In recent years, Korea has been in the emerging spotlight in the fashion and beauty industries. You have probably heard, or are already an aficionado of the Korean beauty trend. Korean fashion designers are making more appearances at fashion weeks around the world, and K-pop stars are always in the front rows of major fashion shows.

As a Korean and professional in fashion and beauty, it is delightful to see Korea extending its realm of influence in these markets like never before. From a profoundly moving novel to the A-to-Z guide on Korean beauty, here is a list of books that you should read to learn more about the history and culture.

The Korean Skincare Bible: The ultimate guide to K-beauty secrets by Lilin Yang, Leah Ganse, and Sara Jimenez

Are you new to the world of Korean beauty, but do not know where to start? This book has you covered—it is a guide to the ultimate Korean beauty lifestyle and ritual. With the detailed step-by-step guide, the book will help you create your own skincare routine that perfectly matches your skin type. The authors will give you a direct and straightforward guideline from the history, products, routine, don’ts, trends, and other tips.

Hanbok: Timeless Fashion Tradition (Korea Essentials) by Samuel Songhoon Lee

This book dives into the culture of hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing. Hanbok embodies the social and decorative symbol through every delicate detail. It is also a presentation of one’s hierarchy. The author introduces the beauty of hanbok through colors and silhouettes. He also analyzes the increasing international popularity of hanbok that has been spotlighted in Korean dramas. Learn more about the history, origin, and remarkable characteristics of hanbok’s beauty.

Fashion and Beauty in the Time of Asia by S. Heijin Lee, Christina H. Moon, and Thuy Linh Nguyen Tu

This book contemplates the role of body aesthetics in the formation of Asian modernity. The authors create regional connections between the various cities of Guangzhou and Los Angeles, Saigon and Seoul, New York and Toronto. The authors explore the Western influence on Asian beauty standards, such as plastic surgery and what is considered “fashionable.” Additionally, it highlights the characterization of Asians in the fashion and beauty industries as both laborers and hyperactive consumers.

THE LITTLE BOOK OF SKIN CARE: KOREAN BEAUTY SECRETS FOR HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN by Charlotte Cho

Written by Charlotte Cho, the founder of the Korean beauty brand Soko Glam, the book shares expert know-how on how to achieve the popular K-beauty look. Cho breaks down what Korean beauty means and shows the readers how to achieve glowing skin with Korean-approved beauty techniques. This book will give you a virtual tour of the Korean beauty culture and reveal all the secrets from models, editors, actresses, and experts.

If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha

If I Had Your Face is a novel gaining incredible traction and appraisal from many media in the United States. The debut novel of author Frances Cha, the story examines Korea’s obsession with impossible beauty standards and appearance through the protagonists. Cha reveals realistic institutionalized constructions of prevailing predicaments in the current Korean society.