Korean Manicure Salon: 7 Tips From My Experience

As a huge fan of nail art, I was beyond excited to have the opportunity to visit South Korea and see what the nail scene was like there. 

If you like your nails being done, you probably have seen Korean nail styles on the internet. 

I had been watching a lot of content on social media for some time about Korean nail salons that were known for their high-quality services and innovative design.

They are everywhere and they are gorgeous. 

And, there’s a super wide range of styles to choose from. This is because nail art in Korea has become increasingly popular in recent years.

I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

Upon arriving in South Korea, I immediately set out to find a nail salon. 

I ended up visiting a particular one I was a big fan of in the middle of Myeongdong.

I was blown away by the level of skill and attention to detail of the nail artists. 

They were able to create some of the most intricate and creative nail designs I had ever seen, using a wide range of materials.

In addition to the impressive nail art, I was also impressed by the high-quality products and equipment used at the salons. 

Nail salons in South Korea are known for their high-quality services and advanced techniques.

All the products seemed to be of a much higher caliber than what I was used to using at home.

Nail art and styles in South Korea are known for being bold and creative, with a focus on bright colors and intricate designs. 

Popular styles include gradient nails, glitter nails, and 3D. Many Korean women also like to match their nail art to their clothing or accessories. 

The art form is often seen as a way to express one’s personal style and creativity.

Korean nail art is known for its use of cool new stuff that is frequently seen on the nails of K-pop idols and celebrities. 

These trends often inspire many people to try out the same look on their nails.

Overall, the nail art scene in Korea is highly creative, diverse, and constantly evolving, reflecting the country’s fashion and pop culture.

So in case you’re planning on visiting a salon to get your nails done (and I really recommend it) here are a few things you can do to ensure that you have a nice and enjoyable experience:

1. Do Your Research

Before you visit a salon, it’s a good idea to do some research to find a salon that has good reviews and a reputation for providing high-quality services. 

You can also ask friends or check online for recommendations. Instagram and Pinterest are always your best allies to find a cool place.

2. Make an Appointment

Many salons get busy, especially on weekends, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment in advance to ensure that you get the time slot that works best for you. 

Based on my experience, the best option is to schedule an appointment while you’re in the city, a couple of days in advance. 

You can reach out to them via direct message on Instagram in English and they will find a date that works for you. 

3. Know What You Want

Before you visit the salon, think about the type of nail service you want, as well as the color and style of polish you prefer. 

This will help the nail technician understand what you’re looking for and provide you with the best service possible.

It would be helpful if you bring some pictures for inspiration or have some sort of style in mind. 

Or you could just leave it to the stylist to create something cool and let yourself be surprised by the work (that’s my favorite option).

4. Be Prepared to Pay

There’s a wide range of prices. 

Just like everywhere else, it depends on the place you are attending and the work you are getting done. 

The more elaborated and high-quality works are the higher the price. 

When they did my nails they were made really unique, each one a different design. 

My nail artist took the time to pick and choose each little decoration and the matching colors.

The cost of such work can range from USD 100-180, depending on the popularity of the salon and the complexity of the design.

Of course, you can get something much simpler done at much more reasonable prices.

5. Communicate With Your Nail Technician

If you have any specific requests or concerns, be sure to communicate them to your nail technician. 

This will help ensure that you get the results you’re looking for and have a positive experience overall.

It’ll be helpful to ask them if they speak a little English before going just in case. 

Most of the well-known places and popular nail artists do communicate in English, they are used to receiving foreigners.

6. Expect to Spend Some Time in There

If you are like me, and you wanna get something elaborate or unique, it’s probably going to take between 2 and 2.5 hours. 

Have that in mind and plan accordingly so it doesn’t interfere with your other scheduled activities.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a relaxing and enjoyable salon visit. 

7. Final Thoughts

Overall, my trip to South Korea was a total nail art paradise. I came home with a host of new ideas and inspiration for my own nail art, and I can’t wait to go back and try out even more of the amazing nail salons in this amazing country.

I encourage you to try it too and to let them work their magic without much direction, I can assure you they will do an amazing job!

To Check Out Before You Leave

Here are a few popular nail salons in Seoul that are worth checking out:

All of these salons are well-known for their quality service and trendy designs, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.

https://www.instagram.com/nail_unistella

https://www.instagram.com/drawing__simple/

https://www.instagram.com/labeau_nail/

https://www.instagram.com/u_ddo_nail/

Happy pampering!