Where to Get That Perfect K-Beauty Look in Seoul: Top Makeup Studios & Classes You Must Try!

Where to Get Makeup Done or Learn Makeup in Seoul: The Ultimate K-Beauty Guide

Stella's Meta Description: Discover the best places in Seoul to get professional makeup done or learn makeup techniques like a local. From celebrity makeup salons in Cheongdam to hands-on K-beauty academies and personal color studios, this guide highlights top spots, price expectations, and tips for choosing the right service.

Introduction

Seoul is one of the world’s biggest beauty capitals, and visiting the city means being surrounded by the latest makeup trends, the best products, and some of the most skilled artists in Asia. Whether you want to get your makeup professionally done for a photoshoot, event, date, or travel experience, or you want to learn how to apply makeup like a true K-beauty pro, Seoul offers countless options.

But with so many salons, academies, and studios to choose from, narrowing down the best choices can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down where to go, what to expect, and how to choose the right type of makeup service in Seoul—from luxury celebrity salons in Cheongdam to fun and budget-friendly makeup classes for travelers.

Why Seoul Is the Best Place for Makeup Services and Lessons

Korea’s beauty industry moves quickly—sometimes faster than the trends in the West or Japan. Seoul is home to:

• Celebrity makeup artists who define global K-beauty trends
• World-class beauty academies that train future professionals
• Personal color studios that help customers identify their most flattering tones
• Brand-run beauty schools from Etude, Innisfree, Amorepacific, and more
• Affordable makeup salons that cater to everyday consumers
• Multilingual services for tourists

This makes Seoul the perfect place not only to enjoy a makeover but also to learn techniques you can use forever.

Where to Get Professional Makeup Done in Seoul

✧ Cheongdam & Apgujeong: Celebrity Makeup Salons

These neighborhoods are the heart of Korea’s entertainment industry. K-pop idols, actors, models, and influencers frequent beauty salons here for schedules, magazine shoots, and red-carpet events.

Top Recommended Celebrity Salons

♡ Jenny House

• One of Korea’s most famous beauty studios, beloved by actresses and top models. Stylists here work on major award shows and drama shoots.
• Perfect for: Natural elegance, glossy K-beauty skin, soft glam
• Pros: Top-tier artists, luxurious environment
• Cons: Prices are high and reservations fill quickly

♡ Oui Oui Atelier (OUI OUI Studio)

• A favorite among influencers and bridal clients. Known for beautiful soft glam and ultra-feminine makeup.
• Perfect for: Photoshoots, engagement photos, warm romantic looks
• Bit & Boot
• Run by makeup artists behind major K-pop visuals.
• Perfect for: Idol-style makeup—defined eyes, flawless base, subtle sparkle

Typical Price Range in Cheongdam

• Full makeup: 150,000–350,000 KRW
• Hair + makeup package: 200,000–400,000 KRW
• Premium celebrity artist: 300,000–600,000 KRW

These studios are ideal if you want true K-drama/K-pop level transformation or you’re celebrating something special.

✧ Myeongdong & Hongdae: Tourist-Friendly Makeup Studios

If you want something more affordable and traveler-friendly, these neighborhoods offer great services.

Top Options

• Luna Myeongdong Makeup Studio
• Popular among tourists looking for K-beauty-style soft makeup at mid-range prices.
• Good for: Light, dewy skin and natural eye looks

Hongdae Makeup Play Bars

• Several mini salons offer fast and trendy student-style makeup.
• Good for: Budget-friendly, fun, youthful K-beauty looks

Typical Price Range

• Full makeup: 50,000–120,000 KRW
• Add hair styling: +20,000–50,000 KRW

These are great choices for travel photos, casual events, or trying K-beauty trends without spending too much.

✧ Studio-Type Makeup for Photoshoots & Seoul Travel Portraits

Korean-style photo studios often include makeup in their packages.

Recommended Studios

• Self Photo Studios + Makeup Services
• Great if you want a chic, minimalist Korean profile photo or ID-style portrait.
• Premium Travel Photo Studios (e.g., in Itaewon, Hannam)

They offer:

• Makeup + hair
• Full photoshoot
• Outdoor/indoor options
• Retouched digital files

Price Range:

• 150,000–350,000 KRW depending on the package
• If you want a beautifully edited Korean-style portrait, these studios are perfect.

Where to Learn Makeup in Seoul

Many visitors want more than just a makeover—they want to learn how to create K-beauty looks at home. Seoul offers a wide variety of classes, from short tourist sessions to professional programs designed for makeup artists.

✧ K-Beauty Makeup Academies (Professional Level)

If you want in-depth training or dream of a beauty career, consider these professional academies.

♡ Jung Saem Mool Academy

• Founded by one of Korea’s most influential makeup artists.
• You learn:
• Flawless base techniques
• Signature “JSM Skin Nuder” look
• Color correction
• Editorial makeup

Who should attend: Makeup enthusiasts, aspiring professionals, people wanting advanced skills

♡Ara Beauty Academy

• Offers both short courses and long-term certifications.
• Focus: Practical K-beauty skills for all face types and tones
• Korea Beauty Art School

A highly structured academy with step-by-step training.

Price Range:

• Short classes: 50,000–200,000 KRW per session
• Certification courses: 1,000,000–3,000,000+ KRW

These academies are best for people who want professional-level mastery.

✧ Brand-Run Makeup Classes for Beginner & Intermediate Learners

Beauty brands often offer makeup classes designed for consumers and tourists.

♡ Etude House Makeup Class
Very popular with beginners.

Learn:

• Basic base makeup
• Eyebrow shaping
• Korean-style eye makeup
• Gradient lips

♡ Amorepacific Makeup Play Programs
Run by the parent company of Laneige, Hera, Sulwhasoo, and IOPE.

Learn:

• Dewy base
• Tone coordination
• Age-specific makeup tips
• Innisfree and Olive Young Experience Zones
• Seasonal makeup workshops—fun and affordable.

Price Range:

• 30,000–80,000 KRW per class
• Perfect for tourists or casual learners.

✧ Personal Color + Makeup Combination Programs

Personal color analysis is huge in Korea, and many studios pair color diagnosis with customized makeup lessons.

Top Personal Color Studios in Seoul

♡ L'Atele Color Lab (Hannam)

• Detailed analysis + makeup palette recommendations
• Color Expert Lab (Hongdae)
• Popular with tourists and students

Offers:

• 1:1 color diagnosis
• Seasonal palette (Spring/Warm, Summer/Cool, etc.)
• Makeup application demonstration

♡ Nandan Color Studio
    Creates personalized makeup charts based on your tone

Why This Is Popular
    Because Koreans believe the right tone dramatically changes how makeup looks.

You learn:

• Your undertone
• Best lip colors
• Best eyeshadow shades
• Base makeup decisions

Price Range:
80,000–200,000 KRW for color analysis
Add-on makeup lesson: +30,000–60,000 KRW
For tourists wanting a transformative experience, this is one of the best choices.

✧ One-Day Makeup Classes for Travelers

Perfect if you want a quick, fun experience.

Offered in areas like:

• Hongdae
• Myeongdong
• Insadong
• Gangnam

Typical Curriculum

• Prep & skincare
• Base makeup technique
• Eyeliner & mascara
• Korean gradient lip
• Blush placement
• Soft contouring
• Step-by-step mirrored practice

# Languages available: English, Chinese, Japanese
# Price: 50,000–120,000 KRW

These classes are ideal for people with limited time.

What to Expect in a Korean Makeup Class

Korean makeup lessons feel different compared to Western ones.

✧ Emphasis on Skin Preparation
    Expect a longer skincare routine before makeup.
    Hydration → glow base → sunscreen → thin layers of foundation.

✧ Layering Techniques
    K-beauty is all about thin, buildable layers.

✧ Custom Color Matching
    Koreans are particular about tone-matching and undertones.

✧ Detailed Eye Techniques
    Especially aegyo-sal, soft lining, and natural shading.

✧ Personalized Feedback
    Artists often take photos and show you how to adjust your routine.

How to Choose the Right Makeup Service in Seoul

Here’s how to ensure you pick the perfect place:

✧ Consider Your Purpose

• Photoshoot → Cheongdam studio
• Tourist fun → Hongdae/Myeongdong
• Long-term learning → Academy
• Personal transformation → Personal color studio

✧ Set Your Budget

• Budget → 40,000–80,000 KRW
• Mid-range → 100,000–180,000 KRW
• Premium → 200,000–600,000 KRW

✧ Think About Your Makeup Style

• Natural & glossy → JSM, Jenny House
• Idol glam → Bit & Boot
• Youthful → Hongdae bars
• Customized → Color labs

✧ Check Whether English Support Is Available

✧ Book at Least 1–2 Weeks in Advance
    Seoul’s beauty scene is extremely busy—especially during weekends and holidays.

Tips for Getting the Best Makeup Results in Seoul

✧ Bring Reference Photos
    Korean makeup artists work best with clear visual examples.

✧ Communicate Desired Coverage
    K-beauty prefers light base, but you can ask for more coverage.

✧ Tell Them If You Have Sensitive Skin
    Artists can choose gentler products.

✧ Avoid Wearing Heavy Skincare Before Your Session

✧ For Lessons—Record Parts of the Class

    Many instructors allow phone recording for personal use.

Conclusion: Seoul Is the Ultimate Place for Makeup Makeovers & Beauty Learning

Whether you're seeking a luxurious celebrity makeover, a fun travel memory, or a practical lesson that helps you apply makeup better every day, Seoul offers endless options. From Cheongdam’s elite salons to colorful Hongdae studios and professional K-beauty academies, the city provides something for every skill level and budget.

No matter what you choose, you’ll walk away with the signature Korean glow—and a deeper understanding of what makes K-beauty so globally beloved.

For related reading, checkout also:

✦ Inside Korea’s Total Beauty Salon Boom: Where Hair, Skin, and Makeup Meet

✦ Personal Color Meets K-Beauty: The Game-Changer for Perfect Makeup