# South Korean beauty industry and tourism growth

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-beauty-industry-and-tourism-growth
> Updated: 2026-11-04T03:00:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

South Korea has experienced significant expansion in its beauty sector. In 2025, the country became the world’s second-largest cosmetics exporter, reaching a record US$11.4 billion in exports. This growth was driven largely by skincare products and increased demand in Europe, particularly in Poland and the United Kingdom.

Parallel to product exports, the beauty tourism industry has seen rapid growth. In 2025, South Korea received over 2.01 million foreign patients, a 72 percent increase from the previous year. Dermatology and plastic surgery accounted for approximately 74.1 percent of these specialty records. By the first half of 2026, medical spending by overseas cardholders rose 38.6 percent year-on-year, with dermatology generating 768.5 billion won.

Despite this economic success, the beauty tourism sector is facing scrutiny. Regulators have identified issues regarding misleading skincare claims, hidden promotions for surgery, and unfair treatment contracts, which may impact the confidence of international visitors.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: South Korea beauty tourism faces scrutiny over misleading claims

South Korea’s beauty tourism sector faces scrutiny over misleading skincare claims and unfair contracts despite a massive surge in foreign patients and medical spending.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-beauty-tourism-faces-scrutiny-over-misleading-claims

### 2026-10-27: South Korean cosmetics exports reach record levels

South Korea is now the world's second-largest cosmetics exporter, driven by massive growth in skincare and rising demand across Europe and the UK.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korean-cosmetics-exports-reach-record-levels

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Cite as: South Korean beauty industry and tourism growth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-beauty-industry-and-tourism-growth