
Some have asked if Koreans obsess over white skin to look more like Westerners.
The short answer is no. Here’s why Koreans want white skin!
Quick Summary
- Despite what some might say, Koreans don’t want white skin to look more Western.
- Instead, the roots of this beauty ideal run deep in Korean history and culture.
- Koreans want clear, flawless, glass skin with a healthy complexion, not a pale tone.
A Homegrown Standard of Beauty
Let’s get one thing straight. Koreans admire Westerners for many reasons, but our love for “white” skin has nothing to do with trying to mimic them.
This aesthetic has been around long before Western beauty standards entered the country.
Historically, having fair skin signified status.
Back in the day, Korea was an agrarian society. If you were wealthy and or a noble, you didn’t have to work hard under the sun in the fields.
Instead, you could lounge indoors, recite poetry, and keep your complexion porcelain-like and flawless.
In contrast, tanned skin was associated with laborers, farmers, and outdoor workers.
Light skin tone became a symbol of elegance, privilege, and sophistication.
To be beautiful during the Joseon Dynasty, skin had to be like white jade. White skin should not only be fair and clear, but also free of blemishes, freckles, and scars.
Women in Joseon used a customized toner, made face masks with honey, and rubbed cucumber tops on their faces.
The Influence of Korean Celebrities and K-Beauty
Fast forward to today, this preference has been amplified by Korean celebrities and the K-beauty industry.
Our current obsession with white skin is still homegrown!

Many K-pop idols, including HyunA and IU, receive “white tanning,” which refers to quickly restoring skin tone and brightening dull skin using specialized equipment or cosmetics.
K-beauty also focuses heavily on achieving a glass skin look that is clear, hydrated, and radiant.
Most Korean skincare products use the word, “whitening” but they aren’t about bleaching the skin.
They’re about brightening and evening out skin tone to get that glow.
My Experience of Having Tanned Skin
When I came back to Korea after living in California, all of my relatives freaked out. I had been going to tanning salons in the States to blend in. And because I thought it looked good on me.
From my book, “A Korean Girl Explains“
My aunt pinched my leg because it was summer and she thought I was hot wearing coffee-colored pantyhose. Staff at cosmetic shops started recommending “whitening” products unprompted.
Society couldn’t handle it back then. Tanning is becoming more acceptable, but it’s still a novelty. Reverse tanning is way more popular.
Things Are Changing, Kind Of.
Although light skin tones remain popular in Korea, there’s also growing diversity and inclusivity in what Koreans find beautiful.
Regardless of shade, having healthy, glowing skin is becoming a goal.
More good news is that more K-beauty brands now sell an extensive foundation range, which used to be just three shades.
More and more Korean girls choose individuality and embrace natural tones.
To outsiders, this preference can be misunderstood as an attempt to emulate Western looks.
But the truth is, Koreans have a long history of our own beauty standards.
Now you know why Koreans want white skin. It’s not about looking like anyone else but a better version of ourselves.