The global influence of Korean culture is growing. Korean skincare and cosmetics companies are widely used, K-Pop is a global sensation, and since Seoul Fashion Week debuted on the fashion scene in 2011, Korean models have emerged as some of the industry’s hottest faces.
Influencer marketing has been very effective in swaying Koreans. 71% of Koreans, according to research, are more likely to make a purchase based on evaluations seen on social media, while 86% of women prefer to check social media sites before adding items to their shopping carts.
Also Read Korean Male Fashion Influencers You Need to Follow Right Now!
According to KOTRA, the market is also growing as a result of millennials and Gen Z’s significant e-commerce spending.
Top 14 Korean Female Models
Listing the best Korean female models who have emerged as the prized faces of the Korean modeling industry thanks to their distinctive features, personality, and tireless work.
1. Lee Sung Kyung
One of Korea’s most popular actresses who was once a successful model is Lee Sung Kyung. Because of her considerable presence on social media, Lee Sung Kyung is referred to by W Magazine as the “Asian Gigi Hadid” on Instagram, where she has amassed more than 11.8 million followers. According to Korean media, she is a stunning star with a variety of skills, including dancing, singing, and playing the piano.
2. Kang Seung Hyun
Kang Seung Huyn, popularly known as Hyoni Kang, now has more modeling chances thanks to the 2008 Ford Supermodel of the World title. One of the most well-known models in the Korean modeling scene is Hyoni Kang. She has participated in several runway shows, including those for Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Phillip Lim, Sonia Rykiel, Karen Walker, Jenny Kayne, Amanda Wakeley, House of Holland, Tory Burch, DKNY, Michael Kors, Trovota, United Bamboon, etc.
3. Jang Yoon Ju
One of the most well-known Korean models right now is her. Jang Yoon Ju constantly manages to draw attention to herself in every photo shoot and on the catwalk thanks to her round face, distinctive eyelids, and petite, attractive lips. In addition to becoming a successful model, Jang Yoon Ju has made some progress in the worlds of film and music. She also made an appearance in the Korean TV program Newlyweds in 2017 following the birth of her first kid and her marriage to industrial designer Jung Seung Min in 2015.
4. Choi Sora
Sora Choi is regarded as the most “wanted” model during international fashion weeks after appearing in more than 50 fashion shows in New York, Paris, London, and Milan. Her ability to display a variety of facial expressions—which is crucial for a model—is one of her strong suits. She began her career early in high school and later pursued her higher studies at Dongguk University after winning Korea’s Next Top Model in 2012.
5. Soo Joo Park
One of the best-known and most successful Korean models of all time is Soo Joo Park. She was the first Korean spokesmodel for L’Oréal and a participant at the Cannes Film Festival. The age of Soo Joo’s debut, 26, is a little late for a model. She majored in architecture at UC Berkeley after coming to the country as a child.
6. Esom
Lee So Young is the woman’s real name. Esom, who has experience as a model, is one of Korea’s most stylish actresses and regularly makes public appearances wearing eye-catching attire. Esom can wear several fashion styles with ease, even though she does not have a beautiful face by Korean standards because of her excellent height and slim figure. When viewers first encounter Esom on film or the catwalk, they frequently are struck by the talented model’s enigmatic appearance.
7. Lee Ho Jung
A young model and actress named Lee Ho Jung. Because of her numerous appearances in Korean dramas and movies, she may be better known to some fans as an actress, but she is also a gifted model with a baby-like beauty.
8. Jin Jeong Seon
In comparison to other models, her height is rather petite, yet she stands out from the crowd with her charisma. She took first place in Korea’s Next Top Model 2 at the tender age of 17. Even in the most mundane topics, she uses her unique hue to stand out. In 2017, she also rose to prominence as the face of the renowned Korean streetwear brand Pushbutton.
9. Song Kyung-a
Compared to other models, she is fairly short in height, but she is the only one with a personality like hers. She won Korea’s Next Top Model 2 at the tender age of 17, taking first place. She uses her unique color to shine even in the most basic ideas. In 2017, she also rose to prominence as the face of Pushbutton, a well-known Korean streetwear company.
10. Han Hye-jin
Han Hye-jin is the ideal height and proportion for a high fashion model. She had a successful career working with well-known companies as a first-generation Korean model abroad with Hye Park. She had a distinctive runway walk, expressions, pose, and charisma. Most notably, Han participated in six consecutive seasons of the Marc Jacobs fashion show. She was the first Korean model to appear in shows for Gucci, Michael Kors, and Tommy Hilfiger.
11. Kim Won-Kyung
The “Mulan era” was led by models Jang Yoon-Ju, Song Kyung-a, and Han Hye-jin, though Kim Won-Kyung is not well known to the general public. Her tall stature and flawless physique attracted attention. When her attempts to work abroad didn’t go as planned, she returned to Korea.
12. Irene Kim
Irene Kim is a unique supermodel in the Korean model world with an international degree before entering the fashion industry. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology’s textile design program in New York. Additionally, Irene Kim dazzles everyone with their peculiar attractiveness, which is another impressive quality. Her tiny lips and eyelids are of an Asian appearance, but she also has a delicate high nose.
13. Kang So-young
In 2004, Kang So-young took first place in a Supermodel Contest and received widespread media coverage. Karl Lagerfeld admired her because of her blend of Western and Asian looks. The second time Kang walked the Chanel runway, she made history as the first Korean model to do so.
14. Soo Joo Park
One of the best-known and most successful Korean models of all time is Soo Joo Park. She was the first Korean spokesmodel for L’Oréal and a participant at the Cannes Film Festival. The age of Soo Joo’s debut, 26, is a little late for a model. She majored in architecture at UC Berkeley after coming to the country as a child.