I want to get my nails done in Korea?

Korean nail art is famous worldwide, and you'll find amazing nail salons everywhere. Here's what to know:

Services available: Basic manicure: Filing, cuticle care, simple polish. 10,000-20,000 won. Gel manicure: Long-lasting gel polish. 30,000-50,000 won. Lasts 3-4 weeks. Nail art: Elaborate designs, rhinestones, 3D art. 50,000-150,000+ won depending on complexity. Pedicure: Basic pedicure 20,000-30,000 won, gel pedicure 40,000-60,000 won. Nail extensions: Acrylic or hard gel extensions. 60,000-100,000 won.

Where to go: Search for nail shops on Naver Map. Gangnam, Hongdae, Sinsa, and Myeongdong have high concentrations of nail salons. Instagram: Search Korean nail hashtags to find artists whose style you like.

How it works: Walk-ins are often okay, but booking is recommended for popular shops. Choose your design from their sample book or show photos from Instagram/Pinterest. Sessions take 1-2 hours depending on the complexity. Removal of previous gel nails is usually charged separately (5,000-10,000 won)

Is the quality good?

Korean nail artists are incredibly skilled, especially for detailed art and trendy designs. Korea is a global trendsetter in nail art, so you'll see the latest styles here first. Even budget-friendly salons (30,000-40,000 won range) deliver excellent quality by international standards.

Tips: Save reference photos to show the nail artist. Check Naver reviews and look at photos posted by customers. Ask about the price upfront, especially for complex art. Monthly membership programs are available at some salons for regular customers. Tipping is not expected in Korea.