
Renovo Apgujeong vs. Dr.Petit Myeongdong: Which One Suits You Better?
Seoul has so many dermatology clinics that it’s easy to get overwhelmed – and both Gangnam’s Apgujeong and Myeongdong are packed with aesthetic facilities. Renovo Dermatology (르노보의원) Apgujeong branch and Dr.Petit Dermatology (닥터쁘띠의원) Myeongdong branch – one sits in Gangnam’s upscale district, the other in the heart of Myeongdong’s tourist hub. Their positioning, strengths, and pricing strategies are quite different. One takes a “director‑led anti‑ageing” approach, the other offers “one‑stop light medical aesthetics.” This article breaks down both clinics across location, doctors, equipment, and pricing – so you can easily decide which suits you best.
Renovo Dermatology Apgujeong – Director‑Led Anti‑Ageing in Gangnam
Renovo Dermatology Apgujeong is located on the 5th floor of JB Smile Building, Nonhyeon‑ro, Gangnam‑gu, Seoul – just a few minutes’ walk from Apgujeong Station (Subway Line 3). Apgujeong is a high‑density competitive area for Korean medical aesthetics, where clinics know their clients are well‑informed and have compared many options. Renovo doesn’t rely on flashy advertising but on the technical reputation of its director, Dr. Kim Seung‑jun.
Core Strengths: Director‑led care and technology‑driven approach are Renovo’s hallmarks. The lead director, Dr. Kim Seung‑jun (Seung Jun Kim), is the founder and chief physician of Renovo, and is invited to share his techniques at domestic and international seminars every year. At Renovo, patients communicate directly with the doctor during consultation – he personally assesses skin condition and determines the treatment plan, rather than leaving it to assistants or coordinators.
Renovo specialises in Korean‑origin HIFU (High‑Intensity Focused Ultrasound), which delivers energy to the SMAS layer of the skin. The core principle is the same as imported machines, but the probe design and energy parameters are optimised for Korean skin structure. Dr. Kim’s expertise lies in assessing each individual’s skin – energy levels are not fixed; they are adjusted in real‑time based on face shape, subcutaneous fat thickness, and the actual position of the SMAS layer. Many patients report that “it wasn’t as painful as I expected” – this is the most frequently mentioned feedback. The procedure is non‑invasive with no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities immediately – often called a “lunch‑time procedure.” Results typically become visible over 1–3 months and last about one to one‑and‑a‑half years.
In addition, Renovo offers various laser treatments, skin boosters, and skin management programmes. During consultation, a hemispherical scanner is used to assess oiliness, wrinkles, sun damage, and other skin parameters.
Price Reference (KRW):
- Korean HIFU (full‑face lifting): custom‑quoted based on shots and plan, confirmed after consultation
- Skin booster: from ₩150,000
- Basic phototherapy (IPL, etc.): from ₩40,000–80,000
Please confirm operating hours via booking platforms or official channels, as some clinics adjust hours during Korean public holidays.
Dr.Petit Dermatology Myeongdong – One‑Stop Light Aesthetics in Myeongdong
Dr.Petit Dermatology (닥터쁘띠의원) Myeongdong branch is located on the 2nd floor of Sejong Hotel, 145 Toegye‑ro, Jung‑gu, Seoul – about 50 metres from Exit 10 of Myeongdong Station (Subway Line 4), right in the heart of Myeongdong’s shopping district. Dr.Petit first opened a branch in Sinnonhyeon in 2020 and relocated to Myeongdong in 2024. It now operates two branches in Seoul (Hongdae and Myeongdong), sharing doctor teams and technical resources.
Core Strengths: One‑stop light medical aesthetics and tourist‑friendly services are Dr.Petit Myeongdong’s main attractions. The lead director, Dr. Go Gyeong‑deok (Go Gyeong‑deok), has over 20 years of clinical dermatology experience, trained at Asan Medical Center (ranked No.1 in Korea), and accumulated comprehensive expertise in skin, body, and laser treatments.
The clinic is equipped with the latest global devices, including US‑origin Ultrasound 2.0, Titanium Lifting, ONDA Super‑Microwave, Thermage FLX, and Sofwave. Popular treatments include botulinum toxin for slimming, HA fillers, lifting & wrinkle reduction, facial rejuvenation, and skin care. All procedures are performed in private rooms with no contact with other guests. Multilingual support is available in Chinese, English, and Japanese.
A key advantage of Dr.Petit Myeongdong is that it operates on Sundays – a great convenience for travellers with tight itineraries. The clinic also adheres to equal pricing for Korean and international patients, with no tourist surcharge.
Price Reference (KRW, exclusive of 10% VAT):
- Botulinum toxin (jawline slimming): pricing disclosed transparently, customised
- HA fillers: priced by brand and area
- Rejuran Healer skin booster: promotional packages available
- Basic skin care: from ₩150,000
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 (lunch break 13:00–14:00), weekends & public holidays 10:00–17:00.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison: At a Glance
| Dimension | Renovo Dermatology (Apgujeong) | Dr.Petit Dermatology (Myeongdong) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 5F, JB Smile Building, Nonhyeon‑ro, Gangnam‑gu (near Apgujeong Station) | 2F, Sejong Hotel, 145 Toegye‑ro, Jung‑gu (Myeongdong Station Exit 10) |
| District Vibe | Gangnam upscale, highly competitive | Myeongdong tourist hub, visitor‑friendly |
| Lead Doctor | Dr. Kim Seung‑jun (founder, chief physician) | Dr. Go Gyeong‑deok (20+ years, Asan Medical Center trained) |
| Consultation Style | Director personally consults and performs | Director team consults and performs |
| Signature Treatments | Korean HIFU, anti‑ageing lifting | Botulinum toxin, fillers, comprehensive phototherapy |
| Device Highlights | Korean‑origin HIFU (optimised for Korean skin) | US Ultrasound 2.0, Titanium Lifting, ONDA, Thermage FLX |
| Language Support | English & Chinese available | Chinese, English, Japanese, and more |
| Sunday Opening | To be confirmed | Open on Sundays |
| Price Transparency | Custom‑quoted after consultation | Equal pricing, clearly disclosed |
| Ideal For | Those prioritising director‑led deep anti‑ageing | Those seeking convenience, one‑stop light aesthetics, and tourists |
Final Recommendations
Although both clinics are in Seoul’s core districts, they serve different audiences and treatment priorities.
Choose Renovo Apgujeong if: your primary goal is anti‑ageing and skin tightening – especially with Korean HIFU – and you highly value director‑led consultations and treatments. You don’t mind spending extra time researching and comparing. Renovo’s strength lies in Dr. Kim’s precise assessment of Korean skin anatomy and real‑time energy adjustments. It’s ideal for patients aged 30 and above who are experiencing early signs of laxity or seeking long‑lasting rejuvenation.
Choose Dr.Petit Myeongdong if: your main needs are botulinum toxin slimming, HA fillers, or combined phototherapy, and you want to complete multiple light aesthetic procedures within a limited time, especially if you’re a visitor with a tight schedule. Dr.Petit’s one‑stop model is a perfect match – it’s just 50 metres from Myeongdong Station, open on Sundays, and offers equal pricing for all. However, due to the standardised processes of a chain clinic, the depth of complex anti‑ageing planning may be slightly less than a specialised centre like Renovo.
We recommend booking a consultation with both clinics via official channels or booking platforms – 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.