An exhibition at the Guimet Museum in Paris showcases the evolution and enduring concept of Korean beauty from the late 18th century to the present day. It explores how South Korea’s cultural influence has inspired global trends, with K-Beauty embodying a holistic approach to beauty and establishing a unique aesthetic beyond mere cosmetics.
Yannick Lintz, president of the national museum of Asian arts, describes the exhibition as a dive into the artistic and cultural universe of Korean beauty, reflecting the current phenomenon of K-Beauty.
The exhibition delves into the historical perception of beauty in Korea, highlighting the unique beauty standards and cultural expressions that have permeated Korean society through the ages. It features masterpieces, ancient costumes, and modern beauty accessories that decipher the codes of beauty and their connection to a rich cultural heritage.
One of the focal points of the exhibition is the exploration of the link between beauty, care, and health from the 18th to the early 20th century, displaying exceptional artworks that reveal royal grooming rituals and historic cosmetic practices.
The exhibition further examines the transition of Korean beauty to the contemporary K-Beauty phenomenon, showcasing how it has become a global influencer in the beauty industry, intertwined with music, fashion, and cinema.
Through the decades, Korean beauty standards have evolved, blending traditional Korean heritage with Western influences, and have been propelled into the global spotlight through K-pop and other cultural exports.
The K-Beauty industry, part of a broader Korean cultural ecosystem, spreads its aesthetic language worldwide through music, television, and culinary delights, becoming synonymous with exemplary beauty embodied by K-pop idols.
In celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, the Guimet Museum presents multiple facets of a culture in constant dialogue between tradition and innovation through a series of exhibitions and cultural events.
The “K-Beauty, Korean Beauty, a History of a Phenomenon” exhibition will be on display at the Guimet Museum in Paris until July 6, 2026.
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