Sinsa-dong Beauty District: A Hidden Gem for Skincare in Seoul
When most international visitors think of Korean skincare, Gangnam is the first name that comes to mind. But just one subway stop north lies Sinsa-dong — a trendy, tree-lined neighborhood that's quickly becoming the destination of choice for savvy beauty tourists. With over 220 dermatology clinics in the area, world-class shopping on Garosu-gil, and a more relaxed atmosphere than bustling Gangnam, Sinsa-dong offers the perfect blend of skincare excellence and lifestyle.
Why Choose Sinsa-dong for Skincare?
Sinsa-dong sits at the crossroads of Gangnam's medical expertise and Apgujeong's upscale vibe. Here's why it deserves a spot on your beauty trip itinerary:
- High clinic density — Over 220 dermatology and aesthetic clinics concentrated in a compact area
- Competitive pricing — Clinics compete fiercely, driving prices down while maintaining quality
- Trendy atmosphere — Garosu-gil (가로수길, "tree-lined street") is one of Seoul's most Instagram-worthy neighborhoods
- Easy access — Direct subway connection via Line 3 (Sinsa Station)
- English-friendly — Many clinics in this area cater to international visitors and have English-speaking staff
- Less crowded — Compared to the main Gangnam Station area, Sinsa-dong feels more spacious and relaxed
Getting to Sinsa-dong
By Subway (Recommended)
- Sinsa Station (신사역) — Seoul Metro Line 3 (Orange Line)
- Exit 8 — Walk straight for 3 minutes to reach Garosu-gil's main entrance
- Exit 1 or 6 — For clinics along the main boulevard (Gangnam-daero)
From Key Locations
| Starting Point | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | Line 4 → Transfer at Chungmuro → Line 3 to Sinsa | ~25 min |
| Hongdae | Line 2 → Transfer at Gyodae → Line 3 to Sinsa | ~30 min |
| Gangnam Station | Line 3 (one stop north) | ~3 min |
| Incheon Airport | Airport Railroad → Transfer at Gongdeok → Line 3 to Sinsa | ~70 min |
Top Dermatology Clinics in Sinsa-dong
Based on reviews, specialist credentials, and foreigner-friendliness, here are the standout clinics in the Sinsa-dong area:
1. The Heal Dermatology (더힐피부과) — Sinsa Branch
- Location: 1F, near Sinsa Station Exit 6 (5-min walk)
- Specialties: InMode, Oligio, laser toning, Aqua Peel, LDM, hair removal
- Price Range: Mid-range, with discounts up to 49% on booking platforms
- English Support: Available
- Why We Recommend: Ground-floor accessibility, wide range of treatments, strong reviews on Modoodoc (38+ reviews)
2. Benjamin Clinic (벤자민클리닉)
- Location: Sinsa Station Exit 1
- Specialties: All doctors are board-certified dermatologists (Yonsei University trained)
- Price Range: Mid to premium
- English Support: Available
- Why We Recommend: Entire medical team consists of dermatology specialists — no general practitioners performing skin procedures
3. Fine Clinic (피네의원)
- Location: Sinsa Station Exit 5
- Specialties: Ulthera, Thermage, PicoSure, GentleMax Pro, Oligio, InMode, Shurink Universe, Potenza
- Price Range: Mid to premium
- English Support: Available
- Why We Recommend: Impressive equipment lineup with all the latest devices; offers weekend and evening appointments
4. Sinsa-in Dermatology (신사인피부과)
- Location: Dosan-daero 107, 50m from Sinsa Station Exit 7
- Specialties: V-Beam laser, Fraxel, scar treatment, InMode lifting, Aqua Peel, Excel V
- Price Range: Affordable to mid-range
- English Support: Limited (bring a translation app)
- Why We Recommend: Specializes in scar treatment and redness; evening hours on Mondays (until 8 PM)
5. Dove Clinic (도브의원)
- Location: Near Sinsa Station
- Specialties: Fraxel, Botox, laser toning, IPL, Shurink, InMode FX
- Price Range: Affordable
- English Support: Limited
- Why We Recommend: High satisfaction rating (9.0/10 on Modoodoc) with 27+ reviews; great value for basic treatments
Price Ranges in Sinsa-dong
Sinsa-dong prices are generally comparable to Gangnam, with some clinics offering slightly lower rates due to less prime real estate costs.
| Treatment | Sinsa-dong (USD) | Gangnam Station (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Botox (per area) | $150–$280 | $150–$300 |
| Filler (1cc) | $230–$580 | $250–$615 |
| Shurink | $480–$750 | $500–$770 |
| Laser Toning | $75–$140 | $75–$155 |
| Rejuran | $290–$480 | $300–$500 |
Prices as of February 2026. Contact clinics for current pricing.
Garosu-gil: Beauty Shopping & Beyond
After your clinic visit, Garosu-gil is the perfect place to recover and explore. This 700-meter tree-lined street is packed with:
K-Beauty Flagship Stores
- Innisfree — Green-themed flagship with exclusive Seoul products
- Sulwhasoo — Premium Korean herbal skincare with in-store consultations
- Gentle Monster — Iconic Korean eyewear brand with art installations
- Tamburins — Trendy fragrance and hand cream brand by Gentle Monster's parent company
Post-Treatment Recovery Spots
- Café culture — Dozens of aesthetic cafes perfect for resting after treatments (try the famous brunch spots)
- Light meals — Gentle food options for post-procedure days when your face might be sensitive
- Boutique shopping — Browse independent Korean fashion while waiting for redness to subside
Nearby Attractions
- Dosan Park (도산공원) — 10-minute walk, peaceful green space perfect for a post-treatment stroll
- Apgujeong Rodeo Street — 15-minute walk or one subway stop for more upscale shopping
- Cheongdam-dong — 20-minute walk for luxury boutiques and galleries
Sinsa-dong vs. Gangnam vs. Apgujeong
| Factor | Sinsa-dong | Gangnam Station | Apgujeong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Trendy, artistic | Busy, commercial | Upscale, premium |
| Clinic Density | High (220+) | Very High (300+) | Medium (100+) |
| Price Level | Mid-range | Budget to mid | Mid to premium |
| English Support | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Shopping | Boutique, K-beauty | Malls, underground | Luxury brands |
| Food & Cafes | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Subway Access | Line 3 | Lines 2, 3 & Sinbundang | Line 3 & Bundang |
| Best For | Balanced experience | Budget treatments | Premium treatments |
Tips for Visiting Sinsa-dong Clinics
- Book in advance — Popular clinics like Benjamin and Fine fill up quickly, especially on weekends
- Visit on weekdays — Better availability and sometimes lower prices
- Use Modoodoc (모두닥) — Compare prices, read reviews, and book online for exclusive discounts
- Combine treatments — Ask about package deals when booking multiple procedures
- Allow recovery time — Plan your Garosu-gil shopping for after your treatment, not before (in case of redness or swelling)
- Download Naver Map — More accurate than Google Maps for Korean addresses and walking directions
FAQ
Q: Is Sinsa-dong better than Gangnam for skincare? A: It depends on your priorities. Sinsa-dong offers a more relaxed atmosphere with comparable quality and prices. Gangnam Station area has more budget options and a higher clinic density.
Q: Do Sinsa-dong clinics speak English? A: Many do, especially those near Garosu-gil that are accustomed to international visitors. Clinics like Benjamin Clinic and The Heal specifically advertise English support.
Q: How far is Sinsa-dong from Gangnam? A: Just one subway stop (3 minutes) on Line 3. They're essentially part of the same district (Gangnam-gu).
Q: What's the best time to visit? A: Weekday mornings offer the best availability. If you want to enjoy Garosu-gil shopping too, a weekday afternoon appointment works well — shop in the morning, treat in the afternoon.
Q: Can I walk from Gangnam Station to Sinsa-dong? A: Yes, it's about a 15–20 minute walk along Gangnam-daero. Many visitors enjoy this walk as it passes numerous clinics along the way.
Conclusion
Sinsa-dong is Seoul's best-kept secret for skincare — combining Gangnam-level medical expertise with Garosu-gil's charming atmosphere. Whether you're here for a quick Botox session or a comprehensive anti-aging treatment plan, Sinsa-dong delivers excellent results at competitive prices, all within steps of Seoul's trendiest street.
Ready to explore Sinsa-dong? Start by browsing clinics on Modoodoc or Expat Health Seoul to find the right fit for your skincare goals.
Last Updated: February 2026 Reading Time: 7 minutes