Key Points
Institution Type
A specialized orthodontic clinic located in Dunchon-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, focusing on private, high-end patient care.
Leadership
Led by Dr. Song Byung-jae, a Board-Certified Orthodontist and Ph.D. from Yonsei University, who formerly served as Chief Resident at Severance Dental Hospital.
Clinical Philosophy
Emphasizes "non-extraction" treatment where feasible, utilizing precise 3D diagnostics and a patient-centric "private room" operational model.
Reputation
Characterized by high patient satisfaction regarding detailed communication (e.g., "Ortho Diary"), privacy, and the director's direct involvement in all stages of treatment.
Director's Profile: Dr. Song Byung-jae
The clinic's reputation is heavily anchored in the academic and clinical background of its representative director, Dr. Song Byung-jae. His profile indicates an "elite" course within the Korean dental education system, specifically the Yonsei University lineage, which is historically significant in Korean orthodontics.
Academic Background
- D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery): Yonsei University College of Dentistry
- M.S. (Master of Science): Yonsei University College of Dentistry
- Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Orthodontics: Yonsei University College of Dentistry
Clinical Training and Career
- Internship & Residency: Completed at Yonsei University Dental Hospital, Department of Orthodontics
- Chief Resident: Served as the Chief Resident during his training
- Faculty Position: Currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Orthodontics, Yonsei University Dental Hospital
- International Experience: Completed an exchange residency program at the University of Southern California (USC), USA
Certifications and Memberships
- Board Certified Orthodontist: Recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (South Korea)
- Accredited Orthodontist: Korean Association of Orthodontists (KAO)
- International Memberships: World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO) Fellow, American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) International Member, European Orthodontic Society (EOS) International Member
- Specialized Certifications: Certified for Incognito (Lingual Orthodontics)
Research and Academic Contributions
- Changes in transverse dental axis in skeletal Class III asymmetry patients treated with orthognathic surgery
- Shear bond strength of orthodontic tubes on zirconia prostheses
- Long-term stability of pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery
- Use of miniscrews for open bite closure
Hospital Information
Location and Accessibility
The clinic is strategically situated in Dunchon-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul. It occupies the second floor (Rooms 2076-2078) of the "Foreon Station 5" building, directly adjacent to the Olympic Park Foreon complex.
This location benefits from proximity to Dunchon-dong Station (Line 5) and Dunchon Oryun Station (Line 9), making it accessible to residents of the massive reconstruction complex and the broader Gangdong area.
Facility Design and Environment
A defining characteristic of the clinic is its interior architecture, designed to support its philosophy of "private care."
- All-Private Rooms: Every treatment chair is located within an independent, private room.
- Layout Philosophy: The director's office is strategically placed between the waiting area and the treatment rooms to facilitate seamless communication.
- Equipment: Equipped with high-resolution 3D diagnostic equipment (CT) and an electric electrolysis water disinfection system.
Operational Hours
The clinic operates on a schedule designed to accommodate students and working professionals, featuring night clinics twice a week.
| Day | Operating Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 - 19:00 | Standard Operation |
| Tuesday | 14:00 - 21:00 | Night Clinic |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 19:00 | Standard Operation |
| Thursday | 14:00 - 21:00 | Night Clinic |
| Friday | 10:00 - 19:00 | Standard Operation |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 14:00 | Weekend Operation (No lunch break) |
| Sunday | Closed |
Note: Lunch time is typically 13:00 - 14:00 on weekdays.
Clinical Philosophy & Key Procedures
The "Non-Extraction" Philosophy
A central pillar of Dr. Song's clinical approach is the prioritization of non-extraction treatment. He explicitly states a commitment to exploring all possibilities of non-extraction before considering tooth removal.
- Diagnostic Criteria: The decision between extraction and non-extraction is based on precise metrics. If the space deficiency is less than 5-6mm, non-extraction is preferred. If it exceeds 10mm, extraction is likely necessary.
- Nasolabial Angle: The angle between the nose and lip (ideally ~90 degrees) is utilized to determine if extraction is needed to reduce protrusion.
- Techniques for Space Creation: To avoid extraction, the clinic employs techniques such as arch expansion and distalization of molars (pushing back teeth).
Specialized Systems
- Ortho Diary (All-So-Story): The clinic provides a "Correction Diary" that shares the treatment progress and small changes with the patient every month. This system is designed to keep patients engaged and informed about their long-term journey.
- 1-Person Representative Director System: Dr. Song performs all diagnoses and treatments personally, without delegating to associate doctors. This ensures continuity of care, which is critical in orthodontics where treatment spans years.
Major Procedures and Estimated Costs
The clinic offers a full spectrum of orthodontic treatments. Pricing data indicates a transparent but premium pricing structure typical for specialist clinics in Seoul.
| Procedure | Estimated Cost Range (KRW) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | ~20,000 | Initial diagnostic consultation |
| Clear Aligners | 900,000 - 7,000,000 | Includes Invisalign and other transparent systems |
| Clippy-C | 1,500,000 - 4,400,000 | Self-ligating ceramic brackets, popular for speed and aesthetics |
| Lingual Orthodontics | 5,000,000 - 7,000,000 | Brackets attached behind teeth for invisibility |
| Combi Orthodontics | 4,000,000 - 6,000,000 | Mix of lingual (upper) and labial (lower) brackets |
| Anterior (Partial) Correction | ~1,500,000 | Focused alignment of front teeth only |
| Pediatric Orthodontics | 500,000 - 3,500,000 | Growth modification and early intervention |
Note: Prices are subject to change and depend on individual case complexity. The clinic also runs specific events, such as "Private Room 1:1 Non-extraction Correction" packages.
Reputation and Patient Feedback
Quantitative Ratings
The clinic maintains exceptionally high ratings across major Korean medical review platforms:
- Gangnam Unni: 9.5/10 (based on verified reviews)
- Modoodoc: 9.7/10 (based on verified reviews)
Qualitative Analysis of Reviews
Patient feedback highlights several consistent themes regarding the clinic's service quality:
- Detailed Explanations: Dr. Song's meticulous explanation of the treatment plan and clear rationale for decisions.
- Kindness and Service: Staff and director are described as very kind, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere.
- Facility Quality: The "private room" setup is a major satisfier, described as "luxurious" and "private."
- Trustworthiness: The director's Yonsei University Ph.D. and specialist status adds significant trust.
Digital Presence and Community Engagement
Dr. Song actively engages with the public through a YouTube channel titled "Orthodontist Song Byung-jae" (치과교정과의사 송병재).
- Content: Features educational videos on topics like "Causes of Bad Breath During Braces," "Frankel vs. Face Mask for Underbite," and "Truths About Facial Asymmetry."
- Tone: The content is approachable yet professional, aiming to demystify orthodontic treatment and address common patient anxieties. This digital footprint reinforces his image as a communicative and transparent expert.
Conclusion
Yonsei Song Byung-jae Orthodontic Clinic positions itself as a premium, specialist-driven institution in the competitive Seoul dental market. Its core strengths lie in the high academic credentials of Dr. Song Byung-jae, the exclusive private-room infrastructure, and a clinical philosophy that balances non-extraction conservatism with aesthetic precision.
For patients, the clinic offers the assurance of being treated by a Board-Certified specialist who manages the entire process personally, supported by a transparent communication system. The high ratings and positive qualitative feedback suggest that the clinic successfully delivers on its promise of "sincere care in a private space," making it a strong candidate for individuals seeking orthodontic treatment in the Gangdong-gu and Songpa-gu regions.