Waterfalls, red light therapy and naps: Why tourists can’t stop booking Korean head spas

It was Leslie Mizumoto's birthday week. To celebrate, she and two college friends booked a trip far from their homes in Hawaii to Korea. While they, the booked appointments at the newest must-do for a Korean vacation: a trip to the head spa.

2026-01-16

Companies eye Chinese market after President Lee suggests that Beijing may lift 'K-culture ban'

Consumer goods companies, especially in the beauty, food and fashion sectors, are growing optimistic about expanding into the Chinese market after the president suggested that Beijing may ease long-standing restrictions on Korean popular culture.

2026-01-11

Korea's cosmetics exports surpass record $11 billion in 2025

Korea’s cosmetics exports topped a record $11 billion last year, underscoring the industry’s growing global reach as demand expanded beyond its traditional markets in East Asia.

2026-01-09

A K-beauty patient's best friend: Medical tourism agencies help clients with flights, feelings and more

The K-beauty industry's rapid growth has resulted in the coining of the term "medical tourism," referring to foreign travelers coming to Korea for beauty and other treatments.

2026-01-09

First lady Kim Hea Kyung visits K-beauty showcase in Shanghai

Kim Hea Kyung, the first lady of Korea, visited a K-beauty showcase in Shanghai on Wednesday, as she accompanied President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit to China, lending support to Korean beauty companies seeking to expand in the Chinese market.

2026-01-07

K-beauty in crisis? China, once Korea's largest export market, narrows the gap with its own cosmetics push.

After years of rapid growth fueled by China, Korea’s beauty industry is reshaping its global ambitions, turning to the United States and Europe as Chinese competitors narrow the gap in competition and global competition intensifies.

2025-12-26

K-beauty sales soar skyward

A foreign visitor browses cosmetics along a street in Seoul’s Myeong-dong area on Dec. 21.

2025-12-21

Foreign tourists rushing to cosmetic clinics before longtime VAT refund program ends

With the VAT refund program for cosmetic procedures set to expire at year-end, cosmetic and dermatology clinics are now bustling with foreign patients, many lining up for popular treatments.

2025-12-18

K-beauty takes center stage on Amazon during Black Friday

K-beauty didn’t just have a good Black Friday on Amazon; it took center stage. Korean products claimed the top three spots in Amazon's beauty and personal care category in the United States during the Black Friday sales period from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1.

2025-12-10

‘One-stop shop’ cosmetics maker powers Selena Gomez’s line

Pop star Selena Gomez's "Rare Beauty" comes with a little label that says "Made in Korea," one of hundreds of clients who turn to Korea's original development manufacturing industry for efficiency and cost-competitiveness.