The Korean approach to avoiding wrinkles is holistic, combining diet, disciplined skincare routines, and cultural practices that prioritise long-term skin health. By adopting some of these practices, even non-Koreans can benefit from the age-defying techniques that are rooted deep in Korean culture.
One key biological factor is that Koreans tend to have thicker skin, particularly in the dermis—the middle layer of the skin that contains collagen and elastin fibers. A thicker dermis provides better structural support, making the skin more resilient against wrinkles and sagging as it ages.
It's a combination of a heavy skincare routine, plus a lot of makeup or at least suncream with whitening agents, plus the action of avoiding the sun as much as possible. For Koreans who don't care for following those rules, they look as close as their real age as anybody else around the world.
The main cause of South Korea's aging is low fertility. Decreased fertility rates tend to be caused by lower marriage rates, more delayed marriages, and increased age of parents.
Skincare is also deeply valued in Korean culture, with most people starting to care for their skin from a young age. Together, all these factors--water quality, climate, diet, and a strong skincare culture--combine to give Koreans their smooth, glowing skin. It's not just about genetics; it's truly a lifestyle.
Koreans view skincare as a disciplined investment rather than a quick fix. This cultural emphasis on regular skincare maintenance is reflected in the diligent use of skincare products and routines over the years, contributing significantly to fewer wrinkles and healthier skin.
Koreans are instilled with an early appreciation for the value of skincare and the knowledge of achieving radiant, glowing skin. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are the three most common steps in a skincare routine. Before they turn in for the night, Koreans are known to follow a stringent 10-step skincare routine.
The most popular way has long been referred to as "Korean age." In that system, a baby is considered one year old the second it is born – an effort to take into account a life that began in the womb. Under that system, on January 1, everyone in the country turns another year older.
Rapid increases in life expectancy in South Korea were mostly achieved by reductions in infant mortality and in diseases related to infections and blood pressure.
South Korea's culture of overwork, characterized by long work hours and a rigid work culture, is a major barrier to mothers' continuous labor force participation and fathers' involvement in childcare.
In his book "Slow Aging Diet," Jung proposes a Korean-style MIND diet under six principles: to obtain essential nutrients from whole grains, beans and nuts; to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits; to primarily use olive oil for cooking; to consume more fish and poultry while limiting red or processed meats and cheese; ...
Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.
Some might say that it is all in their genes, but that's not entirely true. Koreans take skincare very seriously and it is evident from their clear glass-like skin. Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, Koreans usually follow an extensive routine to take care of their skin.
Sleeping on the floor may also be consistent with lasting Confucian ideas of humility and respect. The ondol flooring heating systems (in homes that include them) would often use water pipes or electricity to heat the floor, which would provide warmth while sleeping.
Gomguk, a bone broth soup made from pork or beef bones, holds a special place in Korean cuisine. Beyond its comforting and flavorful nature, it serves as an excellent source of collagen. Collagen, found in animal cartilage, skin, and bones, plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity and bone health.
History of Korean drinking culture
Korea has a long tradition of consuming alcohol to celebrate holidays and seasonal events, in which they honor ancestors and exchange goodwill with neighbors and friends.
Based on the National Health Interview Surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer Korean Americans report chronic health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, asthma, cancer and diabetes than Non-Hispanic Whites (3).
No personal space in public spaces
Life in Korea is sometimes challenging. Personal space is almost non-existent, especially on public transportation. I have been on city buses where I literally could not move. The subways can also get quite packed, so be prepared.
Men born in Chad have the lowest life expectancy in the world as of 2024, reaching only 53 years. The lowest life expectancy for women in the world in 2024 was for girls born in Nigeria, with only 55 years. Except for Afghanistan, all the countries with the lowest life expectancy in the world are in Africa.
The benchmark age of 65 was established through the enactment of the Welfare of the Aged Act in 1981. According to Statistics Korea, the number of people aged 65 and over was 9.5 million in 2023, constituting 18.4 percent of the total population.
South Korea's traditional age-counting custom considers every person as 1-year-old at birth and adds another year when the calendar hits Jan. 1, meaning a child born on Dec. 31 turns 2 the next day.
Civilization expanded to other areas in East Asia gradually. In Korea Gojoseon became the first organized state around approximately 195 BC. Japan emerged as a unitary state with the creation of its first constitution in 604 AD.
In South Korea, a growing number of couples are choosing to delay their official marriage registration, prioritizing economic benefits over legal formalities. Lee Jae-yeon, a 39-year-old Seoul resident, exemplifies this trend.
South Korea, a top country with world's best skin leads the global skincare industry with its renowned K-beauty sector. With a market size of $3.9 billion in 2022, South Korea's beauty market is on a steady rise, driven by innovation and a focus on natural ingredients.
Korean names usually have three parts: the family or surname placed first, and a name identifying the generation, alternating each generation to second or third place with the given personal name.