Blueprint for Enhancing Global Competitiveness of K-Beauty by 2026
The Korean Cosmetics Industry Institute has announced a specific project plan for the continuous growth and expansion of the K-beauty industry globally by 2026. The key highlights include the expansion of K-beauty experience promotion centers, strengthening digital marketing support, and providing substantial support measures for export market diversification. This strategic initiative aims to effectively respond to the rapidly changing global beauty market environment and help domestic cosmetics companies enhance their competitiveness. Let's take a detailed look at these elements.
Expansion and Role of K-Beauty Experience Promotion Centers
The Institute plans to enhance its role as a K-beauty composite cultural space by renovating existing experience centers in Myeongdong and Hongdae, increasing product accessibility to elevate the brand image of K-beauty. A new K-beauty exhibition-experience hall is set to open at the end of May in Busan, a key location in the Gyeongsang region. This venue will offer a space for both local and international visitors to experience a hybrid beauty culture, actively supporting the marketing and promotion of local SMEs and indie brands, thereby solidifying the foundation for industrial growth in the southern region. Half of the companies accommodated will be local, substantially contributing to the local economy.
Strengthening Digital Marketing on Online Distribution Platforms
As export market diversification translates into tangible results, the importance of digital content and marketing strategies for effectively reaching diverse consumer bases is growing. The Korean Cosmetics Industry Institute will support the creation of customized digital content for companies usable on overseas online channels and link channel-specific marketing consulting. Starting in March, approximately 100 SMEs, mid-sized, and indie cosmetics and beauty device brands will be selected for participation, initiating pre-consulting, with content production and marketing consulting to be completed by year's end. Much anticipation is appreciated!
Strategies for Diversifying K-Beauty Export Markets
The Korean Cosmetics Industry Institute is focusing on supporting export market diversification to ensure robust growth in K-beauty export industries. With the requirement for 'cosmetics safety evaluation reports' submitted becoming mandatory in core export countries and regions like Europe (July 2013), the U.S. (December 2022), and China (May 2025), the responsibility to prove safety has significantly increased for companies. Consequently, the Institute plans to alleviate this burden by promoting projects such as the construction of integrated information systems for cosmetics, regulation-safety evaluation training programs, and multidisciplinary safety evaluation research initiatives.
Building a Global Safety Evaluation and Data System
With the paradigm shift in the cosmetics industry to mass-produce personalized products reflecting individual needs, constructing data on consumer skin characteristics and preferences by country-region has become critical. Through the Skin Characteristics Information Bank, the Institute will collect and continuously provide foundational data from about 15,000 individuals across 18 countries on skin characteristics and cosmetics usage. This data will be essential for developing personalized products and formulating strategies for entering overseas markets.
Overseas Market Information and Cooperative Projects
The strategy will focus on expanding global consumer touchpoints through the expansion of K-beauty experience promotion centers and collaborative projects with government departments, providing practical marketing opportunities centered on real-world experiences. Proactive responses to changes in the global distribution environment will be made through overseas live commerce and influencer-linked promotions, seeking opportunities for export market diversification and revenue growth for SMEs and indie brands.
To provide timely overseas market information, 'Global Cosmetic Focus' will be published (ten times annually) starting March, alongside ongoing consulting support projects based on corporate demand assessments for U.S., EU, and China licensing.
Furthermore, through partnerships with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and KOTRA, efforts will be made to facilitate entry into emerging markets for Korean cosmetics companies. Support will be extended in various forms such as major Korean wave cultural festivals (My K-FESTA: scheduled for June at KINTEX, Ilsan), overseas Hallyu exhibitions (B2B-B2C events planned for LA, Paris, and Mexico City), and K-brand overseas promotion centers (planned support for Indonesia-UAE) to reinforce the presence in the global market.
Sustainable Development of the K-Beauty Industry
Given the massive global popularity and enthusiasm for K-cosmetics-beauty, the Korean Cosmetics Industry Institute emphasizes the need for companies to quickly respond to various business environments. Let's hear from an expert.
"Given the incredible global popularity and response that K-cosmetics-beauty is receiving, it is more urgent than ever for our companies to swiftly adapt to diverse business environments. We will actively listen to the feedback of the cosmetics industry through cooperation with industry associations to develop and implement high-quality, realistic content and projects without delays to help elevate the competitiveness and aspirations of Korean cosmetics companies in domestic and global markets."
Conclusion
The 2026 project plan of the Korean Cosmetics Industry Institute presents a comprehensive strategy for the sustainable growth of K-beauty. As it aligns with the challenges and opportunities faced in domestic and international markets, the Institute's multifaceted support measures are expected to contribute to strengthening the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry. Such efforts will be crucial for K-beauty to secure a stronger position in the global market. Let's cheer for the brilliant future of our K-beauty!
Efforts for the sustainable growth of K-beauty and expansion in the global market will open new opportunities for domestic cosmetics companies. YURICOS will contribute towards widely promoting the value of excellent K-beauty brands through professional blog marketing.
