essay on beauty of south korea

Essay on Beauty Of South Korea

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100 Words Essay on Beauty Of South Korea

Introduction.

South Korea, a gem in East Asia, is known for its stunning beauty. It’s a country where tradition meets modernity, and nature merges with city life. From vibrant cities to serene landscapes, South Korea has a lot to offer.

Seoul’s Splendor

Seoul, the capital, is a bustling city with towering skyscrapers, buzzing markets, and ancient palaces. It’s a place where you can see the latest technology and fashion trends, and also explore rich history and culture. The city’s beauty shines brightly at night with colorful lights.

Nature’s Charm

South Korea’s natural beauty is breathtaking. It has mountains covered in lush greenery, beautiful beaches, and picturesque islands. The cherry blossom season is a visual treat, turning the country into a pink paradise.

Cultural Heritage

South Korea’s cultural heritage adds to its beauty. Traditional hanbok dresses, historic temples, and folk villages offer a glimpse into the country’s past. Also, South Korean music and dance, like K-pop and B-boying, are globally admired.

South Korean cuisine is another aspect of its charm. Dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi are not only delicious but also a visual delight. The street food culture in South Korea is vibrant and diverse, adding to its appeal.

In conclusion, South Korea’s beauty lies in its diverse landscapes, rich culture, modern cities, and scrumptious cuisine. It’s a country that captivates everyone with its charm and leaves an everlasting impression.

250 Words Essay on Beauty Of South Korea

South Korea, a small country in East Asia, is known for its rich culture, modern cities, and stunning natural landscapes. It is a land where tradition and technology coexist, creating a unique blend of old and new.

Seoul’s Skyline

Seoul, the capital city, is a major highlight of South Korea. It is a bustling city with tall skyscrapers, including the Lotte World Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Yet, amidst this modernity, you can find ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. These palaces show the country’s deep-rooted history and culture.

Natural Beauty

South Korea’s natural beauty is breathtaking. Jeju Island, for example, is a paradise with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and the famous Hallasan Mountain. The country is also home to many national parks, like Seoraksan and Jirisan, which are perfect for hiking and camping.

Traditional Villages

South Korea also has traditional villages like Bukchon Hanok Village and Hahoe Folk Village. These villages have houses built in the traditional Korean style called ‘Hanok’. Visiting these villages feels like stepping back in time.

Cultural Festivals

South Korea is famous for its colorful cultural festivals. The Jinju Lantern Festival and the Boryeong Mud Festival are just two examples. These festivals are full of fun activities and show the vibrant culture of the country.

In a nutshell, South Korea is a beautiful country with a mix of modern and traditional sights. Its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination.

500 Words Essay on Beauty Of South Korea

The land of morning calm.

South Korea, often called the “Land of Morning Calm,” is a country that is beautiful in many ways. It’s not just about the physical beauty of the land, but also its rich culture, history, and warm-hearted people.

South Korea is a small country, but it is filled with stunning natural landscapes. There are many mountains, rivers, and forests that make the country very beautiful. The highest mountain, Mount Hallasan, is on Jeju Island. It’s a dormant volcano with a crater lake at its summit. The sight of the mountain, especially during sunrise, is breathtaking.

Seoraksan National Park is another natural beauty of South Korea. It is famous for its rocky landscapes, hot springs, and ancient temples. The park is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn red and yellow.

South Korea is also surrounded by seas on three sides. The coastline is dotted with lovely beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Some of the most beautiful beaches are in Busan, a city in the southern part of the country.

Cultural Beauty

South Korea has a rich and diverse culture. It is famous for its traditional music, dance, and art. The country also has a deep history of Buddhism, which is reflected in its many ancient temples. These temples are not just places of worship, but also beautiful works of art.

One of the most beautiful cultural aspects of South Korea is its traditional clothing, called Hanbok. Hanbok is usually worn on special occasions and festivals. It is made of bright, colorful silk and is very elegant.

Urban Beauty

South Korea is not just about nature and culture. It also has modern, bustling cities that are beautiful in their own way. Seoul, the capital city, is a mix of old and new. You can see modern skyscrapers next to ancient palaces and temples. The city is also famous for its beautiful night view. The lights from the buildings and bridges reflect on the Han River, creating a magical scene.

The Beauty of People

The beauty of South Korea is not complete without mentioning its people. Koreans are known for their warm hospitality and kindness. They are very respectful and have a deep sense of community. They also value education and hard work, which is reflected in their highly developed country.

In conclusion, South Korea is a beautiful country in many ways. It has stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, modern cities, and wonderful people. It’s a country that is worth visiting and exploring. Whether you’re a fan of nature, culture, or city life, South Korea has something beautiful to offer you.

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South Korea: an Amazing Country

Categories: South Korea

About this sample

Words: 828 |

Published: Aug 30, 2022

Words: 828 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited:

Haggis, P. (Director). (2004). Crash [Motion Picture]. United States: Lions Gate Films.
Kellner, D. (2006). Cultural Studies, Multiculturalism, and Media Culture. Film-Philosophy, 10(1), 1-18.
Leavy, P. (2008). The Oxford Handbook of Qualitative Research. Oxford University Press.
Liu, J. H., & Hilton, D. J. (2005). Stereotypes and prejudice: Key readings. Psychology Press.
Martin, M. (2006). Crash: Racism and Hysteria in America. Screen Education, (40), 43-48.
Nakagawa, S. (2006). A Review of the Movie Crash. The Japanese Journal of American Studies, (17), 299-303.
Nayar, P. K. (2009). An interview with Paul Haggis. Post Script: Essays in Film and the Humanities, 28(2), 28-36.
Ponniah, S. (2011). Race and racism in Paul Haggis's Crash: A cultural analysis. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 1(6), 260-268.
Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism. Vintage Books.
Shohat, E., & Stam, R. (1994). Unthinking Eurocentrism: Multiculturalism and the Media. Routledge.

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Essay On Why South Korea Is My Favourite Country

Looking for Essay On Why South Korea Is My Favourite Country ? Then you have visited to the right place.

Table of Contents

Introduction

South Korea, often called the Land of the Morning Calm, holds a special place in my heart. South Korea is my favorite among the many countries I have had the privilege to explore. The allure of South Korea is captivating, drawing people from all corners of the world. It is not just a destination but an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

South Korea’s charm lies in its remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, a juxtaposition that fascinates and intrigues me. As an eighth-grader, I was introduced to South Korea through the mesmerizing world of Korean dramas, and since then, I have been smitten by its culture and history. The Joseon Dynasty’s legacy of art and Confucian values forms the cornerstone of this rich culture.

Essay On Why south Korea Is My Favourite Country

the allure of south korea.

The allure of South Korea is a multifaceted gem. It’s not just about the historical heritage; it’s about how history intertwines with the vibrancy of modern life. The Joseon Dynasty, which spanned over five centuries, is an era that still casts its shadow in South Korea. Its profound influence on the country’s culture, traditions, and art. The architectural marvels of palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace showcase the grandeur of that era.

The echoes of Confucianism, a philosophical system emphasizing ethics and morality, resonate throughout South Korean society. This philosophy has shaped the Korean way of life, emphasizing respect for elders and strong family bonds. It is these values that make South Korean society unique and endearing.

Modern South Korea

However, South Korea is not just about history but also about the pulsating heart of its cities, especially Seoul. The city is a testament to South Korea’s modernity and dynamic lifestyle. Seoul’s energy is contagious. It’s a place where skyscrapers kiss the sky, K-pop echoes from every corner, and a trendy café culture thrives.

The global phenomenon known as Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, has made South Korea a cultural superpower. K-pop music, Korean skincare, and Korean cuisine have captivated people worldwide. This cultural export is a testament to South Korea’s creativity and innovation.

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Culinary Delights

One cannot talk about South Korea without mentioning its mouthwatering cuisine. Korean food is a journey in itself. The sizzle of bulgogi on a hot grill, the spicy kick of kimchi, and the comforting warmth of bibimbap—all these flavors dance on your taste buds. Street food in South Korea is equally enchanting. Tteokbokki, hotteok, and mandu are just a few delectable treats on the bustling streets.

The culinary journey in South Korea is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about exploring the culture through your taste buds. The emphasis on communal dining, where sharing meals is a cherished tradition, fosters a sense of togetherness and warmth.

Natural Beauty and National Parks

Beyond the hustle and bustle of urban life, South Korea boasts breathtaking natural beauty. The country’s national parks are like hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the lush greenery of Jirisan National Park to the serene lakes of Seoraksan National Park, each park offers a unique experience.

Jeju Island, referred to as the “Hawaii of South Korea,” is a natural wonder. Its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and lush forests make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Exploring these national parks and islands allows you to connect with the raw and untouched beauty of South Korea.

The Korean Peninsula

South Korea’s location on the Korean Peninsula adds to its unique appeal. The peninsula has a complex history marked by division and conflict, yet South Korea has emerged as a beacon of resilience and determination. The desire for peace and reunification with North Korea is a driving force in South Korean society.

Visiting the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border between North and South Korea, is a sobering experience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and diplomacy. South Korea’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the division on the peninsula is commendable.

The Joy of Visiting South Korea

Visiting South Korea is a joy in itself. The country offers a vast range of experiences that cater to different interests. Exploring historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village is like taking a journey through time. The architectural marvels and well-preserved heritage sites are a testament to South Korea’s commitment to preserving its history.

Bustling markets like Myeongdong and Namdaemun offer a glimpse into the vibrant street culture of South Korea. From fashion and cosmetics to traditional crafts, these markets are a shopper’s paradise. The local markets also serve as excellent places to savor authentic South Korean street food.

What makes South Korea truly remarkable is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Locals often go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. Whether it is striking up a conversation in a cafe or helping you find your way in the bustling streets of Seoul, the kindness of the South Korean people leaves a lasting impression.

Immersion in the Korean Lifestyle

To truly understand South Korea, one must immerse themselves in the local lifestyle. Wearing a Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire can be a transformative experience. It’s not just clothing; it’s a connection to centuries of tradition. The rich colors and clear Hanbok designs reflect South Korean culture’s beauty and depth.

Engaging with locals and participating in traditional ceremonies offers a deeper insight into South Korea’s way of life. The ceremonies, such as the tea ceremony or Seollal (Lunar New Year) celebrations, are opportunities to connect with the rich tapestry of South Korean traditions.

Sharing meals with locals is another way to become a part of the vibrant South Korean culture. Food is a central element in South Korean society, and sharing a meal with someone is a gesture of friendship and inclusion. Whether enjoying a traditional Korean barbecue or savoring homemade kimchi, these moments create lasting memories.

Conclusion

This Essay On Why south Korea Is My Favourite Country concludes that South Korea is my favorite country for many reasons. Its captivating blend of history and modernity, mouthwatering cuisine, natural beauty, and warm-hearted people make it an unforgettable destination. Exploring the Korean Peninsula, whether strolling through the streets of Seoul or hiking in a national park, is an enriching experience.

South Korea offers a sense of belonging and being part of something exceptional. It is a place where history comes to life, tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, and where the warmth of the people leaves an indelible mark on your heart. I encourage everyone to visit South Korea and discover its unique charm, just as I did. It is a lifetime journey that will leave you with remarkable memories and a deep appreciation for this remarkable nation.

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Reasons Why You Should Visit South Korea at Least Once in Your Lifetime

While South Korea might not yet be the number one travel destination for many around the world, there are plentiful reasons why you should visit the country of the morning calm on your next vacation. From history to culture and food to religion, take a look at our guide to the top reasons why you should visit South Korea at least once in your lifetime.

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Sing karaoke in Seoul, go hiking in Seoraksan National Park and eat bibimbap in Jeonju on our 10-day small-group trip to South Korea .

Pulsating culture

Due to their long history, South Koreans have a variety of traditions they have kept alive throughout centuries. Still today, you can watch traditional Korean dance and music performances, while people love to dress in traditional clothes ( hanbok ) – you can rent it to wear around Seoul and Jeonju, for example. Even in modern Seoul, you can still find traditional hanok house neighborhoods with lovely teahouses that have been in existence for decades. This mix of old and new is truly fun to explore when traveling in South Korea.

Rich History

The history of South Korea is long and dating back over a thousand years. Due to the natural isolation of the Korean Peninsula, the country’s culture hasn’t changed as much as in other regions. Still today, you can stand in awe of some of the most significant cultural heritage sites of the country, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, the main palace situated in Seoul. The city of Gyeongju is also a place of historic value and is often called a ‘museum without walls’. Gyeongju was the capital of Korea during the Silla Dynasty from 57 BC – 935 AD and is home to countless royal tombs, palaces, and temples that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Year-round Festivals

When you are for the first time in South Korea, make sure you visit a festival. Every year, there are more festivals in South Korea than one could attend, with a couple of main festivities everyone likes to join in with. When the snow melts and the weather gets warmer, pink and white cherry blossoms transform South Korea into a magical wonderland for a short period at the beginning of spring, and thousands of people come to see the blossoms from all over the country. Buddha’s Birthday is another major holiday celebrated in May with lantern parades and performances at local temples, while in fall, Koreans celebrate their own version of Thanksgiving during Chuseok and honor their ancestors during proudly conducted ceremonies. In fact, there are festivals in every month of the year for every taste.

Futuristic Modernity

In contrast to its historic landmarks, South Korea is a pioneer in creating new and innovative structures. Looking at Seoul, for example, you are surrounded by futuristic buildings in one part of the city, such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza by Zaha Hadid, while traditional hanok neighborhoods lie just around the corner. Earlier this year, Seoul proudly opened the world’s fifth largest skyscraper piercing majestically out of the ground overlooking the Han River. It comes with little surprise that some of the world’s leading companies are also located here, including Samsung, Hyundai and Kia.

Exciting Food

Koreans are very proud of their unique cuisine. This is another result of the country’s natural isolation and climate leading to particular food preparation methods. Take kimchi , for example, the country’s number one side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables that are kept in jars for months, one of many practices used to protect food during harsh winters. Over the centuries, Koreans have created a fascinating and rich food culture made up of meat dishes, stews, soups, noodle dishes, seafood and many vegetable side dishes. Visit South Korea and you should spend an entire day roaming street markets sampling your way through this concert of flavors.

Quiet Countryside

As South Korea is not yet a worldwide popular vacation destination like its neighbors China and Japan, you will find untouched rural areas giving insight into traditional Korean lifestyle. While around 20% of all South Koreans live in and near Seoul, it’s especially the small rural villages where you can find peace and quiet. The well-connected railway and express bus systems make it easy to also explore the less visited areas of the country. You’ll be surprised that you can find lush rice terraces and hidden temples right here in South Korea.

You can find even more tranquility and inner peace when joining a one- or two-day templestay program, which allows you to spend some time living like Buddhist monks in temples across Korea. While the Korean templestay program might not be as heard of around the world, it’s a well-established organization offering English-speaking programs to anyone around the country. Whether you want to experience a templestay in downtown Seoul or in rural South Korea on top of a mountain, the options are endless and the results are incredibly rewarding.

Vibrant cities

While Seoul is arguably the most thrilling city in South Korea, it’s not the only large city that’s worth a visit. Despite its small size, South Korea has plenty of exciting cities from north to south. Busan in the very south, for example, is the country’s second largest city and located on a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and clear ocean water. Jeonju in the west of the country is one of the last places featuring a traditional old town with Korean hanok houses and a beautiful destination in spring and fall. Each of Korea’s nine provinces has its own local cuisine and attractions that are worth exploring.

K-pop Culture

South Korea is world-famous for its exciting music culture. K-pop is not only a music genre, it’s part of Korean culture that captures people all over Asia and the world. Walking down main pedestrian streets in South Korea, you will hear the latest hits of the industry. K-pop fans visit South Korea in waves and visit their favorite group’s or singer’s music label, get a K-pop makeover or visit K-pop-themed cafés. If you’re not yet into Korean music, we guarantee you that after you visit South Korea, you will be.

Korean Trendsetters

K-pop and Korean fashion go almost hand in hand. However, in recent years, South Korea has not only become known for coming up with quirky outfits for their boy and girl groups but also setting global trends in regular fashion. Seoul Fashion Week, for example, is becoming more and more visited by international designers and fashion labels who visit fashion shows to import Korean fashion lines to their home countries in Europe, America, Africa and all over Asia. Visiting Seoul, visitors will also notice that South Koreans, in general, are very fashionable and love to experiment and show off their hot streetwear on the streets of Seoul. Visit Dongdaemun, Gangnam or Myeongdong to get your own sets of Korean outfits to take home with you.

Make-up and Skincare

Ever wonder why Korean women (and men!) have flawless and stunningly beautiful skin? Koreans see taking care of their skin as an essential part of their daily lives and they spend more money on skincare and beauty than anywhere else in the world. Many Koreans even have a ten-step morning and night routine they strictly follow day after day to maintain their beautiful skin. It’s therefore no wonder that South Korea is home to countless skincare and make-up brands offering the most innovative and futuristic products on the global market. If that’s not a great reason to come to Korea, then we don’t know what is!

Quirky Entertainment Options

Entertainment is very important to South Koreans and they come up with new ways to keep themselves amused almost every month. We have all heard of the quirky themed cafés all over Seoul that offer visitors the chance to pet cats or dogs, play with racoons, cuddle with meerkats and engage with all kinds of other animals. There are also themed cafés that allow you to dress up as a princess and take pictures or eat food shaped like poop. Karaoke rooms have also been part of Korean entertainment for decades and are popular among all age groups. PC rooms are also well-visited, usually by a younger crowd, who compete in a variety of online games with people from all over the world – so much so that South Korea has become a leading force in global e-sports.

Stunning Coastline and Beaches

Due to South Korea being a peninsula, the country offers miles and miles of beautiful coast and stunning beaches. Korea also has a lot of beautiful islands, the most popular and largest one being Jeju Island. Jeju Island is one of Korea’s most visited destinations thanks to its exceptional natural wonders and breathtaking beaches. Another beautiful beach and coastal region is Jeollado in the west of the country. Moreover, the eastern coast is famous for beautiful sunrises, the earliest in the country.

Picturesque Mountain Ranges

South Korean attractions include beautiful national parks. Despite its small size, South Korea is home to 22 national parks with countless mountains. The island of Jeju has the highest peak in South Korea, the shield volcano Hallasan. Another popular hiking area is Seoraksan, the third tallest mountain in the country at 1,708 meters (5,603 feet). You can hike around this national park on Culture Trip’s 10-day adventure around South Korea . It’s exactly this combination of mountains and coast that make South Korea such a thrilling destination.

Four Amazing Seasons

Due to South Korea’s location in East Asia, the country is blessed with changing seasons. This makes Korea an exciting place to travel and live. No matter when you travel to Korea, you’ll be surprised with breathtaking seasonal changes in nature, such as cherry blossoms in the spring, flower fields in the summer, colorful foliage in the fall and a white wonderland in the winter. Besides the changing weather, each season also has special festivals and also dishes, such as the Taebaeksan Snow Festival in winter and cold noodles in summer.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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South Korean Culture

This essay about South Korean culture explores its evolution from traditional roots to its status in the modern world. It highlights the influence of Confucian values, traditional elements like the hanbok and Korean cuisine, and cultural festivals such as Chuseok. Additionally, it examines South Korea’s contemporary global influence through the Korean Wave, including K-pop and cinema. The piece illustrates the seamless integration of tradition and modernity in South Korea, emphasizing its cultural resilience and global significance.

How it works

South Korea, often called the “Land of the Morning Calm,” presents a unique blend of historical richness and contemporary vibrancy. This essay delves into the diverse elements of South Korean culture, tracing its evolution from deep-rooted traditions to its modern-day global cultural stature.

Central to South Korea’s cultural identity are its age-old traditions, underpinned by Confucian principles such as respect for elders, familial loyalty, and societal harmony. These principles are woven into the fabric of Korean life, influencing everything from family dynamics to social interactions.

The hanbok, with its beautiful colors and elegant lines, stands as a powerful symbol of Korean heritage. More than just traditional clothing, the hanbok reflects the cultural ideals of grace and humility, and its vibrant designs celebrate prosperity and good fortune.

Korean cuisine also plays a crucial role in the nation’s culture, characterized by its intense flavors and varied textures. Dishes like kimchi, which uses fermented vegetables, and bibimbap, a versatile rice dish, exemplify Korea’s agricultural heritage and the communal aspect of its food culture, where meals are a time for sharing and unity.

South Korea’s cultural calendar features numerous festivals that highlight its communal spirit and cultural legacy. Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival, symbolizes family unity and respect for ancestors with its traditional foods and folk games. Similarly, the Lunar New Year, or Seollal, is a festive time of family reunions and cultural rituals that strengthen communal ties and ensure the passage of heritage to new generations.

In the realm of modernity, South Korea is a leader in innovation and global culture. The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has made Korean media a staple worldwide, with K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK leading the charge. This musical genre mixes Korean and Western influences, showcasing South Korea’s knack for hybridization and international appeal.

Korean cinema, too, has made significant inroads globally, with films like “Parasite” by Bong Joon-ho achieving international acclaim and awards, demonstrating Korea’s capacity to produce resonant and globally relevant stories.

Modern South Korea is a place where traditional and contemporary elements intersect seamlessly. Seoul, the capital, epitomizes this blend, with historical palaces and modern skyscrapers coexisting. Traditional hanok houses, now often used as cultural centers or lodgings, epitomize the balance between preserving the old and embracing the new.

Contemporary interests such as K-beauty and e-sports thrive alongside traditional arts like tea ceremonies and taekwondo, reflecting a society that values both its history and its progression into the future.

South Korea’s culture is a dynamic mix of historical traditions and modern influences, making it a rich, vibrant tapestry that continues to evolve. As it embraces the challenges and opportunities of globalization and technological advancements, South Korea remains deeply connected to its cultural roots, showcasing a unique blend of resilience, innovation, and pride. This balance not only defines its cultural identity but also positions it as a significant player on the global stage.

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Exploring the Natural Beauty of South Korea

Jul 13, 2023 | South Korea | 0 comments

It’s the land of lively cities, breathtaking mountains and the finest Natural Beauty of South Korea; It’ll be the adventure of a lifetime.

Get ready to be swept away by the abundance of natural beauty South Korea has to offer. From sparkling oceans, lush mountains, vibrant forests and winding rivers, there’s something for everyone.

Take a hike up Seoraksan National Park, where you can marvel at the stunning peaks and rock formations. Or, head to the mesmerizing paradise of Namsan, where you can take a peaceful stroll through its lovely cherry blossom gardens.

Or, you can visit the UNESCO-protected Jeju Island, whose dramatic landscape features a dormant volcano, clear blue seas and black sand beaches. Natural beauty will capture your heart and soul everywhere in South Korea.

Exploring the Natural Beauty of South Korea, like Jeongbang Falls in Jeju.

Let’s go on a virtual journey to a land of stunning natural beauty and captivating landscapes – South Korea. Known for its bustling cities, rich history, and vibrant culture, this fantastic East Asian country boasts a breathtaking array of natural wonders that will leave you in awe. So, let’s explore some of South Korea’s most magnificent natural treasures.

The Majestic Peaks of Seoraksan

Nestled in the country’s northeastern part, this majestic mountain range offers a beautiful tapestry of jagged peaks, crystal-clear streams, and lush forests. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an avid hiker, Seoraksan has something for everybody.

Challenge yourself to conquer Daecheongbong, the highest peak in the region, or explore the picturesque trails, taking in the panoramic views. If you can, visit in autumn when the mountains are covered in a fantastic blanket of autumnal hues. You can start planning your trip with a visa from ivisa.com .

Jeju Island

The tropical paradise of Jeju Island off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula is home to stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and scenic countryside. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit if you’re a nature-lover.

Stroll along the amazing Seongsan Ilchulbong Park, a volcanic cone formed over five thousand years ago, and watch the sunrise casting a golden glow over the landscape. Hike through the enchanting Manjanggul Cave , one of the largest lava tube caves in the world, or dive into the stunning, crystal-clear waters of Hyeopjae Beach.

Go Exploring during your Jeju Island Itinerary.

Boseong Green Tea Fields

If you are a tea lover seeking a tranquil experience, look no further than the Boseong Green Tea Fields. Tucked away in the southern part of Korea, these scenic tea plantation offers a relaxing and refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Think rolling hills adorned with vibrant green tea bushes, their leaves gently swaying in the breeze. Take a stroll through the neatly manicured fields, breathe in the fragrant aroma of the tea leaves, and indulge in a cup of freshly brewed tea. It’s a serene experience that will rejuvenate your senses and leave you feeling peaceful and refreshed.

As a nature lover, you must visit Gyeongju in South Korea! It’s a place where the natural beauty of South Korea truly shines. Lush, rolling hills, sprawling gardens, and ancient temples abound in this one-of-a-kind destination.

The quaint town is known as the “museum without walls,” as you’ll find countless historic sites and natural wonders everywhere. Take a relaxing stroll through the lovely Anapji Pond or hike up to the beautiful Mount Namsan for panoramic city views.

Don’t miss out on exploring Bulguksa Temple, an incredibly well-preserved temple that dates back to the eighth century. See why Gyeongju is one of the best places for nature lovers – its serene splendour entrance you!

Nature in Gyeongju is alive for all to see at its finest.

Nami Island

Don’t miss out on a visit to Nami Island , a small oasis of natural beauty just outside of Seoul. This charming island is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, dense forests, and enchanting tree-lined pathways.

Walking along the winding trails, you’ll feel like you have stepped straight into a fairy tale. The serene ambience and idyllic scenery on this island have made it a hugely popular filming location for Korean dramas, and it’s one of the top destinations for locals and tourists alike.

A Recap of the Best Natural Beaty of South Korea

South Korea offers a spectacular selection of natural views from Seoul to the remote islands that will take your breath away. South Korea has something for every nature lover who visits, from the majestic slopes of Mount Seoraksan to pristine beaches like Haeundae and Maebyeongnam.

Whether you are brave enough to paraglide over Jeju island or just looking for an enlightening hike around Naejangsan, take the time to stop and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you. Each journey across South Korea can be unique and exciting, so treasure each of your experiences in one of Asia’s true gems.

Finally, don’t forget that taking in all these sights with a side of kimchi makes South Korea truly special!

Wander the incredible outdoors of Nami Island.

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South Korea: More than Just the "Beauty-Obsessed" Capital of the World

Theodora Yoon + −

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“Sweep away the pillars of this once patriarchal society.” “South Korea loves plastic surgery and makeup.” “… deeply patriarchal culture …” These were some phrases I recently encountered when reading BBC and New York Times articles covering a recent feminist movement boiling in South Korea: The Anti-Corset Movement, named to symbolize Korean women fighting to break free of a misogynstic society.

As a young Korean-American woman, I was excited to hear about a feminist movement starting in Korea—girl power was spreading across the globe. But the information I found within the articles I read left me angered at a culture, rather than empowered by a new female force.

What I found almost always started with an emphasis on Koreans’ love of plastic surgery and makeup and their obsession with beauty and pretty faces, and ended by blaming their current patriarchal society on this supposedly “beauty-obsessed” culture.

But when I would talk about this topic with my mom, a graduate of UCLA with a degree in East Asian studies, she’d point out some flaws in this portrayal of Korean culture.

Yes, South Korea is known to be a place where fitting rigid beauty standards is vital to thrive in society. Women are expected to act and look “feminine”—leading to the pressures of wearing heavy makeup and undergoing plastic surgery. Often, people will mistake this as Koreans, specifically Korean women, being too superficial and too concerned about their outward appearances. What many fail to realize, however, is that their livelihood can rely on such factors.

South Korea is a highly educated country, consisting of both men and women who are equally qualified for a limited number of jobs. However, men are often favored over women in this competitive job market, forcing women to rely on beauty as a determining factor in separating them from other job applicants.

Consequently, the expectation instilled upon women to fit this societal mold has fed, and justified, the idea of male supremacy, thus allowing one of the largest gender wage gaps in the world to go unchallenged and causing sexual misconduct against women to proliferate. This is how modern South Korean society has been functioning, leading to the common perception in western cultures that this is how South Korea has always functioned.

Contrary to popular belief, however, Korea was not always a patriarchy, nor was it always misogynistic. Before the Yi dynasty and the rise of Neo-Confucianism, Korea was largely a matriarchal society where inheritances were passed on from mothers to daughters and husbands moved into the homes of their wives’ families.

In fact, modern Korea almost seemed to be circling back to these roots when, in February of 2013, Park Geun-Hye was elected as South Korea’s first woman president—an event yet to take place in the United States. However, her subsequent charges of bribery, abuse of power, and her lack of action following the tragic Sewol Ferry drowning in 2014 ultimately cost her her presidency; she was impeached in March of 2017. Her impeachment was an event I followed on MBC News, a Korean news channel I’d sometimes watch with my parents and grandparents.

“That woman is no good,” my grandfather would say to me, pointing his finger at her as if he were one of the thousands of protestors that flooded the screen.

I’d then flip the channel to CNN , only to find an almost parallel story. But instead of Park Geun-Hye’s face plaguing protest posters, it was the face of popular film mogul Harvey Weinstein next to the words “#MeToo.”

In 2017, the #MeToo Movement started after a flood of sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein shook America to its core. The movement unfolded within the same year of Park Geun-Hye’s impeachment, and around the same time I started seeing dolled-up faces of Korean pop singers plastered on magazine covers at my local Barnes and Noble.

I was living in a strange new world. Coming from a small, predominantly Caucasian town in New Jersey, I have grown up with the assumption that South Korea was unfamiliar or unknown to non-Asian Americans. So when I heard Jimmy Fallon’s familiar voice merge into the exciting sound of Korean pop music from my downstairs TV room earlier this year, I was both shocked and excited. South Korea was now on the global stage.

As Korean pop culture began to cross over into America’s mainstream, Korean society similarly took note on what was happening in America. Rather than pop culture, however, they looked to the feminist rise in America. #MeToo didn’t just awaken Americans from their political slumber: it also sparked the Anti-Corset Movement in Korea. A movement lead by strong women with bare faces and short hair; a movement to say that women should no longer have to live in fear of men.

Unfortunately, Anti-Corset has been off to a rocky and relatively stagnant start. This is largely because discussing issues such as sexual misconduct is taboo in South Korea, and the association with feminism is stigmatized—a stigma amplified after Park Geun-Hye’s impeachment.

But what I am frustrated with is not the seemingly static start to feminism in Korea; radical change always starts slow. What I am frustrated by are the articles, often by American writers, which superficially label South Korea as a beauty-obsessed nation, or blame Korea’s current political climate on a “deeply-rooted” cultural problem, without knowing the culture in its entirety or addressing why misogyny may still exist. Korea’s long-lasting matriarchy before the rise of Neo-Confucianism, Park Geun-Hye’s presidency, and competition within the job market, are all factors to consider before judging the country’s society as a whole.

All this is not said to justify misogyny in Korea, nor deny that modern Korean culture yearns for change, but rather to emphasize the need for people to ensure that they understand and reveal the entire story.

As South Korean influence comes out of its insular shell and spills more into the western media, I urge writers reporting on Korea, or any foreign country, to understand both modern and traditional culture in their entirety, not just through a myopic lens.

Image Source: Wikimedia

Keywords: Anti-Corset Movement, South Korea, Korean Patriarchy

____________________________________________________________

* Theodora Yoon is a rising senior at The Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains, NJ. Going to a STEM based school and also being a ballet dancer for 11 years, she is passionate for both the arts and sciences. She has a love for writing, reading, and learning about new cultures, which she takes up when she has free time between her studies and dance schedule.

Theodora Yoon is a rising senior at The Academy for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Plains, NJ. Going to a STEM based school and also being a ballet dancer for 11 years, she is passionate for both the arts and sciences. She has a love for writing, reading, and learning about new cultures, which she takes up when she has free time between her studies and dance schedule.

Essay on South Korea: Harmony of Tradition and Modernity

Nestled on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea emerges as a captivating blend of tradition and innovation. From the vibrant cityscapes of Seoul to the serene landscapes of Jeju Island, this East Asian nation beckons travelers with its rich cultural tapestry, technological prowess, and historical significance. In this essay, we embark on a journey to explore the multifaceted allure of South Korea, a country that seamlessly marries the past and the present.

Quick Overview:

South Korea stands as a global leader in technology and innovation. Boasting giants like Samsung and LG, the country has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape. Its cutting-edge advancements in electronics, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence have garnered international acclaim.
Rooted in a history spanning millennia, South Korea preserves its cultural heritage with pride. Ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung, traditional Hanbok attire, and the art of calligraphy reflect the nation’s commitment to honoring its roots. The preservation of cultural practices, such as the intricate tea ceremonies and traditional dance forms, adds a touch of timeless elegance to the modern landscape.
South Korea boasts diverse landscapes, from the bustling urban jungles to serene countryside and pristine coastlines. The enchanting cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and the volcanic landscapes of Jeju Island contribute to the country’s aesthetic appeal, drawing nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Korean cuisine, renowned for its flavorsome and diverse offerings, has gained global popularity. From the iconic Kimchi to sizzling Bulgogi, the culinary landscape reflects a harmonious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The vibrant street food culture, with delicacies like Tteokbokki and Banchan, adds a delightful touch to the gastronomic experience.
South Korea’s influence on global pop culture, particularly through K-Pop and K-Dramas, has reached unprecedented heights. Groups like BTS and dramas like “Descendants of the Sun” have garnered a massive international fan base. The Hallyu wave not only showcases the nation’s entertainment industry but also serves as a cultural ambassador, fostering global connections.

Conclusion: In conclusion, South Korea emerges as a captivating tapestry of innovation, tradition, and natural beauty. Its journey from a nation rebuilding after the Korean War to a technological powerhouse is a testament to resilience and determination. The juxtaposition of ancient palaces against modern skyscrapers, traditional rituals amidst cutting-edge technology, creates a unique narrative that captures the essence of South Korea.

As travelers immerse themselves in the vibrant street markets, explore the UNESCO-listed sites, and indulge in the flavors of Korean cuisine, they witness a nation that cherishes its past while embracing the dynamism of the present. South Korea, with its multifaceted appeal, invites the world to witness the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity, proving that in the heart of East Asia, a nation can dance gracefully on the tightrope between heritage and progress.

Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.

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Essay on How South Korea Inspires Me

How would you write an essay on the beauty of South Korea , a country to inspire others for development. Read the sample essays given below to know about Korean cuisine, music, architecture and other specialities. The achievements of South Korea are so inspiring. Can we draw any similarities between India and Korea? What can Indians learn from South Korea? How will I introduce South Korea to my friends?

How South Korea Inspires me Essay1

South Korea is a new star shining in the sky of the wealthiest countries of the world. I came to know about this wonderful country when our Prime Minister Narender Modi visited Seoul, the capital of South Korea to receive the prestigious Seoul Peace Prize 2019.

Unlike India, South Korea is not blessed with natural resources. Still, it is the 5 th largest exporter in the world. I admire South Korea for developing into a fully liberal democracy even after experiencing a series of military dictatorships from the 1960s until the 1980s.

It is very inspiring to know how South Korea managed to board this fast-paced train of development taking along its culture and values. My country India has a diverse culture, but that is holding India back in the race of progress. I want to learn from Korea how they maintain a balance between the two.

Besides South Korea’s economic progress its beauty and fashion industry is a source of inspiration for thousands of teenagers like me. The shiny and scarless faces of the fashion icons attract me to explore their world-famed cosmetic industry.

The traditional food and preparation techniques of Korean food are the main driving force behind their healthy body and energetic mind. Kimchi is served at almost every meal. These fermented vegetables save them from falling ill and allow them to concentrate their energy on constructive projects. I wish to visit Korea and relish their traditional as well as street food.

K.Dramas and K.Pop proved once again that ‘music knows no bounds’. The reason behind the number one position of BTS in 91 countries (including India) is that it covers subjects like bullying, elitism and mental health. It depicts the broad spectrum of their mind.

It was thrilling to watch BTS as the first K-Pop group addressing the United Nations. South Korean children enjoy the highest speed of the internet in their country. UN Child Flourishing Index 2020 declared South Korea as the second-best country in the world to raise kids due to good healthcare and education.

The recently built Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a major architectural development landmark in Seoul. Technological innovations of South Korea are world-famous under the big names- Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Kia. I feel a country becomes self-reliant only with the support of proper infrastructure which is the prime focus of the Korean government.

South Korea inspires me in many interesting ways and I want to experience it firsthand whenever I can. We can learn a lot together by organising cultural exchange programmes at the school and college levels. India can proudly boast a lot of achievements which Koreans will certainly love to talk about.

How South Korea Inspires me Essay2

South Korea – the name brings up a variety of images and connections in my daily life. Likewise, there are many diverse ways in which this amazing country inspires me.

One of my biggest inspirations is that a nation that got independence after India is now producing so many products being used daily by Indians. Be it mobile phones, household electronic products or cars, South Korean products are omnipresent.

Starting as a war-torn and poor nation, South Korea decided to focus on exports and transformed itself into a developed nation at a fast pace. The per capita GDP of South Korea is almost 16.5 times that of India and it is the world’s 6th largest exporter. The technological prowess of South Korea can be gauged by the fact that it remained the world’s most innovative country in the Bloomberg Innovation Index for the sixth consecutive year in 2019.

What inspires me next is the quality of South Koreans to keep their culture and traditions alive while embracing the latest technology, fast economic growth and modern lifestyle. Koreans continue to give due importance to their customs and language. An inspiring example of this is the stellar international performance of the Korean movie, Parasite.

South Koreans are among the best in the world in terms of presenting and exporting their cultural products like K-Dramas and K-Pop. Korean stars from both these fields have now adored the world over. The number of fans of these stars is in hundreds of thousands. Some of them are strong advocates of the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Human Rights endorsed by the United Nations. BTS has appeared in Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.

I am also inspired by the historical similarities between India and Korea. Korea also has had an illustrious history which is well preserved through various magnificent monuments like the Palaces (Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace), Hanok Villages, Fortresses, Gates and Temples (Bongeunsa Temple, Jogyesa temple). Koreans also had to struggle against the rule of imperial power and fight for independence. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was impressed by their freedom struggle and wrote a poem in their honour. More than 2000 years ago a princess from Ayodhya went to Korea and married the King of Gaya. Now almost 11% of the Korean population are her descendants. This is such an inspiring connection between us and the Koreans.

I am also inspired by the achievements of South Korea in world sports. It has consistently been among the top ten medal winners in many past Olympics. Taekwondo, the famous martial art was born in Korea and is its national sport.

To win so many medals, Koreans stay fit and to stay fit, they rely on their cuisine. Korean cuisine is quite interesting and getting more popular in India and the world. Almost all foodies have eaten Kimchi the most common Korean dish.

In conclusion, South Korea inspires me in many interesting ways and I want to experience it firsthand whenever I can.

Disclaimer: These are sample essays posted on the official website of koreaindiaessay.com for the Korea-India Essay Competition. We have published it here to help students.

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How South Korea became a global beauty powerhouse

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Claire Donnelly
Meghna Chakrabarti

A pedestrian walks past advertisements for plastic surgery clinics at a subway station in Seoul on March 26, 2014. The South Korean capital Seoul is to restrict the use of plastic surgery adverts on public transport, officials said, after complaints that they were fuelling an unhealthy obsession with body image. AFP PHOTO / JUNG YEON-JE (Photo credit should read JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

10-step skincare routines, products made from snail mucus. Welcome to the South Korean beauty industry.

"The long luxurious hair, it’s the porcelain white skin. It’s big, bright eyes," Elise Hu says. "And then a feminine jawline, which, in Korea, is called the V-line."

South Korean beauty techniques have become so popular, the country is now the world's third largest exporter of cosmetics.

But pursuing beauty ideals have always come at a social, emotional and physical cost. K-beauty is not different.

"The labor, the aesthetic labor that we do on our bodies. That is labor that we don’t just do for free but that we pay to do," Hu adds.

Today, On Point : The K-beauty industry, consumerism and the pursuit of flawlessness.

Elise Hu , correspondent and host-at-large for NPR. Author of the new book “ Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital. "

Michelle Cho , assistant professor of East Asian Popular Cultures at the University of Toronto.

Also Featured

Sue Greene and Herra Namhie, co-founders of the L.A.-based online K-beauty store Ohlolly.

MEGHNA CHAKRABARTI: Paris, New York, Los Angeles, and now Soul South Korea. Welcome to the new global powerhouse in the beauty industry.

KRISTINA ARANILLA: This essence has snail secretion filtrate, which yes is snail slime, so the snail secretion filtrate is supposed to brighten, hydrate and support skin repair.

That' s Kristina Aranilla, one of an army of YouTubers, immersed in the world of K-beauty.

And here's Charlotte Cho walking viewers through her 10-step Korean skincare routine.

CHARLOTTE CHO: After cleansing, I do use a exfoliator to slough off any dead skin cells, and I've been really into the Neogen bio peel. This is the green tea version.

CHAKRABARTI: There are oil cleansers, toner, essences, serums, moisturizers and ampoules.

The list goes on in a video for Harper's Bazaar, K-pop Star Somi demonstrates how she plasterers a bright yellow mask on her face.

SOMI: You can tear it easily. There we go. Look at this. It's yellow, so I'll be looking like a giant yolk, but.

CHAKRABARTI: She also uses a plastic device called a neckline slimmer.

SOMI: So you know this part here, like this double chin you get ... you put this on your chest right here. Hold it. Nicely, gentle, and you nod.

CHAKRABARTI: This is On Point. I'm Meghna Chakrabarti. All of these beauty products help explain how South Korea has become the third largest cosmetics exporter in the world. Inside Korea, the beauty industry isn't just limited to products either. It encompasses standards for weight and for transforming every part of your body with plastic surgery.

So how did the country become such a driving force in the global beauty industry? And what might it mean for worldwide beauty standards and how we even think of the concept of what beautiful is and also what impact is it having on Korean women now? Elise Hu from her work as an NPR correspondent and host-at-large, she also served as NPR's first ever Seoul Bureau chief from 2015 to 2018.

And it's that experience that inspired her new book “ Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital. "

Elise, I'm thrilled to welcome you to On Point.

ELISE HU: Hey, Meghna. Thanks for having me.

CHAKRABARTI: First of all, I want to ask you about, again, the experience that that inspired the book. Because I oftentimes feel that Seoul, South Korea these days, going there is almost like walking into the future because it's economically, technologically, and culturally developed. But what did you see when you opened the Seoul Bureau for NPR, in terms of beauty standards, what were you immediately immersed in?

HU: You are right. It was like a video game because it was so electric, so alive. You had skyscrapers reaching high into the clouds. There was kind of pollution in the air. There was just digital signage everywhere, not just on tops of cars and on the sides of buses and in Florida ceilings, window displays.

But also, there's signage, digital signs that wrap around entire buildings. And so much of that imagery is just full of women's faces and women's torsos and advertisements for products to fix ourselves. So there was a lot of before to after signage at the time I was there. That has now been regulated a little bit more.

And just makeup ads, right? Skincare ads. This sense that it was possible to look like these aspirational images of women, or there was something that you could buy to get there.

CHAKRABARTI: And there's also, there was a particular look to that aspiration, right? In the book you call it variations on a prototype.

So what was that prototype? What is that prototype?

HU: Yes. Yes. It's that really glassy skin that's porous and usually quite porcelain white. A small nose, full lips, a chin, or a jawline that meets at a V, a very delicate feminine jaw. Big, bright eyes, and just long luxurious black hair, typically, and then a very thin waist.

The thinness in South Korea was a thinness that I hadn't encountered before.

CHAKRABARTI: Wow. You've previously talked about a really interesting and perhaps somewhat disturbing statistic about BMI for what teenage and women in their twenties and thirties in South Korea, and how it's followed a unique trajectory different than any other developed country.

HU: Yes. I think it's the only demographic. So women between the ages of 18 and 30 in South Korea following the year 2000 or so. So following the turn of the century, they are the only demographic in the world that got skinnier, that got thinner. Even Korean men saw BMI increases, but the percentage of underweight women in South Korea jumped something like 60%.

So it's pretty astonishing. And it happened around the same turn of the century time when South Korea became such a soft culture or soft power. And when I talk about soft power, we're talking about the spread of Hallyu, which is the Korean cultural wave, K-pop movies, animation, games. And when South Korea became so big, when it came to these film and TV and visual industries, then it was also exporting images of beautiful Korean people.

And as a result, the pressure on Korean people domestically to up their game when it came to their appearances and aesthetics also went up.

CHAKRABARTI: Wow. And I learned so much from your book, which was eye-opening, challenging, and it really got me thinking about how we all treat ourselves as individuals, which we'll get to that in a couple of minutes, Elise.

But on the thinness side of things. I know you've talked about this before, but I want people to hear how many sizes are offered to Korean women when they go shopping for clothes.

HU: So you asked me at the outset of this interview what it was like for me when I got there. So yes, I did feel as though I stepped into the future.

I also felt like I stepped back in time, because my teenage self, with all my insecurities in front of the mirror, was triggered. Because constantly Korean strangers would say the quiet part out loud about my appearance. So they would point out that, "Botox is available now preventatively, and maybe I could get it around my mouth." Or they would point out that, "I have freckles."

I'm aware that I have freckles, but I wasn't aware that it was a problem. Freckles are very frowned upon. And so I think I write something about how I might as well have had boils on my face. Because the freckles, people would just say, "Ooh, we could take care of that." And I'll put a pin in that because there's more on that later.

But then also, I was post postpartum twice. I had two of my daughters when I was in Seoul, and each time I was postpartum, I was presented with just a bevy of ways to deal with my postpartum body. People would say to me, "There's slim wraps, there's these diet teas, there's diuretics," all sorts of things about my size.

And it mattered because there is this 50-kilogram standard for weight, which was astonishing. I think that is around 110 pounds, and that's irrespective of your height. And in the boutiques, there's something called free size, and as we named a chapter, free size isn't free. Free size is a U.S. size two.

And so even at a size eight, I was considered large sized or plus sized, and it was nearly impossible to shop in any of the places with the cool clothes. So I experienced fatphobia which obviously happens all over the world. It's just that the thinness, the window of thinness is so narrow that there was far more fatphobia. Because I couldn't be straight sized when I was in East Asia.

CHAKRABARTI: And shopkeepers, what size would they offer you then?

HU: Oh no, it was just the big hand Korean, or the hand X, so they would make an X with their forearms. It's, "No."

CHAKRABARTI: (LAUGHS) We have nothing for you.

HU: (LAUGHS) Right. It's not very welcoming.

CHAKRABARTI: So can you tell me a little bit more, give me an example of someone, because you talked with so many people in writing this book, about the lengths that they would go to try to achieve this, variations on a prototype, as you said.

HU: Yeah, increasingly the pressures of Korean beauty or just the beauty culture are falling on men. And so one person who really stands out to me is a guy named Groomin'. He went by Groomin' as his YouTube name, but his name is Kim Minki, and he talked about how he had a pretty average morning routine for a Korean man, and it sounded like it took three hours. Not only in the multiple steps of skincare, which require many products and moisturizing. But also, he gets his face waxed and he goes in for Botox every two or three months.

And it was astonishing how many products, and how much work and aesthetic labor he put in as a man. And he was an excellent example of how increasingly as the beauty industry expands and as we live in a more virtual and visual society, men are subsumed by these beauty pressures in those similar way to how women are.

CHAKRABARTI: Okay. So if men are feeling the pressure now it makes it that much more urgent to understand how Korean women have been feeling the pressure for years now.

HU: Of course. Of course. And it's such an interesting summer to be talking about all of this because it's a summer of a lot of labor actions. I'm in Los Angeles where SAG-AFTRA is going to be out on the picket lines today. And in 2018, what I saw was a general strike against appearance labor, that's what I would call it.

It was a movement called Escape the Corset, in which some 300,000 women who had spent all of this time and money and energy, psychic energy on trying to meet these very exacting beauty standards, decided not to participate in it anymore. And so they got online and crushed their compacts and cut their hair.

It was really rather inspiring and astonishing to see.

CHAKRABARTI: Today, we're speaking with Elise Hu. She's correspondent and host-at-large for NPR. Her new book is "Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital." And she's talking about the rise of the South Korean beauty industry worldwide, but also its impact. I'm particularly interested on South Korean women, so we'll have a lot more on that when we come back.

CHAKRABARTI: Now, as we talked about in the previous segment, South Korea is now the third largest exporter of cosmetics worldwide. It's behind only the United States and France. So entrepreneurs Sue Greene and Herra Namhie are a part of that sort of worldwide explosion of K-beauty. They're Korean American sisters and founders of the online store Ohlolly. Headquartered in Los Angeles, but only sells Korean skincare and products and makeup.

So we wanted to talk with them about why they decided to launch their store, and when we finally were able to connect with them via telephone, it was appropriately at CosmoProf, a big beauty trade show in Las Vegas.

We got all these samples that we're bringing back home. Once again, our faces are going to be kind of irritated (LAUGHS), but we can't wait to try them all.

CHAKRABARTI: Ohlolly was launched back in 2016. Sue and Herra say the business grew quickly through word of mouth.

About six, seven years ago was when K-beauty really caught on and just exploded.

Yeah. Every year we were doing like 300%, 400% of growth.

CHAKRABARTI: Sue and Herra think that social media really helped put Korean products in front of a Western audience with influencers using Instagram or TikTok to walk through their multi-step skincare routines. Sue says the K-beauty products themselves are also intriguing.

SUE: Interesting ingredients that you may not think of as what you would put on your skin. The classic K-beauty ingredient, I would say that's snail mucin. Which is the snail secretion that the little trail that snails leave, that is actually naturally high in hyaluronic acid, which is actually really good for your skin.

CHAKRABARTI: For holding onto and grabbing hydration. Today, the Ohlolly online store carries around 40 Korean brands, and the sisters test every one of the products they sell on their own faces. Sue's hopeful that what she describes as the store's highly curated selection and small business vibe will help them stand out in a very saturated beauty market.

SUE: So it has not stopped growing. Thank God.

HERRA: Yeah, it's really continuing that trend, people have really caught on, to caring for self via skincare is actually, there's a lot of benefit to it. So yeah, it's been great. Yeah. We're seeing a lot of growth.

CHAKRABARTI: That's Sue Greene and Herra Namhie, co-founders of the online Korean beauty store, Ohlolly, which is based in Los Angeles. Now, Elise, I wanted to ask you about something specific. We just heard them say that they were talking about how pursuing these the K-beauty ideal is seen amongst many as a form of, like, positive self-care. Is it seen that way in Korea?

HU: In some circles. Absolutely. Yes. And this is why the paradox of physical beauty was so fascinating to me as a reporter, because physical beauty is a double-edged sword.

It can be a vessel for self-realization and expression and care. It can be a way to nurture yourself and be nurtured. By physical touch, when you're talking about beauty workers and salons, for example. But on the flip side, there is an exacting nature when it comes to factory issued or industrialized beauty standards.

And that can be a hamster wheel. It can be a crutch to invest all our time and self, and it can often come at the expense of becoming a fully realized person. And so where is that line? Where do we draw the line? In a society that's becoming so virtual and visual, and when technology is offering so many solutions and inventing problems that maybe we didn't have.

So this reminds me of the freckles I was talking about in the first segment, right? I didn't realize my freckles were a problem until I was presented with solutions to zap them off. So the fact that something existed to get rid of that problem, then really amplified the notion that there was something that was naturally occurring in me that needed to be removed, or needed to be fixed or needed to be upgraded.

CHAKRABARTI: A problem that didn't exist, suddenly a solution for it appeared, so interesting. Yeah. I think one of the most arresting things about what you write in the book is the links that South Korean women, in South Korea go to, in order to try to achieve this, K-beauty standard.

We've been talking about the products and the skincare routines. There's also huge amounts of plastic surgery at pretty young ages, which we'll talk about a little bit later in the show. We spoke about weight, but you write that it's actually very economically rational for South Korean women to go to these links, for keeping up their appearance.

HU: That's right, because South Korea is a society where appearances matter more than they do in the United States. It's tied into your professional prospects. And your personal prospects. Headshots are often required on resumes, and at least that was true until this was banned a few years ago, but it's still happening.

People are still asking for photos on resumes, and this is for jobs ranging from accounting to, government positions. It's not for modeling and acting. Your parents encourage you to get cosmetic surgery so that you can do better in the labor market or get into tougher schools. The dating market uses the term specs in the way that we use the term specs for computers and other devices.

They'll use the term specs on people, and your specs include physical attributes like your height and your weight and your bra size and your hairlessness. And so it is a hyper competitive landscape, which makes it really rational to try and, quote-unquote, "work hard on your appearance."

CHAKRABARTI: It feels like women, did they talk to you about that they felt like if they didn't do these things, even if they wanted to, if they didn't, they stood to lose a lot?

HU: Absolutely. It was all about sort of the risk of losing their jobs, or being taunted on the streets, or bullied at school or being uninvited to family gatherings, which has happened to some of the Escape the Corset women I mentioned earlier, who decided just not to participate in this appearance labor anymore.

I remember they spoke to me so movingly about how they wished that they could just exist and love and be loved as they are. This sense that you are you, I'm me, without the makeup, without this figurative corset. And they didn't feel as though that they could feel worthy without actually appearing, at least within the norms of conventional standards.

So there is a real link between physical attractiveness and worthiness, and we're seeing that globally. There are now global standards and global pillars of beauty according to social science research, and ethnographic research.

And they are thinness, firmness, smoothness, and youth. And this is for women primarily, that all over the world, that we are expected to strive towards these standards in a way that is becoming really normalized and considered natural.

CHAKRABARTI: So this is why I just loved reading the book because you're simultaneously talking, not about South Korea, but also about what's happening around the world.

It's just in South Korea, it seems like it's much more overt, the link between appearances and these beauty standards. And the economic necessity of achieving those standards. So with that in mind, I want to introduce Michelle Cho, into the conversation. She's assistant professor of East Asian Popular Cultures at the University of Toronto, and she's joining us from Seoul, South Korea.

Professor Cho, welcome to the show.

MICHELLE CHO: Hi. Thanks for having me.

CHAKRABARTI: So can you talk a little bit more about what Elise had mentioned earlier, about this sort of almost organized effort that South Korea underwent after the Asian financial crisis? To not only diversify its economy, but use culture as a form of economic strength that led to this Korean wave that Elise mentioned called Hallyu.

CHO: Yeah, sure. I think that the lessons that were learned from the financial crisis were that, globalization or finding customers, fighting markets for Korean products was imperative in a increasingly volatile global market.

And one of the ways that a small country can do that reliably to insulate themselves from the shocks that can occur from interruptions to supply chains, or the lack of natural resources to build products for export, is to think about culture as an export.

And after the '97, '98 financial crisis, there was a concerted kind of plan on the part of the government and spreading into other industries, culture industries in particular, to really focus on creating products for export that could appeal to audiences around the world.

And so at this point, I think K-beauty and other aspects of K-culture are fruits of that way of thinking at the turn of the century.

CHAKRABARTI: But I think you've also mentioned that K-beauty as a term, which I've been using very liberally throughout this hour, already actually emerged in North America.

CHO: Yeah, the K prefix. That is attached to lots of things these days. K-drama, K-beauty, even K-food. This is something that it only really makes sense if you're thinking about an external gaze. Korean consumers themselves wouldn't call beauty or cosmetics, beauty products or cosmetics K-beauty, they just call them cosmetics.

But so with the kind of rise of the Korean wave as a sector of the economy, specifically organized around cultural export, the K prefix has become a sort of cultural brand. And so you hear that being used and now promoted by cultural producers themselves in Korea.

CHAKRABARTI: Elise, I know you want to jump in here. Feel free to jump in anytime, because this is like all of what your book attempts to explore. So go ahead.

HU: No, and Michelle is such an important voice in the book, so it's great to hear her talk about it.

CHO: Thank you, Elise.

HU: She's a source. And we've become friends over the course of reporting on this topic, but yeah, I agree.

I can concur with what she has said. And in fact, now, K-beauty, you mentioned what a huge industry has become. When I moved to Seoul, obviously smartphones and Samsung was one of the major exports that I would think of. But now, just as of last year, Korea is exporting more in cosmetics and cosmetic tools than smartphones.

So it's massive, and I think it's actually under-reported on by business watchers.

CHAKRABARTI: Oh, wow. And so Professor Cho also, I'd love to hear a little bit more about the really interesting relationship between not only the cultural producers that we've been talking about, but the Korean Government's Ministry of Culture itself, it's actively supporting the development and spread of these various aspects of Korean culture.

CHO: Yeah, definitely. As I was saying earlier, the lessons that were learned from the economic crisis really led policymakers to think about ways that soft power could be cultivated and deployed, going forward, as South Korea became more visible and more of a player in global economics and politics.

And so one of the things that the culture ministry does is it really helps as a kind of mediator or broker to help cultural producers, both K-beauty companies, but also media companies, film producers, television studios, that kind of thing.

To find markets, to find distributors, overseas. And I do want to point out though that this is not something that's unique to South Korea. I think most countries have some kind of cultural policy framework, and so they'll have some government assistance to help the spread of their kind of culturally branded products elsewhere.

Canada has a film council as well, just like Korea has its film council. And this is actually something that the state was learning from the U.S. The fact that the U.S. became such a huge superpower in terms of cultural export in the second half of the 20th century.

So if we think about Hollywood and how it is often the dominant source of entertainment and culture in many markets around the world, South Korean cultural producers were taking their cues from that.

CHAKRABARTI: Yeah. Completely. I'm so glad you mentioned that. Oh, no, go ahead, Elise. Go ahead.

HU: Yeah. And Michelle, as we're talking about this, I'm curious what made South Korean cultural producers so good at what they do?

And I remember just a couple months ago I was talking with the TikTok CEO who had just been to Seoul, and he said, the execution on culture when it comes to dance or images, visuals, film, TV, it's just TikTok. It's so much better when it comes out of Korea these days than anywhere else that he's been.

How'd they get so good at it?

CHO: Yeah, I think that if we're talking about film and television, my theory is that South Korea has itself been a receiving market for content from everywhere. In the latter parts of the 20th century, it was mostly Hollywood, but also Hong Kong, Japanese popular culture has been really popular, as well.

And so the absorption of cultural forms from around the world has created a kind of familiarity with the genres and the story forms and the kind of media forms that Korean cultural producers then mix up, remix and repackage and then send out into the world with a kind of unique Korean lens on these issues. So that's really, I think what Korean film has been become very lauded for, and also in the landscape of Korean TV. But yeah, I also think that part of the answer has to do with the early adoption of various technologies.

The country digitized comparatively early and very thoroughly compared to other places. And so there's just a kind of facility that people have with using technology to create culture of their own.

CHAKRABARTI: Michelle Cho, assistant professor of East Asian Popular Cultures at the University of Toronto. Joining us today from Seoul, South Korea. Professor Cho, thank you so much for taking the time to be with us.

CHO: Thank you. It's been really fun.

CHAKRABARTI: And Elise, hang on here for just a minute because there's so much more from your book that I want to explore in the last segment, when we come back.

CHAKRABARTI: I just want to hear a little bit more sound from YouTube as one of the primary digital means by which the K-beauty phenom has been spreading around the world. So here's a couple of people walking through their K-beauty inspired skincare routines.

CRYSTAL LEE: Today, I'll walk you through my night routine and show you from cleansing to the actual application process to help you achieve glass skin, no filter, no foundation.

SOMI: In Korean, we say, Gwalsa. But in English, it's Gua Sha.

HAILEY BIEBER: My standard when I go to bed at night is that if I'm not getting into bed looking like a glazed donut, then I'm not doing the right thing.

CHAKRABARTI: So that was YouTuber Crystal Lee, K-Pop star Somi, and American model Hailey Bieber. And Elise, as I listen to those voices it really makes something that Professor Cho said just ring even more strongly in my head.

And that is that of course, Korea was not the first place where the sort of pedaling of unachievable beauty standards, right, emerged. The United States has been the forefront of exporting that culture, those standards, that soft power. So I just wonder if should we be checking ourselves a little bit about A, the hypocrisy and B, the judgment that we might want to pass on Korea now?

HU: Absolutely, we should check ourselves. Because increasingly what's happening is a global standard. It is not unique to South Korea to have such exacting prescriptions for how we're supposed to look and have such fatphobia. For example, we are now in this national discourse about Ozempic, which is the diabetes drug that is being used off label reportedly by celebrities in order to be thinner.

And a lot of questions are now arising as to whether, "Oh, if there are drugs that can help us lose weight, then why shouldn't all of us just take these drugs so that we can be skinny?" Because obviously, America has an obesity problem.

But just as I don't believe that the solution to racism is to make everyone white and the solution to homophobia isn't to make everybody straight, I don't think we should address the problem of fatphobia by making everyone skinny, and I don't think we should address the problem of over emphasizing beauty by making everyone conventionally pretty. And so this is actually a moment that we should be discussing these topics. Because Scientific and technological developments are making it more and more possible to change our appearance and change our physical bodies.

And we should ask ourselves what kind of society we want to live in and where we draw the line for ourselves. Because what South Korea presents is a near future. Where because it is such a wired society, there is a feedback loop.

That basically when you have an interaction with the industry, and a company is filling screens and add time with images of a particular type of face, then customers absorb the image and internalize it as an ideal, and then buy the products or get the services or the treatments or the surgeries to resemble those commercial fed images.

And South Korea stands out because its plastic surgery market. And its plastic surgery industry is the most modern, the most sophisticated and the most affordable in the world. And so when you can avail yourself of all of these procedures to drastically change your appearance, would you? And that's the question that being in Seoul presented to me.

CHAKRABARTI: Yeah. So I'm really glad you mentioned that. Because another thing that was truly eye-opening in your book was the plastic surgery market in South Korea. Because it ties a lot of things together that you write about, the speed at which digital life is changing and therefore standards can actually change, and people want to look like those standards.

And then, like you said, technology and in this case, surgical or medical technology, just makes it easier and easier to go to the doctor over and over again to get different types of plastic surgery. So can you tell us a little bit more about the plastic surgery market in South Korea? Who's getting it? How young are they? You even wrote about how parents give daughters plastic surgery as graduation gifts.

HU: Yes, and there's discounts if you show up with your evidence that you just took the Korean SAT. So it's so common to get plastic surgery right after you've finished your Korean SAT just before college, that there is an entire seasonal discount that's offered at that time of year.

South Korea has the most mature and advanced plastic surgery market in the world. No other country comes close. It has more plastic surgeons per capita than anywhere else. Brazil is second. The United States is third, but South Korea has four times more plastic surgeons per capita than the U.S.

CHAKRABARTI: Wow.

HU: And other western surgeons often go to Seoul to actually study the ways and the innovations of South Korean plastic surgeons, this industry really sprung up and exploded following the Asian financial crisis. And around the same time as the Hallyu wave that Michelle and the two of us were talking about.

There is no other market like it. And then the country, the state actually tries to lure visitors in as medical tourists to get procedures there so you can go and get a lot of tax-free procedures that are already heavily discounted compared to the United States, and it's a place where everyone can go and get it.

You can avail yourself of plastic surgery and procedures. These days, it's a lot more injections and injectables. Neurotoxins and fillers because you can just pop in and pop out. And increasingly, men are seeking various procedures that women have been seeking since the late 1990s.

You're seeing a huge rate or a huge increase in younger demographics getting neurotoxins earlier as a preventative. And more and more our bodies are treated as malleable and med spas and plastic surgery clinics are thought of as salons, places where you return to often or at a regular.

CHAKRABARTI: Yeah. And it's it ranges from everything from, you had mentioned, the desirability of that V line chin, so that requires like shaving off parts of the bone in your jaw. Everything from that to, as you said, Botox injections in people's shoulders and calves.

HU: I was most surprised by this.

But then I saw an article in the New York Post saying that the very, the hot, off-label use of Botox among TikTokers this summer is the traps. So I wrote about, several years ago, I wrote about how the second most popular place to get Botox injections is actually in the base of your neck at the trap muscles of the trapezius muscles, and it's in order to give the appearance of a longer neck.

And the third most popular place are your calves, in order to give an appearance of longer legs. Because legs are a showpiece for K-pop idol women, you've probably seen the K-pop girl groups. They often have short skirts and short shorts, and those legs are a soft power flex. And the surgery seemed, or not the surgery, the procedure seemed rather absurd to me.

Wow. You would get Botox at the base of your neck, but now it's been labeled, or it has a name. It's called Traptox. It is it procedure in the United States, a few years behind South Korea. And so just yet another example of my thesis that this is the near future. And it's really important to pay attention to, because they're showing us where we're going to wind up.

So the other thing that I really appreciated about your book is it helped knock away some presumptions that people might have that come from a really western perspective. And one, one of them, I'm thinking of at the moment, is that here is a longstanding effort for yet another Asian culture to achieve some sort of western ideal of beauty.

But you write in the book how that is not, that's actually kind of western arrogance to presume that, because it's not necessarily the case, that we're talking about beauty standards that are thousands of years old. Yeah, go ahead.

HU: It was a colonialist idea in the first place to even assume that Asians wanted to look Western. Because the whiteness standard, the white skin standard in east Asia, predates America as a country. We are talking about the earliest dynasties prized very fair complexions as evidence of wealth, as evidence of class, and it showed that you were aristocratic, and you didn't have to be outside working in the fields.

And so we saw this across East Asia, this prize for white skin, even though it would be impossible for laborers, impossible for those who had to work in agriculture, anybody outside, to have that porcelain white skin. And so it's an example of how beauty has long been a performance of class, and the power that we can derive from it is often to show our wealth.

And so I often say now that these days conventionally pretty means conventionally wealthy, that you can afford all of the products and procedures and treatments and maybe off-label uses of diet drugs to look, or diabetes drugs to look a certain way. And that is marginalizing. It's exhausting.

It leaves an underclass sort of wanting and reaching, and I don't think it's desirable for those at the top either, who are stuck in this kind of anxious loop of trying to maintain their appearance and maintain these global beauty standards of firmness and thinness in youth. Which gets harder and harder to do as you get older.

So that's on the whiteness. And then there's also the idea that the double eyelid was in order to look white, but to a person, those in South Korea are like, "No half of Asians have double eyelids." Like, why would I be necessarily wanting to look white? Why wouldn't I want to be looking like the other half of Asians?

And so we go into the history of that in the book also.

CHAKRABARTI: Yeah, but I think it's really important to note, because again, just shaking us out of our presumptions here a little bit, to help us understand like why this beauty culture has such a grip on South Korea. And as you keep saying it's in our near future as well, no matter where we live.

But, even though, in the course of a radio conversation like this, you're a host as well. What we tend to drift towards the questions that raise a critical lens on anything. But your book isn't a uniform critique or a polemic against the K-beauty industry.

You talk about how, yeah. You talk about how personal expression, personal look in Korea itself has often been a means by, or at least a few times, has been a means through which women have been actually able to express themselves against certain expectations of them. Can you talk about that a little bit?

HU: Yeah, so there's various archetypes of women throughout Korean history that I do touch on. The modern girl is one of them, in the early 1920s. So that's the flapper, we saw the flapper, phenomenon all over the world actually, and the modern girl is Korea's take on that. There was also the factory girl in the 1950s and sixties.

So I write about these women and research these women because they were women who were able to use beauty or adornment as a form of revolt, as a form of being able to just traverse various class boundaries that otherwise would've kept them in a rigid hierarchy. And so by putting on makeup, by cutting their hair, by looking a little bit different than how they were expected to work, they were able to challenge the norms of the day.

And today, a lot of the folks who are challenging the norms of the day are the ones who aren't doing anything at all. Bringing us back to the Escape the Corset women who are saying, "We're gonna strike. We're not gonna take part in this, and this is how we are using our bodily autonomy to show and challenge a system that is built on this notion that we're not enough unless we spend money to fix ourselves."

CHAKRABARTI: Yeah. It's so complicated. So wonderfully complicated, I should say because I gotta come clean with you about something, Elise.

HU: Oh, no.

CHAKRABARTI: Because we should be critical when beauty standards drive people to not appreciate themselves for who they are and also towards an unhealthy way of living.

I completely, obviously, that should go without saying. But as I was reading the book, I'm a no makeup person, to be perfectly honest. But everyone also still wants to like look beautiful, to be beautiful, to feel beautiful.

HU: Absolutely.

CHAKRABARTI: So I came out the other end of your book being like, Should I try those face masks?

Maybe I should look into BB cream.

HU: No. That is an effect that it's had, actually. A lot of folks, especially on the tour, have said, "Oh my gosh, now I have gotten those foot peels." And there is this boomerang effect of it, and I think that really exemplifies the paradox within beauty.

There is something alluring about it. There is something alluring about the packaging and the products and being able to experiment with them and maybe use them as a vessel for self-expression. And for North Korean women, for example, who I write about in the book and the trans women who I write about the book, it really is freeing and a way to step deeper into themselves by availing themselves of beauty products.

And so ultimately, we come, by the end of the book, we come to a question that you can ask yourself: Is what you're doing, what kind of beauty, ritual or product or procedure that you're taking part in, a step deeper into yourself, or is it for somebody else? Is it for somebody else's gaze? And I think asking whether something is ego driven or soul driven is a really instructive question to ask.

This program aired on July 14, 2023.

'Flawless' provides a deeply reported look into Korean beauty standards : NPR's Book of the Day
Beauty culture in South Korea reveals a grim future in 'Flawless' : It's Been a Minute

Claire Donnelly Producer, On Point Claire Donnelly is a producer at On Point.

Meghna Chakrabarti Host, On Point Meghna Chakrabarti is the host of On Point.

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Embracing the Beauty of Korean Culture Through Hanbok: A Global Trend [Photo Essay Contest]

Essay Sample: South Korea Is a Good Place To Visit

Did you know that South Korea is one of the best places to live? South Korea is a good place to live because. its Safety, South Korean beauty, and also school education make it the place it is today.

South Korea is known for being one of the safest places in the world. First, their crime rate is low. I mean yeah, of course, there are always crimes in every country, but South Korea’s murder rate is 2.3 while the USA’s is 5 Also 51.78 million people are living in South Korea. In some videos, I saw that people drove slowly and looked around while driving which makes it seem that it's a safe place since there are always people walking. That leads to my second reason they respect what they have there. One common thing of respect there is letting the elderly have their seats on the train which should be way more common here but isn’t. If you aren't nice or don't let them have your seat they would tell you to move or hit you in your rib cage, it's common to do that there. Lastly, South Koreans have their ways of unsafe stuff like if we walk under the ladder that's bad luck where we live but they never use the number 4. The reason for this is that the number is supposed to be used because it means death in Korean, and it also goes back to when South Korea was a bad place and they had 4 written everywhere.

Another reason is that South Korean beauty is alright. The reason why I say it is alright is that people may argue that South Korean beauty is toxic, which I agree is extremely toxic but since people have been speaking up on this topic people are starting to change up the beauty standard to make them look like real humans. What I mean by a real human is that they aren’t eating lower than 1,000 calories or working out till they pass out. One thing I have tried is the diets, I only tried it for 3 days and it's extremely harsh so it is great that they are changing opinions about it. Next is that they truly like to keep up on their hygiene. They take time to stay clean and completely focus on themselves which is a great way to stay confident and productive. South Koreans are known for being hard workers. In closing, people are all focused on how their makeup or clothing is because if they are wearing clothing that attracts people, people from other places would wear clothing that would bring popularity to that country’s fashion.

The final reason I would like to talk about is South Korea's school education. First, their school is divided into 3 parts or 12 years like our schools, six years of primary school,3 years in middle school, and 3 years of high school. According to https://worldtop20.org/the-incredible-south-korean-education-system, they said that “ South Korea is declared the best-educated country in 2017. Making it four years in a row. South Korea's education system also ranked in the top five in all five-education levels of the World Top 20 Education Poll.” Meanwhile, their semesters are divided into two semesters. The first one is March through July and the second is September through February. They only get a month’s break which is usually normal to them since they work a lot and teaches them that they can't do well and to stay on time. My last reason is School is basically like work to them. I know that sounds weird but they are preparing them for work since in South Korea they have so many jobs but they extended for hours. Like becoming an actor if they go to school for that they are gonna know that it takes a long time to do jobs like that. In this one video, I watched I saw behind the scene this girl going to school and doing work for a movie so it shows that they focus on their work. So the schools teach them to get ready for that.

To sum it up, these are the reasons why South Korea is one of the best places to live because of its safety, South Korean beauty, and school education. To make other places like this we should talk about this place more so people know how great this place can be.

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South Korea: History, Facts and Culture

South Korea is a developed country in East Asia with a population of 51 million people. It is located on the Korean Peninsula with a capital in Seoul, the 5 th largest megapolis in the world. Having a rich history that has started in the 7 th century, along with rapid modernization in the last few decades, the country has developed a unique culture that blends traditional and modern elements. I would like to briefly discuss South Korean history and then delve into some of the cultural features that led to South Korea being one of the most prosperous countries in the world.

South Korea was not an independent country until the Korean War that lasted from 1950 to 1953, which resulted in the Korean Peninsula being divided into North and South Korea. Throughout its history, South Korea was a part of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which were united later and ruled by Goryeo and Joseon dynasties of emperors. In 1910 Korea was colonized by Japan and was only freed after World War II when the tension between North and South of Korea started to escalate., The end of authoritarian rule in 1987 established the country as a thriving democratic republic (Central Intelligence Agency, 2020). The economic growth of the country has been steady since then.

The Korean entertainment industry is one of the most influential ones the world. The so-called Korean Wave which has started in the 90s, after Korea became a democracy, signified the rise of Korean cinema, TV, and music. South Korea has been successfully exporting its national goods abroad and making a profit. By now, there are very few people who do not know about K-pop. The first time K-pop won over the whole world was when a Korean artist PSY released his song “Gangnam Style,” which held the first place in the charts for a long time. Now we are witnessing the second coming of K-pop, as the obsession over the groups, such as BTS and BLACKPINK takes the Western world by storm. K-pop industry is centered on making as much money as it can while producing cheap content, so the stream of new music is endless. The music business has also helped South Korea battle the stereotypes about it in recent years, further establishing it as a progressive country in the eyes of the public from around the world.

Another part of the Korean Wave is its TV shows. Even though this type of media has not gained worldwide popularity as K-pop did, Korean television defines the preferences of the whole Asian region, mainly distributing its product there (Ganghariya & Kanozia, 2020). Korean cinema, on the other hand, had a breakthrough in the last few decades, which led to Parasite becoming the first foreign film to win an Oscar. Directors such as Bong Joon-ho and Pak Chan-wook are now very well-known abroad and some Korean films, for example, Oldboy and Train to Busan , have earned cult status.

Korea is also famous for its food and especially for kimchi, a side dish of salted vegetables, that has become the country’s signature specialty. Korea was an isolated country, and it was hard to trade with it, so Koreans got their food from fishing and hunting, and preserving food was always their main priority. Isolation also caused the cuisine to be very simple, as there was no input from neighboring countries (Patra et al., 2016). Kimchi embodies just that – it is simple and can be stored for a very long time.

In conclusion, South Korea has only become independent less than a hundred years ago, but it managed to have a renaissance in the recent decades, developing new cultural staples and preserving the ones that Koreans kept for thousands of years.

Central Intelligence Agency. (2020). East Asia/Southeast Asia: Korea, South . Web.

Ganghariya, G. & Kanozia, R. (2020). Proliferation of Hallyu wave and Korean popular culture across the world: A systematic literature review from 2000–2019. Journal of Content, Community & Communication , 11 , 177–207. Web.

Patra, J. K., Das, G., Paramithiotis, S., & Shin, H. S. (2016). Kimchi and other widely consumed traditional fermented foods of Korea: A review. Frontiers in Microbiology , 7 , 1493.

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The complex culture and history behind 'K-beauty'

South Korea's beauty industry thrives on twin goals of conformity and perfection

The quest for slim jaws and wide eyes is common in South Korea -- and, with open attitudes to cosmetic surgery, it's easily accomplished. The enormous beauty industry is fuelled by celebrity imitation and informed by western ideals.

Walk into one of South Korea's ubiquitous cosmetic pharmacies and you'll find a wide selection of double-eyelid tape and glue products to create creases for the perfect almond-shaped eyes. Kim Lena, a 37-year-old analyst for an online-games company in Seoul, was a religious user of these products in her teenage years, like thousands of other young South Koreans. Later, during university, she and two friends -- again, like many other South Koreans -- made the double-eyelid look permanent via cosmetic surgery. "I didn't think much of it," she says. "Except that I didn't have to get messy with glue anymore."

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Korean Beauty Standards: A Cultural Contrast on Ideal Beauty

12 Aug Korean Beauty Standards: A Cultural Contrast on Ideal Beauty

Beauty standards. They often vary according to each country’s culture and history; and serve to showcase the differences between us. In South Korea the concept of ideal beauty is far different from the western society. From pale skin to small faces, Korean beauty standards reflect a cultural contrast interesting to learn.

Korean Beauty Standards

Just like any other country, South Korea has its own patterns of beauty. The most standard ideals of beauty involve having:

A small face
A slim figure

1. Small Face

Having a small face is not a glamourized trait in western society. However, in South Korea it is a reflection of true beauty.

According to Joyce Kong , the reason for that is because Asian people (in particular Korean) tend to have smaller eyes which give the appearance of a bigger face. To counter back that illusion, many South Korean women and men strive to achieve a V-shapes face. This is a delicate face with unpronounced jaw lines and a pointy chin.

To acquire a smaller face many Koreans hide part of their jaw when taking pictures. Or even use filters to depict a smaller proportion of the face. However, more permanent solutions are available in the shape of makeup, beauty utensils and even plastic surgery.

Starting with makeup, contour plays a crucial role to portray the illusion of a smaller face. Contrary in western societies, where contour is aimed to accentuate cheekbones and jaw line; In Korea it has the exact opposite objective. As a result, many Koreans shade the outer line of their faces to acquire a more slender and smaller face.

In regards to beauty utensils, South Korea holds some of the most interesting items to reduce accentuated jaw lines. From chin straps, jaw line sheet masks to massaging roles. All promise to slim the face and reduce the appearance of fuller features.

In regards to plastic surgery, being one the biggest plastic surgery centers in the world, South Korea offers cosmetic procedures to achieve a V-shaped face. The procedure is called “v-line” and aims to shave the jaw line to give the appearance of a more slim and minor face.

2. Big Eyes

South Korea’s ideal beauty lies on a youthful and innocent look. We previously mentioned the importance of having a small face. However, having big eyes is also another important key factor to appear youthful.

As majority of Koreans hold small eyes with monolids, to increase eye size they mostly recur to plastic surgery. The most popular procedure is called “double eyelid surgery” and it aims to create a second eye crease for a bigger eye look. This procedure is also common to correct eyelid asymmetries.

Other popular procedures involve the injection of fat or filler under the eyes. The main intention is to permanently emulate the natural pockets of fat that appear under the eyes when we smile. As a result, the appearance of bigger eyes is expected; providing a more youthful and cheerful look to the face in return.

Furthermore, another way to achieve a bigger set of eyes is by using invisible eyelid tap. The latter is glued to the lid area so when the eye opens it creates a double eyelid fold.

3. Pale Skin

Contrary to the desired golden tan skin in the west, pale skin is much more preferred in the east. The reason for so on the deep cultural roots of Asian countries.

In majority of cases, dark skin is associated with labor intensive jobs. While paler skin is associated with high paying jobs. This social class implication has been set since the royal era and transferred into contemporary society as a cultural beauty standard.

To achieve paler skin, Koreans utilize a lot of UV protection gear like parasols, protective sleeves and sunscreen. Korean skincare products like sheet masks and face masks also provide blighting effects to accentuate paler skin.

4. Slim Figure

South Korea holds one of the lowest obesity rates in the world. However , still 60% Korean women and 41% men are or want to go on diets. This is because holding a slim figure is highly praised and seen as a sign of beauty in Korean culture.

To achieve a slim figure many Koreans turn to diets or plastic surgery. In the case of diets, South Korean resort to weight loss clinics or try popular diets online. Dieting pills are also a common tool and are available in drug stores.

In the case of plastic surgery, liposuction treatments are a fairly popular choice to reduce weight. In particular, fat burning injections, made popular by Korean pop stars, are one of the most typical procedures to reduce body volume.

Final Thoughts

Overall beauty standards are deeply rooted in history in culture. Depending on the country and region, ideal beauty patterns vary vastly and can create some cultural shocks.

Korean beauty standards are far different from western countries like the United States. However, they should not be judge for that. After all, beauty is relative and there’s no right or wrong when it comes to aesthetics.

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Questioning K-Beauty: Is This Sweeping Skincare Trend Setting Dangerous Standards?

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Elise Hu reveals the dark side of Korean beauty.

Ever heard of the term K-beauty ? Well, brace yourself for an unnerving truth: Even if you’re unfamiliar with the phrase, technically short for Korean beauty, you’re probably already being impacted by it. In fact, it’s pretty likely that you’re consuming images, videos, and other forms of media daily that are inspired by this international trend.

You might be receiving advertisements for the best Korean makeup and skin products . Or maybe you’re intrigued by the rising obsession with Korean pop music within the United States, in particular with the boy and girl bands BTS and Blackpink. Those groups may be focused on musical pursuits, but they still emulate very specific aesthetic standards — and that’s not accidental. Your favorite celebrity, whose makeup you were recently admiring on Instagram, might be knee-deep in the trend, too.

K-beauty is obviously about beauty, but specifically, it describes a certain look popularized by Korean pop stars and shows, which depict young people with poreless skin, youthful faces, and very thin bodies. And it’s no accident that it originated in a country that’s currently the plastic surgery capital of the world.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds pretty familiar,” you’re not wrong: K-beauty standards have a major overlap with American aesthetic standards . Both tend to encourage the purchase of expensive skincare products, not to mention the use of injectables like Botox , weight loss tools like Ozempic , and sometimes even face-alteration surgeries. And a new book is blowing the secrets of this global aesthetic wide open.

Elise Hu is an American broadcast journalist who hosts the TED Talks Daily podcast and serves as a host-at-large for NPR. From 2015 to 2018, she was NPR’s bureau chief for Seoul, South Korea — which is where she got the idea for her new book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture From the K-Beauty Capital .

Hu shared with us some of her most important learnings about the dark side of this craze, including how you can identify it, and how you can find ways to live with (or without) it.

KCM: What inspired you to write this book? Were there any specific moments in particular that changed your relationship with beauty?

Elise Hu: This work was unfinished business from my time as an international correspondent [in Seoul].

In South Korea, [the culture] is so visual, increasingly virtual, and so many advanced aesthetic upgrades are available. It’s the cosmetic surgery capital of the world and the third-biggest cosmetics exporter in the world. During my time there, I kept running up against the idea that having good looks is our personal responsibility, and not looking “better” according to the standards of the day is a personal failing.

I kept wondering, How did things get this way? Should they be this way?

In the United States, makeup and skincare trends currently include anti-wrinkle injectables, skincare products that promise dewy/poreless skin, and Ozempic, to name a few. How would you compare the standards here to those in South Korea?

They share the same general pillars of beauty that exist across the world: thinness , firmness, smoothness, and youth. But in Korea, it’s a lot more affordable (and therefore within a middle-class person’s reach) to get work done, or even just buy quality cosmetics.

The cost of procedures in Korea — injectables or surgery, or any of the many light or laser therapies available, like Thermage — are a fraction of the price you’d pay [for the same service] in the U.S., UK, or Australia.

Making “solutions” to various “problems” that might not have actually been problems in the first place more affordable only increases the pressure and supports the logic that we should do the work.

Let’s take Ozempic . It’s rooted in one of the most pervasive standards in existence — thinness. The shadow of the thinness standard is anti-fatness, or fatphobia. In the U.S. there’s been an argument along the lines of, “Well, if Ozempic can make everyone skinny, then why not?”

This echoes the logic I saw in South Korea about all kinds of body modification — if the “solution” to this “problem” exists, then why not? If you don’t have to have freckles, zap them off! But short-term self-interest is bad for all of us.

Just like the solution to homophobia isn’t to make everyone straight, the solution to fatphobia shouldn’t be to make everyone skinny, and the solution to lookism (appearance-based discrimination) isn’t to make everyone “pretty.” We should ideally be doing the opposite — breaking the link between appearance and worthiness, affirming one another’s bodily autonomy without trying to problematize and fix our outsides, and celebrating the rich diversity of one another because it’s part of the human experience.

Where do you think beauty culture is heading?

Thanks to the internet, standards are flattening into global ideals instead of locally or regionally specific ones. And in an increasingly visual and virtual world, I see beauty trends becoming more and more determined by what we see on screens and in metaverses, and what is possible on screens, i.e. filters and AI-generated effects.

The TikTok Bold Glamour effect is wild. It’s an example of how AI is learning to imitate the “molds” of current physical beauty and making filters to mimic that, so we can all look like one of the Kardashian sisters in an instant.

The more we use these tools, the more data we’re giving the AI to essentially show that we like this stuff. It’s self-reinforcing.

What advice would you give to young women about how to engage with these societal pressures?

I think often about how our bodies have become endless projects to “work on.” The way I engage with this pressure is to be kinder to myself.

Being kinder to myself has also helped unlock a deeper compassion toward others. When it comes to aesthetic labor, products, or practices, you can ask yourself, who am I trying to be? I really try to ask myself, Is this something that makes me feel more like me — like is this nurturing to me in my soul? Or does it feel like a costume — like I’m doing it at an ego level — because of what other people might think?

It takes a critical mass to say, much like the Korean women in my book did, that we want to remap our relationship with our bodies to prioritize how they feel and what they do, rather than what they look like. Developing a sense of self where appearance is only a small part of the whole is so crucial — and liberating.

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South Korea Is So Obsessed With Beauty They’re Going As Far As Creating Standards For Face Proportions

With South Korea being one of the most strict when it comes to beauty standards, it’s become the norm for ordinary citizens to be sensitive when it comes to plastic surgery and new and trending beauty treatments.

Previously, “ Eye-ring Surgery ” became a huge issue as the surgery aimed to achieve larger pupils, giving similar effects to wearing circle lenses.

Most recently, netizens discussed the importance of the “mid-face” proportion. If you take a look at the photo comparison below, it shows how even with the same face size, one can look different depending on the proportion of the mid-face.

The chart below gives a more detailed comparison with numbers showing what a rational facial proportion should look like.

The chart below shows what a long face proportion looks like.

The OP was surprised that so many people were obsessed with the central area of the face.

So what if it’s short or long? Now, it’s beyond celebrities, with ordinary people saying they are stressed and want to cut off their midsection. It’s something that can’t even be fixed. Obsessing over it will only make you get sick of your face. You should just live with what you have.

Netizens were shocked that people were obsessed over this, while some heard this phrase for the first time through the online forum.

“I usually look at beauty as a whole, so I only heard about this ‘mid-face’ proportion from online community boards. I was shocked that they compared pretty celebrities with this method.”
“I first heard this phrase from online community boards.”
“This is all because of beauty YouTubers. They always talk about mid-face when doing makeup. Now we’re brainwashed because they talk about it so much.”
“What the heck are you talking about OP? The more you obsess over your face the longer your face is going to become.”
“You have to realize the more you obsess over things like this the worse it’s going to become.”
“Wow never knew there was a standard to this.”
“I have a long mid-face proportion too, but I am ok with my face. I’ve never thought about fixing it. But I want to get rid of excess fat.”
“It’s crazy to think we’re talking about our face as if they were pieces of meat. There are celebrities in the U.S. that have long faces and are fine.”
“I’ve never thought about this.. can’t believe people are arguing about this.”
“Let’s all just live beautifully.”
“I know someone who is obsessed with the mid-face too. They also obsess over their eyes.”

What do you think about these beauty standards?

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On a trip to Korea, I rediscovered myself in the food

Until recently, I’ve always felt confident identifying as Korean. But this past winter, I visited Korea for the first time in years. In planning the trip, I realized my relationship to the country had always been mediated by my parents. As the date approached, I began to feel a lot of self-doubt creep in. If I stepped outside the bubble of my family, could I still hold my own?

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