🤨 Which THE HEAL Dermatology branch is the best? A comprehensive comparison between the Gangnam headquarters, Dongdaemun, and Mapo stores.
“Which branch of THE HEAL is the best?” “I live near Hongdae – should I go to the Mapo branch or take the subway to Gangnam?” I’ve been asked these questions at least ten times. THE HEAL has more than five branches in Seoul, and each branch has its own unique focus and strengths; choosing the wrong branch could mean wasting a trip.
I have personally visited the Gangnam headquarters and the Dongdaemun branch, while a friend of mine went to the Mapo Gongde branch. All three branches have offered different types of services. In this article, I have compiled my actual experiences to help you choose the branch that is most suitable for you.
📱 Want to make an appointment at THE HEAL Dermatology? Add WeChat ID s-sourire to book directly at a designated branch, and we can also arrange Chinese translation services for you.
🗺️ List of THE HEAL Dermatology branches: Each of the 5 branches has its own unique features.
| branch office | transportation | Features | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔹 Gangnam Head Office | 5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Gangnam Station | It boasts the most comprehensive equipment and the largest number of physicians. | First consultation, high-end treatments |
| 🔹 Dongdaemun Store | It takes only 3 minutes to walk from Dongdaemun Historical and Cultural Park Station. | Convenient transportation and affordable prices | You can do it while shopping if your budget is limited. |
| 🔹 Mapo Public Morality Store | It is only a 5-minute walk from Mapo District Office Station. | New environment, spacious space | Tourists in Hongdae/Yeonnam-dong |
| 🔹 Seocho Store | It takes only 7 minutes to walk from Seocho Station. | Community-based model with stable customer base | Local residents and those undergoing long-term treatment |
| 🔹 Bundang Store | It takes only 5 minutes to walk from Bundang Pavilion Station. | Xinshi Town Branch | Residents of Bundang |
🏥 Actual experience at THE HEAL Gangnam headquarters: The facilities are the most comprehensive, but there is always a long queue due to the high number of customers.
My first visit to THE HEAL was at its Gangnam headquarters. A friend had told me that “the doctors at the headquarters are the most experienced, and the equipment there is the most advanced.”
In-person consultation experience: ✅ The doctor was very patient. After examining my skin under a microscope, he provided me with a detailed analysis report. He recommended that I undergo Hyaluronic Acid injections combined with Pico laser treatment for freckle removal and Pores reduction. He didn’t try to force me into expensive treatments, which made him seem quite honest.
Treatment experience: ✅ The nurse was professional; while applying the anesthetic, she even took the time to measure my blood pressure for me. The hyaluronic acid injection didn’t hurt at all, while the Pico treatment felt a bit stinging, but it was still tolerable.
Environment: ✅ The area is bright and clean, and there are drinks and snacks available in the waiting area. However, there are really a lot of people! I went on a Saturday afternoon, and it took me almost 40 minutes to get my turn.
⚠️ Disadvantages: The biggest problem is the large number of people. Things are much less crowded on weekdays in the morning; it is recommended to avoid weekends if possible.
🏥 THE HEAL Dongdaemun Store: Enjoy shopping while taking care of your beauty needs!
On my second visit to THE HEAL, I chose the Dongdaemun store because I had already planned to go shopping in Dongdaemun that day.
Convenience of transportation:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Just
exit from Exit 3 of the Dongdaemun Historical and Cultural Park Station and walk for 3 minutes to arrive. The area is surrounded by the DDP and Dongdaemun Market, so you can go shopping for clothes right after your cosmetic treatment – what a great combination!
Project Selection:🌟🌟🌟
The Dongda
emun store is smaller in size than the head office. It offers all the basic treatments (such as hyaluronic acid injections, black box treatments, and Pico treatments), but high-end equipment (like Thermage FLX) may not be available every day. It is recommended to call in advance to confirm.
Price:🌟🌟🌟🌟
The prices at t
he Dongdaemun store are 10-15% lower than those at the Gangnam head office. The cost of the glow injection treatment is approximately ₩80,000-100,000. This may be due to the relatively lower consumption level in this area. You can also get an additional discount by adding WeChat friend s-sourire and making a reservation.
🏥 THE HEAL Mapo Public Welfare Store: The preferred choice for Hongdae enthusiasts
The Mapo Gongde Store is a new branch that opened in 2025; my friend went there. Her review is as follows:
“The environment is extremely clean and tidy. The space is even larger than that of the main branch in Gangnam, and there are massage chairs in the waiting area! The doctors are young but very professional; the treatment plan they proposed to me was similar to those I heard at other clinics in Seoul. The prices are roughly the same as those in Gangnam; there isn’t any significant discount.”
📍 It is only a 5-minute walk from Mapo District Office Station, and it takes only 2 subway stops to reach Hongdae. If you live near Hongdae (many young people prefer homestays in that area), it is much more convenient to go to Mapo Gondeok Store than to Gangnam.
📊 Comprehensive comparison table of the three stores
| Comparison items | Gangnam Head Office | Dongdaemun Store | Mapo Gongde Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiting time | 30-60 points | 15-30 minutes | 10-20 points |
| Chinese translation | ✅ Daily | ⚠️ Limited time offer | ⚠️ Limited time offer |
| Degree of equipment completeness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Prices of hyaluronic acid injections | ₩100,000 | ₩80,000 | ₩90,000 |
| Shopping around the area | ✅ High-end department stores | ✅ DDP / Dongdaemun | ✅ Hongdae / Yonan-dong |
🛍️ Recommendations for nearby attractions at THE HEAL stores
After undergoing cosmetic procedures, it is usually necessary to rest. However, if you have undergone basic treatments such as hyaluronic acid injections or Pico treatments, you can go out and about just by wearing a mask after resting for 2-3 hours. Below are some recommended places to visit near each branch:
Gangnam Main Store: After your shopping, you can visit the underground street at Gangnam Station, the COEX mall (where the Starry Sky Library is a great place for photos), or go to the Xuanling Road Coffee Street to enjoy some coffee. There are countless boutique shops and cafes in the Gangnam area to choose from.
Dongdaemun Store: DDP Dongdaemun Design Plaza is just a 3-minute walk away. The LED Rose Garden inside is absolutely beautiful at night, and there are also many small stalls to explore. The Dongdaemun Wholesale Market is the largest wholesale and retail market in South Korea, and clothes there are incredibly cheap.
Mapo Gongde Store: Hongdae is a paradise for young people – with street performances, live houses, and unique cafes. The “Coffee Village” in Yeonan-dong is also worth visiting, as it features many design-oriented independent cafes. If you enjoy K-pop, be sure to check out the K-pop shops in Hongdae.
💡 Note: It is recommended to return directly to the hotel to rest on the same day as your Thermage treatment or black box procedure; avoid going shopping. Your face may be slightly swollen, making shopping tiring and increasing the risk of sun exposure.
📱 Guide to booking at THE HEAL: There are many ways to book a consultation at THE HEAL – you can use the official website, phone, KakaoTalk, or send a direct message on Instagram. However, if you don’t speak Korean, it is recommended to book through WeChat at s-sourire; they can help you choose the right branch, arrange the translation time, and provide you with the latest quotes.
💡 Payment methods at THE HEAL: Cash, South Korea credit cards, or overseas Visa/Master cards are all accepted. There is a 3-5% fee for using overseas cards, so it is recommended to bring cash. The amounts charged at THE HEAL are usually not very high (₩100,000 to ₩300,000), so cash is more than sufficient.
⚠️ THE HEAL’s refund policy: If you cancel an appointment, you can do so for free within 24 hours. After 24 hours, a fee of 10-20% may be charged. If you change the service on the same day, any difference in the cost will be refunded or supplemented accordingly. It is recommended that you decide in advance what service you would like to receive before making an appointment to avoid last-minute changes.
❓ FAQ on Common Issues at THE HEAL Dermatology
Q: Which is better, THE HEAL or Cheongdam beauty pleasure?
A: Their
target markets are different. THE HEAL focuses on a cost-effective approach (affordable prices + chain convenience), while Cheongdam beauty pleasure targets the luxury segment (luxury services + state-of-the-art equipment). If your budget is limited, THE HEAL is a better choice; if you seek top-notch experiences, Cheongdam beauty pleasure is the right option for you.
Q: Is it possible to undergo different treatments at two different branches on the same day?
A: Technically, it is possible, but it’s not necessary, and it would also be a waste of time due to travel. It is recommended to choose one branch and complete all the treatments there.
Q: Does THE HEAL have genuine Thermage probes?
A: The head office has them; f
or other branches, it depends on the daily schedule. It is recommended to call in advance to confirm. Clinics that make appointments through BeautsGO all use genuine probes for verification.
💡 THE HEAL’s hidden discounts: In addition to the early-bird prices on weekdays, THE HEAL offers a “new customer experience price” on the first Monday of each month – the hyaluronic acid injection is only available for ₩59,000 (originally ₩100,000). This discount is not available every time, so it is recommended to follow THE HEAL’s Instagram account for the latest updates. Additionally, THE HEAL’s KakaoTalk channel occasionally releases limited-time discount coupons; it is advisable to scan the codes when visiting the clinic to receive them.
📱 THE HEAL’s quality assurance: All cosmetic devices used come with genuine probes (such as those for Thermage, PicoWay, InMode, etc.). You can request to see the probe packaging before treatment. AS THE HEAL is an official partner clinic of Candela (the manufacturer of Thermage) and Cynosure (the manufacturer of PicoSure), the sources of these probes are completely reliable. You can add us on WeChat at s-sourire to schedule a consultation and verify the batch number and expiration date of the probes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience sharing. Information regarding various branches may change; please refer to the official announcements of the clinic for the most accurate details.
