"Non-surgical Cosmetic Procedures Also Popular... Competition Leads to Lower Costs"
US-based CNN revealed the story of Korean influencer Lee Yerim visiting Korea and undergoing 15 beauty treatments over three days, reporting that Seoul is emerging as a global beauty capital. She later shared this on her TikTok account, where the video has gained popularity with over 1.2 million views.
According to a report on the 10th (local time), the TikTok video showing Lee's beauty treatments in Korea has attracted more than 1.2 million views and is gaining popularity.
A Korean-American influencer living in the United States shared a story about receiving 15 beauty treatments over three days during a visit to Korea. [Photo source: Screenshot from TikTok account ‘taxinoodle’]
CNN reported that Seoul, already famous for plastic surgery, skincare, and makeup, is increasingly popular not only for surgeries but also for non-surgical beauty treatments aimed at radiant skin and glossy hair. It introduced nail salons for manicures and waxing services for hair removal as industries worth billions of dollars growing in Korea.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of foreign patients visiting Korea last year reached a record high of 605,768. The ministry has also improved immigration procedures to attract 700,000 medical tourists by 2027.
Previously, influencer Lee received various treatments in Korea, including eyebrow tattooing, hair dyeing, InMode procedures to slim the face, and trapezius muscle Botox to create angular shoulders like BLACKPINK's Jennie. The total cost was $4,578 (about 6.25 million KRW), which is much cheaper than the prices in the US and other countries.
Lee said, "In Korea, Botox treatments on the forehead and chin cost about $70 (around 95,000 KRW), but in New York, you have to pay between $500 and $1,400 (about 680,000 to 1.91 million KRW)."
She also said, "It is becoming increasingly common and somewhat trendy to openly talk about the treatments received in Korea and share tips."
However, Lee noted that due to Korea's strict advertising laws, clinics often rely on word of mouth, so caution is needed. She said she found treatment providers through recommendations from family and friends and added, "This process can be difficult for people who do not live in Korea or do not speak Korean," hinting that she is developing a website for those visiting Korea to receive K-beauty treatments.
CNN added that Lee received several free treatments in exchange for sharing her experiences on social media, explaining that a market is also forming among creators who share their treatment processes to generate income.
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