The '2026 Beauty Sum Suwon' is scheduled to take place from October 5 to 7 at the Suwon Convention Center, bringing together beauty industry professionals and anyone interested in the field. The event will operate until 5 PM on Saturday, October 7, offering attendees a chance to explore the fair and enjoy the scenic surroundings of Gwanggyo Lake Park.
This year's Beauty Sum features an expanded scale, with 130 participating companies. Noteworthy sectors include skincare and aesthetics with 41 companies, and body and hair care with 15 companies, showcasing a range of innovative products. Additionally, 11 companies will focus on ingredients and manufacturing, while 6 firms will present technology related to cosmetic regulation and distribution. There are also 24 companies from the inner beauty sector, including those dealing with food and biotechnology, meeting consumers directly.
A notable trend at this event is the increased participation from regional companies. In addition to 39 companies from the Gyeonggi region, 21 firms from Seoul and Incheon are taking part, alongside 39 others from provinces like Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeju, and Gyeongsang. Among them, the Gyeongbuk Bioindustry Institute will present high-quality products in a collective space focused on food and biotechnology.
Since 2023, Suwon has initiated specialized fairs to bolster the beauty industry. The inaugural event attracted 97 companies and 4,500 attendees, which grew to 103 companies and over 6,100 visitors in the following year. Last year, significant outcomes included 84 export consultations worth approximately $560 million.
With a focus on differentiating the beauty industry and enhancing K-beauty competitiveness, the 2026 Beauty Sum will concentrate on various sectors, providing specialized exhibition areas for ingredients, materials, brands, and distribution. One of the highlights will be the 'Cosmetic Ingredients Promotion Hall', showcasing commercialized technology from the National Marine Biodiversity Institute and the Gyeonggi Economic Science Center, alongside products using indigenous plants as key ingredients.
The 'AI Beauty Tech Hall' will offer a glimpse into future beauty experiences powered by artificial intelligence. Partners like the Gyeonggi International Medical Association will provide personalized consultations and smart skin analyses, promoting the excellence of beauty tourism linked to healthcare. Companies such as SkinFit and Aram Hubis will utilize AI to analyze skin and offer customized beauty coaching.
Additionally, B2B opportunities and marketing trends will be explored in the 'BIGS Special Hall', facilitating business matching between 13 specialized companies, influencers, and startups looking for global distribution partners.
Notably, the event will serve as a platform for international exchange among industry professionals, including a conference on the morning of October 5 featuring key figures from the Korean, Chinese, and Japanese beauty sectors, as well as a seminar on cosmetic ingredient insights on October 7.
Expectations are high for the 2026 Beauty Sum Suwon as it aims to act as a bridge connecting the domestic beauty industry with the global market, allowing local businesses to not only satisfy consumer needs but also expand into international territories.
The fair presents a unique opportunity to connect with the Chinese market, as Oriental Beauty Valley in Shanghai will host a specialized consultation area in collaboration with Suwon City. A total of 119 products from resident companies will be displayed, ensuring ongoing business consultations. The Oriental Beauty Valley is home to over 3,000 global beauty companies and boasts a robust $19 billion industry scale.
Companies from Thailand will also be involved, with INBA Thailand providing one-on-one business consulting and promoting Korean products through live broadcasts, forging mutual cooperation opportunities.
Moreover, a session for export consultations will include 24 buyers from eight countries, allowing domestic beauty firms to explore expansion possibilities into markets such as Vietnam, China, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, the U.S., Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
The event will also offer citizens an opportunity to engage in beauty experiences, with main interactive programs held at the exhibition's beauty stage. Highlights include a 'Trendy Daily Makeup Seminar' on October 5, as well as various workshops and exhibitions managed by local organizations emphasizing community engagement.
