I accidentally came across a review of Abijou’s new Gangnam branch on Dcard, and it was filled with nothing but positive comments. However, my two friends and I went there in person, and the three of us spent over 3 million KRW in total. In this honest review, I’ll detail the atmosphere, consultation process, prices, treatment options, as well as any sense of “assembly-line efficiency,” to help you decide whether this place is right for you.
Let’s get to the bottom of it first: Is there really anything wrong with the new ANEW Abijou Ya Mi Zhu store in Gangnam?
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To sum it up first: it’s not a major flaw, but there are a few “prerequisites” that need to be clarified. The environment and customer service are quite good—communication in Chinese is possible, there’s no consultation fee, and three people can have consultations at the same time. The downsides are that the treatment plans are determined by the department head, with the clinic director only handling the actual procedures. Additionally, the cost for all three people exceeds ₩3 million. For those who are looking for “one-on-one customization by the clinic director,” this place seems more like a standard-service facility rather than a clinic offering tailored care.
If you have enough budget, value efficiency, and don’t want to go through lengthy back-and-forth communications, the new ANEW branch of Yamibiju in Gangnam is a great option to consider. However, if you expect the director to take full control of the process from start to finish, you might need to adjust your expectations. Below, I’ll break down each step so you can make an informed decision for yourself.
Transportation and First Impressions of the New Gangnam Branch of Yami Zhu
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What was actually visited was the ANEW Gangnam branch of Yamazumi. It’s located near Exit 9 of the Gangnam subway station — just a 5-minute walk from there, and you’ll see a two-story building standing alone. Cellin and Hera are right next to it, making it very easy to spot. For those visiting South Korea for the first time to get medical beauty treatments and worried about getting lost, clinics that are this conveniently accessible right outside the subway station are quite convenient.
The exterior of the store gives off an immediate impression of cleanliness, being a standalone building with a premium look—nothing like a clinic hidden inside a commercial complex. However, this very feature sometimes leads some people online to mistake it for a branch in Myeongdong or Cheongdam. In fact, Yamibiju has several locations in Seoul. If you plan to visit Myeongdong, be sure to check out our review of the Yamibiju store there, as there are slight differences in location and atmosphere between the two branches.
Check-in and Consultation Process at the ANEW Gangnam Branch of Yamazumi Pearl
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There were quite a few people inside the shop, along with multiple receptionists. A few staff members also used tablets to communicate with customers. Since there were Chinese customers present, the three of us could have consultations simultaneously without any fee, which is very convenient for those traveling in groups or who want to hear different options before making a decision. The overall service was polite and patient, and they were knowledgeable enough to answer our questions—there was no sense of being rushed or treated impatiently.
The total time for the in-person consultation for three people exceeds 30 minutes. The clinic director will first understand what treatment each person is interested in before offering recommendations. There’s no pressure to make sales during this process, but treatments might be added based on your requests. If you don’t have a budget limit, it’s easy to end up paying more than intended. To learn more about booking procedures and price comparisons for medical aesthetics in South Korea, check out our guide to recommended Dermatology clinics in South Korea for 2026 and BeautsGO’s booking tips.
Details and Precautions for In-Person Consultations at Yamiju Gangnam ANEW Branch
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It’s worth noting, however, that the “in-person consultation” here is more like a session to assess your needs and introduce possible treatment options. The actual decision-making regarding the overall plan is made by the department head, while the clinic director is mainly responsible for overseeing the actual procedures. If you’re used to having the director involved from the start, adjusting the dosage based on your face shape or skin condition personally, you might find this process lacks a bit of depth. There are other Dermatology clinics in the Gangnam area that also emphasize personalized care by the director; for example, Barog’s Gangnam branch focuses on this approach, making it a good option to compare with.
The Atmosphere and Waiting Experience at the ANEW Branch of Yamazumi Pearl in Gangnam
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There’s nothing to criticize regarding the environment—the shop is clean and tidy, with soft lighting. The sofas in the waiting area and the layout of the space are well thought out, giving off an overall atmosphere that matches the standards of chain brands. Additionally, since it’s a standalone building, the high ceilings and ample space make it more comfortable compared to clinics in regular buildings, eliminating any sense of crowding.
What’s quite unique is the location where the numbing treatment is administered—you have to sit behind a partition at the front desk. It doesn’t offer the level of privacy of a private booth, but it’s not awkward either. Just be prepared if you really value a completely private space where you’re not seen at all. Overall, the environment is a plus, but “luxurious appearance” doesn’t necessarily mean “complete privacy”—this is something I felt needed to be clarified based on my own experience.
Design Planning for the Yamiju Gangnam ANEW Branch and the Controversy over “Assembly Line” Operations
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Some people online say that Yami Zhu operates like an assembly line. After trying it out myself, I think “standardized” is a more accurate description than “assembly line” — from the initial consultation and treatment plan formulation to the actual procedure, everything follows a smooth, structured process with fixed SOPs at each stage. For those who only want to undergo one specific treatment and prefer a quick turnaround, this organized approach works fine. But if you’re drawn to a particular doctor’s aesthetic sense or technical skills, you might find that it’s not always possible to have in-depth discussions with them during the consultation.
The real controversy lies in the fact that “the overall plan is determined by the department head, while the clinic director is only responsible for performing the procedures.” Personally, I don’t think this is a major issue, but rather a matter of “expectation management.” If you know in advance that it’s the department head who plans and the clinic director who carries out the tasks, your evaluation will be much more accurate. If you’re already accustomed to the standardized processes of chain brands, then the experience here is actually quite consistent.
Price revealed for APMZ Gangnam ANEW branch: Is 3 million KRW worth it for three people?
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This time, the three of us spent over ₩3 million in total, which means each person spent around ₩1 million or more. While this isn’t considered a low price for medical aesthetics in South Korea, it’s also not among the most expensive options—rather, it falls under the “mid-to-high price range of chain brands.” The reason we ended up spending this much is that each of us underwent several procedures at once, plus we opted for higher-end filler or lifting treatments.
Based on the current promotional prices listed on the Yamipiju official website, here are references for several popular procedures (the actual price is subject to the clinic’s daily quote; 10,000 KRW is approximately equivalent to NT$225).
- Rejuran Face Black Box 2cc: Starting at ₩176,000 (approximately NT$3,960)
- JUVELOOK Blue Bottle 4cc: Starting at ₩232,000 (approximately NT$5,220)
- Korean version of Oligio: Oligio 300 shots, starting at ₩336,000 (approximately NT$7,560)
It’s recommended to have your “must-do list” and budget limit ready before going in, so as to avoid unexpected additional charges. If you have any questions about post-surgery care or the recovery period, you can also check out the post-procedure tips for Rejuran treatments at JRYN Dermatology in Busan, where more general guidelines are provided.
Who Is the Perfect Candidate for the New Gangnam Branch of Yamibiju?
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Not every clinic is suitable for everyone. The table below helps you make a quick assessment—Yameiju’s new Gangnam branch is better suited for which type of visitors seeking medical beauty treatments in Korea. If your needs align more with those on the right side, it’s recommended to compare a few more clinics.
The following table comparison helps you quickly determine whether ANEW Gangnam is right for you or not.
The comparison above can serve as a preliminary screening reference, but the final decision still needs to be made after an in-person consultation.
Post-Procedure Tips and Follow-Up Recommendations for the New Gangnam Branch of Yami Zhu
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Post-procedure care directly affects how long the results last. After the treatment, our nurse gave us some key tips, which we’ve compiled here for your reference. Since this procedure mainly involves injections and lasers, the recovery period isn’t very long, but there are still things you should avoid.
- Avoid applying makeup within 24 hours after the treatment to allow the needle holes to stabilize.
- Avoid hot environments (saunas, steam rooms, hot yoga) for a week.
- Reinforce sun protection, especially on the day of the procedure and the day after—it UV rays can interfere with the healing process.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and intense exercise for 3 days after the procedure to reduce the risk of swelling.
- If you’re having multiple procedures done, it’s recommended to stay in South Korea for an additional 1 to 2 days to observe any reactions, so you can reach out to the clinic if anything occurs after you return home.
Pitfalls I’ve Encountered: 4 Common Misconceptions About Reviews of Abijou’s New Gangnam Branch
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Finally, we’ve compiled these most authentic “pitfalls” into common misconceptions. This isn’t to say that Yamibiju is bad—it’s just that many online reviews fail to provide clear details, causing some people to realize it’s not what they expected once they try it. You can also check out the compiled list of good and bad Dermatology clinics in Myeongdong to get a real sense of what to expect there.
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Pitfalls I’ve Encountered: 4 Common Misconceptions About Reviews of Abijou’s New Gangnam Store
⚠️ Trap 1: “Overwhelmingly positive online reviews = definitely no risk”
Most posts on Dcard and Threads are about single-session experiences. Whether it’s right for you depends on your expectations. If you’re hoping the director will personally customize everything from start to finish, this might not meet your hopes.
→ How to avoid it: Check out the process in detail before going, and determine whether you want “speed” or “deep customization.”
⚠️ Trick 2: “Free consultation fee = thorough consultation guaranteed”
It’s true that there’s no consultation fee, but the consultations are mainly conducted by the clinic director, with the amount of time and depth varying from person to person. Although it’s convenient to have three people consulted at once, the time allocated to each individual is reduced as a result.
→ How to avoid it: Prepare important questions in advance and ask them proactively during the in-person consultation—don’t wait for them to explain on their own.
⚠️ Pitfall 3: “A standalone ANEW building = guaranteed great privacy”
The exterior of the store does look upscale, but the numbing area is located behind a partition at the front desk—it’s not a completely private booth. If privacy is a top priority for you, you’ll need to be prepared for that.
→ How to avoid it: Check the layout of the place on the day of the procedure, and don’t hesitate to ask if there are more private waiting areas available.
⚠️ Trap 4: “Transparent pricing = no hidden fees”
Reference prices are available on both the official website and at the clinic, but the actual cost often changes based on the suggestions of the clinic director. For example, the total cost for three people can exceed ₩3 million. It’s easy to be persuaded on-site that “getting more services done together is more cost-effective.”
→ How to avoid it: Prepare a list of “must-dos” and “optional” items before going in, and stick to your budget limit on the spot.
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FAQ: Questions You Might Want to Ask Before Visiting Abijou’s New Gangnam Branch
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Q1: Does the new ANEW Abijou store in Gangnam offer Chinese-speaking services? Will there be any language barriers?
A: Yes. There’s Chinese-speaking staff on site, and consultations can also be conducted in Chinese, making it quite convenient for travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. We’re traveling in three people this time, and one of us can communicate entirely in Chinese without needing a translator.
Q2: Do I need to pay a deposit upfront for an appointment? How is the consultation fee calculated?
A: We didn’t have to pay a consultation fee this time (subject to the hospital’s announcement on the day). Chain clinics usually waive both the consultation fee and the reservation fee, unlike some clinics that require you to pay a deposit first to secure a slot—this makes things much more convenient for solo travelers.
Q3: Is it true that “the department head decides on the treatment plan while only the clinic director performs the procedure”? Is this a red flag?
A: That’s the division of labor we’ve actually experienced. It’s not groundbreaking, but it falls under “expectation management”: if you’re going for a particular director’s aesthetic style, it’s recommended to clearly state your preferences during the in-person consultation and confirm which director will be performing the procedure that day; if you go with a chain brand’s standardized process, the experience is actually quite consistent.
Q4: If three people spend a total of over ₩3 million, how much does it cost per person? Is it worth it?
A: The average cost per person is over ₩1 million, placing it in the mid-to-high price range for chain clinics. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s also not the most expensive. Whether it’s worth it depends on the procedures you choose and your expectations—the facility, customer service, and availability of Chinese-speaking staff are all advantages. It’s advisable to set a budget limit before going there.
Related Recommendations
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- A Visit to Abijou Dermatology in South Korea: Myeongdong’s Hidden Gem for Beautiful Skin, with Chinese-speaking Service and No Booking Fee
- Top Recommended Dermatology Clinics in South Korea for 2026 | Transparent Pricing at the Same Rate as China, 1200+ Reputable Clinics to Choose From — BeautsGO’s One-Stop Booking Guide
- 2026 Update! The Truth About Dermatology Clinics in Myeongdong: Pros and Cons of 10 Top Clinics Including DAN-A, MaisondeM, JD – Everything You Need to Know at a Glance
- Is Barog Dermatology in South Korea just a factory-style clinic? A complete record of the director’s personal consultations
- True Story of Hand-Applicated Rejuran at JRYN Dermatology in Busan