Korean nail salons can be found anywhere in the world.
That means you can get trendy nail art wherever you live!
Here are some popular Korean nail styles by season.
Korean nails are known for their creative art and clean styles.
Korean girls go for either CUTE or FEMININE (elegant) looks when it comes to nail art.
Also, since Koreans care about TPO (time, place, occasion), we tend to get seasonal nail styles to match the mood.
Just like with hair salons, I end up going to Korean nail salons even when I’m overseas, because of their attention to detail, cute designs, and affordability!
Popular nail shapes in Korea
Once you walk into a Korean nail salon, you’ll be asked to choose a nail shape after selecting gel nail vs. nail polish.
Most Koreans choose between “oval (or round)” and “square“.
Now “coffin” shapes, a.k.a. ballerina nails, are getting popular thanks to Hwasa of Mamamoo.
1. Nail Art Ideas for Spring
I’m not the only one who wants to shop in spring, right?
I have no idea what I wore last year, because I seem to have literally no outfits to wear now!
After shopping, I love to welcome springtime by getting my nails done.
A classic nail style.
French manicure with a pastel pink is perfect for when flowers start to bloom.
This style is great for any occasion like job interviews or sanggyeonrye (a meeting between the families of a bride and groom).
Super cute jelly nail art will definitely give you that spring feeling.
I love adding charms or stones when I get my nails done. They certainly elevate your mood, don’t they?
This color reminds me of forsythia, which is perfect for when the weather gets warm!
If you don’t want anything too obvious, syrup nails might be it for you.
They look so clean and elegant.
What can be better than a daisy, glitter, and thin French nail combo?
This style works for both spring and summer!
2. Nail Styles for Summer
Summer is when you can get creative with your nails!
I love how nail styles can be vivid, pastel, glittery, and simply cute.
When you go to Korean nail salons, they’ll have their own nail art board you can choose from, just like the picture above.
Syrup gel nails for summer!
You can pick a color that will cool you down in the hot sun.
Try these checkerboard embossed nails for summer.
Your nails will get noticed!
These jelly nails will look cute in both spring and summer.
They’re adorable, aren’t they?
A refreshing and neat design with glitter French nails!
I love mixing and matching like this.
What to know about gel nails and nail polish
In Korea, you’re either getting gel nails or nail polish (Koreans call regular polish “manicure“).
Gel nails are cured using a UV or LED lamp (lasting up to a month), and nail polish is air-dried (lasting about 1-2 weeks).
Gel nails need to be removed at a nail salon, while nail polish can be taken off at home with remover.
Don’t get gel nails too often or your fingernails will become paper thin. When they feel too soft, take at least a month break. Applying a nail strengthening/nourishing polish helps too!
3. Korean Nail Art for Fall
Ahh, Fall. With leaves changing color and crisp air, autumn has a nice tranquil, melancholy vibe in Korea.
It’s a good time to get toned-down, matte colors, or checkered patterns.
This chic style with thin black and gold/silver French nails are perfect throughout the year, but especially in fall.
They’ll look great with an elegant black dress!
A checkered pattern that can’t go wrong in autumn.
Another checkered design, but even cuter!
With relaxing colors and teddy bears as the star, this style will make your life stress-free.
If you feel like dressing up, these luxurious and glam knit nails will be splendid.
Also, burgundy just feels like fall, right?
When you want to brighten things up during the harvest season, these cheerful metallic nails might do the trick!
4. Korean Gel Nails for Winter
With the many year-end parties, Korean women go for gorgeous and glamorous styles in winter!
Don’t be shy about nail charms and glitter!
If you want an elegant look that isn’t too flamboyant, try these thin French nails with Swarovski crystal gems.
They’re the right amount of luxury!
This golden Christmas tree design is excellent for TPO, when you’re going to a Christmas or year-end party!
A nice sprinkle of glitter French nails is a bonus.
Go big or go home.
I’d get this style in winter!
I feel like this design rocks any time of the year.
It has it all. Looks clean, elegant, and cute with ribbons!
Are you going to meet up with a lot of friends in December?
Try this glam style and be the star!
Gel nail prices in Korea
Gel nails are pretty cheap and good in the motherland!
The price ranges from 30,000 won (22.94 dollars) to 50,000 won (38.24 dollars) depending on the design and number of gems (Koreans call them “parts(파츠)”) used.
No tipping required.
If you join their “membership” club and become a regular, you’ll get a discount as well.
When you need to get gel nails removed at a different salon, they charge an extra like 10,000 won (7.65), while they’ll do it for free at your usual.
5. Korean-style Wedding Nails
It’s probably the same all over the world, but Korean women want to look impeccable from head to toe on their wedding day!
Every Korean bride gets their wedding nails done with CLEAN and ELEGANT styles.
Extremely neat design that looks luxurious with Swarovski gem stones.
Nail art is there to support your wedding dress, not to steal attention from it.
Another tidy nail style for weddings.
Thin French nails with one gemstone to look neat, but fancy.
Easy and affordable way to get Korean nails?
When you don’t have time or money, these gel tips come in handy!
Online shops or Olive Young sell a bunch.
All you have to do is:
- Remove oil/moisture from your nails using the enclosed alcohol swab.
- Attach gel tips.
- Look fabulous!
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