Korean Color Analysis: What Is Personal Color Theory in K-Beauty?
What Is Korean Color Analysis?
Korean color analysis, called "퍼스널 컬러" (personal color) in Korean, is a simplified 4-season color system that became wildly popular in South Korea's beauty industry. It categorizes people into Spring Warm Tone (봄웜톤), Summer Cool Tone (여름쿨톤), Autumn Warm Tone (가을웜톤), or Winter Cool Tone (겨울쿨톤).
The trend exploded around 2018-2019 and has become a staple in K-beauty culture, with dedicated color analysis salons in Seoul's Gangnam district and every makeup brand offering shade recommendations by season.
The Korean 4-Season System
봄웜톤 (Spring Warm Tone)
Light, warm, bright coloring
- • Colors: Peach, coral, light yellow, mint
- • Skin: Warm, golden undertone
- • Best: Gold jewelry, warm pastels
여름쿨톤 (Summer Cool Tone)
Light, cool, soft coloring
- • Colors: Lavender, powder blue, dusty rose
- • Skin: Cool, pink undertone
- • Best: Silver jewelry, cool pastels
가을웜톤 (Autumn Warm Tone)
Deep, warm, muted coloring
- • Colors: Rust, olive, terracotta, camel
- • Skin: Warm, golden or bronze
- • Best: Gold jewelry, earthy tones
겨울쿨톤 (Winter Cool Tone)
Deep, cool, bright coloring
- • Colors: Navy, burgundy, emerald, icy pink
- • Skin: Cool undertone, high contrast
- • Best: Silver jewelry, jewel tones
Korean vs Western Color Analysis: Key Differences
| Feature | Korean System | Western 12-Season |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Seasons | 4 seasons | 12 sub-seasons |
| Complexity | Simple, easy to understand | More nuanced and precise |
| Primary Focus | Warm vs Cool undertone | Undertone + Value + Chroma |
| Cultural Context | K-beauty focused | Western fashion/styling |
| Precision | Broad categories | Specific sub-season matching |
How Korean Color Analysis Works
In Korea, color analysis typically happens at dedicated salons or department store beauty counters. The consultant drapes colored fabric swatches near your face under neutral lighting to see which tones make your skin appear brighter and healthier.
Step 1: Determine Warm vs Cool
Using gold vs silver fabric, or peach vs pink drapes
Step 2: Determine Light vs Deep
Testing lighter pastels vs deeper saturated colors
Step 3: Get Your Season
Warm + Light = Spring, Cool + Light = Summer, Warm + Deep = Autumn, Cool + Deep = Winter
Why Korean Color Analysis Went Viral
Limitations of the 4-Season System
While Korean color analysis is simple and accessible, the 4-season system can be too broad for many people. Someone who is a "Spring" might actually be a Light Spring, Warm Spring, or Clear Spring—each with different optimal colors.
The Western 12-season system provides more precision by recognizing that not everyone fits neatly into just four boxes.