Imagine stepping into a country where ancient traditions harmoniously blend with cutting-edge modernityโthis is Korea. From the moment you arrive, youโre enveloped by the harmonious K-food, K-fashion, K-beauty, K-drama, and K-pop vibes. In short, Korea is a country that offers you a little bit of everything when you visit. If you’re mesmerised by K-culture and everything it brings, here are 10 things you must buy in Korea so you can still bring a small part of Korea back home as a memory!
Which are the 10 things you must buy in Korea?
1. Skin care products
Needless to say, K-beauty products are phenomenal globally. When visiting Korea, these items are definitely the top few things you must buy in Korea!
Ever wonder how to achieve the glass-looking flawless skin condition famous in the K-beauty scene? Well, then you should follow the 10-step Korean skincare routine! The steps typically include Oil-based cleanser, Water-based cleanser, Exfoliator, Toner, Essence, Serum/Ampoule, Sheet mask, Eye cream, Moisturiser, and Sunscreen.
The most iconic place you can find these skin care products is at Olive Young. From a wide range of items from different brands, you can surely find the products that suit you best. Not only you will find high-quality products, but they are pretty affordable too.
Besides Olive Young, you may also find cheaper products at Artbox, Daiso, or local retailers. If you’re wondering what to gift your family and friends, this is one of the things you must buy in Korea!
2. Makeup products
Like Korean skin care products, the global success and influence of using Korean makeup products are unfathomable. The best part about visiting Korea is you can easily find and buy everything from base makeup to setting powder.
Whether you are looking for lightweight formulas, UV protection, or an advocate for Eco-Conscious Beauty, the Korean makeup market will not disappoint. Additionally, Korean brands are constantly investing in R&D efforts so new trend-changing products are always highly sought after.
Olive Young is the go-to spot for all your K-beauty needs, but due to the high popularity, you should expect large crowds so be sure to prepare a list of things you must buy in Korea before heading down!
3. K-fashion
Korean fashion has been an inspiration for many K-culture lovers worldwide and has seen success in influencing fashion trends internationally. What comes to your mind when we talk about Korean fashion?
Trendy fashion brands and items like oversized hoodies and graphic tees? Simple yet elegant Korean jewelry designs? Fashion-forward and chic Korean bags? Cute Korean hair accessories? These are impeccable to the Korean fashion world!
If you are looking at these as the things you must buy in Korea, explore Hongdae, Seongsu, and Myeongdong! These places feature some of Korea’s famous fashion brands like Emis, Standoil, and many more!
4. Prescription glasses
Wearing glasses is no longer boring when you can have them custom-made in Korea! The prescription glasses market in Korea is massive and you will probably find different shops near to one another.
Trendy prescription glasses are also part of the K-fashion look! Whether you just need a new pair or wish to get something similar to your favorite idols, Korea is the place you need to get them!
If you’re worried about time constraints, you do not need to worry as it will take between 0.5 to 2 hours before it is ready for collection. Places like Hongdae and Myeongdong have various glasses shops so don’t forget to drop by when you’re there!
5. Cute items
Korea is the epitome of cute finds! If you are in Korea looking for small and cute items like stationery, decorations, or phone casings, you are in the right place. Let us tell you why.
There are many collaborations with Sanrio, BT21 (BTS’s characters), Disney, and others. For instance, you can find a whole collection of stationery featuring Sanrio characters at Artbox. You will also see lifestyle items like socks, cups, and cutlery sets featuring Winnie the Pooh and Disney princesses at Daiso. For Line (BT21) or Kakao characters, you can visit their flagship stores to check them out too!
Have you heard of PopMart? They are famous for selling collectible designer toys, often sold in a ‘blind box’ format. The thrill and happiness of unboxing made it one of the reasons for the rise in popularity and we recommend adding to the things you must buy in Korea. The flagship store is in Hongdae.
Some popular collectibles are Labubu (a trend brought by Blackpink’s Lisa), Sonny Angels, and the Powerpuff Girls Crybaby version. While most of them are meant for display, many others are key rings so you can hang them on your bag as a fashion statement!
6. K-pop items
10 things you must buy in Korea will definitely include K-pop items! Calling all K-pop avid fans and lovers, Korea is the place where you can source for K-pop collectibles.
K-pop albums and K-pop fan merchandise like lightsticks, concert tees, and photo cards from your favorite K-pop groups can be found in shops like WithMuu, located in Hongdae. Not only WithMuu, but there is also an underground K-pop shopping district at Myeongdong featuring new and past albums so if you are keen to collect older albums then this will be the perfect spot to visit.
Additionally, we would like to bring your attention to K-Pop Vinyls! For collectors or music lovers, purchasing K-pop albums on vinyl is a unique way to bring home a piece of Koreaโs music scene.
7. K-food meal kits
Do you love Korean food? It is a must to buy back some food and snacks! There are various packed Banchan (side dishes) you can buy off the shelf at supermarkets like LotteMart, HomePlus, or even convenience stores.
There are some meal kits as well, dishes like Tteokbokki and buckwheat noodles can be easily found too. Back to the most iconic Korean food, you must buy different Ramyeon flavors to try. We would also like to recommend instant food such as Jeyuk Dobbap (Stir fry spicy meat with rice) and many more. It comes in a disposable yellow bowl and you should look for the brand, “Ottogi” at supermarkets or convenience stores!
8. Health food and products
What are some Korean health foods you know? Korea is famous for Ginseng (์ธ์ผ) as a health supplement. You can buy ginseng tea, dried ginseng, and ginseng extract which will help boost energy and the immune system.
Some other foods include Barley Tea (๋ณด๋ฆฌ์ฐจ), enjoyed hot or cold and is commonly served with meals in Korea. Barley tea helps to improve digestion and may relieve indigestion or bloating. Barley tea also contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Barley Tea can be bought at marts in sachet form or tea bags for easy preparation.
Korean pears (๋ฐฐ) are also known for their high fiber content, which supports digestion and alleviates constipation. They are commonly eaten raw, or used in dishes like baesuk (a spiced pear dessert). With Korea being innovative, it is now also available in pear extract, ready to drink from its packaging. Think of it as pear juice which is sweet and nutritious. Are you ready to try? Remember to add it to the ‘things you must buy in Korea’ list.
9. Traditional souvenirs
Getting traditional souvenirs is also the top few things you must buy in Korea. Below are some things you can explore.
Hanbok, a Korean traditional outfit, is perfect as a keepsake. If you’re looking for smaller items, there are places selling Hanbok keychains or fridge magnets.
Korean tea sets, often made from Celadon pottery (green-hued porcelain from the Goryeo Dynasty) could be another perfect choice. You can either use it or add it to your display.
Korean Fan, a traditional folding fan, is often painted with intricate designs. If you’re here during summer, simply use it when the weather is too hot or bring it home and put it up as decoration!
There are definitely other things apart from those we shared, let us know what are some of your favorite Korean traditional crafts!
10. Korean lucky charms
Last on our list of the top 10 things you must buy in Korea is Korean lucky charms. These charms are also called Talisman Amulets. They are small, traditional items believed to bring good fortune or ward off bad luck. Some items include bead bracelets, keychains, and thin cards (kept inside a wallet or card holder).
We recommend visiting Bongeunsa Temple where they have a shop inside selling lucky charms. Not only for good luck, they sell other variations such as for love, career, education, or health. It will also be a great gift idea to bless your family or friends.
When visiting Korea, be sure to check out the 10 things you must buy in Korea. Keep following the Go! Go! Hanguk blog and donโt hesitate to contact us about living and studying in Korea. Alternatively, check out our TikTok page for more interactive content!
