Basic clinic information can be difficult for international visitors to confirm before they arrive. SHEA is being built to make that information easier to find.
The language barrier keeps much of the useful information out of reach. Online reviews do not always make clear whether the writer received treatment or an incentive. SHEA will gather detailed clinic information in English and review it before publication. SHEA will take 0% commission from bookings and treatments.
A simple mechanism, nothing hidden
No commission or booking fee
SHEA does not add a commission or booking fee to the clinic's treatment price.
A standard that keeps evolving
SHEA continues refining its standards as it learns what matters most to international visitors.
Real scrutiny
Each region is limited to 10 clinics so every listing can receive a close review.
Clinics pay a listing fee, but that payment does not buy a higher position, better ratings or protection from removal. Listing fees support the operation and promotion of SHEA while every participating clinic remains subject to the same listing process and standards.
Six regions, sixty clinics, one city
Seoul is organized into 6 regions. Gangnam has 3 regions and Gangbuk has 3. Each region is currently limited to 10 clinics. Other cities covered by SHEA, including Busan, Incheon and Jeju, will follow the same regional structure. The long term goal is approximately 15 regions across Korea. That number may change over time, but SHEA will remain deliberately limited rather than expanding to include every clinic that qualifies.
6 regions × 10 clinics = 60 at full capacity
What SHEA will examine
Doctor credentials
Board certification, years of experience and specialty, presented separately for each doctor.
Skin tone experience
Supported by at least 5 treatment result examples for each skin tone the clinic says it has treated. These examples are reviewed privately and are not published by SHEA.
Openness of the clinic
Willingness to be interviewed, filmed and examined directly rather than simply submitting an application.
Range of treatments
A useful range of treatments so visitors can find care that fits their needs without having to search through many separate clinics.
English communication
Whether each doctor and staff member communicates directly in English or with help from an interpreter.
Pricing
Individual price ranges for the treatments shown on the clinic profile.
Equipment
The specific brand and model of relevant equipment rather than general claims about advanced technology.
Location and access
Distance from public transport, walking directions and a video showing the route to the clinic entrance.
SHEA will not rank or recommend one listed clinic over another. Visitors will decide which clinic best fits their treatment needs, budget and preferences. SHEA plans to interview more than 10 clinics in each region and compare them before selecting the final 10.
A clinic will not qualify simply by paying or completing an application. It must be willing to provide detailed information, allow SHEA to examine that information and present it clearly to international visitors. Openness is a central part of the standard.
What SHEA does and does not do
- Take commission from clinics, bookings or treatments
- Accept payment for better placement, ratings or preferential treatment
- Publish clinic supplied treatment result photos for visitors to compare
- Operate as a booking platform or handle clinic appointments
- Provide medical advice or take part in a visitor's treatment
- Apply the same listing process and standards within each region
- Remove a listing whenever it no longer fits the directory
- Present useful clinic information in a consistent format
- Keep the needs of international visitors at the center of each listing
- Update information when an error or important change is identified
Every listed clinic will go through the SHEA review process. That does not guarantee a perfect experience.
Clinic information is provided directly by each clinic and reviewed by SHEA before publication. SHEA will examine supporting information where practical, but it cannot independently confirm every statement a clinic makes or predict how every future visit will unfold.
Listings are prepared by hand, so a number may be entered incorrectly, a price may change or previously accurate information may become outdated. Visitors and clinics are encouraged to report possible errors so SHEA can review and correct them. Important details should also be confirmed directly with the clinic before receiving treatment.
SHEA keeps each regional list limited so every clinic can receive meaningful attention and visitors can compare a manageable number of options. A clinic may be removed whenever its listing no longer serves the directory or the needs of international visitors. Removal means the clinic no longer fits SHEA's current selection. It is not a declaration that the clinic is unsafe or unqualified.
SHEA began with one founder and remains personally directed. The clinic visits, listing decisions, information structure and development of the directory follow that original purpose: making it easier for international visitors to understand their options before choosing care in Korea. If SHEA grows into a team, that purpose will remain the standard guiding its work.
The goal is not only to help one visitor. It is to build confidence that continues after the visit ends.
Arrives better informed and has an experience worth remembering.
They share that experience with friends, family and others considering treatment in Korea.
More visitors consider Korea with greater confidence and clearer expectations.
Advertising can introduce people to SHEA, but lasting growth must come from useful information and experiences people genuinely want to share. The aim is to reduce uncertainty before a visitor chooses a clinic and help them arrive feeling informed, prepared and confident in their decision.
Free, with a one month waiting period
Every visitor sees the same clinic information. Membership gives visitors a verified voice through SHEA ratings and complaints. Members may also receive benefits from participating clinics.
Follow on Instagram
Follow @skinhairkorea on Instagram. SHEA follows members back. If we have not followed you, send us a message.
Send your details
Send your first name and mobile number without the final 3 digits. Those digits remain private unless later verification is needed.
Wait one month
The waiting period makes it harder to create an account only to submit an immediate rating or complaint.
Receive your codes
Receive your member number and request a separate benefit code for participating clinics.
Use your voice
Members can rate a listed clinic or submit a complaint for SHEA to review.
Ratings appear as reactions rather than public written reviews. Keep your treatment receipt because SHEA may request it to confirm that a clinic visit took place. For a serious complaint, SHEA may ask for the final 3 digits of your mobile number and contact you directly. Permission will be requested before any verification call is recorded. Unfollowing @skinhairkorea ends the membership. Following again begins a new one month waiting period.
Frequently asked
Do clinics pay to be listed on SHEA? +
Yes. Listing fees start at ₩100,000 per month and vary by region. Clinics within the same region pay the same current fee. Payment does not purchase a higher position, better ratings or protection from removal. Either SHEA or the clinic may end the listing.
How is SHEA different from brokers and beauty clinic apps? +
Some services earn commission from bookings, while others sell advertising or greater visibility to clinics. SHEA uses a different model. Clinics pay a regional listing fee, but they cannot purchase a better position or rating. SHEA does not arrange bookings and takes no commission from bookings or treatments.
How do ratings on SHEA work? +
Only SHEA members can rate a listed clinic. Ratings appear as reactions rather than public written reviews. Membership includes a one month waiting period, and SHEA may request a treatment receipt when confirmation of a clinic visit is needed.
How does SHEA choose which clinics to list? +
Clinics are compared rather than accepted in the order they apply. SHEA plans to interview more than 10 clinics in each region before selecting the final 10. The section above explains the information and qualities SHEA will examine.
Can I book an appointment through SHEA? +
No. SHEA provides clinic information but does not operate a booking system. Appointments, payments and treatment communication take place directly between the visitor and the clinic.
Does SHEA help with travel, translation or support during my visit? +
SHEA does not arrange travel, provide interpreters or send a coordinator with visitors. Clinic profiles can show available language support, the Korean address, nearby public transport and a video showing the route from the station exit to the clinic entrance.
What happens if I have a bad experience at a listed clinic? +
SHEA members can submit a complaint for review. SHEA considers the available information, seriousness of the complaint and any pattern of similar reports. A serious complaint may require immediate action, while other complaints may need further verification before affecting a listing.
How does SHEA handle my mobile number? +
SHEA does not collect the final 3 digits when a member joins. Those digits may later be requested when a serious complaint requires identity verification. SHEA will explain the reason for the request and ask permission before recording any verification call.
Is SHEA free to use? +
Yes. Everyone can view the same clinic information without paying or becoming a member. Membership is also free and provides access to ratings, complaints and available benefits from participating clinics.
Can I suggest a clinic for SHEA to add? +
Clinics must apply directly so SHEA can communicate with them and collect the information required for a listing. SHEA does not accept an application submitted on a clinic's behalf by another person.
Can a clinic pay to enter the directory sooner? +
No. Payment does not bypass the selection process. Every applicant must complete the required interview and review process before SHEA decides whether to offer a listing.