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K-Culture Decoded

Korean Personal Color Analysis in Seoul: English Booking and Prices

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The 30-second answer

Personal color analysis is a one-on-one session where a consultant drapes colored fabric near your face to find the shades that suit your skin, hair, and eyes. Many Seoul studios take English bookings online; TIME put most sessions at about $80 to $160, and one English 1:1 session we checked was listed at ₩193,000, so compare what each price includes.

Key takeaway
Book well ahead, and read what the price covers. Some listed prices include an interpreter or English service fee, and some studios split payment between a deposit online and cash at the studio.
Pro tip
Show up with a bare face and no colored contact lenses, but bring the makeup you actually use. Consultants can then tell you which of your own lipsticks and blushes to keep.

Why personal color analysis is so big in Korea

Personal color (퍼스널 컬러) analysis sorts you into a color "season" based on your natural coloring. Studios typically decide first whether you're warm- or cool-toned, then narrow it down, for example to light, muted, or bright, or to a soft or deep version of spring, summer, autumn, or winter.

The trend spread through K-dramas and social media. TIME reported that a Blackpink member's video about her analysis drew 2.6 million views, the hashtag passed 375 million views on TikTok, and the Korea Tourism Organization now promotes it abroad.

Price is a big part of the appeal for foreign visitors. TIME compared a three-hour session in Brooklyn at $545 with rates of about $80 to $160 at most Seoul studios. The catch is demand: popular studios fill up fast.

Example English-friendly sessions and their listed prices

Example (not an endorsement) Format and length Listed price How you book
Color of You (Hongdae), via Creatrip 1:1, 60 min / 1:2, 80 min ₩193,000 / ₩372,000 total, English service fee included Pay in full on Creatrip; time confirmed within 2 business days
VIC'S LAB Korea, private session 1:1, 70 min $80 prepaid + ₩130,000 cash at the studio Email or WhatsApp; prepay by PayPal or bank transfer
VIC'S LAB Korea, group session 2–8 people, 30–35 min each $80 prepaid + ₩40,000 cash per person Same as above
Season of You (Yongsan), via Klook 2 people, about 1 hour each $172.92 for two (Stars and Stripes, 2026) Klook

How to book and get the most from a session

  1. Step 1: Decide what you want out of it

    A basic session covers your season and color palette. Some studios add makeup testing, hair color advice, or body-type styling at extra cost. At Color of You, for example, a 1:1 color session is listed at ₩193,000, while color plus styling is ₩385,000.

  2. Step 2: Compare a few studios on the same terms

    For each option, write down the length, the number of drapes or colors tested, what you take home (booklet, swatches, product list), and whether English is included or charged separately. TIME reported interpreter fees of about $50 an hour at some studios, so an "English" price and a Korean-only price aren't the same thing.

  3. Step 3: Book early and read the cancellation policy

    Book through a platform like Creatrip or Klook, or directly with studios that take English bookings by email or messaging app. Popular studios release slots in advance and sell out; TIME described one studio that opens bookings two months ahead. Policies can be strict: Color of You on Creatrip refunds in full only 3 or more days out, and VIC'S LAB cancels without refund if you're more than 20 minutes late.

  4. Step 4: Prepare your face and outfit

    Skip makeup and colored or tinted contact lenses, since they change how colors read on you. VIC'S LAB also asks clients to avoid facial treatments that cause redness beforehand and to skip turtlenecks so the consultant can see your neck. Bring your usual makeup if you want product advice.

  5. Step 5: Take notes and ask for your results in writing

    Most studios hand over a booklet, swatches, or an emailed summary. Snap photos of the best and worst drapes if allowed, and ask for specific product shades so your results are useful when you shop at places like Olive Young.

Show this in Korean

  • 영어로 상담 가능해요?

    Pronunciation: Yeong-eoro sangdam ganeunghaeyo?

    Can the consultation be done in English?

  • 사진 찍어도 돼요?

    Pronunciation: Sajin jjigeodo dwaeyo?

    Is it okay if I take photos?

  • 제가 쓰는 화장품도 봐 주실 수 있어요?

    Pronunciation: Jega sseuneun hwajangpumdo bwa jusil su isseoyo?

    Could you also look at the makeup I use?

Foreigner FAQ

How much does personal color analysis cost in Seoul?

TIME put most Seoul studios at about $80 to $160 per session. Listed prices we checked include ₩193,000 for a 60-minute 1:1 session at Color of You on Creatrip (English service fee included) and $80 plus ₩130,000 for a 70-minute private session at VIC'S LAB. Prices change, so confirm on the booking page.

Do I need to speak Korean?

No, if you book a studio or package that states English support. Check whether English comes from the consultant or an interpreter, and whether it's included in the price or added on.

Is a group session worth it?

It's cheaper per person, but shorter and less personal. At VIC'S LAB, for example, group sessions run 30 to 35 minutes per person versus 70 minutes for a private one, and the private session adds makeup testing.

What are the red flags?

Be wary of studios that won't state the full price up front, don't say what's included, push you to buy products on the spot, or can't tell you who will speak English during the session. Very short sessions with no written results are also a poor deal.

Can I walk in without a booking?

Don't count on it. Well-known studios are booked out in advance, and TIME described one visitor who called more than 30 places before getting an appointment.

Sources

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