Korean-made cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular in Asia, mainly due to a rise in consumption levels in the region. The Korea Customs Service said Thursday that cosmetics exports from Korea to Southeast Asia jumped four-fold in three years to reach some US$480-million last year.

Officials say the popularity of Korean pop culture and rapid economic growth in developing countries helped boost exports.

Exports of beverages to Asia also increased four-fold within the same period to reach US$420 million last year.