Introduction

The secret to a "Beauty Powerhouse" was on the dining table

The reason for the smooth, translucent skin of the Korean people is not solely due to excellent cosmetics. At its core is a culture of fermented foods passed down for centuries. Lactic acid bacteria and enzymes found in foods like kimchi and doenjang (Korean soybean paste) improve the intestinal environment and support skin health from within.

In Korea, eating is so central to life that the standard greeting is "Bap meogeosseo?" ("Have you eaten?"). This food culture, which fuses traditional herbal wisdom with fermentation technology, is truly a "beauty regimen you can eat." In this article, we will introduce the world of Korea's representative fermented foods and the full picture of the Korean-style beauty habits garnering global attention.

Chapter 01

The Land of Fermentation, Korea ── A Culinary Heritage Spun by Earthenware

The history of Korean fermented foods dates back to prehistoric times. Fermentation originated as wisdom for preserving food to prepare for winter, and eventually, a unique food culture developed through the birth of "Jang" (sauces) and alcoholic beverages. The characteristic of fermentation on the Korean Peninsula is the long-term aging of ingredients, primarily soybeans, with the help of natural forces like the sun and wind. The sight of Onggi (earthenware jars) lined up in home gardens symbolizes Korea's fermentation culture.

At the root of Korean fermented foods is a soybean brick called "Meju." Boiled soybeans are crushed, shaped, and hung with straw to propagate natural bacteria, then placed in jars with brine for long-term aging. The liquid created this way becomes Ganjang (soy sauce), and the remaining solid becomes Doenjang (miso/soybean paste). Unlike Japanese fermented foods that are stored in cool, dark places, the key difference in Korea is that the jars are placed in sunny spots, allowing them to ferment while exposed to sunlight, rain, and wind.

Korea's representative fermented foods

Lesser-known fermented foods

Korean fermented foods aren't just limited to kimchi and Jang. "Cheonggukjang," made by fermenting soybeans with straw, is similar to Japanese natto and creates a unique richness through the power of bacillus subtilis. It is common to dissolve it into stews, and it is such a daily staple that there are even restaurants dedicated entirely to it in Korea.

Additionally, "Changja," salted cod innards seasoned with red pepper and garlic, is another fermented food. During the fermentation and aging process, a wealth of vitamins is produced, which is expected to help purify the blood and improve intestinal health. Furthermore, "Makgeolli," a traditional rice or barley wine, is a fermented beverage that has been loved for a long time.

Chapter 02

"Beauty from within" ── The deep connection between fermented foods and beautiful skin

As the saying "the skin is a mirror of the internal organs" goes, there is a close relationship between the intestinal environment and the condition of the skin. Fermented foods like kimchi, gochujang, and doenjang appear on the Korean table almost every day, and a lifestyle that naturally increases good intestinal bacteria is deeply rooted.

The lactic acid bacteria in kimchi regulate the gut, supporting the improvement of breakouts and acne. Furthermore, vitamin C and dietary fiber promote skin metabolism, while seasonings like red pepper and garlic stimulate blood flow to boost metabolism. Ingredients like sesame seeds, sesame oil, and pine nuts also provide moisture to both the gut and skin, supporting the healthy, beautiful skin of the Korean people from within.

In Korea, the average daily vegetable intake is said to be over 600g; even with meat dishes like samgyeopsal, eating them wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves naturally increases vegetable consumption. There is also a habit of eating fruit after meals, ensuring a balanced intake of vitamins and nutrients. The beautiful skin in Korea is nurtured by this accumulation of daily food culture.

Chapter 03

10-Step Skincare ── How to achieve Korean-style "Glass Skin"

Another pillar of Korean beauty culture is the thorough skincare routine. The "10-Step Skincare" regimen garnering global attention is a daily habit taught by mothers and older sisters from a young age in Korea. By carefully layering each step—from cleansing to moisturizing, nourishing, and protecting—every day, the goal is "glass skin" that shines as if it were bathed in water.

Korean beauty consciousness is extremely high among both men and women, and the amount spent on skincare is said to be among the highest in the world. Rather than hiding skin troubles with makeup, the top priority is keeping the bare skin itself beautiful. This high awareness, even going to a dermatologist for acne, is an expression of Korea's "skin management" culture.

The basic 10-step flow

Chapter 04

Korean-style beauty habits for Japanese lifestyles

The characteristic of Korean beauty habits is that they don't do anything "extraordinary," but rather naturally integrate elements of "beauty" into daily life. We in Japan can also adopt Korean-style beauty habits by being mindful of a few points.

Incorporating through diet

First, try adding one fermented food item like kimchi, miso, or natto to your daily meal. Korean people also use an abundance of seasonings like red pepper, garlic, and ginger, which lead to increased blood circulation and boosted metabolism. Consciously increasing vegetables and having the habit of eating fruit after meals is also recommended.

Revisiting skincare

The core of the Korean style is "thorough moisturizing" and "UV protection." Boost moisture with "layering"—applying toner, serum, and cream—and make it a habit to wear sunscreen every day regardless of the weather. Even incorporating sheet masks a few times a week can change your skin's condition.

Cultivating a "skin management" consciousness

Epilogue

Conclusion ── What fermentation teaches us

Looking at Korean fermented foods and beauty habits, what they have in common is an attitude of "taking the time to nurture with care." Whether it's Doenjang slowly aging in an Onggi jar or a 10-step skincare routine every morning, results don't happen overnight. However, the accumulation of daily efforts eventually bears fruit in the form of rich flavor and beautiful skin—perhaps this is the wisdom of fermentation and the very way of life that the Korean people have inherited over a long history.

Start by adding one fermented food to today's dinner, or one extra step to tonight's skincare. The "inner beauty" that Korea teaches us will surely enrich your daily life little by little.

If you would like to know more about fermented foods and Korean food culture, please check out the following: The Relationship Between Korean Beauty and Food Culture, Beauty Drinks Korean Women Drink Every Morning, and Is Drinking Silica Good for Hair?.