Watsons Flew Some K-Beauty Lovers To Korea For A VIP Autumn Experience! Here's How It Went
It was a memorable trip for the lucky winners of the K-Beauty Festa 2024.
What's the upside to shopping for Korean beauty products from Watsons?
A magnificent and eventful 5D4N trip to Korea, as some lucky Watsons Club members just found out!
In case you didn't know, Watsons held a 'Be Seoul Beautiful' contest held in conjunction with Watsons K-Beauty Festa 2024 in collaboration with Korea Tourism Organisation Malaysia. And 20 lucky Watsons Club members were chosen to experience the beautiful sights and cultural experiences of South Korea firsthand, wheee!
1. A scenic visit to Anseong Farmland
Autumn season in South Korea comes in an explosion of colours, and Anseong Farmland provides a front-row seat to it all.
Set in the countryside, this sprawling agricultural park is filled with breathtaking fields of seasonal flowers, which are especially stunning during this time of year as the blooms match the golden leaves around them.
Anseong Farmland also hosts seasonal festivals with local food stalls and live performances, making it the perfect start to a South Korean adventure.
The lucky Watsons Club members had the chance to dive into farm life by feeding the adorable sheep and strolling through picturesque fields surrounded by vibrant pink muhly grass.
2. Exploring tradition at Jeonju Hanok Village
Next up was a dive into Korea's rich heritage at the Jeonju Hanok Village.
Often the backdrop for many K-drama programmes, this charming area is known for its rows of hanoks (traditional Korean houses), and is a beautifully preserved district where visitors can step back in time.
The travellers were able to experience the artistry of Korean crafts like pottery and calligraphy and sample authentic Korean dishes, including the famous Jeonju Bibimbap, packed with local flavors and fresh ingredients.
Adding to the magic was the hanbok experience. The chance to wear these vibrant traditional outfits offered true immersion in South Korean culture, and made for lots of camera-worthy moments.
3. Reflecting on history at the Gyeonggijeon Shrine
Those on the trip were also given the chance to check out the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, an important historical landmark built in dedication to King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty.
Set against a backdrop of fall season colours, the shrine’s serene atmosphere and traditional architecture made for a peaceful, reflective experience.
Wandering through the scenic grounds, the travellers also had the chance to connect with the location’s pop-culture side: The shrine is a popular filming location for K-dramas such as Love in the Moonlight, and this added a layer of familiarity for fans of the series.
4. Enjoying the captivating Welcome Daehakro Festival with Vamp and Hunter
As the group ventured into Seoul's artistic hub in Daehango, the Welcome Daehakro Festival brought them closer to Korea’s renowned performing arts scene, complemented by street performances, musicals, and theatrical displays.
Since starting in 2017, the festival has drawn both locals and international tourists alike with its diverse, energetic performances, and fringe acts.
Among the festival highlights, members had the chance to watch the latest comedy musical, Vamp and Hunter. Created by the team behind Shear Madness, this tale follows the clash between bloodthirsty vampires and daring hunters, blending romance, revenge, and laugh-out-loud moments — all with English subtitles to ensure an enjoyable experience for international viewers.
This fall festival allowed Watsons members to experience South Korea's vibrant arts scene firsthand.
5. Taking in the cosy vibes at Seongsu-dong Cafe Street
The next stop on the itinerary was Seongsu-dong Cafe Street, a haven for both coffee lovers and art enthusiasts.
Known as the "Brooklyn of Seoul", this district is famous for its hip, industrial-chic cafes, quirky decor, and artisanal brews.
Between the multi-level loft-style cafes and cozy nooks filled with local art, the Watsons Club members were allowed to savour a relaxing afternoon, trying speciality coffees and exploring nearby boutiques and art galleries that give Seongsu-dong its unique character.
6. Entering detective mode at Realworld Seongsu
To add a bit of thrill to the trip, the group was given an immersive experience at Realworld Seongsu, a unique venue that combines café vibes with interactive games within the theme of a mystery hotel.
This interactive venue allowed visitors to step into the shoes of detectives, solving puzzles and role-playing in various themed settings.
During the visit, the Watsons Club members were given a chance to try something different by testing their problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way.
They played Unlocky!, which allowed them to step into the role of a security guard investigating a series of mysterious disappearances and damages within the hotel.
7. Personal colour analysis at Beauty Play, Hongdae
At an experiential session, Watsons Club Members enjoyed a personal colour analysis workshop at Beauty Play in Hongdae, where they learned how to find the colours that suit them best.
Here, they met with expert consultants who analysed each visitor's skin tone and hair colour to determine their best colour palette.
This analysis revealed the ideal shades for clothing and makeup to enhance natural features, equipping them with tips to make confident style choices.
The colour analysis, widely popular in Korea's beauty scene, was one of the highlights of the trip.
To make things even more special, the Watsons Club members had the chance to be pampered at a beauty workshop by Banobagi and JennyHouse
During the session, the Watsons Club members were offered the chance to experience exclusive skincare from Banobagi, a brand known for combining technology with natural ingredients to address various skin issues, including hydration, brightening, anti-aging, and acne.
They were also given complimentary makeup and hair-touch ups by experts from JennyHouse, a popular hair care brand that just launched its Salon Therapy Damage Care Shampoo which repairs and rejuvenates damage hair with impressive results.
The entire session allowed the members to feel like celebrities from their favourite K-dramas, wrapping up the trip in the most special way.