# Korean Minister Tours K-Beauty Plant Where Global Sunscreens Are Made

- URL: https://hallyu-brief.vercel.app/en/news/industry-minister-visits-k-beauty-plant-sunscreen-robot-6a34f9
- Published: 2026-10-18T11:28:49.824Z
- Publisher: Hallyu Brief

> On October 16, 2026, Industry Minister Lee So-young visited Korea Cosmetics' Sejong plant to see how K-beauty products are made and how small brands can compete abroad.

## Key points

1. Korea Cosmetics, founded in 1990, makes products for indie brands and global firms such as Estée Lauder and Lancôme.
2. The Sejong plant has an annual capacity of 890 million cosmetic units, including sunscreen.
3. Only about 20 to 30 indie brands are said to stand out in global markets among more than 10,000 exporting firms.

## What happened at the plant?

Industry Minister Lee So-young toured the Sejong plant of Korea Cosmetics in Jeonui-myeon, Sejong City, on October 16, 2026. According to Yonhap News, she began at the company's display hall, which features Korean and overseas-popular brands such as Jowoo Beauty, Dalba, Mediheal, and AHC. She also praised a sunscreen on display, noting that recent versions have far less of the white cast that once made them unappealing.

## Who is Korea Cosmetics?

Founded in 1990, Korea Cosmetics is described as Korea's first cosmetics ODM (original development manufacturing) company. Brand clients hand it product planning, research and development, production, and quality control. The company is especially known for supporting indie and small brands that lack their own factories or R&D capacity.

## How are K-beauty products made?

The Sejong plant produces toner, lotion, cream, essence, and sunscreen, with an annual capacity of 890 million units. A company official said one product can contain 40 to 50 raw ingredients. Each is quality-tested, then added to mixing tanks at set ratios. The minister toured the process from raw material intake through mixing, filling, and packaging.

## Why does this matter for exports?

The minister asked why some brands succeed and others do not. According to the official, only about 20 to 30 indie brands stand out in global markets, although more than 10,000 small and mid-sized firms export cosmetics. The visit was aimed at strengthening export competitiveness for smaller Korean beauty companies.

## For international fans

If you buy Korean skincare abroad, many of the brands mentioned are sold internationally, and the sunscreen category is a common starting point. Check the brand's official online store or major retailers for availability in your country.

## FAQ

### Where is Korea Cosmetics' Sejong plant located?

It is in Jeonui-myeon, Sejong City, South Korea, according to the Yonhap News report.

### Which brands are made by Korea Cosmetics?

The report links the company to its manufacturing role for indie brands and global companies. Specific client lists were not confirmed in the article.

### How many cosmetics can the Sejong plant produce each year?

The plant has an annual capacity of 890 million units across skincare categories including sunscreen.

## Sources

- [Yonhap News](https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20261017033100030)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._