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| Scores of local cosmetics are displayed at a department store in Seoul. Korea Times file |
By Kim Hyun-bin
Korea is one of the world's most influential countries in terms of cosmetics and other beauty products, and this influence has grown along with the worldwide popularity of Korean dramas, movies and songs. So the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit being held in Busan is a key opportunity for local cosmetic companies to introduce their products to the dignitaries and visitors from the 10 ASEAN member nations.
More than 60 Korean companies are taking part in the ASEAN-ROK K-Beauty Festival, which is being held at BEXCO in Busan on the sidelines of the summit being held Monday and today.
The festival was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups under the slogan "ASEAN Beauty, Make up Our Dreams."
There are booths introducing cosmetics developed by 61 small- and medium-size companies as well as the country's largest cosmetics company AmorePacific, which is showcasing its latest product lines.
In the K-beauty Experience Zone visitors can utilize 3D bio printing technology to create artificial skin and masks as well as receiving a skin diagnosis with cutting-edge equipment in the beauty and cosmetics sector. Artificial skin created by bio printing is intended to replace animal testing for the purpose of cosmetics research. The SMEs ministry also invited 20 overseas buyers from four countries to the event to give SMEs a chance to introduce their products.
On Monday, the beauty TV program "Get It Beauty" was broadcast live from the festival venue with famous Korean model Jang Yoon-joo and guests who introduced the latest products on display at the event.
On the second day, a "K-Beauty Trend Show" will be held to showcase hair and makeup styling by Korean makeup artists and hairstylists.
"Korea has become the fourth-largest country in cosmetics exports and we were able to grow due to local SMEs' endless efforts to develop new products," SMEs and Startups Minister Park Young-sun said in a statement. "Through this event, related government agencies and companies will brainstorm ways to provide more support for K-beauty products."
Around 1,000 visitors including foreign buyers, foreign exchange students and cosmetic company officials are expected to take part in the festival over its two-day run.
