K-Beauty in South Korea: The Must-Try Treatments, Spas, and Products
Olive Young Skincare
Get Ready To Glow
If you’ve noticed K-beauty trending everywhere, you’re not imagining it. Korean skincare has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. With its focus on hydration, nourishment, and repair, the gentle-yet-effective treatments have rightfully earned their place on the global stage. And the best part? It’s often much more affordable and advanced than Western skincare.
But with so many clinics, spas, and beauty stores across South Korea, it can feel a little overwhelming to know where to start. Don’t worry, I did the research, chatted with the experts, tested the products, and explored the best treatments across Korea so you can plan your perfect beauty retreat.
Save this guide for your trip to South Korea – your skin will thank you later!
Korean Beauty & Wellness: More Than Skin-Deep
Cupping at Eco Jardin
Korean beauty and wellness focus on holistic health, treating the root cause of problems instead of just masking symptoms. Hydration, stress reduction, and lymphatic drainage are key pillars of the approach.
When I got the famous 18-step scalp treatment, they didn’t just pamper my head; they also did cupping on my neck and shoulders to boost blood flow and relieve tension. My facial included a calf massage to encourage lymphatic drainage and circulation throughout my body.
The #1 skincare tip I heard over and over? Reduce stress and fatigue if you want to maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. The belief here is simple: your outer beauty reflects your inner health.
Dive Into Korean Wellness Culture
Seoul K-Medi Center
If you’re curious about ancient Korean wellness practices, visit the Seoul K-Medi Center. Established in to promote traditional herbal medicine, this center offers a fascinating look into holistic health. Explore the museum or sign up for one of their wellness workshops, like the K-herb foot bath or the Bojewon K-herb healing experience.
Bonus: All sessions are free and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Jjimjilbang: Traditional Korean Bathhouses
A trip to Korea isn’t complete without a visit to a Jjimjilbang, a traditional bathhouse. Locals spend hours unwinding in hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges. The idea is to switch between hot and cold rooms to stimulate your circulatory and immune systems.
Spa Land in Busan is one of the most famous Jjimjilbangs in Korea, offering everything from mineral hot springs to themed saunas. You can roam freely for an afternoon or book extra treatments like massages and facials.
Is Olive Young Worth The Hype?
Olive Young Beauty Store
Of course, I had to visit the viral Korean beauty store, Olive Young, to find out if the hype was real. Spoiler: IT IS!
Here’s why K-beauty dominates globally:
More affordable than many Western brands
Higher concentrations of active ingredients
Innovative formulas backed by cutting-edge R&D
I was lucky enough to have an expert walk me through Olive Young. My guide, Lily, used to work in Olive Young’s product development department (plus she’s a part-time model with glowing skin), so she shared her personal must-haves. Needless to say, I bought everything she recommended.
Weeks later, my only regret? Not buying more. My skin has never looked better!
Olive Young Product Recommendations:
Abib Mild Acidic pH Sheet Mask
Abib Gummy Sheet Mask Collagen Milk Sticker
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cream
D’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF
Beauty of Joseon Calming Green Tea & Panthenol Serum
Beauty of Joseon Revive Ginseng & Snail Mucin Serum
Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
Pro Tip: Bring your passport for your Olive Young shopping haul. You’ll get a significant tax refund on your total.
Top Spa Experiences in Seoul
18-Step Scalp Treatment at Eco Jardin
18-Step Scalp Treatment at Eco Jardin
Spa 1899
Offering massages, facials, and foot treatments, Spa 1899 incorporates premium Red Ginseng products into all its services. Red Ginseng is known for boosting energy, improving skin vibrancy, and slowing the signs of aging.
It was the best massage of my life. My therapist’s hands could heal the world. End your treatment with a soothing cup of ginseng tea to further amplify the benefits.
Eco Jardin
I couldn’t skip the legendary 18-step scalp treatment at Eco Jardin. Steam, red light, oils, herbs, and a custom hair growth tonic are used to revive your scalp. Plus, you leave with bouncy, freshly styled hair that will have you looking fabulous for the rest of your trip.
They also offer haircuts, makeup consultations, color analysis, and other beauty treatments.
Pro Tip: Buy their shampoo and scalp treatment. It gives my hair so much volume and shine! (The only downside? It’s only sold in-store… guess I’ll have to plan another trip to Korea!)
Juno Hair
Another great option for haircare is Juno Hair. Offering three types of scalp treatments and styling services, Juno Hair is very foreigner-friendly.
ARL Aesthetics
If you’re serious about achieving glass skin, book a skin analysis and facial at ARL Aesthetics. They’ll design a personalized, multi-step treatment plan to target your unique needs. Prepare to be humbled by the high-tech skin scanners, but leave with a next-level glow.
Muse Clinic
Looking for something more intensive? The Muse Clinic in Gangnam specializes in Botox, fillers, Thermage radiofrequency treatments, Ultherapy skin lifting treatments, HIFU skin tightening procedures, and many other Korean skin injections.
Bonus: Botox and injections are relatively inexpensive in Korea due to many Botox brands being developed and manufactured in Korea. Plus, with so much competition among clinics, medical spas need to keep their prices low to attract customers.
How To Book Korean Spa Appointments
Dermaplaning at ARL Aesthetics
Hydrating Facial at ARL Aesthetics
You’ll quickly notice most websites are in Korean (shocking, I know). But don’t panic, there are still easy ways to get your treatments booked.
Seoul Beauty Global
The easiest method is to book through Seoul Beauty Global. They act as translator, letting you search for services, salons, and spas in English. I used them to book several appointments, and they were efficient and super helpful when I needed to reschedule.
Slide Into Their DMs
If the spa you want to visit has not partnered with Seoul Beauty Global yet, the best way to book an appointment is through an Instagram message. Most places are very responsive and can help you set up an appointment.
Korean Beauty Awaits
If you’re heading to South Korea, use this guide to dive head-first into the world of Korean beauty and wellness. Whether you’re soaking in a jjimjilbang, indulging in ginseng massages, or filling your suitcase with skincare goodies, you’re guaranteed to return home looking and feeling amazing.
Pro Tip: Leave plenty of extra space in your suitcase for your product stock up.
Get ready for all the compliments on your skin!
