Changes in Koreans' Cosmetic Preferences

Koreans' cosmetic preferences have shifted away from the past focus on large brands, and are increasingly prioritizing functionality tailored to individual skin concerns, ingredient safety, and eco-friendliness/veganism. Key trends include:

1. Focus on ingredients and safety:

While brand awareness was important in the past, today's consumers prioritize product safety and transparency, focusing on keywords like "clean beauty," "vegan," and "fully disclosed ingredients."

2. Prefer personalized solutions:

There's a growing preference for customized or functional products that address specific skin concerns, rather than standardized products. Products focused on specific functions, such as essences/serums, cleansers, and sunscreens, are gaining popularity.

3. The rise of indie brands:

Small and medium-sized indie brands that prioritize product quality and authentic communication over large-scale marketing are growing rapidly.

4. Expanding the influence of digital and reviews :

Consumers primarily obtain information about cosmetics through videos and social media, and they place great importance on product reviews when purchasing a product.

5. Slow aging and inner beauty:

As the concept of "slow aging" spreads, which aims to manage aging naturally rather than trying to prevent it, interest in internal care through inner beauty products, in addition to topical cosmetics, has increased.

6. Accessibility and Convenience:

With cosmetics now available for purchase through a variety of distribution channels, including Olive Young, Daiso, and convenience stores, accessibility has become an important factor.

Cosmetics favored by Koreans range from high-end herbal brands like Sulwhasoo, Whoo, and Sum37° to the diverse lineups of Innisfree, Laneige, Amorepacific (AP), and LG Household & Health Care, as well as brands known for their color or specific products like Skin1004, Clio, and Banila Co. Products that emphasize gentle, naturally derived ingredients and focus on hydration, soothing, and strengthening the skin barrier are popular.

1. Brand Overviews & Hero Products

* Sulwhasoo: A premium brand focused onGinseng(Ginsenomics™) to restore skin resilience.

* Hero: First Care Activating SerumandConcentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream.

* The History of Whoo: Inspired by royal court beauty secrets, utilizing rare medicinal herbs.

* Hero: Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate, which promotes skin self-regeneration.

* su:m37°: Specializes in naturallyfermentedingredients at 37°C, the optimal temperature for skin-vitalizing enzymes.

* Hero: Secret Essence, known for strengthening the skin barrier.

* O HUI: Combines high-tech science with anti-aging botanicals.

* Hero: Age Recoveryline, which targets collagen loss and deep wrinkles.

2. Examples of preferred brands and products :

* Luxury/High-end: Sulwhasoo, Whoo, Sum37°, Ohui, Lienkei (herbal ingredients, anti-aging).

* Popular/Natural: Innisfree (Jeju green tea line), Laneige (moisturizing cream, sleeping mask), various brands of Amorepacific (natural ingredients, mild).

* Color/Functionality: Clio (waterproof eyeliner), Banilaco (Clean It Zero Balm), Skin1004 (Centella line) (popular overseas as well).

* Others: Various domestic brands such as Chamjon, Plant Nara, and Luna are also preferred.

3. Preferred features :

* Naturally derived ingredients: Prefer mild, hypoallergenic ingredients such as green tea, aloe, and snail mucus.

* Skin concern resolution: Products that emphasize specific effects such as moisturizing, soothing, antioxidant, and skin barrier strengthening are popular.

* Diverse lineup: Wide range of choices to suit consumer needs, from basic to color, herbal medicine, and naturalism.

4. Latest trends :

* Recently, Korean cosmetics have been gaining popularity overseas, and indie brands such as Skin1004 are attracting attention on Amazon and other platforms.

In summary, Koreans prefer products with a variety of functional and mild ingredients that suit their skin type and concerns, and brands such as Innisfree, Laneige, Sulwhasoo, and Clio are consistently loved.

Koreans' Favorite Food Changing Resent Trend

 Koreans' favorite foods consistently rank high, including kimchi stew , doenjang stew , bulgogi , kimchi , bibimbap , and samgyeopsal . Depending on age and occasion, a variety of other dishes, including tteokbokki, chicken, naengmyeon, kalguksu, and gimbap, are also popular. While Korean food generally accounts for a large portion of stews, grilled dishes, and snacks, rice bowls have recently become increasingly popular as a dining-out menu.

1. Consistently popular menu (stew/soup)

* kimchi soup: The most popular signature menu.

* soy bean paste soup: Along with kimchi stew, it is considered a soul food of Koreans.

* Sundubu jjigae, budae jjigae, gamjatang, seolleongtang, kalguksu, and kongguksu are also consistently loved.

2. Koreans' representative dining menu (grilled/meat)

* Bulgogi: A representative Korean food loved by people of all ages.

* Samgyeopsal: It is also ranked as the number one favorite menu item among Koreans when eating out.

* Galbi (grilled/steamed), dakgalbi, bossam, etc. are also popular .

3. Convenience foods and snacks

* Tteokbokki: A national snack loved by people of all ages and genders.

* Kimbap: A convenient food that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

* Japchae: Popular as a banquet food or as a side dish.

4. Other popular menus

4-1) Ilbinsik 

* Bibimbap: A representative traditional food that is healthy and delicious.

* Chicken: Korean

4-2) A regular menu for late-night snacks and company dinners.

* Naengmyeon, Jjamppong: Summer delicacies, popular as a menu item when eating out.

* Pajeon, Kimchijeon: Foods that come to mind on rainy days.

5. Trend Change Koreans Love Food, Comparision of 2004/2014/2019 

Doenjang Jjigae has been continiousely declined from first position in 2004 and dropped to third position in 2024. On the other hand Kimchijigae has taken over Doenjangjigae first position in 2014 and still keeeping first position till now.Bulgogi has been keeping popular position all the way, not remarkable position change. All other memu have not much different position and keep almost steady position 

note : This information has been referred to Korea Gallup Report which was released on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 | Inquiries: 02-3702-2571/2621/2622 

         

       

Updating: Top 10 Most Popular Vodkas in Korea

 

Vodka is a colorless, odorless, and nearly clear spirit distilled from the fermented liquid of various crops, including potatoes, corn, and wheat. Its distinctive cleanness makes it a popular choice for enjoying straight or as the base for a variety of cocktails. Due to its diverse origins, vodka has been produced in numerous locations worldwide, resulting in countless varieties and varieties available in numerous countries.

Among these popular vodka products, let's take a look at the top 10 best-selling products in Korea. Source: International Spirits Report 2021 and : https://smoothmen.tistory.com/419

10th place - Snow Leopard

Edrington's premium vodka, Snow Leopard, ranked 10th in domestic vodka sales. Named after the snow leopard, the product, named after the snow leopard, was launched in 2005 with the idea of saving the rare snow leopard from extinction. A portion of the product's profits went to protecting the real-life model, Snow Leopard, making it a huge hit.

9th place - Danzka

Danzka, Denmark's flagship vodka, ranked 9th in popularity in Korea. Named after the Danish word for "Danish people," Danzka Vodka is characterized by its metal bottle-like design. Available in a variety of flavors and aromas, including apple, citrus, and currant, its unique design has made it a popular choice in Korea.

8th place - Grey Goose

Grey Goose, a premium vodka from Lance, ranked 8th in domestic sales. This product is renowned for its blending in the Cognac region of France, renowned for its cognac. It is also considered a premium vodka in Korea, and is priced higher than other vodkas.

7th place - Skyy

Skye Vodka, known for its clean, refreshing flavor, ranked 7th in domestic sales. Produced in the United States, this American vodka is known for its varying alcohol content, ranging from 37.5% to 43%, with 40% being imported and distributed in Korea. It's generally considered colorless and odorless, close to pure alcohol, and is considered best enjoyed straight.

6th place - Khortytsa

Ukraine's Kortisha Vodka, a top-five seller worldwide, has risen to sixth place in domestic sales. It's marketed as a clean, hangover-free vodka with minimal impurities. Its popularity is also growing in Korea, fueled by its global appeal.

5th place - Barton

Produced at the Kentucky Distillery, Barton Vodka, a highly popular high-proof vodka, ranked 5th in domestic sales. Mass-produced with inexpensive ingredients, it offers exceptional value for money. Its high alcohol content also makes it a popular base for cocktails, earning it a top ranking. It's a popular vodka used as a base for cocktails, highballs, and other beverages in domestic cocktail bars and other pubs.

4th place - Kirkland

Kirkland Vodka, sold exclusively at Costco, ranked 4th in domestic vodka sales. This American vodka boasts exceptional value and explosive popularity. Its flavor and aroma rival premium brands like Grey Goose or Tito's, making it one of the most sought-after vodkas in Korea. Thanks to Costco's global distribution network, Kirkland Vodka has steadily climbed the charts, and its future is highly anticipated.

3rd place - Smirnoff

Smirnoff, the pride of Russian vodka, has ranked third in popularity in Korea. This nationally recognized vodka, acquired by global beverage giant Diageo, is a global best-selling product, exported to approximately 130 countries. It is also available in Korea at a variety of locations, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and bars.

2nd place - Gilbeys

Gilbers Vodka ranked second in popularity in Korea. Gilbers, also known as gin, is extremely popular in the US and UK, and its unique flavor and aroma have earned it a loyal following in Korea. Distributed domestically through Diageo, it remains a popular, steady-selling vodka year after year.

1st place - Absolut

Absolut, Sweden's flagship vodka, has long taken the top spot in domestic vodka sales. With a storied history dating back to 1879, Absolut was acquired by global liquor company Pernod Ricard and is now sold in 126 countries worldwide, making it the world's best-selling vodka. It's also the most famous vodka in Korea, with sales comparable to the rest of the top 10. However, as the popularity of vodka wanes over the years, sales are declining.

CNN Selecting Beautiful Temples in Korea-Chuncheon Cheongpyeongsa Temple

 Cheongpyeongsa Temple is characterized by its beautiful natural scenery and long-standing historical and cultural value. It boasts a diverse collection of relics and historic sites, including the revolving gate (designated a national treasure), the Cheongpyeongsa Temple site (designated a Gangwon-do monument), and the three-story stone pagoda. Key Features

1) Temples in harmony with nature:

It is characterized by the harmony between nature and artificiality created by utilizing the topography.

2) Long history:

It was built during the Silla Dynasty and has a long history, and was greatly rebuilt by Zen Master Lee Ja-hyeon during the Goryeo Dynasty.

  3) Cultural property possession:

Revolving Door: This is a representative building that shows the architectural style of the Goryeo Dynasty, designated as Treasure No. 164.

Cheongpyeongsa Temple Site: Designated as Gangwon-do Monument No. 55.

Three-story stone pagoda: This stone pagoda is designated as Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 8 and is characterized by being installed on a rock at the foot of a mountain.

4) Surrounding environment: 

You can enjoy beautiful scenery as it is close to Soyang River Dam.

5) Accessibility:

You can get there by boat from Soyang River Dam or by bus.