When I think about my hometown, Seoul, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t the iconic Namsan Tower or the scenic Han River that cuts through the heart of the city. It’s something more deeply ingrained in our daily lives: the obsession with beauty. South Korea has become globally recognized for its high number of cosmetic procedures, prompting the question, how common is Korean plastic surgery?
In South Korea, beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it’s a currency, a reflection of one’s success, and at times, a ticket to social and professional recognition. As a journalist who grew up in this society, I’ve watched the plastic surgery trend transform into something almost ubiquitous, a defining feature of contemporary Korean culture.
It’s no longer an “extreme” act but rather a normalized part of life for many, particularly among young women. From high school students to professionals, South Koreans often find themselves navigating a world where beauty can make or break your future.
The Weight of Beauty in Korean Society
In South Korea, beauty is everything. Growing up here, it became painfully evident that your appearance could either open doors or close them. From a young age, we are taught that our faces—and bodies—are just as important as our grades, if not more so. I remember how girls in school would whisper about which classmates had “worked on” their looks—whether it was double eyelid surgery, nose jobs, or jaw reductions. At first, I thought it was an odd conversation to have among young teenagers, but soon I realized it wasn’t unusual at all. In fact, it was expected.
We live in a society where the perfect face has become an ideal that everyone feels they must strive for. The “ideal” face for women here is typically one with a small, V-shaped jaw, large eyes with double eyelids, a delicate nose, and flawless skin. These features are seen as not just attractive but almost necessary for a successful life. I’ve heard stories from friends who felt they couldn’t even compete in the dating world without fitting into this narrow definition of beauty. In South Korea, it’s as if beauty is a marker of one’s worth—how you look is a direct reflection of your social value.
The Plastic Surgery Boom: From Luxury to Norm
Plastic surgery in South Korea isn’t a fringe activity; it’s an industry worth billions. In fact, the country has one of the highest rates of plastic surgeries per capita in the world. In 2020, South Korea topped global rankings for aesthetic procedures, with a staggering number of both residents and international clients seeking surgeries. The demand is so high that Gangnam—often called the Beverly Hills of Seoul—has become home to hundreds of clinics that specialize in cosmetic enhancements. It’s not an exaggeration to say that plastic surgery is as common as visiting the dentist in South Korea.
I recall walking through the streets of Gangnam, where the banners of plastic surgery clinics seem to cover every corner. At first, it felt surreal—the notion that surgery could be something as casual as getting a haircut. However, as I delved deeper into this cultural phenomenon, I realized it wasn’t just about improving one’s appearance; it was about conforming to a societal norm. As a teenager, I had friends who started talking about eyelid surgery, sometimes as a casual topic, almost like planning a trip. The shocking part? It wasn’t considered taboo. In fact, it was becoming expected.
Plastic Surgery as a Birthday Gift: The New Tradition
One of the most surprising revelations to me was discovering how plastic surgery has evolved into a cultural tradition in many South Korean families. The idea of receiving a cosmetic procedure as a birthday gift may seem bizarre to outsiders, but for many parents, it’s an expression of love and investment in their child’s future.
It’s not unusual for a young woman to undergo surgery in her late teens or early twenties, often as a “coming-of-age” gift. Parents gift their daughters these procedures, sometimes as a reward for academic achievement or simply as a way to help them enter adulthood with a more “competitive” appearance.
I remember hearing a conversation at a café in Gangnam between two young women in their twenties. One was excited to have just gotten a nose job as a birthday gift. She laughed and said it was the best present she had ever received, surpassing any luxury handbag or designer shoes. It struck me how the norm had shifted. For some, getting a cosmetic procedure is no longer seen as something extreme, but almost as an expected milestone—a rite of passage into adulthood.
This normalized acceptance of surgery as a “gift” reflects the larger societal narrative in South Korea, where physical appearance is so closely tied to success. Whether it’s entering a competitive university, securing a high-paying job, or finding a suitable marriage partner, beauty often plays a pivotal role in these outcomes. For many parents, it’s a simple equation: improving their daughter’s appearance through surgery means improving her chances in life.
The Dark Side: Bullying and the Power of Appearance
As much as the plastic surgery boom in South Korea seems like an opportunity for empowerment, the darker side of this obsession with beauty can’t be ignored. While many undergo cosmetic procedures to feel better about themselves, others do so under the immense pressure of societal and peer expectations. One of the most damaging aspects of this culture is the bullying that occurs for those who don’t fit the beauty mold. I’ve heard countless stories of individuals being relentlessly teased or rejected because they were considered “ugly” by the standards set by society.
There’s one particular story that I’ll never forget. A young woman I interviewed a few years ago revealed how her classmates relentlessly mocked her throughout her high school years for having “small” eyes. They even made fun of her for her flat nose, calling her derogatory names. The bullying went so far that she transferred schools twice. But it didn’t stop there—she eventually decided to get double eyelid surgery and a nose job to fit in better. She told me that she didn’t want to live through that shame anymore, and that surgery was her way of fighting back against the hurtful comments that had plagued her for years.
The bullying many face for not conforming to beauty standards is not just limited to school. It follows people into adulthood, affecting their careers and social lives. I’ve witnessed firsthand how people who are considered unattractive—whether by their classmates, colleagues, or even their families—are treated differently. Beauty, it seems, has become a prerequisite for success in South Korea. People who don’t conform to these standards often face exclusion and isolation, which can have deep emotional and psychological effects.
The Psychological Toll: More Than Just a New Face
As I think about the countless people I’ve interviewed and spoken with over the years, one theme stands out: the psychological toll of this beauty obsession. Sure, there are those who undergo surgery and feel a newfound sense of confidence. But for many, the results don’t bring the happiness they expect. I’ve met individuals who, despite spending tens of thousands of dollars on multiple surgeries, still struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
I recall a conversation with a friend who had undergone several cosmetic procedures. She had spent years saving money to enhance her appearance. However, when she finally achieved the look she thought would make her happy, she was still haunted by insecurity. She shared with me that she was constantly worried about whether her face was “good enough” to meet the ever-changing standards of beauty. It was as if no matter how much she altered her appearance, it would never be enough.
This constant cycle of altering oneself to fit an ideal can be exhausting. In some ways, South Korea has created a culture where the pursuit of perfection never ends. People undergo surgery, only to find that they’re still not content with the results and seek further enhancements. It’s a never-ending journey of self-modification, which often leads to a growing sense of dissatisfaction rather than fulfillment.
Moreover, the pressure to look perfect can overshadow other important aspects of life, like personal achievements, intelligence, or kindness. It’s painful to witness how many people are judged solely on their appearances, as if that’s the only thing that defines them. In a society that places such importance on physical beauty, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that our true worth comes from who we are on the inside.
The Changing Tide: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the overwhelming dominance of beauty standards in South Korea, there are signs of change. A growing number of young people are beginning to question the rigid ideals that have long shaped their lives. Social media influencers, activists, and celebrities are speaking out against unrealistic beauty standards, advocating for body positivity, and promoting the idea that beauty comes in all forms. There’s a small but growing movement among younger generations to embrace natural beauty and challenge the status quo.
I think we’re at a turning point in South Korea, where the conversation around beauty and self-worth is slowly beginning to shift. While plastic surgery will likely remain a significant part of our culture for the foreseeable future, I’m hopeful that we’ll see more people embracing diversity in beauty and learning to value themselves for who they truly are, rather than just how they look.
The future of South Korean beauty culture may be changing, but only time will tell how far we can move beyond the obsession with perfection. Until then, the search for beauty will continue to shape our lives in ways both empowering and troubling. And for many, that search will likely start with a simple question: how do I look?
