Many people are perplexed by why Koreans have white skin, silky glass-like skin. However, Korea’s obsession with light skin has a long history.
In reality, if you explore the streets of Seoul, you’ll discover teenage females shielding themselves from the sun with umbrellas and elderly citizens donning visors. Women and adolescent girls, in particular, wear long-sleeved tops to prevent their skin from tanning, even if it’s the middle of summer.
But what is the purpose of this stringent beauty standard? Why do Koreans have white skin and are obsessed with it? You may learn more about it below:
Table of Contents
Why do Koreans have white skin?
If you want to understand why most Koreans desire white skin, you must delve further into its feudal history. White skin was considered a privilege only available to the aristocracy. Manual labour on the street or cultivating crops were everyday activities for working-class individuals. On the other hand, Nobles had the benefit of remaining inside and avoiding the sun’s rays. As a result, you may identify someone’s social standing by their skin colour.
The preference for white skin that has been handed down by the upper classes’ belief in their superiority has seeped into present-day Korean culture.
Surprisingly, the west adores tanned skin for the same reason! People who worked indoors in warehouses and factories during the industrial revolution developed an unhealthy white pallor on their skin due to it. While those with money could holiday to beachside towns and nations, acquiring a darker, tanned complexion was impossible.
Do South Koreans whiten their skin?
There is a lot of pressure in South Korea to have light skin, and many people use skin whitening products. However, it’s not as widespread as some people think. There are many different beauty standards in South Korea, and being pale is just one preference. Some people find darker-skinned people more attractive, and there are also many Korean celebrities with dark skin. So while many people do use whitening products, it’s not something that everyone does or feels the need to do.
How can I look like a Korean girl?
There’s no one answer to this question, as everyone’s skin type and genetics are different. However, some tips on how to achieve a more “glassy” Korean look include using high-quality skincare products that are suited for your skin type, avoiding excessive UV exposure, and using a good quality facial oil or serum.
Also, it’s essential to keep in mind that having healthy skin is about the products you use and your diet and lifestyle habits. For example, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep are all essential for keeping your skin looking its best.
Korean Media – Single Inferno
In South Korea, being a celebrity is more important than anything else. These K-pop stars and Korean drama actors and actresses are so widespread that countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and even India are crazy about them.
What are the characteristics that all of these Korean heartthrobs and celebrities share? Their healthy, clear, blemish-free, and milk-white skin! On TV in Korea, you’ll see stars with picture-perfect pale skin all over.
There are also reports that certain record companies and artist management businesses ban their representatives from tanning entirely. This is because the message that pale skin is desirable is internalized by those who grow up looking at these celebrities and worshipping them. They even have plastic surgery and other treatments to appear more like their favourite idol.
For example, “Single’s Inferno” An incident of this nature has started a fire, most likely for the wrong reasons. The dating reality show garnered attention when one of its stars criticized a female cast member over her “white skin colour,” which generated a debate among viewers throughout the world.
The debate appears to stem from some issues, including a lack of understanding of Korean beauty standards and a less-than-perfect translation. In one episode, the male contestants met up with their female counterparts for the first time and spoke about their initial impressions.
“She is so white,” says one participant. “I initially thought she was very white, therefore purely white,” the remark is translated.
Many hospitals have named dermatologist treatments after celebrities. Several specialists we spoke with remarked on how Korean females would come into their office with photos of a particular Korean celebrity, requesting to be made like them.
How Cosmetic Industry in Korea
The cosmetic industry in Korea is one of the most popular and profitable industries in the country. Koreans are known for their love of beauty and they take great pride in their appearance. This has led to a thriving cosmetics industry that offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of consumers.
Korean cosmetics are known for their high quality and innovative formulations. Many brands utilize cutting-edge technologies and ingredients, which sets them apart from the competition. In addition, South Korea is one of the leading countries in terms of research and development when it comes to cosmetics. This means that Korean companies are always creating new products that meet the latest trends and desires of consumers.
The popularity of Korean cosmetics is not only limited to South Korea. In recent years, these products have become increasingly popular in other Asian countries, such as China and Japan. Korean cosmetics are also starting to gain popularity in Western countries, such as the United States. This is since more and more people are becoming interested in the unique formulations and ingredients used in these products.
Korean beauty secrets for whiter skin
South Koreans are beauty-obsessed, and one of the secrets to their flawless complexions is using natural ingredients that have been passed down for generations.
Some of their favourite ingredients include rice water, honey, and green tea. Rice water is used as a natural toner and brightener, honey is a natural moisturizer and antioxidant, and green tea helps reduce inflammation and skin irritation. So if you’re looking for a way to achieve luminous skin without harsh chemicals or expensive procedures, try incorporating some of these Korean beauty secrets into your routine!
What is the definition of “dark skin” in Korea?
The Korean definition of “black or tan skin” is quite simple – it just refers to skin that is darker than the average Korean’s skin colour. Of course, there is always going to be some variation in opinion on what precisely qualifies as “black or tan skin,” but generally speaking, if your skin is noticeably darker than most Koreans, you would likely be considered to have black or tan skin.
It’s worth noting that while the term “black or tan skin” might be used somewhat innocuously in Korea, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation when referring to someone from a minority group.
Why do Koreans have glass skin?
Koreans are known for their beautiful, flawless skin—a phenomenon sometimes called “glass skin”. While there are a number of factors that contribute to this enviable skin health, diet is one of the most important.
Korean cuisine revolves around fresh, nutritious ingredients like vegetables, fruits, seafood, and soybeans. Kimchi, for instance, is a traditional dish made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for healthy skin. Koreans also eat plenty of green tea, a natural source of antioxidants that can help protect the skin from damage.
Of course, genetics plays a role in Korean women’s gorgeous complexions as well. But by following a healthy diet and using quality skin care products, you can help your skin look its best.
What are some Korean skin whitening secrets?
They wear sunscreen every day, even when indoors. However, one of the reasons why Koreans have white skin is because they do not take risks with sunscreen.
As for Song Ji-A (Single’s Inferno)
- Morning
She keeps her ampoules and sheet masks in the fridge for cold skincare, as it may help relax and de-puff your face in the morning!
- Before Makeup
You’d probably notice that Ji-A begins her makeup by using a toner pad to prep her skin. These pre-soaked pads are usually packed with hydrating, exfoliating, and pore-clearing ingredients to help you create a smooth, clean, and hydrated foundation for gorgeous makeup.
- Night
Ji-A applies her lighter products, such as toner, serums, and essence, before going into her heavy nighttime moisturizer. This will allow each product to sink deeper into your skin and permeate the pores fully while keeping products from piling up!
Finally,
This preoccupation with skin lightening and brightening is evident in the K-beauty industry’s creation of a wide range of skin whitening and brightening treatments.
Nonetheless, things are getting better. Hyori and other K-pop celebrities have helped popularize the beauty of tanned skin in Korea.
Hopefully, South Korean society will one day accept dark skin as usual and admire it just as they do now for paler skin.

Kimdaemi is Korea’s number one fan of all things Kpop and K-drama. She loves nothing more than trying out new experiences and exploring new places, so you can always expect her to be up for a good time! Kimdaemi is also completely obsessed with learning about new cultures, which is why she loves travelling so much.
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