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2 min read korean barbershops

Barber vs Hair Salon in Korea: What Expats and Tourists Should Know

New to Korea and unsure where to get a haircut? This guide breaks down the difference between Korean barbers and salons, what to expect in service and pricing, and how to find English-speaking stylists as an expat or traveler.
Split-screen image of a Korean barbershop and modern hair salon, showing service differences for expats deciding where to get a haircut in Korea.

So you’ve arrived in the country, your hair’s grown out weird, and now you’re faced with a choice: barbershop or hair salon in Korea? Before you Google Translate your way into a surprise perm, let’s break down what expats actually need to know.

The Basics: What’s the Difference?

In Korea, the line between barbers and salons isn’t always clear. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Barbers (이발소 / ibalso)

  • Primarily for men
  • Classic cuts, fades, and shaves
  • Includes both old-school shops and upscale, modern barbers with premium interiors
  • Trendier barbers often speak basic English and lean into personal styling
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Hair Salons (미용실 / miyongsil)

  • Gender-neutral or female-focused
  • Trendy styles, coloring, perms, and treatments
  • Younger staff, often trained in K-beauty aesthetics
  • English-speaking staff more common in expat-heavy areas

Pricing: What to Expect

Prices vary depending on location, service tier, and reputation:

  • Classic barbershop cut: ₩10,000–₩20,000 (basic cut, quick)
  • Upscale barber cut: ₩25,000–₩50,000 (styled, consultation-based)
  • Salon men's cut: ₩20,000–₩35,000
  • Salon women's cut: ₩25,000–₩50,000+
  • Coloring/Treatment: ₩80,000–₩250,000+

Pro tip: Many shops—especially trend-forward barbers—take bookings via Instagram DMs or Kakao. Walk-ins are fine, but booking ahead gives you the better stylists.

Side-by-side images of a Korean barber styling a fade and a salon stylist consulting with a female client — visual comparison of haircut experiences for expats in Korea.

Tipping: Should You?

Nope. Korea doesn’t have a tipping culture, and most staff will politely refuse.

Instead:

  • Say "감사합니다" (gamsahamnida — thank you)
  • Leave a nice Naver or Google review — it actually helps them rank

Service Expectations: What’s Normal (and What’s Not)

At Barbers

  • Expect both speed or style — depends on the shop
  • Premium barbers may offer coffee, scalp massage, detailed consultations
  • Reference photos are a must — terminology doesn’t always translate

At Salons

  • Full-service experience: wash, massage, cut, and style
  • Stylists often walk through your goals before the first snip
  • Upsells happen (color, treatment, scalp care), but aren’t pushy

So, Which One Should You Choose?

  • Classic Barber: For fast, no-fuss trims and basic maintenance
  • Upscale Barber: For modern fades, beard styling, and a more curated experience
  • Salon: For detailed, trendy cuts, coloring, or when you want that glossy K-pop look

Either way, bring reference photos. Korean stylists are visual, and a good photo saves everyone a headache.

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