Much more than just a skincare routine, K-Beauty is a true cultural phenomenon. But before sheet masks and BB creams took the world by storm, what were the standards of beauty in Korea? The Guimet Museum takes a trip back in time and explores a way of life rooted in history.
From period costumes to 20th-century magazines
The exhibition traces the evolution of Korean aesthetic ideals through the ages. The journey begins with a collection of traditional outfits worn by mannequins, which bear witness to the elegance of bygone eras. Alongside them, old paintings and photographs illustrate the beauty standards of yesteryear, when discretion and nobility were the order of the day. The exhibition continues chronologically, exploring the turn of the 20th century through magazine covers and portraits that showcase the modernization of styles.
The influence of K-Pop and the interactive experience
K-Beauty Paris exhibition The Red Sleeve ©Dopamine, CreativeSUMM, Mikang Kang/ Haksan Publishing Co., Ltd. ©Éditions Albin Michel for the French edition, comics department, 2024 // Kim In-soong (1911–2001), Listening, 1966, Seoul, National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea
The heart of the exhibition beats to the rhythm of pop culture. K-pop fans will find a collection of lightsticks, those iconic glow sticks associated with groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and NCT. This space explores the influence of idols on trends, from hairstyles to makeup. The experience is also designed to be fun: interactive kiosks let visitors play with photo filters. It’s sure to leave you with a fun souvenir!
📍 Location: 6 Place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
🗓️ Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Tuesdays