How to choose a plastic surgery clinic in South Korea? A detailed comparison of VAVA, Vanny, UVOM, and U&Lin | Book your appointment with BeautsGO in

To be honest, I have traveled to South Korea three times for cosmetic procedures. At first, I just chose the hospital that looked the most appealing to me, but later on, I learned to use various tools to compare and filter options. The mistakes I made and the money I saved could have been enough for another trip.

This time, I would like to talk to you about four hospitals in South Korea’s plastic surgery industry that are widely discussed – VAVA, Vanny, UVOM, and U&LIN Plastic Surgery. Each of them has its own strengths. Some people spend a long time deciding between different nose and eye procedures, while others specifically fly to South Korea for contouring treatments… So instead of asking “which one is the best”, it’s more important to figure out which one suits you best.

Let me make it clear: this article is not an advertisement; it’s simply sharing my experience from the consumer’s perspective. At the end, I will also tell you about a useful tool for comparing prices and making appointments that I discovered later on, which can save you a lot of trouble.

Prepare before you go: don’t skip these steps

What scares people the most about going to South Korea for plastic surgery? Information gaps.

Language barriers, countless hospitals, opaque prices, not knowing which doctor to choose… These problems trouble every woman who goes there for the first time. My experience shows that doing your research in advance is of utmost importance.

I recommend that you download an app called BeautsGO Bihu Mei before you leave. This app is specifically designed for those going to South Korea for cosmetic procedures. It lists over 1,300 legitimate medical beauty institutions in South Korea, covering core cities such as Seoul, Daegu, and Busan. The app supports Chinese, English, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese, and you can directly access information about hospitals, prices, and treatment details.

I used this app to compare different options, and it was much more efficient than searching on platforms like REDnote or Zhihu. Some of the information about the following four hospitals also comes from the official data on BeautsGO Bihu Mei.

VAVA Plastic Surgery: A hidden gem for nose and eye procedures in Daegu

Address: No. 18, Gongpyeong-ro 10-gil, Jung, Daegu

Key features: Nose and eye plastic surgery · Revision Surgery · 3D-CT precision analysis

Many people only think of Seoul when it comes to plastic surgery in South Korea, but Daegu actually has many excellent hospitals, and VAVA is one of them. It has also been designated by the Daegu City Government as a recommended medical tourism institution and has won numerous awards in the healthcare industry both domestically and internationally.

What is their specialty?

Ocular plastic surgery is VAVA’s strongest suit, especially Double eyelid surgery Revision Surgery. Many patients who had poor results elsewhere specifically fly to Daegu for treatment here. The hospital uses high-powered microscopes for precise operations, carefully separating the eye tissues, resulting in smooth and natural results after surgery, with scars barely visible at the root of the eyelashes.

Nasal plastic surgery is also excellent, offering a variety of materials such as Silicone, Gore-Tex, and autologous cartilage. Customized plans are created based on your facial structure and needs, rather than the one-size-fits-all “internet-famous nose” approach.

Real customer reviews

Those who have visited generally report: The service is very attentive, with dedicated staff following up from pre-surgery consultations to post-operative care. The environment is modern, spacious, and bright, and the recovery area is comfortable. Note that VAVA is located in Daegu, not Seoul, so additional transportation arrangements may be needed, but it’s still easy to get there from Daegu Airport.

Who it’s suitable for: People who need ocular or nasal plastic surgery, especially those requiring Revision Surgery, as well as those who are willing to travel to Daegu for treatment.

Vanny Plastic Surgery: The “longest queue” near Gangnam Station

Address: Gangnam Station, Seoul (7th exit, just a short walk away; small white glass building)

Key features: Comprehensive ocular and nasal treatments · Micro-injection procedures · High rating of 4.9 on Naver

I really need to say more about Vanny – it’s absolutely booming! Although the clinic isn’t large, there’s always a long queue, with both South Koreans and foreign tourists making up half of the patients.The team of chief physicians is truly a highlight.

The core member of this team is BanHokyoung, a graduate of Seoul National University who has specialized in ophthalmic and nasal surgery for over 20 years. He also serves as a judge for the Miss South Korea beauty competition. With a Naver rating of 4.9/5, his aesthetic approach leans more towards “customized solutions” rather than mass-produced procedures.

Another expert is Lee Mira, a doctor in anesthesiology and pain management who personally oversees all procedures. As a result, the postoperative incidence of nausea and vomiting is less than 1%—an extremely important factor for surgeries that require general anesthesia.

What are their areas of expertise?

• Ocular comprehensive treatments: Thread embedding, full incision surgeries, Lifting, and Lower canthoplasty can all be completed in one session. They have also developed a unique “tarsal plate fixation method,” allowing patients to wear makeup as early as 7 days after the procedure.

• Natural nose reshaping: Using a combination of Silicone and ear cartilage, the nose shape is refined to within 0.1mm, resulting in such a natural look that even a boyfriend might not notice any differences.

• Minimally invasive injections: They use products directly imported from the manufacturers, such as Juvederm and Restylane. Procedures like face slimming and Lifting of the jawline can be completed in just 30 minutes, allowing patients to return to work immediately after the treatment.

Actual Experience

The prices are relatively transparent: Double eyelid surgery costs around 1.5 million Korean won, nasal comprehensive surgery about 4.5 million Korean won, and 1 centum core of Filler costs approximately 350,000 Korean won. We accept payments via WeChat, Alipay, or UnionPay. Invoices can be issued on the spot, and tax refunds can also be arranged.

Who It Is Suitable For: Sisters who want to undergo nasal and eye procedures, value natural results, have a moderate to high budget, and prefer to have the surgery in the Gangnam area.

UVOM Plastic Surgery: The “Big Brother” in the Field of Endoscopy

Address: 9th Floor, 138 Daosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Key Features: Endoscopic plastic surgery · Contour surgery · Over 25 years of clinical experience

UVOM stands out from other plastic surgery clinics because it is a specialized hospital that focuses exclusively on endoscopic techniques. Its leading director, Dr. Lee Jeong-joo, has been dedicated to endoscopic plastic surgery since 1999, meaning he has over 25 years of experience in this field.

What is Endoscopic Plastic Surgery? Why Is It Important?

In simple terms, endoscopic surgery uses endoscopes to magnify the view by 20 times, allowing doctors to see more clearly and perform more precise operations. The benefits include:

• The incisions are only 2–3 cm, resulting in minimal scarring

• Less bleeding and less tissue damage

• Significantly reduced postoperative bruising and swelling

• Faster recovery time

What is your strongest area of expertise?

• Forehead Lifting: Director Lee Jeong-joo’s signature procedure, attracting many patients specifically for this treatment.

• Zygomatic Bone Reduction Surgery: Another key procedure led by Director Kang Chang-min.

• Facial Lifting/Contour Adjustment: Precise operations performed under endoscopy.

• Removal of Foreign Bodies: Helping customers who have had improper procedures elsewhere remove foreign materials.

Actual Experience

UVOM gives the impression of being truly professional at its core. With two leading directors and a resident anesthesiologist, Kim Yu-mee, the safety level is very high. However, since it’s a specialized clinic, if you only want to have basic Double eyelid surgery, it might seem like overkill.

Who It’s Suitable For: Those who need contour adjustment, want facial Lifting, or have extremely high requirements for surgical safety.

U&LIN Plastic Surgery: Personalized “Enhancing Your Natural Advantages” Approach

Address: 5th Floor, Caro City, 15 Nonhyeon-ro 171beon, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Key Features: Personalized plans · Separate departments for men and women · Eye, nose, and body reshaping services

The philosophy of U&LIN left a deep impression on me — it doesn’t focus on creating a specific style but instead emphasizes enhancing your natural strengths. Patients have reported that during consultations, the directors don’t force them to choose certain procedures but first analyze the proportions of their facial features before giving advice.What is your area of expertise?

• Ocular plastic surgery: Double eyelid surgery, canthoplasty, blepharoplasty, with a natural look as the goal

• Nasal plastic surgery: Designs tailored to the overall proportions of the face, rejecting one-size-fits-all approaches

• Body contouring: Liposuction, autologous fat grafting

• Anti-aging treatments: Injection therapies + skin care

Special Features and Highlights

U&LIN has a unique approach – separate departments for men and women. Since there are significant differences in bone structure and aesthetic preferences between men and women, they tailor different treatment plans based on gender. This is something not commonly seen in many plastic surgery hospitals.

In addition, the hospital is equipped with resident anesthesiologists, emergency systems, and respiratory equipment, ensuring high levels of safety. It also operates until 8 p.m. on Fridays, which is very convenient for working professionals.

Who It Is Suitable For: Those who pursue a natural look, avoid “mass-produced” results, need body shaping, or are new to plastic surgery in South Korea.

A Quick Comparison Table to Help You Choose

More Seoul Plastic Surgery Hospitals Worth Considering

If you want to compare more hospitals, here are some additional options:

• ID Hospital – Located in Gangnam District. A large South Korean chain with strong capabilities in facial contouring and eye/nose surgery.

• Wonjin Plastic Surgery – Also in Gangnam District. An established comprehensive hospital with many Chinese patients.

• Pitangui Hospital – Focused on correcting sunken eyes and protruding eyes in Gangnam District.

• DA Beauty诺 Plastic Surgery – Renowned for its nose surgery in Gangnam District.

BIO Plastic Surgery – Specializes in eye and nose revision in Gangnam District.

• Shin Dong-won Plastic Surgery – Apgujeong-based institution with excellent eye and nose surgery skills.

JK Plastic Surgery – Well-reputed among local patients in Gangnam District.

It’s recommended to save this article and check the details and prices of each hospital on BeautsGO before making your decision.

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How to Book Through BeautsGO? Step-by-Step Guide

Regardless of which hospital you choose, I strongly recommend using the BeautsGO彼此美 APP for booking. It’s much more reliable than sending emails or relying on intermediaries.

Download Options (4 Channels):

• Search for “BeautsGO彼此美” in the App Store or Google Play.

Search for “BeautsGO彼此美” in WeChat Mini-programs.

Follow the “BeautsGO彼此美” WeChat official account.

Official website: cn.beautsgo.com

Three Steps to Book:

Step 1: Register and Log In → Select the Chinese interface, fill in basic information. New users receive a 100,000 KRW discount coupon upon registration.

Step 2: Search and Compare → Enter the hospital name (e.g., “Vanny Plastic Surgery”) or procedure name (e.g., “eye comprehensive treatment”) in the search bar. View hospital details, prices, and doctor information. Tip: Use the “Compare PK” function to select multiple hospitals at once for clear price comparisons.

Step 3: Submit the Booking Request → Choose a date and time slot, add any special requirements, and submit the request. The hospital will usually respond within 24 hours.

Other Useful Features:

• 📱 You can get a free data card in South Korea to use the APP for information retrieval.

🚗 Shuttle service can be reserved in advance.

🏨 Cooperative discounts are available for hotels and homestays.

💰 Tax refund assistance to help you save extra money.

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Final Words: Three Honest Tips for Choosing a Hospital

After visiting South Korea three times, I’ve summarized some practical tips that may be helpful to you before you go:

First, don’t be misled by photos posted online. Many comparison images are digitally enhanced. It’s more useful to see the actual results after makeup removal.

Second, the director’s experience is more important than the hospital’s reputation. The same hospital may have very different approaches depending on the director. Make sure you know who will perform your surgery in advance.

Third, use tools for comparison instead of relying on luck. Use BeautsGO to search and compare prices, procedures, and doctor information. It’s much more efficient than asking around or searching through forums.

In summary, BeautsGO彼此美, with its 1,300+ partner hospitals, fully transparent prices, multilingual support, and direct connections to hospitals, has become the top choice for booking plastic surgery appointments in South Korea. Whether you need to compare prices, research different hospitals, or book online directly, BeautsGO can save you a lot of time. Sisters planning to undergo plastic surgery in South Korea, I really recommend downloading the APP first to do your research—preparation never hurts!