Planning a trip to Korea soon? Apart from their delicious food and tourist attractions, Korea has a lot to offer, especially if you’re a beauty enthusiast.

If you think K-beauty is all about shopping for skincare products, you’d want to think twice as Korea is more than just that. Take this travel opportunity to try new and unique beauty experiences that we think you’ll never regret discovering.

To help you make the most of your trip to Korea, we’ve pen down a list of unique beauty experiences in Korea you’d want to try!

Colour Analysis

@mikiraiofficial

I flew to KOREA to do a #coloranalysis to get my personalcolor. The results were SHOCKING 😱

♬ original sound – Miki Rai

Colour analysis is a process to determine the colours that best complement your skin tone, hair, and eyes. This personalised approach helps you choose clothing and makeup that enhance your natural beauty, making you look more vibrant and confident.

By identifying your unique colour palette, you can save time and money by avoiding unflattering shades and ensure you always look your best, whether for everyday wear or special occasions.

Source: ByFERIAL Image and Color Institute

The concept of colour analysis comes from the four-season colour theory, which categorises colours into warm and cool tones. The warm tones are further divided into Spring and Autumn colours, while cool tones are divided into Summer and Winter colours.

During a colour analysis session, you will typically have various fabrics draped over your shoulders after your natural skin tone to see if the colours brighten or dull your features. Eventually, you’ll know which colours best suit your complexion.

Source: dustmothjini/ Instagram

If you’re unsure what colours flatter you most, visit Dustmoth Stography to get a colour analysis. Here, they offer a three-hour session, providing you with all the details you need to know the next time you choose an outfit or a makeup look.

Dustmoth Photography:
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Guro District, Digital-ro 26-gil, 111 제이앤케이디지털타워 4층 408호 | G.maps
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (Mon to Sun)
Contact: +8228940946
Price: While prices can vary, colour analysis services in Seoul typically range from 130,000 ₩ (RM445.54) to 180,000 ₩(RM616.90)

For more details, visit their website here.

Sulwhasoo Spa in Korea

Sulwhasoo Spa in Korea offers a luxurious and rejuvenating experience rooted in traditional Korean beauty rituals. This spa uses only Sulwhasoo products, packed with ancient herbal remedies, to provide a holistic approach to skincare and wellness.

Treatments feature Sulwhasoo’s premium skincare products, known for their natural ingredients like ginseng and herbal extracts. Though the spa is available in Malaysia, some treatments are exclusive to Korea.

So, if you love Sulwhasoo skincare products, make sure to try the treatments that are unique to Korea while you’re there.

Some of the treatments that are exclusively available in Korea are:

Intensive Ginseng Journey: A facial and back treatment to experience the power of ginseng. This journey delivers ginseng energy to strengthen vitality of the skin and relax tense neck and back muscles, immediately improving the condition of the body and making skin firmer. (100 min | 350,000 ₩)

Prestige Restorative Journey: Prestige Restorative Journey is a facial and full-body treatment to experience the most exquisite service. This journey includes professional facial care to reduce signs of ageing and body treatment to bolster youthful energy, resulting in ageless beauty. (180 min | 750,000 ₩)

Sulwhasoo Spa:
Address: 18 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (Tue to Sun) | Closed on Monday
Contact: +8225419270
Price: Varies according to treatments. However, price starts from 50,000 ₩ (RM171.36) to 750,000 ₩(RM2,570.43)

For more details, visit their website here.

Makeup Pop-Ups in Korea

Similar to Malaysia, pop-ups are a trend in Korea, offering limited-time experiences for makeup enthusiasts. These pop-ups often feature exclusive products, special discounts, and interactive events hosted by popular brands.

@creatrip

Replying to @bloom answering your questions about pop-ups in Seoul so you guys can also enjoy fun, free activities while you’re here! 🥹 #korea #seoul #traveltips #popups #popuo #seoulpopups

♬ original sound – Creatrip – Creatrip 🇰🇷 Travel Tips ✨

To find these exciting pop-ups, you can follow K-beauty influencers on social media, check beauty blogs, and visit brand websites or social media accounts for announcements.

Shopping districts like Myeongdong and Gangnam frequently host these events. Attending a makeup pop-up is a fantastic way to discover new products, enjoy unique experiences, and snag exclusive deals.

Additionally, there are a few Instagram accounts that are dedicated to pop-ups in Korea, so you can follow them and keep track of the events that will be happening during your visit. Here’s two accounts you can follow:

  1. @popupstorego
  2. @popupmate

Get Aegyo-sal Tattoo During Your Trip

@minseonk1m

Another aegyosal procedure after a month later from the first is recommended to help it last longer! ✨💓 #kbeauty #aegyosalmakeup #wonyoung #koreanskincare #koreanclinics #kpop #makeup #skincare #skintok #그린스크린

♬ Off The Record (Sped Up) – IVE

Ever wondered how Korean stars achieve those adorable, eye-brightening “aegyo-sal” (puffy under eye) looks? It’s from getting an Aegyo-sal tattoo.

Aegyo-sal, the trendy under-eye enhancement, can now be achieved with tattoos. This beauty treatment adds a youthful, charming look to your eyes, mimicking the natural puffiness found under the eyes. While in Korea, consider getting an Aegyo-sal tattoo from skilled artists known for their precision and expertise.

One place to visit is the @ondo_permanent_makeup. Apart from Aegyo-sal tattoo, they also offer a variety of beauty treatments including nose contouring, lip line augmentation, semi-permanent brown eyeliner and more.

Source: ondo_permanent_makeup/ Instagram

However, you’ll want to be alert when it comes to prices.

Recently, a Daily Vanity team member enquired with a clinic regarding the service on Instagram before visiting.

In their DM, they said it was 300,000 ₩, but when she arrived at the store, the beautician quoted 500,000 ₩, which puzzled her. She then showed her previous conversations and the mentioned price, and they eventually agreed to the original 300,000 ₩.

Though we’re not sure if we could call it a scam or just a case of miscommunication, it’s best to be alert, just in case prices are spiked when they find out you’re a tourist. So, stay cautious and confirm prices in advance to avoid surprises.

You can get this service at Ondo Plastic Surgery:
Address:
4th and 5th floor, Seocho Building, 453 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul |kakaomap
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (Tue to Sun) | Closed on Monday
Contact: +802599556
Price: Varies according to treatments. However, Aegyo-sal tattoo is priced at 300,000 ₩ (RM1,028.17)

For more details, visit their website here.

Customise Your Perfect Foundation Shade

@theroycelee

I go to Korea to make my own custom foundation! 🇰🇷 This is an interesting experience because I’m always clueless on which colour shade suits me best. There’s 125 shades to choose from and the personal makeup artist will guide you during the session too. Reserve in advance because the slots always run out fast! #Korea #Seoul #Makeup #Foundation #CustomMakeup

♬ original sound – Royce Lee – Royce Lee

Tired of foundations that never quite match? In Korea, customising your own foundation is a popular and innovative trend. If you struggle to find a shade that perfectly matches your skin tone, you can create your own custom foundation during your trip.

Many beauty stores offer this service, using advanced technology to blend the ideal shade for your unique complexion. This personalised experience ensures a flawless match, enhancing your natural beauty and giving you the confidence of a perfect foundation fit.

You can get this service at Amore Seongsu:
Address: 7 Achasan-ro 11-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 10.30am – 8.30pm (Tue to Sun) | Closed on Monday
Contact: +8224698600
Price: Custom made foundation priced at 70,000 ₩ (RM239.91)

Customise Lip Shades For A Kiss-Proof Perfection

@aylennpark

Things to do in Korea: making a custom lipstick that perfectly matches your skin tone💄I swear Korea is living in year 3000 bc they’re always coming out with new technology to make such innovative experiences like this one! they also have things like making your own custom foundation and custom serum!! #korea #thingstodoinkorea #custommakeup #lipstick #shadematching #skinanalysis #customlipstick #koreamustdo #kbeauty #tonework #fyp

♬ original sound – Aylen Park

Take your lip game to the next level with custom lip tints or lip shades. Similar to foundations, you can also customise lip shades in Korea. You can choose between a matte or glossy finish and even select the scent of your lip products.

Through the use of technology, you now can find your ideal shade and formula for a long-lasting pop of colour that flatters your unique complexion.

You can get this service at Amore Seongsu:
Address: 7 Achasan-ro 11-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 10.30am – 8.30pm (Tue – Sun) | Closed on Monday
Contact: +8224698600
Price: Custom made lip shades priced at 30,216.71 ₩ (RM103.56)

Read more on where to go to customise your lip shades here.

AI Skin Analysis

It’s common for many of us to struggle with finding the perfect skincare products that address our skin concerns. However, before getting any skincare products, it’s crucial to understand what your skin needs. And one way to do so is by getting a skin analysis done.

 

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While you’re in Korea, you can consider visiting @individuelgeneve_kr_official for an AI skin analysis.

AI skin analysis works by utilising advanced technology to assess various aspects of your skin condition, including texture, tone, ageing factors as well as hydration levels.

And according to the results received, you can then purchase some of your favourite skincare products right there in Korea, knowing exactly what your skin needs.

Individuel Geneve:
Address:
60 Bongeunsa-ro 47-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 9.30am – 8.30pm (Mon to Fri) | 9am – 6.30pm (Sat) | Closed on Sunday
Contact: +821067388488
Price: Available upon request and consultation

For more details, visit their website here.

Beauty Shopping Spree In Korea

When in Korea, getting their skincare and makeup products are a must. You can splurge on a variety of products that you need as you may not get some of the brands in Malaysia easily. One particular place you’d want to add into your itinerary is Olive Young.

@mycbella

belanja di surganya kbeauty🫣💖 kira2 worth it ga tuh abis 3jutaan? #kbeauty #oliveyoung

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Olive Young is a prominent beauty and healthcare retailer in Korea, offering a wide range of skincare, cosmetics, health, and wellness products. With numerous stores across the country, Olive Young is a go-to destination for both locals and tourists seeking popular Korean beauty brands and innovative skincare solutions.

It serves as a one-stop shop for all beauty and wellness needs, providing customers with access to an extensive selection of high-quality products and expert advice.

@_w.bella

How much do you think I spend there ? #skincare #skincareroutine #seoul #myeongdong #pourtoi #fypシ゚viral #asmr #asmrskincare #travel #voyage #asmrshopping #skincareasmr #coree #coreedusud #korea #baviphat #kbeauty #beauty #beaute #seoul

♬ son original – Wiwi 💜

Apart from Olive Young, there are other places you can go to get beauty products at reasonable prices. Here’s a few stores you can visit for reasonable beauty products:

Baviphat

Address: 53-1 Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 10.30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Tem Tem

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Myeong-dong 2(i)-ga, 3-11 1층 | G.maps
Opening hours: 10am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

All Mask Story

Address: 3-1 Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 9am – 11pm (Mon – Sun)

Daiso Seoul Station

Address: 405 Hangang-daero, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Costco Wholesale Yangjae

Address: 159 Yangjae-daero, Seocho District, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)

Explore endless aisles of skincare, makeup, and hair care products, and discover your new holy grail beauty finds.

Custom Korean Massage

Getting a massage should not be limited to only when you’re stressed. You can even get massages done when you visit other destinations. This is because not all messages or techniques are the same as they are in Malaysia.

Plus, if you’d want an authentic experience, it’s best to get the massages from the origin of the country.

@.aylennpark

Korean massages are elite, from technique to ambiance💗 I went to Spa Gogyeol in Gangnam, Seoul! #massage #spa #koreanspa #koreanmassage #korea

♬ original sound – Aylenpark – Aylenpark

In this case, Korea is well known for their custom Korean massage where you can unwind with a customised Korean massage designed to target your specific needs. These massages often incorporate Korean beauty products that are hard to find elsewhere.

One place to visit is Spa Gogyeol, where you can create personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns, whether it’s muscle tension, stress relief, or improved circulation.

Another benefit of getting a custom massage in Korea is the focus on acupressure techniques, which are believed to promote overall well-being by stimulating energy points throughout the body.

Spa Gogyeol:
Address: 7 Achasan-ro 11-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon to Fri) | 10am – 7pm (Sat) | Closed on Sunday
Contact: +821076821297
Price: Treatment prices starts from 120,000 ₩ (RM411.27)

For more details, visit their website here.

An Authentic Hair Colour Experience

@melon_park

a top tier foreinger friendly salon in korea🤎 #korea #hair #seoul #koreanhairsalon #soonsikihair #hairmakeover #fyp

♬ Perfect Night – Sped Up ver. – LE SSERAFIM

Nothing feels better than having a good hair day. And if you’re someone who loves K-inspired hairstyles, whether colour or haircut, then be sure to visit any hair salons while you’re in Korea for the most authentic K-beauty experience.

@anniedayoon

Another service that I got in Seoul that I HIGHLY recommend!! @차홍룸 양재점 정민 goes through 4 steps during the Image and Hair Consulting! It truly changed how I cut and colour my hair and I’m so glad she found the perfect style for me!! 📍Chahong room Yangjae Branch** This service is only available if you book a perm or color! Not included for haircuts!! Ask for Jeongmin ✨✨ #seoulkorea #koreavlog #personalcolor #koreahairsalon #hairstylist #imageconsulting #seoul

♬ Little Things – H2KStudio

Most salons in Korea often offer colour analysis consultations to recommend hair colours that flatter your skin tone and features. So, if you did not get a colour analysis done in Korea, it’s alright because you can get one done during your hair consultations.

Achieve the perfect Korean hair colour with expert guidance, ensuring your new look complements your natural beauty.

A salon that offers this service is Soonsiki:
Address: 29 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea | G.maps
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (Wed to Sun) | Closed on Monday & Tuesday
Contact: +8223265982
Price: Hair colour prices starts from 120,000 ₩ (RM411.27)

For more details, visit their website here.

Professional K-Pop Inspired Makeovers

@oshiieats

First time getting my makeup done professionally 🫢 [collab] @에코쟈뎅 공덕역.애오개역 📍Ecojardin, Gongdeok Station #korea #southkorea #koreanbeauty #travel #southkoreatravel #seoultravel #seoul #thingstodoinseoul #thingstodoinkorea #koreanmakeup #makeup #makeuptransformation #ecojardin #colouranalysis #beautysalon #koreanbeauty

♬ 蜜桃物语 – 仁辰 & 于行

Elevate your style with a personalised hair and image consultation provided by Korean stylists. They will analyse your features and recommend hairstyles and makeup looks that enhance your unique features and skin tone.

@missdarcei

Getting my makeup done in Korea for the first time 👀 part 1 #makeup #beauty #beautytok #makeuptips #korea #kbeauty

♬ Aesthetic Music (Remastered 2022) – Bepo

However, it’s important to note that many Korean makeup artists may have limited range of foundations and concealer shades, particularly for those with medium to dark skin tones.

If you’re still interested in achieving a K-pop inspired makeover, we recommend bringing your own foundation, concealer, or any other beauty products that match your skin tone.

Additionally, you can inquire about their makeup shade range through their website or social media accounts. This will help you ensure that their makeup looks will complement your skin tone effectively.

With these unique beauty experiences, Korea offers a chance to personalise your beauty routine and achieve the coveted K-Beauty glow. So, be sure to plan your itinerary well!

One salon to consider is the Eco Jardin Gongdeok Station Branch:
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Mapo-daero, 92 효성해링턴스퀘어 B동 2층 | G.maps
Opening hours: 10am – 8.30pm (Mon, Fri & Sun) | 10am – 9m ( Tue to Wed) | 10am – 8pm (Sat)
Contact: +821079031415
Price: Visit here for price list

For more details, visit their website here.

Visit Factory Clinics For Aesthetic Treatments

Factory clinics in Korea are medical facilities known for their efficiency and speed in providing cosmetic procedures. These clinics often offer a wide range of services, from simple botox treatments to more complex surgeries, catering to both domestic and international clients.

 

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They are named “factory clinics” due to their streamlined processes, allowing for quick turnaround times and high patient volumes.

Their treatments are reasonable in prices with convenient scheduling, allowing both Koreans and tourists alike to get their beauty treatments done in a single destination.

 

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However, we urge you to do more research before deciding to visit a factory clinic. This is because you may not always get the same aesthetician for follow-up check-ups or to cater to your specific needs.

This inconsistency could pose a threat, as different aestheticians might suggest different procedures, potentially deviating from your initial treatment plan. It’s essential to ensure continuity of care and adherence to your preferences, which might not always be guaranteed in factory clinics.

A “factory clinic” to consider is Xenia Clinic:
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seocho District, Gangnam-daero, 441 서산빌딩 4층 | G.maps
Opening hours: 10.30am – 9pm (Mon, Fri) | 10am – 5pm (Sat) | Closed on Sunday
Contact: +821079031415
Price: Visit here for price list

For more details, visit their website here.