K-beauty Industry
Did you hear about the 2024 Seoul Beauty Week, held from October 1st to 3rd? And just around the corner, from October 17th to 19th, the K-Beauty Expo Korea will take place at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do. As of 2024, Korea’s beauty industry is at an all-time high. Consumers worldwide are flocking to experience the innovative skincare and cosmetic techniques that Korea is known for, with beauty tourists visiting the country in increasing numbers to immerse themselves in the latest trends firsthand. Events like Seoul Beauty Week and the K-Beauty Expo Korea are prime examples of how much global attention the K-beauty industry is attracting. While exploring the current market trends, one can’t help but notice standout figures in Korea’s beauty scene. In particular, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, who’s leading some of the most prominent beauty trends, as well as the rise of personal color analysts, both stand out. Today, let’s dive into these key topics to explore the latest in K-beauty.
- beauty industry - 뷰티 산업
- all-time high - 사상 최고치
- standout figures - 주목할 인물들
- personal color analyst - 퍼스널 컬러 분석가
- prominent - 두드러진
- immerse - 몰입하다
1. 2024 Seoul Beauty Week and K-Beauty Expo Korea
☆ Seoul Beauty Week (Oct. 1-3)
Seoul Beauty Week marked its third year as a flagship event showcasing the latest developments in Korea’s beauty industry. Held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the event drew participants from 36 countries, with 200 buyers and 62 beauty brands present. Visitors could explore a variety of new products, including those from brands like Dr.Forhair, and even purchase items directly. Particularly noteworthy was the live commerce segment, where influencers introduced beauty products to global audiences in real-time, boosting the visibility and appeal of Korean beauty products worldwide. Seoul Beauty Week isn’t just a showcase—it’s also a crucial business platform. With opportunities for business consultations between beauty brands and buyers, the event serves as a springboard for K-beauty’s continued expansion into the global market. According to Seoul city officials, this year’s event facilitated $330 million worth of beauty product exports, marking a 30% increase from last year.
- flagship event - 대표 행사
- visibility - 가시성
- global audience - 세계 관객
- springboard - 도약대
- facilitate - 촉진하다
☆ K-Beauty Expo Korea (Oct. 17-19)
As for the K-Beauty Expo Korea, now in its 16th year, it’s one of the largest beauty exhibitions in Korea. The expo, held annually since 2009, will take place at KINTEX, offering a platform for 400 companies across 650 booths to present everything from cosmetics to inner beauty products. Beyond the exhibition, attendees can also participate in product demonstrations, beauty seminars, and network with industry professionals. This year’s event is expected to provide even more opportunities for business collaborations through export consultation meetings and business matching programs, co-hosted by KOTRA. Additionally, the expo will feature forums on global green and clean beauty trends and the ASEAN Business Forum, discussing sustainability and the future of the beauty industry.
- product demonstrations - 제품 시연
- business collaborations - 비즈니스 협력
- export consultation meetings - 수출 상담회
- KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) - 대한무역투자진흥공사
- green beauty - 친환경 뷰티
- sustainability - 지속 가능성
2. The Growth of K-Beauty Tourism
K-beauty tourism first gained attention in the early 2010s, driven by the global popularity of BB creams and sheet masks. As K-pop and K-dramas grew in international prominence, so did the demand for Korean beauty products, with tourists flocking to Korea to experience the products and beauty techniques firsthand. Areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae have become hotspots for beauty tourists, offering flagship stores, personalized skincare consultations, and exclusive product experiences. Events like Seoul Beauty Week and the K-Beauty Expo Korea further enhance this beauty tourism, allowing both buyers and casual visitors to engage directly with the latest innovations in the Korean beauty industry.
This surge in beauty tourism has had a positive impact on Korea’s economy as well. In 2023, Gangnam alone attracted 185,000 medical tourists, many of whom visited for dermatological treatments or cosmetic procedures. The steady increase in foreign tourists seeking K-beauty products and services reflects the ever-growing demand from countries like China, Japan, the U.S., and Vietnam.
Popular K-Beauty Products Among Tourists
✔ BB and CC creams: Loved for their natural coverage and skincare benefits, these products are a staple in Korean beauty.
✔ Sheet masks: Easy to use and packed with a variety of ingredients, sheet masks remain a popular choice for quick, effective skincare.
✔ Cushion foundations: Known for their portability and dewy finish, cushion foundations are beloved worldwide.
✔ Lip tints: Offering natural color with long-lasting wear, lip tints are especially popular among younger consumers.
✔ Skincare products: Essences, serums, and ampoules are highly sought after for their visible skin-improving effects.
- prominence - 두각, 명성
- beauty techniques - 뷰티 기법
- personalized skincare consultation - 맞춤형 피부 상담
- exclusive product experience - 독점 제품 체험
- casual visitor - 일반 방문객
- dermatological treatment - 피부과 치료
- cosmetic procedure - 미용 시술
- natural coverage - 자연스러운 커버력
- portability - 휴대성
- dewy finish - 촉촉한 마무리
- long-lasting wear - 오래 지속되는 사용감
3. Jang Wonyoung: The Trendsetting Icon of K-Beauty
Jang Wonyoung, a member of the girl group IVE, is a leading icon in the K-beauty world. Her beauty style and product choices are setting trends globally, with products she endorses often selling out within hours. Her influence extends beyond K-pop into the realms of K-beauty and fashion, with fans and beauty enthusiasts alike following her lead.
✔ AMUSE Gel Fit Tint: This lip tint popularized the "tanghulu lips" trend, featuring glossy, candy-coated lips that have gained immense popularity among MZ generation consumers.
✔ Hapa Kristin Color Contacts: Known as the "Jang Wonyoung lenses" in Japan and the U.S., these lenses add a natural yet striking touch to her look.
✔ Blushers: Jang Wonyoung is also known for her soft glow blush looks, which give her a radiant and healthy complexion. She uses a variety of blushes from brands like Clinique, Flower Knows, and MAC, which have all gained attention for creating her signature glowing look.
- endorse - 홍보하다, 추천하다
- realms - 영역
- beauty enthusiast - 뷰티 애호가
- glossy - 윤기 있는
- candy-coated - 사탕처럼 반짝이는
- immense popularity - 엄청난 인기
- striking - 눈에 띄는, 인상적인
- soft glow blush - 은은한 광채 블러셔
- radiant complexion - 빛나는 피부톤
4. Personal Color Analysis: The New Trend in Beauty and Fashion
Another emerging trend in Korea is personal color analysis. This service helps individuals discover which colors best complement their skin tone, eye color, and hair color, enhancing their natural beauty. With studios like Color Lume and Studio Bomnal offering personalized consultations in English, it’s no wonder that both locals and tourists are flocking to experience this trend. By understanding their most flattering color palette, customers can make smarter beauty and fashion choices that elevate their style.
- emerging trend - 떠오르는 트렌드
- personal color analysis - 퍼스널 컬러 분석
- complement - 보완하다
- enhance - 강화하다, 돋보이게 하다
- personalized consultation - 맞춤형 상담
- flattering - 잘 어울리는
The Future of K-Beauty: Innovation and Global Expansion
Looking ahead, K-Beauty is poised to continue its growth in the global market. With the introduction of innovative technologies like AI skincare and sustainable beauty, Korea remains at the forefront of beauty industry advancements. These developments not only create new products but also offer personalized, eco-friendly beauty solutions that cater to the evolving demands of consumers worldwide. Events like Seoul Beauty Week and K-Beauty Expo Korea will continue to play a pivotal role in expanding K-beauty’s global reach, serving as essential platforms for showcasing innovation and fostering international collaboration.
Korea’s beauty industry offers more than just products—it provides a unique beauty experience and the chance to immerse oneself in the latest trends. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and global recognition of Korea’s beauty industry, both for its cutting-edge technology and its ability to set the standard in the global beauty market.
- global expansion - 세계적인 확장
- poised - ~할 준비가 된
- sustainable beauty - 지속 가능한 뷰티
- forefront - 선두, 최전선
- eco-friendly - 친환경적인
- evolving demands - 변화하는 수요
- pivotal role - 중요한 역할
- global reach - 세계적인 영향력
- international collaboration - 국제 협력
- cutting-edge technology - 최첨단 기술
- global recognition - 세계적인 인정
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