Have you heard of the “Korea Glow Up”?
It’s one of the hottest trends on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube right now.
Foreign visitors to Korea are sharing dramatic before-and-after photos with captions like, “I went to Korea and came back looking totally different!”
One Australian man’s video comparing his appearance before and after living in Korea for two years racked up 3.9 million views in just ten days, while another woman’s “5 years in Korea” transformation hit an incredible 17 million views. Brighter skin, more natural makeup, upgraded hairstyles—the comments are full of people saying, “Will I look like this if I go to Korea?” and “I need a ticket to Seoul!”
💡 The Secret Behind the ‘Korea Effect’
According to many foreigners, the biggest game changers are skincare routines and natural makeup. The UK’s ITV described Korean-style skin as “light coverage that enhances your natural texture instead of hiding it under heavy layers.” The BBC noted that “Korea’s beauty industry is more than 10 years ahead of the rest of the world.”
In fact, Korean beauty is booming globally—exports hit a record $5.5 billion USD in the first half of this year, with skincare products like sheet masks, essences, and creams dominating. Dermatology tourism is also skyrocketing: in 2024, over 700,000 foreign visitors went to Korean skin clinics.
🎥 K-Dramas & K-Pop: Building Korea’s “Skin Paradise” Image
Close-up shots in K-dramas and music shows have put Korean celebrities’ flawless skin in the global spotlight. YouTube vlogs and influencer content have helped spread beauty experiences like personal color consultations and full K-beauty routines, making them must-try activities for visitors.
Interestingly, the “Korea Glow Up” goes beyond skincare. From K-food like gimbap and tteokbokki to Korean fashion and lifestyle trends, people are embracing a full-on image upgrade inspired by Korea.
📝 Final Tip
Here’s the best part—you don’t actually have to travel to Korea to enjoy your own Korea Glow Up. 😉
At MOIDA’s U.S. store, you can find all the hottest Korean care items, from skincare to cosmetics. Experience K-beauty right in your neighborhood—no plane ticket required!
📍 MOIDA U.S. Store Address:
- 1 Mills Cir #503, Ontario, CA 91764 US
- 488 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018 US
