TOP 5 UNIVERSITIES FOR BEAUTY STUDIES IN KOREA IN 2026

South Korea is not only the birthplace of K-pop and K-dramas but also the leading beauty hub of Asia. Every year, thousands of international students come here to pursue their dreams of becoming aestheticians, makeup artists, or cosmetic researchers. If you share the same passion, let’s explore with C-Korea the Top 5 universities in Korea renowned for their specialized training programs, expert faculty, and excellent career prospects in the beauty industry. And if you’re still unsure about which major suits you best, don’t hesitate to message C-Korea for free study abroad consultation. C-Korea will help you choose your major, select the right university, and plan your study path in the most detailed and transparent way!

Learn more about:
➤ Sungshin Women’s University – Korea
➤ Seokyeong University – Korea
➤ Konkuk University – Korea

TOP 5 UNIVERSITIES FOR BEAUTY STUDIES IN KOREA IN 2026

What is the Beauty Industry?

The Beauty Industry (in Korean: 뷰티산업, in English: Beauty Industry) refers to the field that studies, produces, and provides products and services to enhance, care for, and maintain human beauty.

Specifically, in Korea, this field includes various sectors such as:

• Make-up

• Hair Styling

• Skin Care & Aesthetics (Spa)

• Cosmetics and Beauty Products

• Aesthetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery

• Beauty Brand Management & Marketing

In South Korea, this is a highly developed and systematically taught discipline across universities, colleges, and professional academies. Students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge in skincare, cosmetics, fashion styling, as well as health, dermatology, and global beauty trends.

What is the Beauty Industry?

Career Opportunities

The Beauty Industry is one of the fastest-growing fields with a high demand for skilled professionals.

In Korea, beauty studies go beyond aesthetics — they combine art, science, and business, offering diverse career paths after graduation.

Graduates can work in:

• Spas, beauty centers, dermatology clinics, cosmetic brands, or manufacturing and trading companies in the beauty sector.

• Entertainment industries such as TV, film, and fashion.

Other possible career paths include becoming a make-up artist, skincare specialist, beauty consultant, cosmetic researcher, brand manager, or even starting your own business.

As the global beauty industry continues to expand, Korea remains at the forefront of trends and technology. Therefore, graduates in this field often gain a competitive edge when working for international cosmetic corporations or within Korea–Vietnam partnership networks.

In short, it’s a highly practical field with stable income and long-term career growth, especially for those who love beauty, have a good sense of aesthetics, and aspire to express creativity in their profession.

Career Opportunities

I. Sungshin Women’s University – 성신여자대학교

1. General Introduction

Sungshin Women’s University (SWU), established in 1936, is a prestigious private university for women located in Seoul, South Korea.
The university operates two main campuses — Donam Sujung Campus and Mia Woonjung Green Campus, both situated within Seoul.

The Beauty Industry Department belongs to the College of Human Ecology, based at the Woonjung Green Campus.

2. Detailed Curriculum

The Beauty Industry program at Sungshin focuses on the following areas:

• Foundational Knowledge: Cosmetics, Dermatology, Make-up.

• Applied Skills: Beauty Marketing, Trend Analysis, and Design in the Beauty Field.

• Advanced Practical Training: Specialized courses in professional make-up, including special effects make-up, character design, and 3D make-up.

Additionally, the university offers a short-term international program called “K-Beauty + Culture”, combining Korean beauty techniques with cultural experiences for global students.

Programs offered:

• Undergraduate Program: Department of Beauty Industry.

• Graduate Program:

  • Make-up & Special Effects Make-up Major

  • Skin Care & Obesity Studies Major

  • Cosmetics Major

• Short-Term International Program: K-Beauty + Culture.

3. Tuition Fees (Reference)

Below is reference information on tuition fees.
Note: Tuition may vary depending on the academic year, student nationality, and chosen major.

• Undergraduate: Approximately 5,893,000 KRW per semester

• Korean Language Course: Around 1,300,000 – 1,400,000 KRW per term (3 months)

Sungshin Women’s University

II. Seokyeong University – 서경대학교

1. General Introduction

Seokyeong University, founded in 1947, is a well-established private university located in Seoul, South Korea.

The university consists of various colleges and departments, including the Department of Beauty Arts under the College of Arts.

The Beauty Arts program is an interdisciplinary field that integrates art and science, offering three main majors:

• Make-up,

• Hair Design, and

• Skin Care.

This combination enables students to develop both creative and scientific approaches to beauty, equipping them for diverse careers within the modern beauty industry.

2. Detailed Curriculum

Undergraduate Program

The curriculum focuses on the following core areas:

• Fundamental Knowledge: Cosmetics, Skin Science/Dermatology, and Make-up.

• Applied Skills: Hair Design, Styling, Cosmetic Consulting, and Trend Analysis in the beauty industry.

• Advanced Practical Training: Students participate in practical courses such as professional make-up, creative hair cutting and perming, body treatment, spa therapy, and special effects make-up.

Graduate Program

At the graduate level, Seokyeong University offers specialized majors including:

• Make-up Major: Collaborates with the beauty industry and includes a “Beauty Journalist” program that helps students analyze and forecast new trends in the field.

• Hair Design Major: Focuses on professional expertise in hair care products, hair management, and creative styling activities.

• Skin Care Major: Trains students to become beauty art managers, cosmetic specialists, and professionals in clinical skincare, massage therapy, and weight management.

3. Tuition Fees (Reference)

Below is reference information on tuition fees.
Note: Tuition may vary depending on academic year, nationality, and major.

• Undergraduate Program: Approximately 4,091,000 KRW per semester (for Beauty Arts, excluding Design).

• Graduate Program: Korean language course tuition is around 1,200,000 KRW per semester.

Seokyeong University

III. Konkuk University – 건국대학교

1. General Introduction

Konkuk University (KU) is a private university located in Seoul, South Korea, with its main campus situated at 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The university has a long history and is widely recognized for its diverse and interdisciplinary academic programs.

In the field of beauty and cosmetics education, Konkuk University currently operates several specialized departments, including:

• Department of Cosmetics Engineering: Established to train professionals in the cosmetics industry—focusing on the development of materials, cosmetic formulation, quality control, and efficacy evaluation.

• K-Beauty Industry Fusion Department: Offers an integrated curriculum combining make-up design, hair design, skincare, fashion, and beauty business management.

• Additionally, within the College of Biomedical and Health Science, there is a Department of Beauty Cosmetics, which focuses on the intersection of beauty, cosmetics, health, nutrition, and biological science.

The beauty-related programs at Konkuk University are designed as an interdisciplinary field that integrates cosmetics, dermatological science, image design, and business, aiming to cultivate comprehensive professionals in the rapidly growing K-Beauty industry.

2. Detailed Curriculum

Undergraduate Program

Foundational Knowledge:
Students take fundamental courses such as:

• Cosmetic New Material Development

• Formulation & Manufacturing Process

• Quality Control/Quality Inspection in Cosmetics

• Dermatological Science & Skin Science

Applied and Practical Skills:
The program emphasizes practical experience and industry collaboration through courses such as:

• Make-up Design

• Hair Design

• Brand Marketing for Cosmetics

• Trend Analysis in the Beauty Industry

• and a Mandatory Internship System to enhance real-world application and employability.

Advanced Practice and Industry Connection:
Students can select specialized modules in areas such as:

• Material Development

• Manufacturing

• Evaluation & Efficacy Testing

• Interdisciplinary Dermatology

In addition, the program highlights industry-academic cooperation, startup support, and global leadership development, helping students build both technical expertise and entrepreneurial skills.

Graduate Program

Konkuk University’s Department of Cosmetics Engineering offers Master’s and Doctoral programs, with more than 600 alumni from its graduate programs.

The graduate curriculum aims to train research specialists in cosmetic materials, production processes, quality control, and efficacy assessment, while maintaining strong collaboration with industry partners.

Thus, beauty studies at Konkuk University go far beyond make-up or hairstyling—they expand into scientific, technological, and business dimensions of the rapidly advancing cosmetics industry.

3. Reference Tuition Fees

Below is reference information on tuition fees.

Note: Tuition may vary depending on academic year, nationality, and specific major.

• Undergraduate level: Approximately 4,420,000 – 6,112,000 KRW per semester.

• Graduate level: Approximately 6,741,000 KRW per semester, excluding admission fees.

Konkuk University

IV. Kyungil University – 경일대학교

1. General Introduction

Kyungil University (경일대학교) was established in 1963 and is located in Gyeongsan City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, near the central area of Daegu.
It is one of South Korea’s reputable private universities, well known for its practical and application-oriented programs in Engineering, Arts, Design, and especially Beauty Studies.

The Beauty Department at Kyungil University is part of the College of Smart Life Cycle / School of K-Beauty Cosmetology, recognized as one of the pioneering K-Beauty programs in the Daegu–Gyeongbuk region.

This program aims to train well-rounded professionals in the beauty industry by integrating aesthetic art, skincare science, and business-service management.
Students study in a modern environment with internationally standardized practice rooms, participate in beauty contests, fashion shows, and gain real-world experience through partnerships with industry companies.

Guided by the philosophy “Professional Beauty with Creative Mind,” Kyungil University strives to cultivate creative, globally minded beauty experts with strong professional skills and deep understanding of international K-Beauty trends.

2. Detailed Curriculum

Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor’s degree in Beauty Studies at Kyungil University is a four-year program that balances theoretical knowledge with intensive hands-on training.
Students are exposed to a wide range of specialized areas, including:

• Make-up: Basic and advanced make-up, trend make-up, film and TV make-up, body painting, and make-up with photography.

• Hair Design: Hair cutting, perming, styling, coloring, fashion hair design, and hair care science (Trichology).

• Skin Care & Therapy: Courses include Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Skin Care, Spa Therapy, Aroma Therapy, Reflexology, and Beauty Nutrition.

• Nail & Body Art: Nail art, foot care, body art, and other aesthetic service skills.

In addition to practical courses, students also study Marketing, Beauty Business Management, and Trend Analysis, providing a deeper understanding of both the Korean and international beauty markets.

A distinctive feature of the program is its mandatory internship system, allowing students to gain first-hand professional experience at salons, spas, or cosmetic companies affiliated with the university.

Graduate Program

The Graduate Program in Beauty Therapy / Beauty Design focuses on research and development in cosmetics, dermatology, and advanced beauty services.
Master’s and Doctoral students may conduct research on topics such as:

• Cosmetic technology,

• Specialized skin therapy,

• Aesthetic wellness care, and

• Beauty business management.

The program’s objective is to train research specialists, university lecturers, professional beauty consultants, and innovators who can lead the global K-Beauty industry through creativity and expertise.

3. Reference Tuition Fees

Below is reference information on tuition fees.

Note: Tuition may vary depending on the academic year, student nationality, and specific major.

• Undergraduate level: Approximately 4,000,000 – 4,200,000 KRW per semester.

• Graduate level: Approximately 5,000,000 – 5,500,000 KRW per semester.

Kyungil University

V. Yong In University – 용인대학교

1. General Introduction

Yong In University, founded in 1953, is located in Yongin City, Gyeonggi-do Province, about 40 minutes from downtown Seoul.
It is one of Korea’s oldest and most reputable private universities, well-known for its programs in Arts, Physical Education, Business Administration, and especially the Beauty Business Major.

The Beauty Business program at Yong In University is designed to train comprehensive beauty professionals who combine technical skills, creative thinking, and business knowledge.
The program aims to nurture talented individuals capable of adapting to the rapidly evolving beauty industry, both in Korea and internationally.

Students study in a modern learning environment, equipped with international-standard practice rooms and specialized facilities for make-up, skincare, hair design, and nail art.
In addition, the university organizes workshops, skill competitions, and industry-linked programs, helping students enhance practical experience and expand professional networks.

2. Detailed Curriculum

Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor’s Degree in Beauty Business is a four-year program that combines theory with intensive practical training.
Key course categories include:

• Make-up & Styling: Basic and advanced make-up, trend make-up, stage and photography make-up.

• Hair & Skin Care: Hair cutting, coloring, and styling techniques; trichology (hair science); professional skincare; spa therapy; and aroma therapy.

• Nail & Body Art: Nail art, foot care, body art, and hygiene & safety in beauty services.

• Beauty Management & Marketing: Courses include Cosmetic Marketing, Spa Management, Trend Analysis, and K-Beauty Branding.

After completing the program, graduates can pursue careers such as:

• Beauty Specialist,

• Spa Manager,

• Image Consultant, or

• Beauty PR & Marketing Staff in the cosmetics and beauty industries.

Graduate Program

The Master’s Program in Beauty Studies at Yong In University focuses on advanced research and management in the beauty field.

Students are encouraged to develop as specialists, lecturers, or researchers, deepening their expertise through key study areas such as:

• Cosmetic Technology,

• K-Beauty Consumption Trends,

• Dermal Therapy, and

• Beauty Brand Management.

The program emphasizes understanding the relationship between aesthetics, science, and business, preparing graduates to apply their knowledge effectively within the global beauty industry.

3. Reference Tuition Fees

Below is reference information on tuition fees.

Note: Tuition may vary depending on academic year, nationality, and specific major.

• Undergraduate level: Approximately 4,300,000 – 4,500,000 KRW per semester.

• Graduate level: Approximately 6,400,000 – 6,700,000 KRW per semester.

Yong In University

Conclusion

The five universities mentioned above are excellent choices for those who wish to pursue a degree in the Beauty Industry in South Korea. With an advanced education system, diverse internship opportunities, and a professional working environment, studying in Korea has become an ideal pathway for many young Vietnamese students aiming to build an international career.

If you are planning to study in South Korea but are still unsure which major or university best fits your interests and current job market trends, don’t hesitate to contact C-Korea. Our consulting team will provide personalized guidance to help you choose the right major, university, and study-abroad program tailored to your goals and financial situation.

For more information about studying and working in Korea, please contact:

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