Why Foreign Travelers Are Flocking to Seoul for Personal Color Analysis—and How to Try It Yourself

Wellness | 2025-12-23 18:21:53
[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] If you've ever scrolled through social media wondering whether that stunning outfit worn by Blackpink's Jennie would look just as good on you, you're not alone—especially if you're planning a trip to South
Korea. These days, foreign visitors are flocking to Seoul for **personal color analysis**, a beauty consultation that has exploded into a must-do travel experience. On TikTok, videos under hashtags like
#GlowUpInKorea rack up millions of views, showing tourists' dramatic before-and-after transformations. Meanwhile, bookings for these sessions on platforms like Creatrip surged 130-fold in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year.

Why Korea? The Unique Allure of Personal Color Analysis Here

Korea's fascination with personal color isn't just a passing fad. Fueled by the global reach of K-pop, K-beauty, and K-dramas, it has evolved into a signature wellness and style ritual—one that's particularly appealing to international travelers. Idol stylists often credit "color-based wardrobe choices" for their stars' flawless looks, helping democratize the practice.

On social media, foreign visitors share clips of their Korean journeys: a personal color diagnosis followed by a new haircut or makeup overhaul, turning the whole process into a viral meme of self-reinvention.
Health Benefits: Backed by Science

Personal color analysis isn't magic—it's rooted in color theory and dermatological insights. A 2009 study published in the International Journal of Primatology found that optimal colors can visually enhance skin's redness (indicating better blood flow) and brightness, making one appear healthier. The right shades can make your complexion look more radiant without extra makeup, while bringing out the clarity in your eyes.

The K-pop idol group 'All Day Project' has taken on the challenge of modeling for CLIO eyeshadow in a personal color photoshoot. The charm of cool-tone and warm-tone makeup stands out even more vividly. (Image provided by Olive Young)
The K-pop idol group 'All Day Project' has taken on the challenge of modeling for CLIO eyeshadow in a personal color photoshoot. The charm of cool-tone and warm-tone makeup stands out even more vividly. (Image provided by Olive Young)


Core Principles

Warm tones: Yellow-based undertones → Best suited to Spring or Autumn palettes (gold accessories recommended)

Cool tones: Blue-based undertones → Best for Summer or Winter (silver accessories recommended)

How To: A Practical Guide for International Visitors

1. Booking Your Session

Popular spots in Hongdae (홍대), such as those offering English, Chinese, or Japanese interpretation, see over a thousand foreign clients monthly on average. Advance reservations are essential via platforms like Klook or KKday.

  • Prices (based on 2024-2025 rates):
  • Basic one-on-one diagnosis: ₩120,000-193,000 ($96-154)
  • Premium (including makeup): Around ₩290,000 ($232)
  • Often half the cost—or less—of similar services in the U.S. or Europe.

Personal color analysis is also available in 2:1 or 3:1 sessions. If you're traveling with friends, getting it done together can create wonderful memories. (Image design = GDH AI Design Team)
Personal color analysis is also available in 2:1 or 3:1 sessions. If you're traveling with friends, getting it done together can create wonderful memories. (Image design = GDH AI Design Team)


2. Preparing for the Day

  • Arrive bare-faced: No makeup, to allow accurate skin tone assessment.
  • Skip colored contacts: Your natural eye color matters.
  • Wear comfortable clothes: Sessions last 60-120 minutes, involving draping various fabric swatches against your face for comparison.

3. Putting Results to Use – Shopping at Olive Young

Armed with your color palette card, head straight to a flagship Olive Young (올리브영) store, like the massive one near Gangnam Station. Pro tip: Show staff your card, and they'll guide you to perfectly matched products—from foundations to lip tints.

A Note of Caution

Personal color is a helpful guideline, not an ironclad rule. South Korea lacks a national certification system for analysts, so results can vary between practitioners. It's wise to consult multiple experts if possible, and remember: True style comes from overall harmony, not rigid adherence to one palette.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr
Copyright © 2020 mediK. All rights reserved.

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