Navigating Beauty Standards as a Plus-Size Woman in Korea: My Journey to Health, Self-Love, and Confidence

Living in Korea as a plus-size woman has been both an eye-opening and transformative experience. Korean beauty standards emphasize being slim, petite, and well-groomed at all times, which can feel intimidating. Clothes are often made in limited sizes, diet culture is deeply ingrained, and public discussions about weight are far more common than in the West. However, rather than letting these standards bring me down, I have used them as motivation to redefine beauty on my own terms.

Through my fitness journey, self-care experiences, and content creation, I want to show others that beauty is not about fitting into a mold. It is about feeling good, being healthy, and embracing the best version of yourself—whatever that looks like for you.

My Fitness and Weight Loss Journey as a Plus-Size Woman in Korea

When I first moved to Korea, I noticed how active people are. From walking everywhere to packed gyms and trending diet plans, fitness is a major part of the culture. Initially, I felt out of place in workout spaces where most people were much smaller than me, but I quickly realized I was not working out for them. I was working out for myself.

I started lifting weights, doing cardio, and trying out different workouts that helped me build strength and confidence. At one point, I experimented with extreme diets out of curiosity, including some of the well-known K-pop idol meal plans. Let me just say, they are not sustainable. What has truly worked for me is consistency, balance, and finding joy in movement.

While I love working out and seeing progress, I also believe in balance. I eat well, but I do not deprive myself. If I want Korean BBQ or a dessert, I will enjoy it without guilt. The key is making choices that align with my long-term goals while still enjoying life.

Korea’s Affordable Wellness and Beauty Treatments

In Korea, beauty and wellness treatments are accessible and affordable. Back home, things like body contouring, facials, and weight loss treatments can be extremely expensive. Here, many of these services are reasonably priced and widely available, making self-care much more attainable.

I believe in treating myself, so I visit weight loss clinics for non-invasive treatments, go to spas for relaxation, and explore skincare clinics to keep my skin healthy. I have collaborated with clinics like Abijou, Endiet, Dr. Petit, and Xenia, where I have shared my experiences with different treatments that help me feel my best. I even have future collaborations lined up, allowing me to explore more services that could benefit not just me but also my audience.

Encouraging the Military Community to Explore Wellness in Korea

As part of the military community in Korea, I know that many people hesitate to explore local beauty and wellness treatments. There is often fear of language barriers or uncertainty about how things work. Through my experiences, I help bridge that gap by showing what is available, how to book appointments, and what to expect.

I create content specifically to encourage military families and expats to take advantage of the incredible services Korea has to offer. Whether it is weight loss treatments, skincare, or self-care experiences, I want to empower others to feel comfortable stepping into these spaces.

Empowering Others Through My Content

As a content creator, I use my platform to share my journey with fitness, weight loss, and self-care. I do not just focus on losing weight. I focus on feeling good and helping others do the same. My goal is to inspire people to take care of themselves for their own well-being, not because of societal pressure.

Through my videos, I showcase workouts, review beauty treatments, and give insights into life in Korea as a plus-size woman. I remind my audience that self-improvement should come from a place of self-love, not self-hate. Beauty is not about fitting into a certain size. It is about confidence, health, and happiness.

Redefining Beauty on My Terms

Korea’s beauty culture can be both inspiring and overwhelming. On one hand, it pushes you to take care of yourself and be your best. On the other hand, it can feel restrictive if you let it define your worth. I have learned to take what serves me and leave the rest.

I work out, eat well, and indulge in treatments—not to conform, but because I deserve to feel my best. And that is the message I want to share with others. 

Self-care is not about achieving perfection. It is about loving yourself enough to take care of your body and mind in a way that feels right for you. At the end of the day, self-love is the real glow-up.