Why Everyone Is Getting Their Nails Done In Korea (And You Should Too)
Last Updated on August 9, 2025
When you think of Korean beauty, it’s easy to focus on the 10 step skincare routines, the products, the dewy finishes, the glossy finishes, the exfoliation treatments, but Korean nail artistry has been making a name for itself. Not only creative, it’s one of the most accessible parts of the K-beauty experience.
It’s not just locals booking appointments now though. Increasingly, travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Singapore are adding nail salon visits to their Korean itineraries. The artistry, the attention to detail, and the range of styles here make it a beauty experience worth planning for.
From trending nail art to how to book your nail appointment in Korea, here’s what to know:
- Why Korean Nail Art Stands Out
- Korean Nail Art Trends Worth Watching
- How To Book A Nail Appointment In Seoul
- What You Should Know Before You Visit A Nail Salon in Seoul
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Why Korean Nail Art Stands Out
Nail designs in Korea can go way beyond the basics. Think: mirror-glazed finishes, 3D charms, magnetic swirls, seasonal florals, and yes, even K-pop inspired sets tailored to your fandom.
What’s more impressive than the variety, though, is the attention to detail and precision. I have a number of friends who get their nails done regularly, and like clock-work, I see their new tips and designs shared on their feeds. Beautiful, whimsical, colorful. If you’re into nail art, you need to add a visit to a nail salon in Korea to your next adventure to the Land of the Morning Calm.
Korean Nail Art Trends Worth Watching
When it comes to nail art, Korea doesn’t follow trends, it sets them. This happens so often and it’s so interesting to watch what hits abroad and when. Whether you’re after clean and minimal or whimsical and over-the-top when it comes to your nail art, there’s a style here that will make you pause and think, “Wait… how did they even do that?”
What’s trending in 2025? Nail art that combines nature and artistic elements, bold details like 3D jewelry pieces, jelly nails, and cat-eye glitter, transparent designs and 3-dimensional textures.
Here are just a few of the styles that are trending in Seoul’s top salons:
Velvet Nails
No, you won’t walk away with furry-like nails. Instead, this trend creates a shimmering effect that mimics the look of a velvety soft fabric. As the angle of light changes, the nails shift in color and dimension for a luxurious feel.
Mixed Textures
Textures can add a totally different look and literally feel to a design. Consider opting for a design that combines color, glitter, shimmer, pearl, or gloss along with other 3D elements for a real spectacle of nail art.
Syrup & Blush Nails
Both subtle and stylish, syrup nails and blush nails are perfect if you like a more natural, gradient effect. Syrup nails fade from translucent to color, white blush nails feature a soft wash of pink centered in the middle of the nail, like you’ve dusted on color with a makeup brush.
Animal-Inspired
I seem to be surrounded by cat lovers, so I didn’t really pick up on this being a trend because it seemed like a natural option for many of my friends. That said, it is a trend. From accent nails with pinks, browns, and whites, to paw prints, there’s a lot of different ways to customize animal-inspired nail art.
Delicate Designs
Tiny daisies and hearts show off those small details that are both delicate and add a twist of fun. It’s all in the details.
Accent Nails
While the bejeweled look can be very glam and shiny, there’s a trend that is a bit more minimal, focusing on using glitter or crystals on just one or two nails. Not every nail needs to stand out. Sometimes, just one or two can bring the design together.
Futuristic & Negative Space
For something more avant-gare, futuristic nails feature metallic accents that extend beyond the nail’s edge, while negative space designs use blank areas to create graphic contrast. It’s minimalist, but still makes a statement.
Omakase Nails
If you can’t decide, let the artist take the lead. Omakase nails, yes, like the sushi style, means you allow the nail tech to freestyle a different design on each finger. The results are often bold, highly creative, and entirely one-of-a-kind.
How To Book A Nail Appointment In Seoul
If you’re visiting Korea and curious about booking a nail appointment, the easiest way will be to use a service like Creatrip. For travelers, booking online is ideal if you don’t speak Korean and allows you to use your foreign debit/credit cards easily.
This summer I had two groups of university students visit, and rather than calling up salons or visiting one day to make an appointment and then going back another day, it’s just easier to do it online. Easy peasy.
Popular districts for getting your nails done like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Gangnam are also popular places to stay in Seoul, so you can plan it easily at a place near you.
Hongdae Nail Shops
Nail Box
- Address: 77 Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 양화로6길 77)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Make a reservation: Make a reservation on Creatrip.
Nail Kimlee
- Address: B2, 30-32 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 잔다리로 30-32 B2)
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Make a reservation: Make a reservation on Creatrip.
Myeongdong Nail Shops
Pro Beauty
- Address: 3F 9 Myeongdong 8ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울 중구 명동8가길 9 3F)
- Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Make a reservation: Make a reservation on Creatrip.
Gangnam Nail Shops
Krasny Nail
- Address: 11 Seonneung-ro 89-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 선릉로89길 11)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Make a reservation: Make a reservation on Creatrip.
Dakyo Nail
- Address: 5F, 15-3 Seonneung-ro 161-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 선릉로161길 15-3 5F)
- Hours: Every day: 11:00am ~ 1:00pm; 2:00pm ~ 9:00pm
- Make a reservation: Make a reservation on Creatrip.
Shinggomgom Nail
- Address: 5F, 23-3 Seonneung-ro 155-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 선릉로155길 23-3 5F)
- Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11:00am ~ 9:00pm
- Make a reservation: Make a reservation on Creatrip.
What You Should Know Before You Visit A Nail Salon in Seoul
- Book Ahead
- Most nail salons here run by appointment only, especially if you’ll be wanting to get some specialized design. Walk-ins aren’t common, especially in popular neighborhoods like Hongdae, Gangnam, or Myeongdong.
- It Takes Time (but It’s Worth It)
- Depending on the complexity of your design, your appointment can last anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
- Reference Photos Welcome
- It’s totally normal, and even encouraged, to show a photo of what you want. If you’re not sure, just ask to see their latest designs.
- Prices Vary, so Ask First
- The cost depends on the complexity, length, and materials used so make sure you ask for a quote so you know what to be prepared for.
- Communication Isn’t a Dealbreaker
- Even if your Korean is limited, most salons are used to foreign clients. Translation apps like Papago or pre-written notes can smooth over any language gaps.
One of the most refreshing things about Korean nail culture is the range. There’s no “one” look you’re expected to follow. Even if you’re not sure what to go with, just book it and go. A lot of salons will offer seasonal inspiration and pre-designed sets to get you going.
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One Comment
Em
Thank you so much for making this list! I lived in Seoul for several years, but I was a student then and not really budgeting for nail appointments at the time. Last time I was in Korea I put off booking a nail appointment until the very end of my trip and just chickened out and booked the first result I found for “English speaking nail shop in Seoul” on some random top-ten, bot-fed list because I was too intimidated by the places I found on Instagram that only use Naver 예약 and KakaoPay (my Korean is pretty solid, but I was having a moment of self-doubt). I did like my nails in the end, but the process was a little rough, and I couldn’t help feeling like there must be better places out there, so I was happy to find your list (with the booking pages included)!
I’m currently planning a trip to bring my mom to Korea for the first time (a goal ten years in the making!), and am enjoying reading through the rest of your blog for more updated information on what’s hip and happening. I’m not usually a commenter, but just wanted to thank you for all of the great info!