Before going to LOVAE, I actually had some negative experiences regarding South Korea’s medical beauty services. Previously, I had booked a treatment and agreed to only undergo basic procedures, but two additional treatments were forcibly added without my consent. So, before this trip, what worried me the most wasn’t the outcome of the treatment, but whether I would be subjected to unnecessary sales attempts again. Later, I saw many posts on Dcard where people from Taiwan and Hong Kong highly recommended LOVAE, mentioning that Director Park Soo-young personally examines patients and never forces extra treatments on them. With a “let’s give it one last try” attitude, I went there, and my experience completely changed my perception of South Korea’s standardized medical beauty services. This article won’t focus on exaggerated claims about the effects of these treatments; instead, it will address what ordinary people care most about: whether they will be taken advantage of and whether it’s worth making the trip to Hongdae.
Why do so many people compare LOVAE with ThreeWishes and Cellin?
All three are located in the core area of Hongdae, but their positioning is completely different. There’s no need to debate which one is better; just choose the one that suits your needs.
| clinic | Who it is suitable for | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| LOVAE | This is my first time coming to South Korea for medical beauty treatments. I’m worried about being approached by salespeople and would prefer to be examined personally by the director of the clinic. | The process is transparent, Chinese-language services are excellent, and the hospital director advises against unnecessary procedures. |
| ThreeWishes | Those who pursue good value for money and are interested in LDM droplet Lifting. | Basic projects are affordable, and popular mainstream options are very sought after. |
| Cellin | I am interested in undergoing Pico treatments, pigment management procedures, and phototherapy treatments. | The laser equipment is brand new and highly effective in treating spots and acne scars. |
👉 If you, like me, hate having additional items added to your order the most, LOVAE should be your top choice.
Book an appointment at South Korea’s LOVAE Dermatology today.
My actual experience with the LOVAE process
Reservation phase
3 weeks before the procedure, send a WeChat message to ID s-sourire and make a reservation, mentioning “LOVAE Hydrating Treatment + your name”. The Chinese manager replied on the same day with available appointment times and also reminded me not to drink alcohol or use acidic skincare products 3 days before the treatment. There was no need for me to look up additional information on my own.
On the day of arrival at the hospital
You don’t have to wait long – just provide your name and you can go straight into the consultation room. The staff at the counter speak Chinese throughout the process, and even the forms for filling out information are available in traditional Chinese characters, which is extremely friendly towards customers from Taiwan and Hong Kong.
In-person consultation phase
Director Park Shuying didn’t rush to prescribe any treatments. Instead, she first asked me about the medical beauty procedures I had previously undergone and what I was most concerned about this time. She also used the VISIA device to assess the condition of my skin and told me that my dermal collagen levels were still sufficient, so a basic hyaluronic acid treatment would be enough – there was no need to add expensive active ingredients that would be a waste of money. This really touched me; previous doctors I had met seemed eager for me to opt for all possible treatments.
The procedure itself
The entire procedure was carried out by Director Park himself; he didn’t delegate it to any assistants or interns. After each injection, he would ask me if it hurt and adjust the speed of the injection. After finishing, he even helped me apply pressure for 5 minutes to prevent bruising.
Before being discharged from the hospital
They provided me with a special post-treatment care cream and a detailed list of precautions, and also reminded me that if I encountered any problems, I could directly contact the Chinese language supervisor without worrying about not being able to get in touch.
The three things about President Park Soo-young at Hongdae LOVAE that impressed me the most
- No need to rush into promoting the treatment: I originally wanted to get a photon rejuvenation treatment as well, but after the director saw the condition of my skin, he said, “The results will be better if you get the hyaluronic acid injection now; you can wait for three months before having the photon treatment.” That really saved me nearly 100,000 Korean won.
- Ask about your needs before discussing the treatment plan: Instead of using intimidating tactics like “Your skin is very dry; you need to take action immediately,” they first ask me, “Do you want to achieve a natural, radiant look without makeup, or do you prefer a more made-up appearance?” Only then do they adjust the dosage according to my specific requirements.
- They will clearly state what procedures are not necessary. For example, I have some small spots on my cheekbones, and the director told me, “For such superficial spots, just apply a whitening essence; using lasers might actually make them darker.” They would never force unnecessary treatments just to meet performance targets.
🔍 However, it should be noted that President Park has a relatively conservative approach. If you are hoping to achieve significant improvements through 5-6 treatments at once, or if you are determined to get the lowest price available at Hongdae, his style may not meet your expectations. He tends to focus on providing the most natural results within a safe range, rather than performing excessive treatments.
The most outstanding aspect of LOVAE is actually not its price.
Many people might think that a hyaluronic acid treatment costing 60,000 Korean won is a bit more expensive than others, but what you’re actually buying isn’t just “a few cc of the product itself”. Instead, it’s these three things:
✅ Transparent pricing: All fees are clearly stated in writing; there are no hidden costs, and you will be informed in advance about any additional services that may be added after the procedure.
✅ Comprehensive Chinese-language assistance throughout the process: From appointment scheduling and consultation to post-operative follow-up, dedicated personnel will assist you, so you don’t have to struggle to understand medical terminology on your own.
✅ No unnecessary additional treatments: The director will adjust the treatment plan according to your actual condition and will not force you to undergo unnecessary treatments just to meet performance targets.
✅ Efficient process with no delays: There’s no need to wait for 1–2 hours. You can almost arrive at your reserved time on the spot, which is extremely convenient for tourists with full schedules.
If we only compare the unit prices, LOVAE may not be the cheapest option in Hongdae, but considering the peace of mind that comes from not having to worry about being overcharged, its cost-performance ratio is actually quite high.
Book an appointment at South Korea’s LOVAE Dermatology today.
However, LOVAE is not suitable for everyone either.
✅ Suitable for these people
- This is my first time coming to South Korea for cosmetic procedures. I’m worried about being bombarded with sales pitches and running into unnecessary problems.
- I prefer the dean to handle it personally rather than having it delegated to an assistant.
- I only focus on basic skin care treatments (such as hyaluronic acid injections and basic laser treatments) and have no interest in undergoing drastic transformations that would make me a internet celebrity.
- My schedule is already full; I don’t want to spend 2-3 hours at the clinic.
❌ Not suitable for these people
- Striving for “the lowest price at Hongdae”, willing to take the risk of additional charges in order to save money
- If you want to complete 5-6 procedures in a single day and achieve the ultimate transformation in your appearance
- If you want to go shopping around Hongdae all day right after the surgery, it’s important to rest after undergoing a major procedure.
Why was it that I ultimately decided to conduct a follow-up interview with LOVAE?
Observing my Taiwanese and Hong Kong friends who have tried LOVAE, it is not the “miraculous results” that ultimately persuade them to return for more treatments, but rather these three reasons:
- The value of a face-to-face consultation far exceeds that of getting just one more treatment: The director will first understand what you really need, rather than forcing you to choose based on a price list. The first time I went there, I was advised against unnecessary treatments, and the money I saved was actually more valuable than getting that extra treatment.
- I dare to say outright which treatments are unnecessary: Many clinics tend to exaggerate minor issues and present them as urgent crises that need immediate attention. However, Director Park will honestly advise, “Just apply this skincare product, and that’s enough.” This kind of approach, which doesn’t seek quick profits, is precisely the trust that customers from Taiwan and Hong Kong find most valuable.
- After the procedure, you can always get in touch with someone: if there are any problems, just contact the Chinese supervisor directly. There’s no need to worry about not being able to get help just because you’re outside South Korea. For us, who have to spend tens of thousands of Taiwanese dollars on a single flight, this is far more important than anything else.
LOVAE, ThreeWishes, Cellin… How should I choose in the end?
Based on my own experiences and the feedback from my friends around me, the decision I ultimately made was actually quite simple in its logic.
- If you hate sales the most: choose LOVAE. The director will actively recommend against unnecessary treatments and never force you to opt for them.
- If price is your primary concern: Choose ThreeWishes. The prices of basic services are 10%-20% lower than those of LOVAE, making it an ideal option for those with limited budgets who are willing to take on some promotional risks.
- If you are interested in Pico/tattoo removal or pigment management, choose Cellin. Their laser equipment has been updated, and the results for treating freckles and acne scars are better than those of the other two companies.
- If this is your first time experiencing medical beauty treatments in South Korea, I would highly recommend LOVAE. Their Chinese-speaking services and transparent procedures can alleviate up to 80% of your concerns, eliminating the need for you to navigate the process on your own.
LOVAE Price Range | Is a 60,000 KRW price worth it for glow treatments?
The following is the price I paid at that time, which is also a common reference range for customers from Taiwan and Hong Kong. The actual price will be determined upon arrival at the clinic, with no additional charges by intermediaries.
| Project | Korean won | Approximately ANEW New Taiwan Dollars | Around HKD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic glow serum | Starting from 60,000 | 1,620 yuan | 384 yuan |
| LDM Droplet Lifting | Starting from 80,000 | 2,160 yuan | 512 yuan |
| Pico laser | Starting from 120,000 | 3,240 yuan | 768 yuan |
💡 A little reminder: LOVAE does not accept price cuts, but you can ask the Chinese manager whether there are any “follow-up treatment discounts” or “package deal prices”. Recently, the trend of the Korean won has been favorable compared to the Taiwanese dollar and Hong Kong dollar, so it might be worth checking the current exchange rates before making your trip.
Book an appointment at South Korea’s LOVAE Dermatology today.
The 5 most frequently asked questions about Hongdae Lovae
Q1: What is LOVAE‘s greatest strength?
A: If we only consider the price, Hongdae offers cheaper options. However, when it comes to the quality of in-person consultations, the transparency of the process, Chinese-speaking services, and post-treatment support, these are precisely the key reasons why many customers from Taiwan and Hong Kong are willing to return for further treatments. You don’t have to engage in any strategic negotiations with the clinic; all the rules are clearly laid out.
Q2: Is it suitable for people who are coming to South Korea for medical beauty treatments for the first time?
A: It’s absolutely perfect! As someone who is new to the field of medical aesthetics in South Korea, my biggest fear was being taken advantage of or subjected to aggressive sales tactics. LOVAE’s transparent procedures, the direct consultations provided by the director, and the Chinese-speaking staff completely eliminated my concerns. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is starting out in this industry.
Q3: Will they treat foreigners more perfunctorily just because they are foreigners?
A: Not at all. In fact, because we have a dedicated Chinese-speaking supervisor to handle communications, things go much more smoothly than if I were communicating with locals. President Park would also slow down his speech to ensure that every detail of my request was clearly understood; he would never dismiss me just because I am a foreigner.
Q4: Are the prices much higher than those of other companies?
A: These services are 10% to 20% more expensive than regular clinics, but in return, you get guarantees such as “personal consultations by the clinic director, no hidden fees, and no forced additional treatments.” For me, the extra few thousand won I spend represent peace of mind—the knowledge that I don’t have to worry about being overcharged. That’s far more valuable than any amount of money I might save.
Q5: Can I go shopping at Hongdae right after the treatment?
A: Definitely! Hyaluronic acid injections are minimally invasive procedures. On the day of the treatment, there will only be slight needle puncture marks. After pressing the area for 30 minutes and ensuring no discomfort, you can leave immediately. In fact, I even went to Hongdae to eat some army-style hot pot and visit a stationery store that day – it didn’t affect my schedule at all.
To be honest, is it really worth traveling all the way to Hongdae just for LOVAE?
If what you’re looking for is “the lowest price in all of South Korea,” LOVAE might not be your first choice. But if you want the peace of mind that comes from not having to outwit clinics, from having the director take the time to meet with you in person, and from avoiding unnecessary sales pitches, then it’s definitely one of the top clinics in Hongdae that you should consider. For someone like me who has already made mistakes in the past and simply wants to focus on basic management tasks in a peaceful environment, the extra cost is well worth it – it brings far more peace of mind than saving a few tens of thousands of South Korean won.
Book an appointment at LOVAE Dermatology in South Korea now.
📞 How to make an appointment at Hongdae lovae
Option A: Direct connection via WeChat (preferred)
- Search for the ID “s-sourire” on WeChat and add the note “LOVAE + Project”. Exampl
e: LOVAE Glow Toner. - Advantages: One-on-one pre-treatment assessment, immediate confirmation of the director’s schedule, full-time Chinese-speaking accompaniment, and no hidden fees.
Route B: BeautsGO Mini Program
- WeChat search: “BeautsGO” mini-program
- Just enter the search term “LOVAE” to make a reservation directly.
- Advantages: Transparent price comparisons, platform-exclusive rewards, and a certified green channel.
LOVAE Expansion Guide
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experiences and common inquiries from Dcard users, and does not constitute medical advice. The actual treatment plan and fees shall be determined by the on-site assessment conducted by Director Park Soo-yeong of LOVAE. All content on this website adheres to the principle of providing accurate information to help users avoid common pitfalls in the medical beauty industry. For more details, please refer to the “About Us” section.
