Analysis Report

Umji Clinic

In-depth Analysis of Representative Director Dr. Seo Jae-hwa

Women's Obesity Specialist Herbal Diet Well-aging

Key Points

Specialty & Identity

Umji Clinic defines and treats obesity as 'chronic inflammation' and a 'disease,' specializing in hormonal changes, menopause, and metabolic syndrome, particularly in women over 40.

Expertise of Dr. Seo Jae-hwa

Director Seo Jae-hwa (Kyung Hee University, 19 yrs exp.) is a medical professional and influencer, spreading 'sustainable diet' and 'Well-aging' through broadcast media and YouTube ('Seo Jae-hwa TV').

Differentiated Treatment

Offers integrated treatment: 7-step diagnosis, 1:1 customized herbal prescriptions (velvet antler), Umji Lipo, thread embedding. Features a 3-month post-care management system for preventing yo-yo effect.

Reputation & Public Opinion

Receives positive evaluations for meticulous, individualized care, though some considerations include relatively high costs due to customized treatment and potential waiting times.

Clinic Philosophy

Umji Clinic, located in Sinsa-dong, Seoul, integrates traditional Korean medicine with modern lifestyles for obesity treatment. Its core value is 'Well-aging' – improving patients' quality of life and promoting healthy aging.

"

Obesity is not a simple cosmetic issue but a 'chronic inflammatory state' requiring treatment.

— Representative Director Seo Jae-hwa

Target Demographics

  • — Mainly women in their 30s to 50s experiencing rapid weight gain due to hormonal changes.
  • — Patients who haven't seen results with general diets due to underlying conditions such as menopause, postpartum obesity, hypothyroidism, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • — A focus on a 'healthy diet' that selectively reduces body fat while maintaining muscle mass, avoiding excessive fasting or short-term weight loss.

Representative Director Seo Jae-hwa

Education and Key Career

  • • Education: Graduated from Kyung Hee University Graduate School of East-West Medical Science and Ph.D. course in Korean Medicine.
  • • Clinical Experience: Approximately 19 years of clinical experience (as of 2025), specializing in obesity treatment after initial focus on pain and general diseases.
  • • Key Positions: Representative Director, Umji Clinic; Public Relations Commissioner, Seoul Korean Medicine Association; Delegate, Gangnam-gu Korean Medicine Association; Former Korean Medicine Doctor, MBC In-house Clinic.
  • • Awards: Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman's Commendation, Seoul Korean Medicine Association Service Award.

Media Activities and Publications

  • • Broadcasting: Advisory Korean medicine doctor on SBS <Good Morning>, Channel A <Birth of a Body God>, TV Chosun <Kernel>, MBN <Healthy Herbal Doctor>, sharing expertise on obesity, hormones, and women's health.
  • • Books: Author of <Sustainable Diet> (estimated publication 2025), focusing on diet methodology for women in their 40s, hormone management, and lifestyle correction.
  • • YouTube Channel ('Seo Jae-hwa TV'): Operates a channel with over 4,900 subscribers, discussing topics like 'Muscle Diet,' 'Gut Bacteria and Obesity,' and 'Menopause Management.'

Major Treatment Programs

1. 7-Step Diagnosis System

A systematic diagnostic process (Inbody, stress tests, body shape analysis) to analyze the patient's constitution, causes of obesity (stress, hormones, edema), and lifestyle habits from multiple angles, leading to a customized treatment plan.

Key Steps:

  • Inbody tests
  • Stress tests
  • Body shape analysis
  • Detailed lifestyle habit assessment

2. Customized Herbal Prescription

1:1 customized herbal medicines, prescribed and brewed directly considering the patient's liver enzymes, underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes), and constitution. Utilizes top-grade velvet antler to prevent energy depletion and promote fat breakdown.

Highlights:

  • Tailored to individual health profile
  • Uses premium velvet antler for vitality
  • Emphasizes safety and natural ingredients

3. External Procedures

Complementary treatments for localized fat reduction, skin elasticity, and body balance, enhancing the overall weight management process.

Methods:

  • Umji Lipo (Lipolysis Pharmacopuncture): Breaks down fat in stubborn areas.
  • Thread Embedding Therapy (Maeseon): Induces collagen, improves skin elasticity and lifting.
  • Chuna Manual Therapy: Corrects body imbalance, improves circulation.

4. Post-Management System

A 3-month responsibility management system operated after treatment ends to prevent the yo-yo effect, helping patients form sustainable habits to maintain their weight long-term.

Goal:

  • Yo-yo effect prevention
  • Long-term weight maintenance
  • Healthy habit formation

Reputation Analysis

Positive Evaluations and Strengths

  • Professionalism & Meticulous Care:

    High ratings for Director Seo's meticulous consultations and continuous management via KakaoTalk. Strong understanding of female patients' psychological and physical difficulties.

  • Health-Centered Approach:

    Many reviews report improvement in accompanying symptoms like insomnia, menstrual cramps, and edema, highlighting the effectiveness of the holistic Korean medicine approach beyond simple weight loss.

  • High Ratings & Revisit Intentions:

    Maintains a high rating (9.0/10 range) on platforms like Gangnam Unni, with many patients expressing intentions to revisit.

Considerations and Some Criticisms

  • Cost:

    Customized herbal medicines and premium ingredients (velvet antler) result in higher costs compared to general diet supplements or low-cost clinics. Estimated package prices around 2.45 million KRW can be a burden.

  • Waiting Time & Facilities:

    Some reviews mention inconvenience due to tight parking spaces and waiting times, even with reservations, suggesting the popularity of the clinic.

  • Digital Communication & Information Provision:

    Director Seo actively shares medical information on YouTube and blogs (e.g., 'Gut Bacteria,' 'Glycotoxins,' 'Cold Hands and Feet'), making complex topics accessible and increasing clinic reliability and patient inflow.

Clinic Information

Location & Contact

Address: 12F, BIO Building, 107 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Near Sinsa Station Exit 7)

Reservation & Consultation: Operated by reservation via KakaoTalk channel, Naver Booking, and phone consultation. Partially supports non-face-to-face treatment (Doctor Now, etc.).

Treatment Hours

  • Monday/Friday: 10:00 ~ 18:00
  • Tuesday/Thursday: 10:00 ~ 20:00 (Night Clinic)
  • Saturday: 10:00 ~ 15:00 (Open without lunch break)
  • Wednesday/Sunday/Public Holidays: Closed

Conclusion

"Umji Clinic and Representative Director Seo Jae-hwa are building a differentiated position in the Korean herbal diet market based on the distinct philosophy of 'Healthy Well-aging.'"

Director Seo's extensive clinical experience, academic background, and ability to communicate through media strongly support the clinic's professionalism. This clinic is particularly suitable for women over 40 experiencing menopausal symptoms, metabolic diseases, and chronic fatigue, or patients who prioritize constitutional improvement without harming their health.

However, given its personalized high-cost treatment strategy, prospective patients should carefully consider the costs and treatment duration before visiting.

Core Values & Takeaways

01

Healthy Well-aging

Focus on improving quality of life and healthy aging, not just weight loss.

02

Customized Constitutional Improvement

Tailored treatments addressing individual health conditions and body type.

03

Differentiated Professionalism

Backed by extensive experience, academic background, and media communication.