South Korea’s Best Beauty Spots
Angela Kim of Insider Beauty is sharing her favorite South Korean beauty spots. (Photo: Lab L)
Ask any beauty junkie where they want to go on their next vacation and they will likely tell you it’s Seoul. The capital of South Korea has become a beauty hot spot thanks to the endless innovations (it is the birthplace of the cushion compact) coming from the dozens of brands based there. A few weeks ago, I caught up with Angela Kim, the founder of Insider Beauty, an online destination that is bringing the best beauty from Korea stateside. Insider Beauty has a carefully curated selection of products and instead of carrying full lines — Kim hand selects the best cult products from Korea’s most esteemed brands. She travels to South Korea throughout the year, so I asked her to put together a guide to her favorite beauty spots, from shops to spas, in the bustling city. If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, make sure these places make it on your itinerary.
“Olive Young in Myeongdong carries a wide range of international beauty brands. Considered the “Sephora” of Korea, there are numerous locations throughout Seoul but the one in Myeongdong is the largest of them all. Walk through the endless aisles of skincare and makeup products, but don’t forget to check out the “Get It Beauty” section in the back where top beauty winners from the popular Korean TV show are showcased.” - Angela Kim
9-20 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nail art from Unistella. (Photo: Instagram)
“An upscale nail salon located in the posh district of Chungdam, this known for their “glass nails” and other nail art. Park Eun Kyung, a celebrity nail artist is known for her avant-garde nail styles that set trends around the globe. Price start at 70,000won ($70 USD) and go up to 200,000won ($200 USD) depending on style.”
19-30 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
“I’m a huge fan of Innisfree — they are definitely considered a cult brand in Korea and products are high quality at very affordable prices. I love browsing through their skincare and makeup collections.”
15, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Inside skincare spot Lab L. (Photo: Lab L)
“A hip skincare lab known for it’s bespoke facials. Walk in and receive a complimentary skin care evaluation using their skin analytics device (a cool futuristic looking machine you insert your face into) then a customized skincare treatment is recommended for you using various vitamin-intense formulations.”
72-8 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Blow Blush
“If you’re looking to get pampered or need help getting ready for a night out in Seoul, stop by Blow Blush, a one-stop full service hair, nail, and makeup salon. Choose from a slew of packages like “First-Date” or “Skin-Glowing Make Up” or better yet, take makeup lessons from one of their professional makeup artists. It’s also conveniently located next door to LAB L.”
72-8 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
At Spa The El you can get a facial starting at $30. (Photo: Spa The El)
“This is a full-service spa known for their light therapy treatments as well as their skincare and facials. With a discerning clientele including a roster of celebrities, book an appointment for a girls day or if you need some solo R&R time. The menu of services includes facials, Tightening Pearl Lifting Treatments, and Color Light Therapy Treatments (displayed above) with prices ranging from (30,000won or $30) and up.”
Seocheon Building 6F, 570-3, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Lee Mi Ho
“Get your eyebrows and lashes on fleek with one of Korea’s trending beauty bars, known for lash extensions and eyebrow threading, with locations spread throughout Seoul. Walk in and you’ll be greeted by one of their highly skilled technicians who will guide you through their menu of services where you can pick our lash style and length. Walk out looking fresh and beautiful!”
570-3, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Skin Rx
“This store is great for finding indie brands that haven’t gone mainstream yet. Walk through the aisles and discover hard-to-find niche beauty products and unique skincare devices. Also, if you don’t have time to check our Unistella’s flagship location, check out the mini Unistella nail bar located in the back of the store if you’re looking to do a quick mani or pedi.”
96-6 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea\
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