Why is the “Glow Up in Korea” Trend Capturing the World? : Travel to Korea has fundamentally changed! While sightseeing and food used to dominate, the trend has shifted dramatically: achieving aesthetic transformation is the new mission, giving rise to the global sensation known as the “Glow Up in Korea” trip.
The movement is best symbolized by the viral #glowupinKorea hashtag on social media, especially TikTok. Foreign visitors post striking Before & After videos comparing their looks before and after their trip. These videos showcase everything from Personal Color analysis, trendy hair and makeup makeovers, K-Beauty product hauls, and most notably, aesthetic medical procedures.
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The Astonishing Rise of Medical Tourism
Data from the Seoul Tourism Organization reveals a phenomenal shift: last year, the average expenditure by individual foreign tourists on domestic beauty and medical services soared to approximately 154,000 KRW per person, a more than tenfold increase compared to 2019 (13,000 KRW)! This explosive growth confirms that K-Beauty’s appeal goes beyond cosmetics; Korea is now recognized as a global hub for beauty and anti-aging.
A significant portion of this medical tourism is directed toward dermatology and plastic surgery clinics. The draw is simple: Korea offers advanced medical techniques at prices that are often comparable to, or even lower than, local costs in the visitor’s home country. Furthermore, the analysis points to the popularity of non-invasive (non-surgical) procedures which carry less risk and require minimal recovery time (downtime), making them ideal for travelers!
The First Step to a Glow Up: Personal Color & K-Style Makeovers
For many on a Glow Up journey, the first essential stop is a Personal Color Analysis session.
1. Personal Color Diagnosis Becomes a Tourist Must-Do
Some Personal Color analysis centers in areas like Hongdae welcome up to 1,000 foreign visitors monthly during peak season! After receiving their diagnosis, visitors immediately apply the results to their subsequent shopping for cosmetics, clothes, and professional hair/makeup services in Korea.
- Secret to Success: These businesses have perfectly catered to the tourist market by offering multi-language services (English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.) and having the capacity to handle large groups simultaneously. They have successfully established themselves as a must-do “experiential tourism product” in Korea!
2. Get the Look: K-Beauty Hair and Makeup
In parallel with color analysis, getting a hair and makeup transformation to resemble K-Pop idols or K-Drama stars is highly popular. Major chains, such as Juno Hair, have proactively trained designers who specialize in serving international clients. Getting a professional K-style makeover is a quick and effective way to dramatically upgrade your look!
The Core of K-Beauty: Anti-Aging Treatments
No Glow Up is complete without diving into Korea’s world-class anti-aging aesthetic procedures. What makes Korean beauty treatments so highly sought after globally?
1. The Culture of “Pre-juvenation”
Korean women are widely known for appearing significantly younger than their age, thanks to the deeply rooted concept of “Pre-juvenation” (proactive anti-aging). Treatments that were once reserved for middle-aged and older individuals are now being actively sought out by those in their 20s and 30s as a way to preserve youth and health in advance.
2. Advanced Skills Tailored to Asian Features
Korean cosmetic technology doesn’t just adopt global techniques; it significantly advances them, particularly by tailoring procedures to East Asian facial features. For instance, Korean surgeons have developed highly refined and delicate surgical techniques to address challenges unique to Asian contours, such as in facelift procedures.
3. The Most Popular Aesthetic Procedures
Here are the most highly requested treatments among international visitors right now:
| Procedure Category | Popular Treatments | Expected Benefits |
| Skin Boosters | Rejuran, Juvelook | Enhanced skin regeneration, improved firmness/elasticity, treatment for pores and acne scars. |
| Lifting | InMode, HIFU | Jawline contouring, double-chin reduction, skin tightening, and addressing sagging. |
| Injectables | Botox, Fillers | Smoothing fine wrinkles, adding volume (under eyes, lips, cheeks), and jaw slimming. |
| Peeling | XE’LHA Peel | Low downtime, promotes skin turnover while protecting the barrier function. |
4. How to Find Trustworthy Clinics in Seoul
While many visitors previously came through packaged programs, the trend has shifted to direct search and booking via social media and specialized aesthetic information platforms.
The No. 1 aesthetic medical information app in Korea, “YeoTi,” is an integrated platform where users can access procedure reviews, clinic information, price comparisons, and even make reservations. This popular app boasts over 900,000 verified reviews confirmed by receipts! The existence of such platforms plays a crucial role in helping foreign tourists select reliable information from the vast number of Korean clinics.
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Korean Skincare Secrets: How to Achieve “Glass Skin”
Beyond clinical treatments, daily skincare is the final key to a complete Glow Up. The luminous “Glass Skin” seen on K-Drama stars is achieved not just by genetics, but through disciplined daily habits and routines!
1. Master the “Double Cleansing” Method
The foundation of the Korean routine is cleansing. You must first use an oil or water-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and sebum, followed by a foaming cleanser to wash away residual dirt. This ensures that pores are deeply cleaned, allowing subsequent skincare products to absorb effectively.
2. Hydration is Key: Toners and Essences
Korean toners often avoid alcohol and are packed with hydrating ingredients. They balance the skin’s pH and plump the skin with moisture. This is followed by an “Essence,” a thinner, water-based product designed to significantly increase the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
3. Maximize Absorption with Masks and Tapping!
- Regular Masking: Sheet masks are iconic! They are used regularly, targeting concerns from detoxing (charcoal) to calming (green tea). Overnight masks are also popular for sealing in hydration while you sleep.
- Tapping Technique: A simple K-Beauty secret is how products are applied. Instead of rubbing in creams and serums, gently tapping them into the skin is preferred. This enhances blood circulation and product absorption, while also helping to prevent premature aging.
4. Internal Care: The Secret Ingredient
External care aside, your diet and lifestyle are equally important for the glow. Consuming healthy fats (like Omega-3 rich salmon), staying well-hydrated, and getting 7–8 hours of quality sleep are the core secrets to making your skin glow from within.
Armed with this ultimate guide, you are ready to plan and execute your perfect “Glow Up in Korea” trip!
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