🏥 Why is it so difficult to get a reservation at Cheongdam First?
To be honest, when I first heard the name “Cheongdam seoulcheil”, I thought to myself: It’s just a Dermatology clinic—what could be so difficult about making an appointment there? It wasn’t until I tried to make an appointment myself that I understood why so many people on Dcard and PTT were complaining so much 😭
Cheongdam First Dermatology is located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a highly popular premium cosmetic surgery clinic in South Korea. The director of the clinic, Seong Jin-mo, enjoys a reputation in the Korean cosmetic surgery community that is comparable to that of a top-tier doctor in Taiwan. To get a consultation with him in person, one truly needs both luck and patience ✨
It took me nearly three weeks in total to get my appointment. Along the way, my application was rejected once because I filled out the form incorrectly or forgot to attach the required photos 🤦♀️. Therefore, in this post, I have compiled the entire reservation process, all the important notes, and the mistakes I made, so that you won’t have to go through the same hassle!
👀 Why is Cheongdam First’s President Cheng Zhenmo such a sought-after figure in the medical aesthetics industry?
Director Cheng’s expertise lies in eye plastic surgery and the precise shaping of facial contours. His “scarless Double eyelid surgery” technique is regarded in South Korea as a truly masterful procedure 👁️. Different from the standard assembly-line approach used in many clinics, Director Cheng limits the number of consultations he accepts each day. He insists on conducting personal consultations, designing treatment plans himself, and performing the surgeries himself – there is no such thing as “assistants taking over his role”.
🔍 I follow many South Korean netizens who have had procedures at Cheongdam First on Instagram, and one thing they all agree on is…
- ✅ The in-person consultation takes a long time, but the hospital director is extremely patient and listens carefully to patients’ needs.
- ✅ The pre-operative simulation is conducted in great detail, using 3D images to help you visualize the expected results.
- ✅ Strict post-treatment follow-up is provided, and no additional fees are charged for follow-up consultations.
- ✅ The overall style is natural, without any overly exaggerated “alien eyes”.
- ❌ It’s truly extremely difficult to get a reservation, especially for overseas patients.
📅 Cheongdam: Comprehensive guidance on the First reservation process
If you, like me, are an overseas patient who came from Taiwan or Hong Kong to undergo cosmetic surgery, there are mainly two ways to make an appointment 📋:
Method 1: Online consultation form on the official webs
ite
This is the most formal and recommended method. The official website of Cheongdam First provides a Chinese consultation page where you can fill in your basic information, upload a bare-faced photo, and describe the treatment you wish to undergo. Usually, you will receive a response within 3 to 5 working days ⏳. However, I would like to remind you that during peak seasons (summer vacation, winter vacation, and Korean national holidays), the waiting time may be longer!
Method 2: Make an appointment through a platform (such as BeautsGO barog).
If you don’t want to communicate bac
k and forth with the clinic via email, you can use the barog platform to book an appointment. The advantage is that there are no language barriers when communicating in Chinese; however, the downside is that sometimes it’s difficult to get a spot with a popular doctor on the platform 😅
💡 My suggestion: Proceed with both methods simultaneously! First, fill out the form on the official website, and at the same time, consult barog to see which option will get you approved first. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket 🥚
If you have any questions regarding your appointment, you can also add me on WeChat at s-sourire for consultation. I was able to understand the entire process in this way back then.
⚠️ 5 important things to note when booking a Cheongdam First appointment
Based on my own experience and that of my friends around me, these pitfalls must be avoided 👇:
1️⃣ The photos must be taken without makeup or filters. Director C
heng places great emphasis on the true condition of the skin and facial features. If the photos you send include slimming filters or beauty enhancements, the director will immediately ask you to resend them 📸. A friend of mine had his applications rejected twice simply because he sent selfies with filters, resulting in an extra week of waiting.
2️⃣ Do not wear makeup on the day of the consultation.
T
his should be common sense, but I still need to emphasize it. Some people are afraid that they won’t look good without makeup, so they secretly apply some base, only to be asked by the technician to remove it later – which can be even more embarrassing 😂.
3️⃣ Make an appointment at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
The number of pl
aces available for overseas patients at Dr. Cheng’s clinic is limited each month, so it is recommended to start booking one month before your departure. During the peak summer season, you may need to reserve your spot up to 6 weeks in advance 🗓️.
4️⃣ Reservation letters should be written in English or Korean.
Although the official website provides a Chinese version, it is recommended to use English for actual communications. If you are fluent in Korean, that would be even better. After filling out the Chinese form, subsequent responses via email may be in Korean or English; you can use Google Translate for assistance 🌐.
5️⃣ Confirm the price before making a decision.
T
he prices at Cheongdam First are considered relatively high in the Gangnam area. The starting price for Double eyelid surgery performed by Director Seong himself is around 180,000 to 250,000 Korean won, while eye repair procedures start from 250,000 won 💰. During the consultation, be sure to clarify what all the included services are (anesthesia, post-operative medications, follow-up appointments, etc.) to avoid any additional charges at the time of the procedure.
🧳 Live record of Cheongdam First’s in-person consultation on that day
I have made an appointment for a consultation at 2 pm. It takes about 10 minutes to get there by taxi from Gangnam Station 🚕. The clinic has an exterior designed in a low-key, luxurious style with glass curtain walls. As soon as you enter, Chinese-speaking staff will greet you (this is really a plus!).
The process for a in-person consultation is roughly as follows:
- 📝 Please fill out the consultation form (available in Chinese).
- 📸 Take high-definition photos of the face and eyes.
- 🔬 Skin analysis using a device similar to the VISIA system
- 👨⚕️ Private consultation with Dean Cheng of the Chengzhen Plastic Surgery Hospital (approximately 30-40 minutes)
- 💵 Nurse’s quotation + Confirmation of surgery date
President Cheng is even more handsome in person than in his photos (but that’s not the main point 😂). He speaks in a gentle manner, listens carefully to your description of the desired results, and then uses a tablet computer to show you simulation images. When I had my eye shape adjusted, he specifically reminded me: “Don’t strive too much for bigger eyes; natural looks are always the best.” Those words really reassured me 💖.
❓ FAQ: Common Questions Regarding Reservations at Cheongdam First
Q: Is it necessary to pay a deposit when making an appointment?
A:
Usually, a deposit is not required for the initial consultation. However, after the surgery date is confirmed, a deposit of approximately 10-20% of the total cost will be requested, with the remaining amount to be paid in full before the procedure 💳.
Q: Is it possible to have just a consultation without undergoing
any treatment?
A: Yes, that’s possible! The consultation fee is around 30,000 to 50,000 Korean won, and this amount can be deducted if you decide to proceed with the surgery on the same day. However, I suggest that you do your research thoroughly before coming for the consultation, otherwise you’ll have wasted both your time and the money spent on the flight 😢.
Q: Can I request to be assigned to Dr. Cheng Zhenmo during the in-per
son consultation?
A: The official website form includes an option to “request a specific doctor”; simply check the box next to Dr. Cheng Zhenmo. However, please be prepared in case you may not be able to get that doctor 🤷♀️.
Q: What if there is a language barrier?
A: The c
linic provides Chinese interpreters who will accompany patients throughout the entire consultation process. Post-operative instructions are also available in Chinese, so there is no need to worry at all 🗣️.
📌 Summary: Mentality adjustment for booking a consultation at Cheongdam First
Having said all this, what I really want to convey is this: a good doctor is worth waiting for, but you need to have the right expectations 🧘♀️.
Cheongdam First is not one of those quick-service clinics where you can get the treatment scheduled for tomorrow right away. Director Seong Jin-mo puts a great deal of care into every case, and that is precisely why he has such a good reputation. If you are in a hurry, it is advisable to make appointments at 2-3 different clinics at the same time to ensure safety.
However, if your goal is to achieve natural, delicate and understated cosmetic results, then Cheongdam First is definitely worth delaying your travel schedule a bit 🌟. After all, cosmetic procedures are something that one will experience throughout their life, and waiting an extra two weeks is far less costly than having to undergo repairs if something goes wrong!
One final reminder: Do not trust any agency that claims to be able to “guarantee a reservation.” Formal channels are always the safest option. If you have any questions, feel free to add me on WeChat at s-sourire and ask me 💬
