Planning A Beauty Pilgrimage to South Korea?
Don't Miss Out On These 4 Places!
Photo courtesy of ZALORA Community
No prizes for guessing why Seoul is wildly popular among ladies. While most of us already know where to go to get their hands on the latest K-products and brand collaborations while in Korea, not many of us know where to enjoy some beauty services in beauty-land. If you’re in the midst of planning a beauty pilgrimage to Korea, here are four places you should definitely check out!
1. Check out the “Sephora of Korea”
Olive Young is essentially the “Sephora of Korea”, with several brands all stocked in one store. Don’t forget to check out the Olive Young store if you’re in Myeongdong and doing your beauty shopping at the usual hangouts, because its main store is located there. Check out the Get It Beauty section at the back of the Olive Young outlet in Myeongdong, where products that have passed the blind test in the popular TV show winners are showcased.
Address: Various outlets in Korea. They can be found in every neighbourhood.
Photo courtesy of ZALORA Community
2. Do as the locals do at a Jimjilbang
The Koreans take their baths seriously so going to a jimjilbang is a must-do if you’re looking to immerse yourself into the Korean culture. A jimjilbang or J-bang is essentially a 24-hour public bathhouse with different sauna rooms, shower facilities and various areas to lounge in or even take naps.
This writer has personally visited Siloam Fire Pot Sauna near Seoul Station over a month ago. For KRW10,000 (about SGD12) per entry, you’re free to roam the facilities at the five different levels. Trust us, going into an ice room of -14 degrees Celsius is one of the best things to do on a hot summer afternoon.
Address: 49, Jungnim-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
Nearest subway station: Seoul Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 or 4), Exit 1
Photo courtesy of ZALORA Community
3. Innisfree Jeju House
Nope, the biggest beauty brand in Korea is not based in Seoul but rather, at the tranquil Jeju Island. This Innisfree outlet sells various products including essential oils that are not available in any other Innisfree outlets in Seoul.
When you’re there, make your own soaps with natural materials found on Jeju Island. Purchase an eco bag (KRW15,000, about SGD18) containing all the materials you will need to make about three bar soaps. Then, all you have to do is to follow the instructions on a tablet placed in front of you, and you’ll soon be creating your very own bar soaps – great as keepsakes or as gifts to friends back at home.
Address: 425, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Photo courtesy of ZALORA Community
4. Indulge in a customised Korean facial
Best known for its bespoke facials, Lab L is one of the go-to places if you’re looking for a beauty fix. Treatments typically last for an hour or so, with a set list of options to choose from. There’s still room for customisation but nothing beats what’s provided by the family facialists. The store is clean, and fully equipped with a herbal juice bar. It’s no wonder it’s popular with the young, the young-at-heart, and even celebs!
If you’re in Korea for an extended period of time, you may sign up as a member and get facials for as low as SGD40.
Address: 72-8 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest subway station:
Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
Cheongdam Station (Seoul Subway Line 7), Exit 8.
Photo courtesy of ZALORA Community
Think we missed out on some good places to visit? Share YOUR thoughts in the comments section below.
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