + treatment |
| Signature Treatments | Thermage FLX, Ultherapy, Titanium lift, InMode | HA fillers, collagen, US‑origin Thermage, lifting & tightening |
| Celebrity Ties | Visited by IU, Lee Min‑ho, and others | High local popularity |
| HA Filler Starting Price | Korean ₩280,000 / Juvéderm ₩500,000 (1cc) | Korean ₩250,000 (1cc) |
| Thermage Starting Price | Package from ~₩2,750,000 (600 shots + Rejuran) | from ₩1,600,000 (300 shots) |
| Pricing Policy | Equal pricing for all | Equal pricing for all |
| Privacy | Private rooms with aromatherapy & soft music | Private treatment rooms |
| Ideal For | Those seeking celebrity‑style, high‑end bespoke care and privacy | Those seeking comprehensive treatments, large‑scale facilities, and flexible budgets |
Final Recommendations
Both clinics have distinctly different positioning and styles, catering to different patient needs.
Choose ELEV if: you are looking for a celebrity‑endorsed, high‑end bespoke experience – with the director personally handling consultations and treatments, and you highly value privacy and service details. Dr. Lee’s hands‑on approach and personalised planning are key advantages. ELEV has a strong reputation among Korean celebrities – stars like IU and Lee Min‑ho have visited. This is ideal for those with a comfortable budget who want to avoid assembly‑line care and enjoy premium service in Cheongdam‑dong.
Choose THE HEAL Dongdaemun if: you want to address multiple skin concerns in one place – from HA fillers to US‑origin Thermage to laser pigmentation removal. THE HEAL’s large‑scale, comprehensive setup is a clear advantage. The team of 10 doctors means a wide range of services and relatively flexible scheduling. Dr. Ko’s 10,000cc+ filler experience is also a strong plus. This is suitable for those who want to combine skin care with shopping in Dongdaemun, and who have a flexible budget. Some reviews note that THE HEAL is more affordable compared to ELEV.
We recommend booking a consultation with both clinics via official channels – listen to each treatment plan and compare prices. During your consultation, always verify the doctor’s credentials and ensure all equipment carries KFDA/MFDS certification. Genuine products and compliant procedures must always come first.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and industry data, compiled for reference only. It does not constitute medical advice. All prices, procedures, and doctor availability are subject to change; please rely on the official treatment plan and quotation provided during your in‑person consultation. Medical aesthetics carry individual variations and potential risks; make your decision carefully considering your own health condition.