CNN reported that “K-beauty tourism,” involving various cosmetic procedures in Seoul, is gaining popularity. According to CNN, on the 10th (local time), Korean influencer Lee Ye-rim, who recently lives in New York, uploaded a video to TikTok about visiting Korea and receiving 15 cosmetic procedures in three days. The video currently has over 1.2 million views.
Mr. Lee visits Korea regularly to receive treatment. Earlier this year, he visited Korea and spent a total of $4,578 (about 6.25 million won) on eyebrow tattoos, hair dyeing, skin lifting, and levator scapulae botox. He stated, “It’s honestly cheaper to buy a plane ticket to Korea to get botox and filler than to get them in the U.S.” Forehead, chin, and eyebrow botox costs about $70 in Seoul, but in New York, it costs about $500 to $1,400.
Ms. Lee explained that even if you go to a beauty salon for simple hair dyeing, you can experience better service at a cheaper price in Korea.
The media reported that more and more people are visiting Seoul for not only facial treatments but also skin care, makeup, and shiny hair. It also reported that nail salons and waxing salons have grown into a multi-billion dollar beauty industry in Korea.
“Non-cosmetic surgery is so common in Korea,” Lee said. “It’s not that it’s bad or good, it’s just ingrained in the culture.”
However, he cautioned that due to Korea’s strict advertising laws, people often have to rely on word-of-mouth to get information about hospitals. Mr. Lee, who found out about the hospital through recommendations from family and friends, explained that he must do sufficient research and consultation before undergoing the procedure.
“This process can be difficult for people who don’t speak Korean,” she continued. “We are developing a website for people who come to Korea to receive Korean cosmetic procedures. The trend these days is to share tips on what procedures to get in Korea.”
In fact, there are many vlogs (video content edited from one’s daily life) of foreigners who have ”glowed up” in Korea posted on TikTok and other platforms. One netizen even posted a video with the title, “You came to Korea and didn’t even get skin care.”
Reporter Lee Hye-won, Donga.com [email protected]
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2024-08-12 18:29:21 rnrn