Beauty in Korea

What does a clown and handsome young men have in common?

This is how Korea sells makeup and beauty. 

Along with a variety of other methods, such as 'callers', young men and women standing outside of the beauty store waving free masks, water, pens, and mysterious boxes trying to entice you to come in. "Window shopping is free." But be prepared to be followed around by a store clerk on your heels.

Another popular method is product placement in K-dramas, large billboards with perfectly airbrushed beauties with smooth flawless skin and that all look alike. Trying to achieve that kind of perfection is nearly impossible. When I'm traveling around Seoul I looked at all the beautiful people seeming so perfect with such little effort. I know Korea cosmetic surgery industry is extremely large. I can't tell who has done what but I just hope what I see has not been altered and they can accept who they are and how differences are beautiful. 

Don't get me wrong, I love beauty products. I'm a junkie especially when it comes to free stuff. 

So where and when to go for the free stuff  

There is just one word for that, Myeongdong. The roads around exit 6 are lined with cosmetic shops such as; Tony Moly, Face Shop, Too Cool For School, Nature Republic, Misha, Etude House, Skin Food, Holika Holika, and etc. trying to get you to come in. 

When to go; Almost any time but night time is the best, like 9:00PM to capitalize on the sample haul.   

This is also a great area for good restaurants, cafes, clothes shopping, street food and street venders selling everything for hair accessories to cute sweaters for your pet.

KTO info on Myeongdong
Tripadvisor info on Myeongdong
Visit Seoul info on Myeongdong