Cheongdam-dong: Seoul's Most Exclusive Skincare & Beauty District
If Gangnam is the heart of Seoul's beauty industry, then Cheongdam-dong is its crown jewel. Tucked within Gangnam-gu, this upscale neighborhood is home to the most exclusive cheongdam skincare clinics, celebrity-frequented dermatology centers, luxury beauty flagship stores, and VIP treatment rooms that cater to K-pop idols, Korean actors, and discerning international visitors alike.
Walking along Cheongdam's famous luxury street, you will find global fashion houses standing shoulder to shoulder with premium dermatology clinics where Korea's top skin specialists offer treatments that simply are not available anywhere else in the world. For international visitors who want the absolute best of Korean skincare, Cheongdam-dong is the destination.
Why Cheongdam-dong Is Seoul's Premier Beauty Destination
Cheongdam-dong earned its reputation as Seoul's most prestigious beauty district for several reasons. The neighborhood sits at the intersection of wealth, celebrity culture, and medical innovation. Korean entertainment companies have their headquarters nearby, which means top actors, idols, and influencers need discreet, high-quality skincare within arm's reach.
This concentration of high-profile clientele has attracted Korea's most accomplished dermatologists and aestheticians to open practices here. The result is a neighborhood where clinics compete not on price but on exclusivity, technology, and results. Many Cheongdam clinics invest in the latest devices from Europe and the United States months before they reach mainstream Korean clinics, let alone international markets.
The area is also home to flagship stores from premium Korean beauty brands like Sulwhasoo, which operates a multi-story experience center complete with anti-aging spa rooms and rooftop terraces overlooking the city.
Top Celebrity-Favorite Clinics in Cheongdam-dong
Here are some of the most acclaimed premium dermatology clinics that make Cheongdam-dong a magnet for beauty seekers from around the world.
1. DOD Dermatology (디오디피부과의원 청담)
DOD Dermatology is widely recognized as one of Cheongdam's premier celebrity skin clinics. Specializing in Ultherapy, Thermage, stem cell treatments, Botox, and advanced anti-aging procedures, this clinic has built a loyal following among Korean entertainment industry professionals.
- Specialties: Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, stem cell therapy, lifting, anti-aging
- Best For: VIP clients seeking discreet, results-driven treatments
- Price Range: ₩500,000-₩2,000,000 ($385-$1,540)
- English Support: Available upon request
2. BLS Clinic Cheongdam (BLS클리닉 청담점)
Located near the iconic Ginkgo Tree Park in Cheongdam-dong, BLS Clinic is famous for its "Detail Ultherapy Prime" and "Custom Titanium Celebrity Lifting" procedures. They also offer Juvelook, Rejuhigh, and other premium skin boosters that are favorites among Korean celebrities.
- Specialties: Detail Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, InMode, TuneFace, celebrity lifting
- Best For: Premium lifting and skin rejuvenation
- Price Range: ₩600,000-₩2,500,000 ($460-$1,920)
- Location: Near Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit 4
3. Oganacell Dermatology Cheongdam (오가나셀 피부과의원)
Oganacell stands out with its personalized "Correction Formula" plans. Board-certified dermatologists conduct one-on-one consultations and design custom multi-treatment protocols using premium-grade equipment. With over 10 years of clinical data, they provide only clinically proven procedures.
- Specialties: Custom combination treatments, personalized skin correction
- Best For: Long-term skin improvement programs
- Price Range: ₩400,000-₩1,500,000 ($310-$1,155)
- English Support: Available
4. The Ciel Clinic (더씨엘클리닉)
The Ciel Clinic is led by Dr. Lee Seung-yoon, who serves as a consulting physician for the ICE expert panel developing Ellanse protocols. This clinic is known for its expertise in advanced filler techniques and natural-looking rejuvenation results.
- Specialties: Ellanse, dermal fillers, anti-aging protocols
- Best For: Natural rejuvenation and filler treatments
- Address: 3F Sangwon Building, 436 Apgujeong-ro, Cheongdam-dong
5. Kong Clinic Cheongdam (청담공클리닉)
Privacy is the hallmark of Kong Clinic. The facility is designed with a minimal-contact structure where clients never cross paths with other patients or staff. Offering VIP management rooms and private single-person suites, it is the go-to clinic for those who value absolute discretion alongside painless pore reduction and neck wrinkle treatments.
- Specialties: InMode, Potenza, painless pore reduction, body contouring
- Best For: Ultra-private VIP treatments
- Official Designation: InMode, Body InMode, and Potenza certified clinic
Luxury Beauty Shopping in Cheongdam-dong
Cheongdam-dong is not just about clinical treatments. The neighborhood's famous luxury street (명품거리) is lined with flagship beauty experiences that combine shopping with skincare.
Sulwhasoo Flagship Store
Korea's most prestigious skincare brand operates a stunning multi-level flagship store in Cheongdam. Visitors can test the full range of Sulwhasoo products formulated with traditional Korean herbal ingredients (hanbang), book anti-aging spa treatments, and enjoy panoramic city views from the rooftop terrace. A full spa session ranges from ₩200,000-₩500,000 ($155-$385).
Celebrity Makeup Studios
Cheongdam is home to numerous celebrity makeup and hair styling studios where visitors can book one-on-one sessions with the same artists who style K-pop idols and Korean drama stars. One-day makeup classes typically cost ₩150,000-₩300,000 ($115-$230) and include personalized instruction based on your features.
K-Beauty Tour Experiences
A growing trend in 2025 and 2026 is the guided K-beauty tour, where specialized guides take international visitors through a curated Cheongdam experience: skin analysis consultation, dermatology clinic visit, beauty shopping, and makeup sessions. These tours range from ₩200,000-₩1,000,000 ($155-$770) depending on the package.
Cheongdam-dong vs. Gangnam Station Area: Which Is Right for You?
Both neighborhoods fall within Gangnam-gu, but they serve very different clienteles. Here is how they compare:
| Factor | Cheongdam-dong | Gangnam Station Area |
|---|---|---|
| Price Level | Premium to luxury ($$$$) | Budget to mid-range ($$-$$$) |
| Clientele | Celebrities, VIPs, luxury seekers | Students, office workers, tourists |
| Clinic Style | Private suites, VIP rooms | Open, high-volume |
| Wait Times | Shorter (by appointment) | Longer (walk-ins common) |
| English Support | More common | Variable |
| Botox | ₩300,000-₩600,000 ($230-$460) | ₩150,000-₩300,000 ($115-$230) |
| Ultherapy | ₩1,000,000-₩2,500,000 ($770-$1,920) | ₩500,000-₩1,200,000 ($385-$920) |
| Atmosphere | Exclusive, discreet | Busy, commercial |
| Best For | Premium experience seekers | Budget-conscious visitors |
Bottom line: Choose Cheongdam if you want the most exclusive experience with celebrity-level care and privacy. Choose the Gangnam Station area if you want quality treatments at more competitive prices.
Getting to Cheongdam-dong
By Subway
The most convenient station is Apgujeong Rodeo Station (압구정로데오역) on Line 7 (Bundang Line). Take Exit 3 or Exit 4 to reach the main clinic and shopping area within a 5-minute walk.
Cheongdam Station (청담역) on Line 7 is another option, with Exit 1 providing access to the eastern end of the luxury street.
By Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the Cheongdam area. Routes 143, 240, 401, and 463 all stop along Apgujeong-ro, which runs through the heart of the district.
By Taxi
From central Seoul (Myeongdong or Hongdae), a taxi to Cheongdam costs approximately ₩12,000-₩18,000 ($9-$14) and takes 20-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Nearby Attractions
- Garosu-gil (가로수길): 10 minutes by foot, a tree-lined street with boutiques and cafes
- COEX Mall: 15 minutes by subway, Seoul's largest underground shopping center
- Bongeunsa Temple: 10 minutes by car, a serene Buddhist temple amidst the urban landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Cheongdam-dong clinics accept international patients? A: Yes, most premium Cheongdam clinics welcome international patients. Many have English-speaking coordinators or provide translation services. It is best to contact clinics in advance to confirm language support and schedule a consultation.
Q: Are Cheongdam clinics worth the higher prices compared to Gangnam? A: The higher prices at Cheongdam clinics generally reflect more personalized service, private treatment rooms, premium equipment, and doctors with celebrity clientele. If budget is a priority, the Gangnam Station area offers excellent care at lower price points. If you want the VIP experience, Cheongdam delivers.
Q: Do I need to book in advance? A: Absolutely. Unlike busier clinic areas where walk-ins are common, Cheongdam clinics operate primarily by appointment. Book at least one to two weeks in advance, especially for popular treatments like Ultherapy or Thermage.
Q: Can I combine a clinic visit with shopping? A: This is one of Cheongdam's greatest advantages. You can visit a clinic in the morning, browse luxury beauty stores in the afternoon, and enjoy a spa treatment in the evening, all within walking distance.
Q: What is the best time to visit Cheongdam-dong? A: Weekday mornings are ideal for clinic appointments with shorter wait times. For shopping and exploring, afternoons and early evenings offer the best atmosphere. Avoid national holidays when many clinics close.
Final Thoughts
Cheongdam-dong represents the pinnacle of Seoul's skincare and beauty culture. From celebrity dermatologists performing cutting-edge treatments behind private doors to luxurious beauty flagship stores offering immersive K-beauty experiences, this district delivers an unparalleled level of quality and exclusivity.
Whether you are seeking a transformative skin treatment, a VIP beauty consultation, or simply want to explore the neighborhood where Korea's biggest stars maintain their flawless skin, Cheongdam-dong should be at the top of your Seoul itinerary.
Ready to experience Cheongdam-dong? Contact clinics directly for English-language consultations and start planning your premium Korean skincare journey today.
Prices as of February 2026 and are approximate. Exchange rate used: ₩1,300 = $1 USD. Actual costs may vary by clinic, treatment area, and individual consultation. Contact clinics directly for current pricing.
Last Updated: February 12, 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes