Skincare, makeup, cute accessories, snacks, and fashionable clothes are the reasons many of us travel to South Korea.
We all got introduced to this country through BTS and K-dramas. Now, we know the country’s best-selling K-pop merchandise and new skincare launches. You won’t just stop with these things, but the list gets bigger, and the items are innovative too.
What can I say, shopping in Korea is like a paradise waiting to be explored if you are a shopaholic. Whether you are hunting for cheap things to buy in South Korea, searching for premium products, or looking for meaningful South Korean Souvenirs, you have everything here.
Therefore, when planning your trip, you won’t just be visiting the best places in South Korea, but also filling your bag with cute little things.
Top Things to Buy in South Korea
Before exploring the best things to buy in South Korea, it’s worth noting that Korean products are renowned for their exceptional quality, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.
From street markets to modern shopping districts, you get countless unique items that reflect both its rich heritage and trendy inventions. Let’s start with the best things you can find.
Korean Snacks
How can one country make a simple snack attractive, innovative, and tasty? Korea does it effortlessly. From sweet honey butter chips to spicy tteokbokki-flavoured treats, these snacks offer unique flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
The packaging? They have mastered it; these snacks can even make perfect gifts for friends and family back home.
The best things you can buy
- Choco Pie
- Seaweed-based treats
- Market O Real Cheese Chips
- Calbee Takoyaki Balls
- Honey Butter Chips
- Jolly Pong
- Turtle Chips
- Banana Kicks and so many
Korean Noodles
The instant noodles you tried in India are just basic. And, the Korean noodles can’t be compared as they are so flavourfull. The way Koreans slurp and make the noodles will tempt you to eat instantly.
The Korean ramyeon has gained a fan base in other countries. Brands like Shin Ramyun, Buldak (fire chicken), and Jjapaguri offer incredible flavours that range from comfortingly mild to mouth-wateringly spicy types.
Some of the best noodles to buy when in South Korea
- Nongshim Shin Ramyun Black
- Paldo Cheese Noodle
- Samyang Foods Buldak Quattro
- Samyang Foods Buldak Yakisoba HOT Chicken Flavour
- Paldo Rabokki Noodle and a lot more.
Tip: Ask the locals about their favourite and be introduced to some of the best noodles.
Korean Makeup
K-beauty makeup has revolutionised the beauty industry worldwide with its innovative formulas and adorable packaging. With their adorable packaging and high-quality foundation, lip gloss, blush, lipstick, and many more items, they achieve natural, dewy finishes.
All their products offer high-quality items at reasonable prices. You will find some of the best brands, and there are some of the world’s bestsellers to buy in South Korea.
Best make-up products
- Lip Colours: Benefit Playful Tint and Hince Mood Enhancer
- Foundations: Son & Park Glow Ring Foundation, Etude House Double Lasting Foundation, TonyMoly Facetone Skin Tint, Hanskin Bio Origin Royal Ampoule B.B EX, and Missha M Radiance Foundation
- Blushes: Fwee, Rom&nd, 3CE, and Etude Heart Pop Blusher
Skin Care Products
Korean skincare is legendary for a reason. The 10-step routine has transformed skincare globally, introducing sheet masks, essences, and Snail mucin products that deliver effective results.
The Korean skincare market prioritises gentle, effective ingredients that nourish rather than spoil the skin.
From Glow Recipe’s viral products to traditional brands like Sulwhasoo, you will find solutions for every skin concern. Get your hands on all the best products when you’re there, because they will be in short supply in other countries.
Best skin care products to buy in South Korea
- Cleaning: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm, Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil Deep Clean, and The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam.
- Toner: Laneige Cream Skin Toner & Moisturiser, COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, and SOME BY Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner.
- Serum: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide, Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, and a lot more, based on skin type.
- Moisturiser: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, and Tlismi Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream.
- Sun Screen: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen, TIRTIR Hydro UV Shield Sunscreen, and Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen.
Korean Beverages
Korean drinks offer unique flavours that reflect local tastes and traditions. And any series you watch, you can see people drinking a small banana milk drink. It is the most loved for its sweet treat.
Then you have traditional teas like omija (five-flavour berry) and modern inventions like sparkling yoghurt drinks. Most of the drinks come in collectable bottles or cans with cute designs.
These drinks are among the best things to buy in South Korea and can be given as a thoughtful gift.
The Top Drinks You Must Try
- Banana Milk
- Sikye
- Bacchus
- Soju
- Coffee milk
- Milkis
- Chilsung Cider
K-Pop Items
I know there is one K-pop geek in every group, or even you could be the one. So, for you guys, there is an ultimate treasure.
Official merchandise, albums with exclusive photocards, light sticks, and limited-edition collaborations are everywhere.
Best Spots to Buy K-pop Items: Myeong-dong and Hongdae are hotspots for K-pop shopping, offering a wide range of merchandise from BTS to BLACKPINK.
There are a lot more places like Hot Tracks in Myeongdong, Kyobo Bookstore, Yes24 Live Hall, SM Town Coex Artium, and JYP Republic. These are the places you must go to.
Coffee & Tea
Who wouldn’t go crazy for coffee and tea? If you are, this is the best thing to buy in South Korea.
Korea’s coffee culture is sophisticated and unique. They blend traditional tea ceremonies with modern café innovations.
It’s like the country making people hold on to traditional values, while also meeting modern tastes.
Here are the top Coffee & Tea shops you can go to in South Korea
| Best Coffee Shops | Best Tea Houses |
| Cafe Onion Anguk | Hanok Tea House |
| Fritz Coffee Company, Dohwa | Sinyet chatjip (Shin Tea House) |
| Ediya Coffee Lab. | Traditional Teahouse Insadong |
| Rewire Coffee | Tteuran |
| Namusairo Coffee | Suyeonsanbang |
Hanbok
Hanbok represents centuries of Korean cultural heritage. It is a traditional Korean garment, but it has also been redesigned for modern adaptations while maintaining its elegant cultural significance.
This is definitely one of the unique and famous things to buy in South Korea. They are available in various price ranges, from budget-friendly options to premium silk versions.
When you wear it, it makes you feel like part of a Korean cultural experience, especially at palaces, temples, and festivals, which are popular activities.
Best Places to Buy
- Insadong hanbok rental shops
- Namdaemun Market
- Dongdaemun Market
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Online at Hanbok Lynn
- Traditional stores in the Jongno district.
Korean Stationery Products
Who knew you could get hyped about a pen and paper? I swear, their notebooks are so cute and the planners? Don’t get me started, half the reason people even stay organised is just to show these things off.
Korean stationery makes everyday tasks more enjoyable. Brands like Artbox and Hot Tracks offer unique items you won’t find elsewhere. The attention to detail, quality materials, and adorable designs make Korean stationery perfect for students, professionals, or anyone who appreciates well-designed everyday items.
Best Places to Buy
- Artbox stores
- Hot Tracks
- 10×10 online and offline stores
- Kyobo Bookstore
- Lotte Hands
- Street vendors in Hongdae
Phone Accessories
Korean phone accessories are both practical and stylish. Each of the products will feature popular characters or trendy designs.
You can find protective cases with built-in card holders, decorative phone rings and wireless chargers. These accessories really show off how Korea has a tech-savvy culture.
Best Places to Buy
- Dongdaemun Electronics Market
- Yongsan Electronics Market
- Gangnam underground shopping centre
- Lotte Young Plaza
- Hongdae street shops
- Myeongdong accessory stores
Quirky Socks
I know it sounds weird, but when I tell you socks are cheap and the best things to buy in South Korea, I mean it.
They are super cool with funny designs. You can see everything from cute animals to food items, Korean characters, and witty sayings. These socks turn a basic necessity into a fun fashion statement.
Compared to all the other items, socks are incredibly affordable, lightweight for packing, and make great gifts for people of all ages. These are definitely simple souvenirs from South Korea that people will actually use.
Handmade Paper (Hanji)
This is one of the famous and unique things to buy in South Korea. Hanji represents Korea’s traditional papermaking artistry, dating back over 1,000 years.
These papers are very durable and are used for artwork to home décor items like lamps, boxes, and stationery.
This Hanji is a one-of-a-kind item. They are eco-friendly and represent a meaningful connection to Korean cultural heritage that mass-produced items simply cannot match.
Best Places to Buy
- Insadong craft shops
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Korean Folk Village gift shop
- National Museum shops
- Traditional craft centres in Bukchon
- Speciality paper stores in Jongno
Places to Buy South Korean Souvenirs
Hunting for the perfect souvenirs from South Korea? Honestly, this is going to be one of the best parts of the trip. You get everything, from crowded street markets where you can flex your bargaining skills or go to posh districts stuffed with global labels and hip local shops.
Every spot feels totally different. Some places specialise in quirky, handmade items, while others focus on skincare or K-pop merchandise.
Myeongdong Shopping District
This is the heart of Seoul’s shopping. Myeongdong is popular for Korean beauty stores, fashion boutiques, and street food.
If you are going to South Korea, buy K-beauty items, please go here and nowhere else.
Top Brands You Can Find here are,
| Brand for Makeup and Skincare | Brands for Fashion |
| Laneige | Adidas |
| Nature Republic | H&M |
| The Face Shop | Zara |
| Prettyskin | New Balance |
| Banila Co. | The north face |
| Skinfood | EIDER |
| Tonymoly | Tomo Tom’s |
| Innisfree and many more | Nike and many more |
Note: These are not the only stores you will find; there are many local brands and numerous global brands as well. I recommend that you visit this place to fill your trolley with only the best things.
Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market is one of the biggest markets in South Korea. You can find more than 10000 shops selling various items.
From Kids Wear Street, Military Supplies Street, Camera Street, Beddings Street, Souvenir Street, and Food Street, each lane is designated to a specific item.
When you enter this market, the whole day will pass quickly as you can find many unique shops that sell the best things.
This is one of the go-to places to experience authentic Korean culture, rather than just shopping at big brands.
Insadong Cultural District
If you are a fan of antique stores and aesthetic views, you have to visit Insadong Cultural District.
This place specialises in handmade paper (hanji), traditional teas, Korean pottery, and artwork. You can find cheap things here. But also don’t expect them to sell you some of the best products, like handmade and Korean heritage items, for a lower price.
Korean Souvenirs you find here are worth the investment for special gifts to a special someone in your life. This is the place where you will find meaningful content.
Note: Ssamzigil Shopping Mall, a vibrant shopping complex, is a must-visit when you are in Insadong Cultural District
Hongdae Area
The Hongdae Area is the one place where you get to experience arts, music, a youthful vibe, cafe culture, food stalls, local boutiques, shops, and a lot more.
It’s great for an energised nightlife in Seoul. You have restaurants and bars open till late at night, some even until 3 am.
When it comes to shopping, there are must-visit spots
- AK Plaza Hongdae: Shopping mall with five floors. You have cosmetics, household items, cafes, anime products and even live events happening at times.
- Hongdae Shopping Street: The street is painted with cool art, food stalls, cafes, and local vendors selling unique items.
Gangnam Underground Shopping Centre
This place is very easy to access, as it is connected to Gangnam Station. You can take a train and reach directly and start shopping.
You have affordable fashion, accessories, and beauty products in an underground platform, so you don’t have to worry if it’s rainy or sunny.
It is perfect for quick shopping trips and finding trendy items at reasonable prices. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying in the best area to stay in Seoul, where you can access the metro quickly.
Conclusion
Most countries are not known for shopping, but South Korea is a land made for it. It’s not just about grabbing a keychain at the airport or picking up a T-shirt. Shopping itself is an adventure here.
You have stores overflowing with K-beauty products, and the makeup industry is massive. Not just that, all the snacks, desserts, instant noodles, and cute stationery will make you want to return to this country.
I am sure, if you are visiting South Korea, shopping won’t be just the primary activity. You will have plenty of ideas in your head. But it can be challenging to plan your entire trip. So, I suggest you get help from Dimaak Tours. As a team, we will guide you through flights, sightseeing, and every aspect of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions on Things to Buy in South Korea
What popular things to buy when visiting South Korea?
K-beauty products, Korean snacks, K-pop merchandise, hanbok, and traditional crafts like hanji paper are your must buy in South Korea. All these products represent both modern Korean culture and traditional heritage.
Where can you find the cheapest souvenirs in Seoul?
Namdaemun Market and the Hongdae area offer the best prices. Here, you can find street vendors and underground shopping centres offering a diverse range of items.
Are Korean beauty products cheaper when bought in South Korea?
Yes, most Korean beauty products are much cheaper in Korea than in other countries. You will also find many sample products and gift items when you purchase additional items.
Something to represent as a South Korean souvenir, what can I buy?
Hanbok, hanji paper products, traditional teas, Korean pottery, and ginseng products are perfect traditional gifts that beautifully represent Korean culture and heritage.
What is the best place for K-pop merchandise shopping?
Myeongdong and Hongdae are the top areas for K-pop merchandise. Myeongdong has official stores, many of which are even global brands. Hongdae offers a wider variety, including indie and vintage items.
