This in-depth review of Busan’s MIDAM CLINIC (미담의원) answers one key question: why are more and more Taiwanese choosing to go to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, specifically seeking out doctors Ahn Bo-ro and Lee Jun-young? I’ve compiled a real-life experience from a Taiwanese blogger, along with publicly available information about the clinic, to clearly explain everything—from location and booking processes to prices, discounts, who it’s suitable for, and how to avoid common pitfalls. This way, you can make an informed decision before you even set off, rather than being led around by the nose once you get there.
What is Busan MIDAM CLINIC? Location and basic overview
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MIDAM CLINIC（韩文：미담의원） is a Dermatology and minor cosmetic treatments clinic located in Haeundae-gu, Busan. It is situated on the 2nd floor of the Centum Core building at 19 Centum 2-ro, room 201. As indicated by the address in Chinese, it’s found at “19 Centum 2-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan,” right between Centum City and Haeundae. Olive Young and various large discount stores are located nearby, making it convenient to go shopping right after completing your treatments — the location is truly user-friendly.
The clinic isn’t one of those crowded chain establishments located in underground shopping malls. Instead, it offers a refined space with beige tones, wooden elements, and stone finishes. The waiting area is bright and clean, without any sense of oppression. For those visiting South Korea for cosmetic procedures for the first time and who don’t want to feel like just another part of a mass production line, such a quiet and welcoming environment is an added advantage in itself.
Why do Taiwanese people prefer Dr. An Baoluo and Dr. Lee Jun-young? Communication in Chinese is the key.
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When Taiwanese go to South Korea for cosmetic procedures, the main issue isn’t necessarily the technology, but rather “communication.” Many doctors at clinics don’t speak Chinese, so relying on gestures or translation apps can easily lead to misunderstandings regarding the details of the procedure. One of the key reasons why MIDAM CLINIC is so popular among Taiwanese patients is that doctors Ahn Bo-ra and Lee Jun-young provide reliable Chinese communication and thorough pre-operative explanations.
From my personal experience, after confirming the consultation via Instagram, the clinic will proactively create a LINE group and add the translation staff to it. This provides much greater peace of mind for those who don’t speak Korean—there’s no need to immediately deal with a bunch of Korean medical terms on the spot. You can first clarify in the group what you’d like to improve, your budget, and any concerns, before moving on to the actual procedure.
Friendly reminder: The doctors’ specific educational background, areas of expertise, and available appointment times may change depending on their schedule. This article is based on personal experiences of those who can communicate fluently in Chinese and have access to translation support. For accurate information regarding a doctor’s professional qualifications, please confirm it directly with the clinic when making an appointment, to avoid misunderstandings.
💡 An Bao Luo or Lee Jun-young? Which one to choose? Both do
ctors offer reliable Chinese communication and translation group support, which is far more important for international patients than simply picking one over the other. Here’s how to make the decision in practice: · If it’s your
first time in Korea and you want to build trust first → Either doctor will work; the key is having a translation group available throughout the consult
ation. · For follow-up visits or specific procedures → Ask the clinic directly when booking which doctor will be handling that procedure that month, and let them assign the most suitable doc
tor. · If you have a preferred doctor → Mention it clearly during your consultation on Instagram, and the clinic will check whether that doctor is available that month.
ctors offer reliable Chinese communication and translation group support, which is far more important for international patients than simply picking one over the other. Here’s how to make the decision in practice: · If it’s your
first time in Korea and you want to build trust first → Either doctor will work; the key is having a translation group available throughout the consult
ation. · For follow-up visits or specific procedures → Ask the clinic directly when booking which doctor will be handling that procedure that month, and let them assign the most suitable doc
tor. · If you have a preferred doctor → Mention it clearly during your consultation on Instagram, and the clinic will check whether that doctor is available that month.
Actual experience with the booking process: How IG, LINE, and translators work together
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The clinic offers official booking options through Naver, KakaoTalk, and phone calls, but for Taiwanese visitors, IG, LINE, or Threads are more convenient. The typical process is to first leave a message via IG before heading there; it’s recommended to make a list of what you’re interested in improving, such as the jawline, masseter muscles, Tear trough correction, Pores, or any current promotional prices.
After completing the consultation on IG and both parties confirm the appointment, the clinic will provide you with a LINE account and add the translator to the group. From then on, you can handle matters such as registration, schedule changes, and post-surgery follow-ups in Chinese within the group, eliminating the need to rely on the staff at the counter every time. This “online consultation → group translation” system is exactly why it’s so popular among overseas clients.
- Step 1: Leave a message on IG/LINE, listing the areas you’d like to improve and your budget.
- Step 2: Check the clinic’s response regarding appointment availability and current month’s discounts, then confirm if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
- Step 3: Join the LINE group, have the translator join as well, and set the visit date.
- Step 4: Report in person for the procedure, and follow up on any post-operative issues in the group.
Clinic atmosphere and in-person consultation experience: nothing like a sterile, factory-like setting
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The first hands-on evaluation reads: “It’s not the kind of clinic that’s noisy, crowded, and runs like an assembly line.” When the author arrived in the morning, the overall decor featured beige tones, wood elements, and stone finishes. The waiting area was bright and clean, with enough space to avoid a feeling of being cramped. This design approach essentially conveys to patients that too many people won’t be packed in at once, ensuring that doctors have time to talk to them.
The first impression left by the director herself also adds significant value—she actually said, “I look exactly like the photo, and my skin is in excellent condition.” For a cosmetic clinic, the appearance of the doctors themselves serves as a tangible “living example,” which is far more convincing than repeating the word “professional” a hundred times. During the consultation, the doctor will use a mirror to point out your facial features and explain which treatments are suitable and which ones aren’t necessary, focusing on your actual needs rather than just trying to charge more.
This kind of interaction—where they’ll use a mirror to compare you with their own face and don’t push hard—is a key indicator of whether a clinic is trustworthy. On the other hand, be cautious if you encounter a clinic that gives you a price quote without even seeing you in person and expects you to sign right away.
Exclusive discounts for customers in Taiwan/Hong Kong: How to use full-amount rebates
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MIDAM CLINIC is offering a “full amount discount” campaign for customers from Taiwan and Hong Kong, with the option to combine expenses among friends, family members, or relatives. This is especially advantageous for groups traveling together—such as best friends, mothers and daughters, or couples—since by adding up their individual treatment costs to meet the required threshold, they can all enjoy the discount, effectively getting a group purchase price.
Here are two practical tips for using this service: First, check what promotions and requirements apply for that month before making an appointment. Second, confirm everything in person before making the payment on site, to avoid discrepancies between what was verbally agreed upon and what appears in the system. This isn’t a lack of trust—it’s a basic precaution for anyone seeking medical services abroad. Clinics usually appreciate this extra step of verification as well.
- Eligible candidates: Travelers holding Taiwanese or Hong Kong identification or coming from Taiwan or Hong Kong (subject to on-site determination by the clinic).
- Combined calculation: When traveling with friends, family, or relatives, the amounts can be combined to meet the same discount threshold.
- Timing to confirm: Ask once before booking, and double-check again before payment—twice the peace of mind.
Price and Payment: Zeropay, Taxes, and How to Set a Budget
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When it comes to payment, MIDAM CLINIC accepts Zeropay, the mobile payment service similar to “Quan Pay” that’s well-known among Taiwanese users. You can make payments directly through this app and even earn card rewards along the way, making it very convenient for Taiwanese visitors. This is far more hassle-free compared to many clinics that only accept cash or local South Korean cards.
But there’s one change you absolutely need to know about by 2026: in South Korea, medical beauty treatments will no longer qualify for tax refunds starting from that year. So whenever you see a quote, make sure to ask right away whether it includes the 10% tax. Without government tax-refund subsidies, some clinics will turn to internal promotions (such as the discount offered upon reaching a certain spending threshold) to compensate, which actually gives you more room to negotiate prices compared to before.
Budget tips: The overall cost of medical beauty treatments in Busan is usually 20% to 40% lower than that in Gangnam, Seoul. Taking into account full-amount discounts and exchange rate fluctuations, it’s recommended to first list the 1–2 key procedures you want to have done, get a quote on-site from the clinic, and then make your decision—avoid falling for the temptation of “all-inclusive package” deals. For exact figures, please refer to the quote provided by the clinic at the time of booking; this article cannot offer any estimates.
📊 Common price ranges for minor cosmetic procedures in Busan (for budget reference only; actual prices are subject to the clinic’s quote)
*Due to exchange rate fluctuations, the figures above represent typical pricing for minor cosmetic procedures in the Busan area and do not constitute exclusive quotes from MIDAM CLINIC. Tax refunds will not be provided starting in 2026; please confirm whether 10% tax is included when inquiring about prices.
Who it’s suitable for/who it’s not: an at-a-glance comparison table
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The following comparison table helps you quickly determine which category you fall into. This isn’t an absolute standard—it’s a filtering logic developed based on the actual positioning of this clinic.
Pre-Departure Decision Checklist: 5 Self-Assessment Questions
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After reading this, take a quick self-assessment using these 5 questions. If you answer “yes” to most of them, MIDAM CLINIC is the perfect choice for you. If you have two or more “no” answers, it’s recommended to address those issues first—whether by changing the location, the type of treatment, or scheduling the appointment at a time other than Sunday—before making your decision.
- Itinerary includes: Is your Busan trip scheduled around Haeundae/Centum City?
- Language needs: Don’t you know Korean and need group translation support?
- Treatment type: Are you offering minor cosmetic procedures such as skin care and injectable treatments, rather than major plastic surgeries?
- Budget awareness: Does your quoted price already include 10% tax, and are you open to comparing prices on-site?
- Time flexibility: Can you avoid Sundays (when the clinic is closed) and schedule appointments for afternoon weekdays or early mornings on Saturdays?
✅ Conclusion: With most of the answers being “yes,” MIDAM CLINIC is a practical choice for those in the Haeundae area of Busan—easy to reach, straightforward in communication, and offering price comparisons. The next step is to reach out via IG or LINE for a consultation, share your list of areas you’d like improved, and let the clinic provide you with an on-site quote before making a decision.
Pre- and post-surgery precautions and timeline
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While most minor cosmetic procedures have a short recovery period, following a few key principles can help ensure more stable results. First, avoid excessive sun exposure and exfoliation one week before the treatment to keep your skin in a stable state. Second, don’t wear heavy makeup on the day of the procedure—once you arrive at the clinic, they will remove your makeup and clean your skin. Additionally, depending on the procedure, you may need to avoid saunas, hot tubs, and strenuous exercise for a few days; always follow the specific instructions given by your doctor.
In terms of time slots, the clinic is closed at noon on weekdays (13:00–14:30), stays open until 14:00 on Saturdays, and is closed all day on Sundays. The best option is to schedule an appointment in the early morning on Saturday, so you can head out for a stroll in Haeundae or shopping at Centum City right after your appointment. If you choose a weekday, it’s recommended to book a time after 14:30 to avoid the lunch break period. Complete your inquiries via Instagram before heading there, as this way you only need to spend time at the clinic itself, making the process much more efficient.
- Before the procedure: Avoid excessive sun exposure and exfoliation; go without makeup or with light makeup on the day of the treatment.
- During the procedure: The translation team stays in sync, with the doctor explaining what to expect next as they work.
- Post-surgery: Avoid steam baths/saunas for a few days depending on the procedure, and focus on intensive hydration and sun protection.
- Follow-up: Issues are tracked back in the LINE group, so there’s no need to visit the location again.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
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Q: In which district of Busan is MIDAM CLINIC located? Is it easily accessible?
A: Located on the 2nd floor of the Centum Core building at 19 Centum 2-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, it’s situated near Centum City and Haeundae Beach, with Olive Young and budget stores right in the vicinity. For those whose itinerary already includes Haeundae area, stopping by here is an excellent value.
Q: Can I make an appointment without knowing Korean? Do Dr. An Bora and Dr. Lee Jun-young speak Chinese?
A: Sure. The standard procedure is to first consult via IG or LINE. Once the appointment is confirmed, the clinic will create a LINE group with a translator available, allowing communication in Chinese throughout the process. You should check with the clinic at the time of booking regarding the doctor’s language proficiency and their availability that month, but the fact that they offer a translation group is the clinic’s biggest advantage for international clients.
Q: Is there still a tax refund if I go in 2026? Is the price inclusive of tax?
A: Starting in 2026, there will be no tax refunds for cosmetic procedures in South Korea. Always ask clearly on the spot whether any quote includes a 10% tax, and make use of discounts offered by clinics specifically for clients from Taiwan and Hong Kong to offset costs—there’s more room for negotiation than before.
Q: How do I use the full discount for customers from Taiwan/Hong Kong?
A: If traveling with friends, family, or loved ones, you can combine the costs of your treatments to meet the requirement and enjoy the discount together. It’s recommended to check the details of the promotion before making a reservation, and confirm everything in person before payment for extra peace of mind.
Q: What treatment is recommended for first-time visitors? What should I bring?
A: For your first visit, it’s recommended to start with gentle cosmetic treatments such as skin care, hyaluronic acid injections, or single-dose injections, to build trust and a good working relationship first. Just bring your passport, a payment method that accepts Zeropay, along with the list of concerns you’d like to address—leave the rest to the staff on site and the translation team.
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