【Save-Worthy Guide】How to Book a Korean Hair Salon! Easy Booking Without a Phone Call

I want to try a hairstyle inspired by my favorite K-POP idol in Korea! But I don't know how to make a reservation... This is for you📱✨

【I want to visit a hair salon in Korea, but I'm worried about speaking Korean on the phone...】

You don't need to worry about that anymore.

In fact, you can make a proper reservation at a Korean hair salon without making a phone call.

Since you communicate by text, you can take your time using a translation app, making the process stress-free.

This time, we'll provide a thorough guide to making reservations at Korean hair salons—a process that's easy even for travelers.

📱No phone call needed! 3 ways to book a Korean hair salon

Booking a Korean hair salon is a little different from booking one in Japan.

Unlike Japan, where phone reservations are the norm, reservations via social media and apps are common in Korea.

In fact, there are many more convenient methods than calling.

Let's take a look at the features of each one.

📝 Copy and paste OK! Reservation message template

Hello!
I am a traveler from Japan.
I would like to make a reservation for 〇/〇 at 〇:〇. Would that be possible?
I would like to get a haircut/coloring/perming.
Do you speak Japanese?

(Hello! I am a traveler from Japan.

I would like to make a reservation for 〇/〇 at 〇:〇. Would that be possible?

I would like a haircut/coloring/perm.

Do you speak Japanese?)

💡Tip: Sending a photo of your desired hairstyle at the same time will make things go smoothly!

Even if you cannot communicate verbally, a photo will definitely convey the image of 【the kind of style you want】.

Many people send photos of K-POP idols or Korean celebrities' hairstyles.

Points to note

・It may take some time to receive a reply (if you contact them outside business hours, it may not arrive until the next day)

・Some hair salons do not accept DMs (in that case, try another method)

・Popular salons tend to fill up quickly, so contacting them early is recommended

② NAVER Reservations (for residents of Korea and long-term visitors)

NAVER Reservations is convenient for those living in Korea or staying for an extended period.

You can easily make reservations through NAVER’s map app, which is also known as the Korean version of Google.

Benefits

✓ Everything can be completed through the app

✓ Real-time availability checking

✓ You can select a specific designer

✓ You can check reviews

✓ Your reservation history is saved

What you need

・A Korean phone number

・A Korean bank account or card

・A reservation deposit of approximately 10,000 won (deducted from the treatment fee)

How to make a reservation

1. Search for a salon on NAVER Maps

Open the app and search for a salon in the area you want to visit.

2. Tap the 【예약】 (Reservation) button

If the salon’s page has a reservation button, it supports NAVER Reservations.

3. Select the date and time, designer, and menu

You can choose from the available time slots.

You can also check the designer’s experience and areas of expertise, so choose someone who suits you.

4. Pay the deposit

Pay by card or NAVER Pay.

This amount is deducted from the treatment fee, so it is essentially like paying in advance.

5. Reservation complete!

You will receive a reservation confirmation message.

Just arrive at the salon on time on the day of your appointment.

Points to note

・A Korean phone number is required

・The deposit is often non-refundable (be careful when canceling)

・Not all salons support this

・Since everything is entered as text, it is reassuring that you can proceed slowly while translating

③ Booking via KakaoTalk

You can also make reservations through KakaoTalk, the most widely used messaging app in Korea.

It is an app similar to the Korean version of LINE and an essential tool for life in Korea.

Benefits

✓ You can communicate by text, so you can feel reassured while translating

✓ Replies are quick (Koreans often check Kakao constantly)

✓ Easy to send photos

✓ Calls are also possible (if necessary)

Booking process

1. Download KakaoTalk

If you do not have it yet, download it from the app store.

2. Add the salon’s official account

Beauty salons often list their KakaoTalk ID on Instagram.

3. Send your booking request via chat

If there is a menu called 【예약관련문의】 (booking-related inquiries), tap it.

If not, send your preferred date and time and the treatment you want directly via message.

4. Wait for a reply

You may receive a reply within a few minutes, or at most a few hours.

5. Your booking is complete!

Once the date and time are confirmed, simply visit the salon on the day.

Important notes

・A KakaoTalk account is required

・Not all beauty salons support this

・Replies may be delayed outside business hours

🔔Important Points for Booking Korean Beauty Salons 

Actually, booking methods vary completely depending on the Korean beauty salon.

If you don't know this, you may get confused and wonder, 【Why can't I make a reservation?】

Why Booking Methods Differ by Beauty Salon

・Accepts bookings via Instagram DM only

・Accepts bookings via NAVER only

・Accepts bookings via KakaoTalk only

・Supports multiple booking methods

・No reservation required (walk-ins welcome)

As you can see, each salon has its own style.

In particular, small privately owned salons often choose their booking method based on the owner's preferences.

How to Check the Booking Method

Many salons list 【예약 방법】 (booking method) in their Instagram profile or highlights.

Check there first.

If it isn't listed,

you can ask via DM, “【어떻게 예약하나요?】” (How do I make a reservation?),

and they will tell you.

Don't hesitate to ask.

⏰Best Time to Make a Reservation

When is the best time to book a Korean beauty salon?

Generally, 2–3 Days in Advance

Once your travel schedule is set, it is best to make a reservation 2–3 days in advance.

It is not too early, while still allowing you to accommodate changes to your plans.

Popular Salons May Require a Week's Notice

Reservations fill up quickly, especially for popular designers and salons that are trending on social media.

If you already have a specific salon in mind, booking a week in advance is not too early.

What About Walk-Ins on the Same Day?

Even if you plan to go on the same day, it is better to contact them first via DM or Kakao rather than showing up unexpectedly.

【오늘 가능해요?】（Is today possible?）

is recommended to ask.

If they have availability, they may say 【今から来てください】“Please come now,”

and even if all appointments are booked, they may suggest another date, such as 【明日なら大丈夫】“Tomorrow would be fine.”

📝Useful Korean Phrases

Here is a collection of useful phrases you can use when making an appointment or at a salon.

Feel free to copy and use them in messages.

＜When making an appointment＞

【예약하고 싶어요】

→ I would like to make an appointment.

【일본어 가능해요?】

→ Do you speak Japanese?

【이 사진처럼 해주세요】

→ Please do it like this photo.

【많이 자르지 말아주세요】

→ Please don't cut too much.

【대략 얼마예요?】

→ Approximately how much is it?

＜At the salon＞

【앞머리는 눈썹 위로 해주세요】

→ Please cut my bangs above my eyebrows.

【자연스럽게 해주세요】

→ Please make it look natural.

【염색 색깔 추천해주세요】

→ Please recommend a hair color.

【비용은 얼마예요?】

→ How much does it cost?

⚠️ Korean Hair Salon Basics You Should Know

Knowing how things differ from Japan will help you have a smooth experience on the day.

＜About Deposits＞

For NAVER

A deposit of approximately 10,000 won is required.

This is deducted from the service fee, so it is essentially like paying in advance.

Please note that it is often non-refundable if you cancel.

For Instagram DMs・Kakao

In most cases, no deposit is required.

However, no-show cancellations are absolutely not acceptable.

If you really need to cancel, please contact them as soon as possible.

＜About Prices＞

Unlike hair salons in Japan, the price is often not finalized at the time of booking.

This is because the price varies depending on the length and condition of your hair, the amount of coloring product used, and other factors.

You can usually find out the approximate price before the treatment on the day.

If you are concerned, you can also ask in advance: 【대략 얼마예요?】

Estimated Service Times

Cut only

Approximately 1–1.5 hours

Cut + Color

Approximately 2–3 hours

Cut + Perm

Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours

Cut + Color + Treatment

Approximately 3–4 hours

It often takes a little longer than in Japan.

This is proof that they take their time and provide careful service, but make sure to leave plenty of time before your next appointment.

What about tipping?

There is no tipping culture at hair salons in Korea.

You can simply pay the listed price.

If you especially love the result, the hairstylist will be very happy if you tag them in an Instagram

Story with a message such as 【It was really good】.

💡Tips for a successful reservation

Finally, here are some tips for making your reservation smoothly.

Prepare multiple photos

It is better to have around three photos showing 【This is the look I want】 rather than just one.

If you have photos from the front, side, and back, it will convey your desired look more accurately.

Include color references too

If you are getting color treatment, also bring reference photos for the color.

【밝은 브라운】（Light brown）

【애쉬 그레이】（Ash gray）

It is also helpful to provide the color names in Korean, such as these.

Be specific about the length

【조금만】（Just a little）is vague.

【5cm 정도】（About 5 cm）

【어깨 정도】（Around shoulder length）

Be specific, for example, by using phrases like these.

🌟Recommended Highlights by Area

It’s also helpful to know the characteristics of salons in each of Korea’s major areas.

Myeongdong

Since this area is popular with tourists, many salons are accustomed to serving foreign customers.

Some even have Japanese-speaking staff.

Prices are slightly higher, but you can feel at ease.

Gangnam

An area at the forefront of trends.

Upscale salons frequented by celebrities and entertainers are concentrated here.

The technical skill is excellent, but prices are also on the higher side.

However, the satisfaction of being able to say 【I had it done here】 is truly exceptional.

Hongdae

As a student district, prices are relatively reasonable.

Many salons specialize in unique and artistic hairstyles.

This is the place to go if you want a bold makeover.

Seongsu

A recently popular 【hipster】 area.

Many salons have stylish, café-like interiors, making them perfect for Instagram photos ◎

With mid-range prices and good quality, it offers excellent value for money.

💖Summary: Booking a Korean Hair Salon Is Surprisingly Easy!

After reading this far, didn’t you think 【It might be surprisingly easy】?

Key Points for Booking a Korean Hair Salon

✅ No phone calls needed! Text-based communication is enough

✅ For travelers, Instagram DMs are the best option

✅ For residents, NAVER reservations are convenient

✅ Check in advance, as the reservation method differs by store

✅ If you have a photo, you can communicate your desired look more clearly

✅ Booking 2–3 days in advance is best

✅ Communicate with peace of mind while using a translation app

Once you’ve made a reservation, it will be even easier from the next time onward.

Korean hair salons are much less intimidating than you might think.

Finally

Korean hair salons offer excellent skills at reasonable prices.

They excel at trendy hairstyles and can create a current style reminiscent of a K-POP idol.

Once you know how to make a reservation, all that’s left is to enjoy the experience.

On your next trip to Korea, be sure to try an authentic K-POP idol-inspired hairstyle.

It’s sure to be a special experience you can’t have in Japan.

Yeppuriko supports your debut at a Korean hair salon💇‍♀️✨