By Marinel E. Peroy
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) hosted a two-day K-Beauty Glow-Up! in Manila, an event showcasing an unforgettable Korean beauty experience like no other—either like a sophisticated K-drama main character or a charismatic K-pop star.
Held in SM Aura on April 25-26, guests were immersed in a world of premium Korean beauty. It featured top-notch brands like Laneige, Innisfree, and Mise en scène, as well as their famous services, from personalized skin analysis to exclusive hair makeovers.
Entering the K-beauty zone
One of the booths included [The Bom – Studio Bomnal] Make Up & Skin Analysis, located in Myeongdong, Seoul.
Sumin Moon, CEO, said that The Bom is a “self-discovery studio” in South Korea, helping people to understand more about themselves. It was visited by the Honorary Ambassador for Korea Tourism and Filipino artist Kyline Alcantara last year, which led to welcoming about 1,000 Filipinos to their studio.
“We are actually helping you (customers) on a daily basis. So, it’s not just about personal color. You know the result of personal color… [but] if you don’t know how to embrace that into your daily life, [then] it will probably be meaningless,” she said.
Moon added that they are also helping customers understand their skin, more so, “whole care routine.” Clients around the globe may answer the website’s survey, where one can understand if the skincare product is right for their skin type—or not.
“Each one of us is different, and that’s where beauty truly begins,” she said.
Moon is also optimistic about expanding the business outside Korea, saying: “Maybe in the future. We are willing to come to the Philippines and expand our business here.”
On the other hand, a trusted Korean salon by most celebrities like Son Ye-jin (손예진), Park Shin-hye (박신혜), and Kim Tae-ri (김태리), “Jennyhouse”, located in Cheongdam Hill, Gangnam, is known for its largest number of prominent makeup artists and K-beauty services in South Korea.
Korean stylist Ms. Jane told THEPHILBIZNEWS that Jennyhouse’s services are famous for their women/men styling as well as clientele life milestones—be it graduation, weddings, or editorial photoshoots.
Aside from offering top-tier products and services, the salon is divided into different categories depending on the clients’ preferences: haircut, hair color, hair treatment, hair styling, among others.
Ms. Jane also recommended that Filipinos who will be visiting Korea soon should try their Head Spa treatment at an estimated price of ₩275,000 (around ₱11,000), given the humid weather in the country. Don’t miss out on Seoul’s salon spot for exceptional service and artistry—stay tuned for their promos!
Mutual understanding in tourism & culture
Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said that K-Beauty is a standout gem in the Korean Wave, or Hallyu. However, he noted that the event is not only about cosmetics and skincare, but the deep-rooted mutual ties between Korea and the Philippines.
“Last year, we saw approximately 1.7 million Korean visitors exploring the natural wonders, tapestry of culture, and warm hospitality of the Philippines—putting Korea once again at the top in terms of foreign arrivals,” said Sang-hwa.
He also highlighted: More than half a million Filipinos traveled to Korea, making the Philippines our number one visitor among the ASEAN countries.
“May you be reminded that beauty is not just skin deep—it is a bridge. A bridge that connects people and cultures, celebrates friendship, and brings Korea and the Philippines ever closer,” the envoy added.
He also invited Filipinos to join the upcoming Korea Beauty Festival 2025 from 19 June to 18 July in Seoul, South Korea.
