The exact date is uncertain, but evidence can be found in the wall painting at the ‘Susan-ri tomb,’ a 5th-century mural. The artwork above depicts two noble individuals under separate parasols, shielding them from the sun’s harmful UV rays. At the same time, their servants follow behind without anything to protect them from the sun.

This conveys the message that the two individuals need not work hard under the sun (during that time, Goguryeo was an agricultural society), symbolizing nobility and power. Consequently, at least since that era, Koreans have aspired to attain brightened skin—’백옥같은 피부‘ (Skin just like white jade)—without flaws, making it one of their primary beauty standards.

‘백옥 같은 피부’ translates to ‘skin just like white jade’, indicating flawless, freckle-free, naturally brightened skin. However, this expression does not imply a preference for white people, such as Europeans or Anglo Saxons, but rather emphasizes naturally brightened skin without any flaws.