Analysis Report

Rodam Korean Medicine Clinic

Director Jo Hyun-gi's In-depth Analysis

Atrophic Scar Treatment Cora Therapy TKM Dermatology

Key Aspects of Rodam Clinic Busan

Institution Overview

Rodam Korean Medicine Clinic Busan Branch specializes in dermatological TKM, focusing on atrophic scar treatment in the medical hub of Seomyeon, Busan.

Leadership & Philosophy

Led by Director Jo Hyun-gi, known for media presence and a unique philosophy of "reading scars" to address both physical and psychological trauma.

Core Methodology: Cora Therapy

The flagship **Cora Therapy (Saesalchim)** is a non-thermal, non-chemical technique combining subcision with regenerative acupuncture to stimulate autologous collagen production.

2025 Innovations

Recent advancements include **Saesal Pharmacopuncture** for enhanced tissue regeneration and precision needling using ultra-thin needles for complex scar shapes.

Medical Leadership: Director Jo Hyun-gi

"Understanding scars goes beyond physical repair; it's about healing the psychological impact and restoring confidence."

Academic Background

Graduated from Wonkwang University College of Korean Medicine, a prestigious TKM institution in Korea.

Professional Experience

  • Former Director at Rodam Korean Medicine Clinic Gangnam Branch (Headquarters).
  • Former Director at Nabi Korean Medicine Clinic (Seomyeon, Namcheon branches).
  • Served as Head of the Korean Medicine Department at Miryang Public Health Center.

Media & Public Engagement

  • Featured on Busan MBC's "Suspicious Clinic" (수상한 진료실) in July 2020, discussing scar treatments and constitutional medicine.
  • Operates a YouTube channel and contributes to the "Scar Reading Korean Doctor" (흉터 읽어주는 한의사) series, offering case reports and patient Q&A.

Clinical Philosophy

Advocates for a "personalized" approach, recognizing that each scar is unique in shape, depth, and history, requiring a tailored needling strategy rather than a uniform protocol. Emphasizes addressing both physical and psychological aspects of scars.

Clinic Information

Location & Infrastructure

Strategically located in Seomyeon, Busan, the commercial and medical center of the city, ensuring high accessibility for patients.

Address: 7th Floor, Main Building (Building A), Inje Medical Center, 785 Gaya-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan

Operates within a specialized medical building, reflecting a focus on modern, sterile, and professional clinical environments.

Operating Hours & Network

  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 10:00 – 19:00
  • Thursday (Night Clinic): 14:00 – 21:00
  • Friday (Night Clinic): 10:00 – 21:00
  • Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
  • Break Time: 13:00 – 14:00 (Weekdays)
  • Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays

Rodam Korean Medicine Clinic was established in 2006 and has grown into a nationwide network, with the Busan branch serving as the primary hub for the southern region of South Korea.

Core Clinical Methodology: Cora Therapy & Innovations

Cora Therapy (Saesalchim)

The proprietary **Cora Therapy (코라테라피)**, also known as **Saesalchim (새살침)**, is a reconstructive treatment for atrophic scars.

Mechanism of Action:

  • **Subcision-like Effect**: Specialized needles sever fibrous bands beneath the scar.
  • **Inducing Regeneration**: Micro-trauma stimulates the body's natural wound-healing cascade.
  • **Tissue Filling**: New tissue ("Saesal") fills the depression, elevating the scar floor.

Target Indications:

  • **Acne Scars**: Ice-pick, Boxcar, Rolling scars.
  • **Viral Scars**: Chickenpox and shingles scars.
  • **Traumatic/Surgical Scars**: Scars from sutures, scratches, or post-surgical indentations.

2025 Clinical Trends & Innovations

The Busan branch continuously adopts new protocols to enhance efficacy and patient outcomes.

Saesal Pharmacopuncture (새살약침):

A significant evolution involving the injection of a herbal medicinal fluid into scar tissue. This fluid acts as a "space maintainer" to facilitate more robust tissue regeneration.

Precision Needling:

Diversified needle thickness, including ultra-thin needles, to treat minute or complex scar shapes that were previously challenging to access.

Combination Therapy:

A strategic shift towards an "80% Saesalchim + 20% Adjunct Therapy" model, utilizing auxiliary devices or treatments to support primary needling for maximized results.

Reputation and Patient Sentiment

Positive Aspects

  • Efficacy on "Abandoned" Scars: Many patients report success on deep, old scars that did not respond to conventional dermatological lasers (e.g., Fraxel), highlighting the unique effectiveness of Cora Therapy.
  • Detailed Consultations: Director Jo is frequently praised for his thorough explanations and realistic expectation setting, fostering trust by avoiding over-promising.
  • Staff Kindness: The nursing and administrative staff consistently receive positive remarks for their friendliness and supportive demeanor.

Considerations & Constructive Feedback

  • Cost: Some patients perceive the treatment as expensive, especially given that it is priced per scar/area and typically requires multiple sessions.
  • Pain: The procedure is acknowledged as painful, particularly for deep treatments in sensitive areas like the nose and philtrum, despite topical anesthesia.
  • Downtime: Patients note that the visible redness, swelling, and potential temporary bruising can be a social hindrance for several days to a week post-treatment.

Quantitative Ratings:

Gangnam Unni: Approx. 9.7 to 9.8 out of 10 (over 150 reviews)

Cashdoc: 4.4 out of 5 (based on verified receipts)

Conclusion

Rodam Korean Medicine Clinic Busan Branch, led by Director Jo Hyun-gi, occupies a distinctive niche in the South Korean aesthetic market. It skillfully merges traditional acupuncture principles with modern dermatological techniques. The clinic stands out for its commitment to autologous tissue regeneration, offering a unique alternative to temporary fillers or thermal ablation.

Director Jo's robust clinical background and the clinic's adoption of innovations like **Saesal Pharmacopuncture** highlight a forward-thinking approach. For individuals with deep, atrophic scars who have found conventional laser treatments ineffective or are seeking alternatives, Rodam Clinic presents a viable, albeit intensive, solution. The consistently high patient satisfaction ratings underscore that, for the right candidate, the temporary discomfort and downtime yield significant and lasting cosmetic improvements.

Key Value Propositions

Autologous Tissue Regeneration Personalized Scar Treatment Innovative TKM Solutions