Last Updated:June 27, 2025, 10:15 IST
Korean women are known for their glowing skin and youthful energy, thanks not just to skincare but also to their diet.
Rather than relying on fads or pricey superfoods, their diets are rooted in simple, nourishing and time-honoured ingredients that support skin health from within. (AI Generated)
Korean women are often admired for their luminous skin, youthful appearance and seemingly endless energy. While much of the credit goes to their famous multi-step skincare routines, the real magic happens long before the serums and sheet masks come out—it begins with what they eat.
Rather than relying on fads or pricey superfoods, their diets are rooted in simple, nourishing and time-honoured ingredients that support skin health from within. These foods are rich in nutrients that promote balance, hydration and renewal—making them quiet heroes in the glow-up journey. If radiant, healthy skin is your goal, here are five everyday Korean foods that help make it happen.
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Miyeok (Seaweed):
Seaweed is a nutrient-dense marine vegetable brimming with skin-boosting minerals like iodine, magnesium, and iron. It supports the thyroid, which influences everything from metabolism to skin texture.
In Korea, seaweed soup—known as miyeok-guk—is a staple, especially for new mothers and birthday meals. It’s deeply restorative and helps replenish the body, making it a go-to dish for long-term wellness.
Kimchi:
This tangy, spicy fermented side dish made from napa cabbage or radish is packed with live cultures and antioxidants. Its probiotic content helps balance the gut, which in turn reflects on your skin’s clarity and glow.
Kimchi is more than a flavor enhancer—it’s a functional food that Korean households eat with almost every meal, supporting overall vitality and radiant skin from within.
Nokcha (Green Tea):
Green tea is a beloved beverage in Korea, known for its calming properties and internal cleansing effects. Rich in catechins and anti-inflammatory compounds, it helps protect the skin from premature aging and environmental damage.
Many opt for green tea throughout the day instead of sugary drinks or coffee, and it’s often enjoyed after meals to promote digestion and hydration—two key factors in achieving a fresh complexion.
Goguma (Sweet Potato):
These naturally sweet root vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants that support skin regeneration and fight dullness.
Baked, steamed, or roasted, Korean sweet potatoes are a comforting snack that keeps blood sugar levels steady, reducing inflammation and keeping the skin clear and vibrant.
Dubu (Tofu):
Tofu is a gentle, plant-based protein full of amino acids and phytoestrogens that help regulate hormones and support collagen.
Common in soups, stir-fries, and salads, tofu is easy to digest and helps keep skin firm, plump, and elastic. Its light texture makes it a favorite in both everyday and traditional Korean dishes.
Bringing It All Together
You don’t need to follow a strict diet to enjoy these benefits. Start small and gradually incorporate these ingredients into your meals:
Morning: Warm seaweed soup and a cup of green tea.Midday: A simple tofu salad or roasted sweet potato.Lunch: Rice with kimchi, vegetables and tofu stir-fry.Snack time: Brew a fresh cup of green tea with fruit or seeds.Dinner: A comforting tofu stew with seaweed and sides of kimchi and greens.The glow that so many admire in Korean women isn’t just from what they put on their faces—it’s a reflection of the care they take with what they eat. Their meals are balanced, nourishing, and built around ingredients that feed the skin as much as the body.
So if you’re looking for lasting radiance, don’t just reach for the moisturiser—take a look at your plate. A small change in your daily meals could be the most delicious way to healthy, glowing skin.
About the Author
Nishad Thaivalappil
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…Read More
Nishad Thaivalappil is a Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist with almost a decade-long odyssey in the realms of movies, music, culture, food, and travel. He leads the Lifestyle desk at News18.com. Besides ha…
Read More
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Location : First Published:News lifestyle 5 Korean Diet Secrets For Naturally Glowing, Youthful Skin