Busan Eyeholic & Nail manicure experience: keep your travel vibes at your fingertips
Jufy
2 days ago
Every time I travel abroad, I want to bring home something that feels like it belongs “only to this trip,” but souvenirs often end up tucked away in a cabinet. This time in Busan, I thought, why not get my nails done, at least I can see them every day. So I booked a one-color gel manicure (hands) at Eyeholic& Nail on Creatrip, and below is what my visit was actually like, along with photos from the day.
I made the reservation on Creatrip, for the service “One-color gel manicure (hands), 60 to 90 minutes.” I chose to book through a platform mainly because I was worried about language barriers on site, and it felt more reassuring to confirm the price and service details in advance.
One thing to note though, the listed 60 to 90 minutes is only a guideline, the actual time depends on the design and how things are that day. I left my schedule open before and after my appointment and didn’t book anything right after. It turned out that was the right call, I could just enjoy the process without constantly checking the time.
Inside the salon
The first impression when you walk in is bright and clean. The overall look is white with light wood tones, and the lighting is soft, you immediately feel more relaxed once you sit down. What really made me stop in my tracks was the full wall of gel colors. From yellow, orange, and red, to green, blue, purple, and darker shades, everything was lined up neatly in rows. The counter below also had color charts and display stands for designs, so you can browse and choose as you look.
I spent a long time just choosing a color. A quick tip, the color in the bottle and how it looks on your nails can be slightly different, so it’s best to compare with the color chart directly, or ask the nail artist to do a test swatch. If you’re indecisive like me, it helps to decide first whether you want a warmer or cooler tone, otherwise you’ll honestly stand in front of that wall forever. The color I ended up choosing: light blue.
On the other side of the salon, there’s a small water and coffee corner with a coffee machine, paper cups, and a few small snacks. Next to it is a sink, with everything arranged neatly. Farther inside, there were two beige sofas paired with foot spa stations, so it looks like they also offer pedicures, but I only did a hand service this time so I didn’t try it myself. While waiting, noticing these details made it feel like the salon really cares about keeping the space clean and tidy.
The process
After I sat down, the nail artist first cleaned up my cuticles and shaped my nails, she was very thorough. I just rested my hand on the leather hand cushion, and basically all I had to do was relax and let her work. We used a translation app and showed her reference pictures.
After applying the color, you put your hand under an LED lamp to cure it. In the photo, that blue-purple ring of light is the lamp. Each layer needs to be cured, so this part repeats several times. Each round wasn’t long, and I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. During the little waiting moments, I scrolled on my phone or looked at the colors on the wall, time passed faster than I expected.
Overall, my biggest takeaway was how comfortable the pace felt. The nail artist didn’t rush me, and there was no need to keep talking, I just sat quietly and watched my nails gradually transform.
For me, the best part of this trip was this small, simple kind of happiness. No need to set aside half a day, and no complicated prep, just find one afternoon between shopping and eating, and do something nice for yourself. After coming home, every time I see the color on my nails, I’m reminded of what it felt like sitting there in the salon that day. Compared to bringing back a pile of souvenirs that end up collecting dust, this felt much more meaningful.
Tips for travelers who want to try it
1. Book early: Confirm the service and price through the platform first, and during peak travel seasons it’s even better to reserve ahead of time.
2. Leave extra time: The service may take longer than expected, don’t pack your schedule too tightly, and don’t plan to rush straight to a train or bus afterward.
3. Decide on a color tone first: There are so many colors on the wall, it’s easier to choose if you have a general direction in mind.
4. Prepare reference photos: If you have a style in mind, save photos on your phone to show the nail artist, it’s the most straightforward way to communicate.
5. Aftercare: For the next few days, avoid using your nails to pry things open. Wear gloves for chores so your manicure lasts longer.
Busan has endless ocean views and more delicious food than you can ever finish, but sometimes slowing down and giving yourself a quiet afternoon is also part of traveling. Next time you’re in Busan, if you want to bring home a keepsake that truly belongs to this trip, consider adding a manicure to your itinerary. I hope this helps.
