K-Beauty Services Review Part 1
What I Got Done in Seoul (and Was It Worth It?)
Seoul isn’t just the land of perfect skin and café aesthetics — it’s where beauty dreams go to become reality. I spent time in Korea getting a full lineup of K-beauty services back in November and I’ve got thoughts.
From shattered nails to snatched jawlines, here’s a detailed review of every service I got — where I went, how much it cost, what the experience was like, and the Glow-Up Level of each one.
You can check out my Instagram video below for a summary of all the services I did. However the real tea is in this blog.
Things To Know Before Booking
Before you dive headfirst into K-beauty heaven, here are a few things to note to help you with planning.
1. Do Your Homework!
Forget Yelp — in Korea, everyone uses Naver. It’s basically the Korean Google, and it’s where you’ll find more clinics and services from locals over the sales-y overpriced ones targeting foreigners specifically.
💡 Tip: Use Papago (browser plug-in or app) to auto-translate reviews as you scroll. The translations are way better than Google Translate.
2. Check Unni App + Reddit for Real Girl Reviews
Download Unni App for user-generated reviews on all things beauty — think of it like the Korean version of Yelp reviews but for clinics and salons.
Reddit is also great for cross-checking clinics and experiences, especially for more intensive procedures. Sometimes negative reviews get taken down on Naver and Google for liability so an anonymous forum is where you can find the REAL tea. However, be cautious of fake reviews and use your best judgment.
3. Message on KakaoTalk, Not Email
Most Korean clinics and salons don’t really use email or instagram. The best way to book or ask questions?
KakaoTalk — Korea’s main messaging app. Add their business Kakao ID (usually listed on their Instagram or website) and send a polite message with your name, dates, and services you’re interested in.
4. Screenshots are Your Best Friend
Language barrier? No problem. Come prepared with screenshots or saved photos of exactly what you want. It helps bridge any gaps and ensures you're both on the same page. Again Papago is the best Korean <> English translator and that helped me utilize services where staff doesn’t speak English well.
5. Plan Your Timeline Ahead
Some procedures will have a longer downtime than others and prevent you from getting your hair wet, exercising, going to the sauna or bathing. So plan accordingly which procedures to do first is very important to set yourself up for expectations.
💅 Nails Rehab: Jenny’s Nail
My nails were down bad. One had even cracked clean in half from improper press-on removal 😭). I booked with Jenny’s Nail after stalking her jaw-dropping abstractical designs on Instagram, and I can safely say — her work lives up to the hype.
Foreign Friendliness: They don’t really speak English, so you will need to use Papago to communicate.
Pre-Service Process: There are several locations for Jenny’s Nail and it’s additional if you want to request Jenny herself. You can message them on KakaoTalk to schedule your appointment. If you have designs in mind, please send it to them first to set expectations.
My Experience: I wanted Dior-inspired like nails and created a moodboard for Jenny. There was a bit of misunderstanding in the beginning due to language barrier, but overall I told her that I trust her and to make the ultimate decision for me. She delivered! She added extra builder and created 3D shapes for extra security as my nails were thin and cracked underneath.
Tip: They specialize in gel-nails so they might not have the tools to remove acrylics and it’s time-based. To ensure you get the full experience, please always come with bare nails.
Cost: ₩140,000 KRW (~$106 USD) Because I requested for Jenny it was more!
US Cost Comparison: ~$130–$180 + tips for a full set of nails with art.
Worth it? 9.5/10 Absolutely. My nails were saved and made cute.
Website / Social: https://www.instagram.com/y_yjenny/?hl=en
🎨 Color Analysis: Color Place
I was hesitate about booking Color Analysis as there were mixed review depending on the experience of the Analyst you get. I was so happy with my consultation with Muriel.
Foreign Friendliness: They provide a translator with us the whole time and made the consultation a great experience.
Pre-Service Process: Booked via KakaoTalk. You can note what you want to focus on (makeup vs. clothing colors, etc.). They do offer disposable applicators for the makeup trial — despite what some reviews say.
My Experience: Muriel clocked me as a Deep Autumn, and suddenly everything made sense — why I gravitate to deep reds and golds. At first, I was hesitate on the makeup recommendation as she gave me samples of orange based lip color and last time I tried this in Korea 6 years ago I did not like it. However, after a trip to Olive Young to find the exact brand and shade from their list, I was blown away how good these lippie looked on me.
Tip: Korean beauty standards lean soft + subtle. If you’re used to Western glam, take some of the makeup suggestions with a grain of salt.
Cost: ₩150,000 KRW (~$119 USD for group rate)
US Cost Comparison: ~$150-$200
Worth it? 9/10 - As I did it in a group with friends, I wish we went more into details about textile and patterns as well.
Website / Social: https://colorplace.co.kr/ (my stylist’s IG: @muriel_photo)
💆♀️ Scalp Spa Treatment: WTMethode
This was self-care I didn’t know I needed. I went in for a scalp detox and massage, and came out feeling like I had unlocked a new sensory level. The buildup on my scalp was gently cleared away, and my roots actually felt lighter.
Foreign Friendliness: I went to the Gangnam branch and the staff member spoke basic English and they have an English version of the presentation during the analysis and that nd it was enough for me to understand the process.
Pre-Service Process: You can book via online and WhatsApp based on the branch you want to visit. I sent them my availability and let them know I had scalp concerns (psoriasis, dryness). They recommended the Seborrheic Dermatitis Prestige treatment.
My Experience: We started with a scalp analysis and as I have psorasis... well my scalp was fighting for its life. The treatment focused on gently removing dead skin, product buildup, and flakes. While this isn’t a cure, scalp scaling is a great maintenance option to keep things under control. It was very methodical and relaxing — almost like a facial for your head. Since I had just done a hair perm the day before, I had to double cleanse, which made my scalp feel a bit drier than usual. But overall, it felt like the ultimate self-care treat.
Tip: Book this before a hair perm or coloring treatment if possible — it’ll prep your scalp better.
Cost: ₩187,000 KRW (~$135 USD)
US Cost Comparison: $155 + tip
Worth it? 7.5/10 — Pricey to do regularly, but a solid reset for your scalp when you need a deep clean and some pampering.
Website / Social: https://wt-methode.co.kr/en/
💇🏻♀️Digital Perm: Soonsiki Romantique
Soft waves, no heat styling. I wanted that effortlessly chic Korean hair, and this gave exactly that. Literally “I woke up like this” hair with no crunchy spiral curls in sight. Soonsiki has three branch depending on the style you want. I went with Soonsiki Romantic because of the focus on soft feminine style.
Foreign Friendliness: One of the more foreigner-friendly salons in Seoul. Some stylists speak basic English, and they’re very used to international clients.
Pre-Service Process: I slid into stylist Gyeum’s DMs on Instagram (IG: soonsiki_gyeum) after drooling over his portfolio. He responded and confirmed my appointment without a deposit. You can also make an appointment on their website and checkout each stylist’s portfolio.
My Experience: I went in for a S wave perm with layered haircut — think soft, flowy waves with that effortless “just stepped out of a K-drama” vibe. The perm took around 2.5–3 hours including cut and styling. Aftercare was also explained clearly on how to blow dry your hair to activate the curls after wash.
Tip: Come with inspo pics and be honest about any color or chemical treatments you’ve had — they’ll tailor the perm to keep your hair healthy.
Cost: ₩272,000 KRW (~$195 USD)
US Cost Comparison: $400+ (long hair perm)
Website / Social (for the Romantique location) : https://soonsiki02.cafe24.com/ (Gyeum’s IG: soonsiki_gyeum)
Worth it? 8.5/10 — The waves were giving K-drama lead energy, but need maintenance to active the curls.
✨Skin Treatment: Cheongdam Esmin Clinic
Let’s talk skin. I visited Cheongdam Esmin Clinic, a boutique one-doctor clinic known for its personal care (and not being a treatment “factory”). I came in with under-eye bags, milias, and a saggy jawline.
Foreign Friendliness: Very foreign friendly. The staff and the doctor spoke English fluently. I love how Dr. Min Hye-yeon is very transparent and technical with her explanation.
Pre-Service Process: Booked through KakaoTalk with my preferred appointment time and skin concerns. and it was super smooth, with my preferred appointment time and skin concerns.
My Experience: I met with Dr. Min Hye-yeon in her office for a consultation. She will be honest with you on what can be done and not. She doesn’t pressure you or feel sales-y and leave with you the ultimate decision. Again she is very technical with her explanation so she definitely knows her stuff.
Here’s the full lineup of what I got done:
LHALAJet facial: A deep hypoallergenic cleanse (deep pore cleanse facial) to help cleanse and minimize my pore appearance without the downtime.
Ultherapy: To lift and define the jawline. Warning even with numbing cream there was still pain, but it was managable over time. It feels as if a mini taser is burning your cheeks.
Ultracol (2cc): A collagen stimulant for under eyes. This is a natural way to reduce the appearance of eye bags with a 2-3 days downtime. There is no risk of migration and appears more natural than fillers. I went with this over surgery because of the short downtime. Warning: It was painful but quick!
Botox (Calves 100 IU): Because yes, that’s a thing. I have muscular calves from working out and genetics. The botox helped reduce the appearance of my calves! At first I didn’t notice the difference, but as time went by, it did!
The post-treatment swelling from Ultracol was real for one day. I looked like I had a bad allergic reaction. But honestly, it gave me an excuse to live out my celebrity hiding from paparazzi fantasy in sunglasses. 😂
Milia Removal: 29 little bumps under my eyes — gone with CO2 laser. The downtime was similar to the swelling of the Ultracol. By a few weeks later, I can comfortably wear makeup. Warning: It was painful but worth.
The post-treatment swelling from Ultracol was real for one day, but honestly, it gave me an excuse to live out my K-celebrity hiding from paparazzi fantasy in sunglasses. 😂
Tip: Ultherapy has downtime (mild soreness, no saunas/sweating), so time this one strategically in your itinerary. Avoid intense activity or hot environments (like saunas) for a few days after any of these, so plan ahead!
Cost: ₩2,695,000 KRW (~$1,845 USD not including the tax fund)
LHALAJet (hypoallergenic deep cleansing): ₩275,000 KRW = ~$188
Ultherapy (jawline): ₩1,320,000 KRW = ~$905
Calves Botox 100IU: ₩440,000 KRW = ~$301
Ultracol 2cc: ₩440,000 KRW = ~$301
Milla removal (CO2 Laser): ₩11,000 KRW (29 removed) = ₩220,000 KRW = ~$150
US Cost Comparison:
Boutique facials ~$150–300
Ultherapy (jawline) ~$2,575
Calf Botox 100IU ~$500–900
Milia removal ~$500 for 20+
Collagen stimulators ~$800-1000
Worth it? 10/10 YES. The care and pricing were unmatched compared to the U.S and service with personal. I also love how I get a facial before and after the treatments!
Website / Social: https://www.sminclinic.com/
👁 Lash Lift: Ain Beauty Lab Academy
I got a lash lift after my skin treatments(not the smartest timing — my eyes were still puffy from Ultracol ). But once the swelling calmed down, the results were clean and lifted. No mascara needed as I got a tint as well.
Foreign Friendliness: The staff didn’t speak much English, but my lash artist did.
Pre-Service Process: Booked via KakaoTalk — quick and easy!
My Experience: Even with slight swelling, the lash lift went smoothly. The technician was gentle, and worked around the swelling. Honestly I think I might have freaked her out with the puffiness! Once the swelling from Ultracol settled the next few days, my lashes looked amazing — defined, curled, and no mascara needed.
Tip: If you’re doing under-eye or eye-area skin treatments, don’t book your lash lift the same day. Ideally book before your skin treatments.
Cost: ₩60,000 KRW (~$44 USD)
US Cost Comparison: $110
Worth? 8.5/10 — low-maintenance and clean with lasting impact.
Website / Social: https://www.instagram.com/ainbeautylab_gangnam/?hl=en
Photoshoot:
After days of glow-up treatments, my boyfriend and I capped it off with a cute little photoshoot at Sihyunhada in Bukchon. They have several locations and tier-level packages, so we picked one that fit our itinerary. Not exactly part of the glow-up lineup, but tbh? It was the cherry on top. Seeing myself so confident after all the treatments? Priceless.
Foreign Friendliness: Sihyunhada is very foreigner-friendly — they’ve worked with tons of international couples and influencers. Our photographer Jaeeun spoke great English and made us feel super comfortable right away.
Pre-Service Process: You can book directly through their website to a third party partner for foreign friendly booking.
My Experience: The studio is tucked away in the scenic hanok village of Bukchon, and the vibes? Immaculate. Jaeeun guided us through poses, adjusted lighting, and made sure every shot felt natural and editorial. We laughed, posed, and honestly just had fun with it. She would then edit two of the photos right in front of us! We watched her crazy fast editing right before our eyes!
Tip: If you need to book a last minute appointment and you can’t via online (the website only allows 7 days ahead of time); you can message them on KakaoTalk. They only respond on weekdays so be patient!
Cost: ₩200,000 KRW (~$142 as a couple or $71 per person). Our photographer was level 3 in terms of experience so price was more than a level 1 or 2.
US Cost Comparison: ~$250–400 for a similar editorial mini-shoot in the Bay Area
Worth it? 9/10 Absolutely. Whether or not you’ve just done beauty treatments, this is such a special way to capture a moment in Seoul.
Website / Social: https://en.sihyunhada.com/ (Jaeeun’s IG: jaen2e)
Final Thoughts
Glow-up level: unlocked. ✨
The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and affordability in Korea are unmatched. Not only did I save money, I walked away with services that felt customized, thoughtful, and results-driven. For a more visual representation of my experience, check out my video on Instagram!
Let me know if you want part 2 — where things get wild (hint: I’m talking surgeries 👀) and crazier skin treatments at Cheongdam Esmin Clinic.
Need help planning? Join the community and let’s build each other’s dream beauty itinerary 💅💭
The ultracol results 😩😩😩 amazing
WAITING ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT FOR PART 2