According to Dr. Choi, effective skin treatments should be grounded in dermatological knowledge, rather than merely aiming for short-term visual improvements or temporary cosmetic effects.
In South Korea, dermatology is considered one of the most competitive medical specialties. Only approximately 2% of practicing physicians obtain official certification as dermatologists.
To become a dermatologist in South Korea, one must complete more than 10 years of comprehensive medical training and go through rigorous certification processes.
![[South Korea’s 2% of specialized doctors] Director Choi Jae-won | Seoul Deogyum Skin Clinic: 1:1 personal consultation appointments with specialized doctors插图](https://koreanclinic.cceeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1.png "[South Korea’s 2% of specialized doctors] Director Choi Jae-won | Seoul Deogyum Skin Clinic: 1:1 personal consultation appointments with specialized doctors插图")
- First 2 years: Basic medical science training
- Next 4 years: Clinical medicine education and internship
- Passing this exam is required to obtain a national practicing physician license
- Rotating through various clinical departments to build a solid medical foundation
- Specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases
- Procedures, laser treatments, and injection techniques related to dermatology
- Participation in clinical research and academic publications
- Passing this exam confirms one’s qualification as a dermatologist
- Dr. Choi does not view skin aging solely as a cosmetic issue (such as wrinkles or skin texture changes).
- From a dermatological perspective, skin aging is a continuous biological process that includes:
- Gradual decline in cellular function
- Impairment of the skin barrier
- Changes in the structure of the dermis
- Without a thorough understanding of the skin’s layers and physiological mechanisms, it is difficult to achieve truly stable and long-lasting skin improvements.
- Dr. Choi adopts treatment strategies based on dermatological principles. Key evaluation aspects include:
- Identifying the affected skin layers
- Evaluating the skin’s metabolism and repair capabilities
- Choosing appropriate treatment methods based on clinical findings
- Instead of following standard treatment protocols, she develops personalized skin care plans for each patient through detailed consultations.
- Treatment options may include phototherapy devices, skin regeneration therapies, or injectable treatments, depending on the individual skin condition.
- During consultations, Dr. Choi first conducts a comprehensive skin assessment before discussing potential treatment options.
- She places special emphasis on explaining to patients:
- the underlying causes of their skin issues
- the expected improvements from a medical perspective
- how their skin condition is related to lifestyle, stress, and skin’s natural repair abilities
- In her view, the primary goal of dermatology is to restore skin health, not alter an individual’s natural appearance.
- Individuals seeking medical aesthetic evaluations based on dermatological principles
- Those who want a professional skin check-up in Seoul, South Korea
- People who prioritize long-term skin health management over short-term visual enhancements
- It is recommended that patients carefully consider their needs before consulting and make informed medical decisions after a professional assessment.
- The information on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- All medical decisions should be made after individual assessments by qualified healthcare professionals.
Dr. Choi’s dermatological and medical aesthetic treatments are always based on a thorough assessment of each patient’s skin condition.
