What is the fastest way to contact ARTNER Cheongdam from abroad?
WhatsApp at +82-10-5088-8038 is the fastest channel. Messages are typically answered within a few hours during Korean business hours (10:30 AM – 8:00 PM KST Mon–Fri, until 4:30 PM Saturdays) and within 24 hours otherwise. WeChat (artnercd) is preferred for Chinese-speaking patients; LINE (@157rmdez) for Japanese-speaking patients; email (artnercd4@naver.com) for longer inquiries with photo attachments.
Is the preliminary consultation really free?
Yes — the preliminary consultation conducted via WhatsApp/WeChat/LINE/email is completely free with no commitment to proceed. You will receive candidacy assessment, technique recommendation, USD/KRW cost estimate, and recovery timeline within 24 hours. Only the in-person consultation in Seoul has a fee (₩30,000), which is waived if you proceed with treatment.
What information do I need to provide in my first message?
Recent photos of the target areas (front, side, back where applicable), your age, height, and weight, list of target body areas, current medications and medical history, and any specific goals or questions. The more detail you provide, the more specific our preliminary plan can be. Photos should be clear, well-lit, and without makeup or filters.
Do I have to call by phone, or is messaging acceptable?
Messaging is the standard and preferred method for foreign patients — most patients complete their entire consultation, booking, and follow-up via WhatsApp without ever making a phone call. Phone calls are available but not necessary. Messaging also allows you to communicate at any time (we reply during business hours), avoiding time zone difficulties.
What languages do you speak at ARTNER Cheongdam?
Foreign patient consultations are conducted in English by trained international patient coordinators. Translation is also available in Chinese (中文) and Japanese (日本語). Dr. Hye-woo Pyeon speaks Korean and English. All paperwork, consents, and operative reports are provided in English. Approximately 65% of our patients are international.
How private is my information when I message you?
All patient communications are confidential and conducted under Korean Personal Information Protection Act compliance. Photos and medical information are stored on secure clinic servers; coordinators do not share information beyond the medical team. We do not use patient information for marketing without explicit written consent. You can request deletion of your data at any time.
What happens after I send my preliminary consultation?
Within 24 hours, you receive a written response from your dedicated international patient coordinator including: candidacy assessment, technique recommendation, USD/KRW cost estimate with all inclusions specified, recommended Seoul stay length, hotel suggestions, and next steps. There is no obligation to proceed — many patients receive plans 6–18 months before actually traveling.
Can I get a video consultation before traveling to Seoul?
Yes — video consultations via WhatsApp video call or Zoom are available for patients who want a more thorough pre-travel assessment. These are typically scheduled after the initial messaging exchange and last 15–30 minutes with Dr. Pyeon (with English coordinator translation as needed). Video consultations are free if scheduled before treatment booking.
What if I have an urgent medical question after my procedure?
Your dedicated coordinator monitors WhatsApp 24/7 for all post-operative patients during the 6-month follow-up period. Urgent medical questions receive immediate response from the medical team. For true emergencies (severe bleeding, signs of infection, breathing difficulty), seek local emergency care first and notify us afterward.
Do you have a website form for inquiries?
We currently direct all foreign patient inquiries through messaging apps (WhatsApp/WeChat/LINE) or email rather than website forms. This allows direct two-way communication, photo attachment, and faster response times than form-based systems. The messaging-first approach is also more secure for personal medical information.
What if I don't get a reply within 24 hours?
If you haven't received a reply within 24 hours during business days, please try a different channel (e.g., if WhatsApp didn't reach us, try email at artnercd4@naver.com). Occasional delays can occur due to message app technical issues, holidays, or extremely heavy inquiry volume. Korean public holidays (Lunar New Year, Chuseok) may delay responses by 1–2 days.
Can I drop in without an appointment?
Walk-ins are discouraged because ARTNER schedules consultations and procedures in advance to ensure dedicated time with Dr. Hye-woo Pyeon. Same-day appointments are sometimes possible but cannot be guaranteed. Please WhatsApp us in advance — even 1–2 hours before — to confirm availability before visiting in person.
