A Journey into the Art of Dermopigmentation in Seoul

Toni Belfatto in Seoul during his trip to Korea

Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, was the setting for an extraordinary work trip, an experience that marked a turning point in my career in dermopigmentation. This journey was not only an encounter with a new and fascinating culture, but also an exciting challenge: adapting my art to a completely different reality.

My mission in the East was clear: to share my passion for dermopigmentation with the wonderful Korean people through two intensive training courses. The first covered tricopigmentation, an art that recreates the illusion of hair on the scalp, while the second focused on hyper-realistic eyebrows. An unexpected challenge emerged during these courses, as I had to take into account deep cultural differences in the perception of beauty and in eyebrow shape.

In Europe, eyebrows often follow a different style from those in the East, but I learned to observe Korean people carefully and to adapt my technique to respect their preferences. This effort was a tribute to their culture and a sign of my deep respect for beauty in the art of dermopigmentation.

Seoul, a city of extraordinary contrasts, left an indelible mark on my heart. Modern architecture blends with thousand-year-old tradition, creating a remarkable atmosphere. I walked among ultramodern buildings and turned the corner to find myself catapulted into an ancient era, with Koreans in traditional dress and ancient temples.

PMU Korea seminar poster

I also immersed myself in the everyday culture of the city. Every morning at six I joined about forty Korean 80-year-olds at the gym. It was amazing to see their dedication to weight training and yoga. Their attitude towards physical activity opened a window onto their distinctive culture.

Korean table setting
Participants in traditional Korean dress

Korean cuisine won my heart with its steamed flavours and the traditions shared around the table. I was surprised to notice a real celebration of men during meals. Young women were always there to serve, pour water or wine, and even arrange the vegetables in the wok. This celebration of men was a new experience for me, very different from my Italian culture, where it is often the man who tries to show gallantry.

Toni Belfatto in Seoul during his trip to Korea
Toni Belfatto in Seoul during his trip to Korea
Toni Belfatto in Seoul during his trip to Korea

On the last day, the hotel surprised me once more. Check-in for my Korean Air flight was done directly at the hotel, at a dedicated desk. I left my suitcases at the hotel, was taken by a comfortable bus straight to the airport, and only saw my luggage again in Rome. This confirmation of Korea's efficiency and modernity made my experience even more special.

Toni Belfatto in Seoul during his trip to Korea
Royal palace in Seoul

In conclusion, my work trip to South Korea was an exciting chapter in my career in dermopigmentation. It meant not only professional growth but also an opportunity for cultural enrichment. South Korea proved to be a modern nation with sound values, and Seoul will always remain in my heart as one of the most extraordinary and fascinating cities I have ever visited.

Toni Belfatto in Seoul during his trip to Korea