Not exactly. In Korea, a board-certified dermatologist is a doctor who completed specialist dermatology training, while many skin clinics (피부과 or 의원) are run by licensed medical doctors who practice aesthetic dermatology without that specialist title. Both must be licensed physicians. Re:berry Hongdae is a medical aesthetic skin clinic; ask about doctor credentials at consultation.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
What is the difference?
In Korea, any licensed physician can open a clinic and offer skin treatments. A dermatology specialist (피부과 전문의) has additionally completed residency training in dermatology and passed a specialist board exam. Clinics run by specialists can typically display that title on their sign, while clinics run by other licensed doctors often use a general clinic name and list treatments instead.
Many aesthetic skin clinics focus on cosmetic treatments such as lasers, lifting, injectables and boosters. Medical dermatology, including conditions like severe eczema, psoriasis or skin cancer screening, is usually handled by a specialist dermatology clinic or hospital.
Which should I choose?
- Medical skin disease: a dermatology specialist or hospital department is often the right first stop.
- Cosmetic treatments: an experienced aesthetic skin clinic with licensed doctors may be suitable.
- Either way: look for clear diagnosis, transparent pricing and honest discussion of risks.
How do I check a clinic in Korea?
- Confirm that a licensed medical doctor performs or supervises procedures.
- Ask who will perform your treatment and their training.
- Ask to see genuine product packaging for injectables.
- Get pricing in writing before treatment.
Our guide to choosing a safe clinic in Korea and how to check if a Korean clinic is licensed cover this in more depth.
Questions to ask any clinic
Whatever the signage, it is reasonable to ask who will examine you, who will perform the procedure, which product or device will be used and how complications are handled. A good clinic will answer clearly and in writing where needed.
What kind of clinic is Re:berry?
Re:berry is a network of medical aesthetic skin clinics in Korea with branches in Gangnam, Mapo, Myeongdong, Dongtan, Yeongjongdo and Cheongju, now including Hongdae. Its approach is diagnosis before packages and the same consultation standards at every branch. Read is Re:berry a dermatology clinic? for details, and book through our Booking page.
At a glance
- Dermatologist: Licensed doctor with specialist dermatology board certification
- Skin clinic: Medical clinic offering skin treatments; doctor may or may not be a specialist
- Both require: A licensed medical doctor to perform medical procedures
- Signage clue: Specialist clinics may display 피부과 전문의
- Good to know: Ask about credentials and who performs your treatment
Related questions
What does 피부과 mean on a clinic sign?
피부과 (pibugwa) means dermatology. On a clinic sign, the full specialist wording often includes 전문의, indicating a board-certified specialist. Some clinics use other names and simply list skin treatments. If you are unsure, ask the clinic directly about the doctor's qualifications.
Can a non-dermatologist doctor do Botox in Korea?
Medical procedures such as Botox and filler must be performed by licensed medical professionals in Korea, and many experienced aesthetic doctors who are not dermatology specialists perform them. What matters is training, experience, genuine products and good safety practice. Ask about these at consultation.
Are aesthetic skin clinics in Korea regulated?
Yes. Medical clinics in Korea are regulated under the Medical Service Act, which covers licensing, advertising and patient safety. This is also why reputable clinics avoid promising outcomes or using before-and-after claims in their marketing. Checking credentials and asking questions remains good practice.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.