Some people online call it 'whitewashing.' But honestly? For most Koreans, it's just… Tuesday. We're not chasing a beauty standard — this is simply what our skin looks like, and here's why.
The Genetic Blueprint 🧬
Genetics probably play a role, at least to some extent.
I have a five-month-old daughter, and one thing that surprised me was how fair her skin became after birth. When she was first born, her face looked quite red and blotchy. I remember worrying about it, but the nurses told me that newborns often look like that.
A few weeks later, her skin completely changed. Her face became incredibly clear and pale. In Korean, we often describe it as "malgatda," meaning bright and transparent-looking skin. Strangely, her face is much fairer than the rest of her body. Her arms and legs are noticeably more yellow-toned. I still have no idea why.
Looking back at old photos, I was also much fairer in my early twenties than I am now. As I've gotten older, my skin tone has become slightly darker and warmer. So while genetics may give many Koreans a naturally fair starting point, age and lifestyle clearly play a role too.
The Skincare Rituals Koreans Swear By 🧴
If there is one skincare product that Korean women take seriously, it's sunscreen.
Most Korean women I know apply sunscreen every day without even thinking about it. Men are usually less concerned, but for women, it's almost automatic.
One memory always makes me laugh. A few years ago, I went to a water park with friends in the middle of summer. Everyone carried waterproof phone pouches around their necks. Inside mine were only two things: my phone and a waterproof sun stick.
We would go on a ride, get soaked, pull out the sun stick, apply it again, then repeat the process a few hours later. Looking back, it sounds ridiculous, but nobody thought it was strange.
Now I have a five-month-old baby, and I've already started wondering when I should introduce sunscreen. At the moment, I use a blanket or stroller cover to block direct sunlight when we're outside. Still, part of me feels that sunscreen would be more reassuring. Korean parents tend to worry about sun exposure surprisingly early.
Masters of Sun Avoidance ☀️
If sunscreen is important, avoiding the sun altogether is even better.
One of the most common summer accessories in Korea is the Yangsan, a parasol designed specifically for blocking sunlight.
For a long time, I thought of parasols as something only older women carried. But recently, I've noticed more and more younger women using them too.
Not long ago, I met a friend for lunch near my apartment. I spotted her walking toward me holding what looked like an umbrella. My first thought was, "Wait, is it raining?"
It wasn't. It was a parasol.
Korean parasols are usually lighter and thinner than umbrellas, and many have a slightly elegant or old-fashioned design. Once summer arrives, they're everywhere.
The same attitude appears at the beach. Many foreigners associate beaches with tanning, but Koreans often do the opposite. Rash guards, hats, arm sleeves, parasols, and sunscreen are all part of the standard summer survival kit.
Getting sunburned is rarely considered a good thing.
💡 Pro Tip! If you visit Korea in summer, don't be surprised if you see more parasols than sunglasses. Buying an inexpensive parasol at a convenience store or market can make a bigger difference than you expect.
The Power of an Antioxidant Diet 🍎
Koreans also tend to eat a lot of vegetables compared to many Western diets.
Even when we're eating meat, there are usually vegetables on the table too. A Korean barbecue meal without lettuce, perilla leaves, garlic, or side dishes would feel incomplete.
Vegetables naturally contain a lot of water, and Korean meals often include soups and vegetable side dishes as well.
There's also a huge market for foods that are believed to be good for the skin. Whether all of them actually work is another question.
For example, many Korean women eat pork skin because it's believed to contain collagen and help improve skin elasticity. Scientific evidence is mixed, but plenty of people still swear by it.
When it comes to skin, Korean women are often willing to try almost anything that might help.
The Secret of Clean Soft Water
Another factor that people often overlook is water quality.
Korea has relatively soft water compared to many parts of the world. Because there is very little lime content, soap and cleansers lather easily and rinse away cleanly.
Most Koreans never think about this because it's normal for us. But people who have lived abroad sometimes notice a difference when washing their face or showering in places with harder water.
It's not a miracle skincare secret, but it does make daily cleansing easier.
When you wash your face twice a day for your entire life, small differences like that can add up over time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do Koreans really avoid tanning?
For the most part, yes. While attitudes are gradually changing, many Koreans still prefer to avoid getting too much sun exposure. That's why sunscreen, parasols, rash guards, and long sleeves remain common sights during summer.Q. Why do Koreans use parasols instead of sunglasses?
Many Koreans use both, but parasols are often considered more effective because they block sunlight before it reaches the skin. For people concerned about tanning or sun damage, a parasol can feel like an extra layer of protection.📖 Related Posts
Author: yangyangee
Hi, I'm yangyangee — a Korean living in Korea. I write about the real, everyday side of Korean life that most travel guides won't tell you. No filter, just Korea as it is.
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