Author
H.D. PARK
Wondering what to buy in Korea during your trip in 2025? Beyond its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, Korea offers a shopping experience like no other. From cutting-edge beauty products to traditional crafts, here’s your ultimate guide to the must-buy items that capture the essence of Korea.
Table of Contents
What to Buy in Korea #1. K-Beauty Products: Skincare and Cosmetics
K-beauty remains one of the biggest reasons visitors shop in Korea. The quality, innovation, and affordability are hard to beat — and many popular brands are native to Korea. From luxury lines like Sulwhasoo to everyday favorites like Innisfree and Etude House, you’ll find products for every budget and skin type. One of the best places to browse a wide variety of these items is Olive Young, Korea’s most popular multi-brand beauty store, where you can explore everything from top-selling serums to trending sunscreens all under one roof. Olive Young also operates a global online shopping mall where you can buy K-beauty products online.
Must-buy K-Beauty items:
- Sheet Masks (Mediheal, Innisfree)
- Lightweight Sunscreens (Round Lab, Beauty of Joseon)
- Serums and Essences (Snail mucin, Hyaluronic acid)
- Cushion Foundations (Hera, Laneige)
Where to shop: Olive Young, Chicor, Aritaum, Brand flagship stores in Myeongdong
What to Buy in Korea #2. Korean Snacks and Treats
Korean snacks are fun, creative, and seriously addictive. They’re perfect for sharing with friends back home or simply indulging during your trip. From sweet treats to spicy bites, there’s something for every taste. One unique item worth trying is gim (salted dried seaweed). Although Koreans usually eat it as a side dish with rice, many foreigners enjoy it as a light, crispy snack.
Must-try snacks:
- Honey Butter Chips
- Gim(salted dried seaweed)
- Ramyun (spicy instant noodles)
Where to shop: Lotte Mart, E-Mart, convenience stores (CU, GS25)
What to Buy in Korea #3. Traditional Korean Handicrafts
Looking for a meaningful souvenir? Traditional crafts reflect Korea’s rich cultural heritage and make beautiful, lasting gifts. You’ll find handcrafted items like hanji paper goods, celadon pottery, and mother-of-pearl inlay boxes in the cultural streets of Insadong — one of Seoul’s best-known neighborhoods for antique shops and artisan stalls. You can also explore nearby areas like Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses line the streets and local craftsmen sell handmade goods.
Popular handicrafts:
- Hanji Paper Lamps and Notebooks
- Celadon Pottery (Goryeo-style ceramics)
- Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Boxes
- Handmade Silk Pouches
Where to shop: Insadong Street, Bukchon Hanok Village, cultural markets
What to Buy in Korea #4. K-Pop Merchandise
K-pop fans won’t want to miss the chance to pick up official merch straight from the source. From albums and photobooks to lightsticks and concert goods, Korea offers the full fan experience. Even casual listeners can enjoy a unique piece of Korean pop culture. If you’re joining a K-pop-themed tour or attending a concert, many companies even provide exclusive souvenirs on-site, making your experience even more memorable.
Top K-pop items:
- Official Albums and Photobooks
- Lightsticks (BTS Army Bomb, BLACKPINK Hammer Bong)
- Concert Merch (hoodies, caps)
- Idol Figurines and Keyrings
Where to shop: Hongdae, Myeongdong Underground Mall, COEX
What to Buy in Korea #5. Korean Fashion
Korean fashion is trendy, clean, and surprisingly affordable compared to other major cities. Whether you’re into minimalism, streetwear, or bold statement pieces, Korea has it all. Many local brands like Matin Kim, known for its chic and modern designs, or Andar, a popular Korean athletic wear brand, have built strong followings both at home and abroad. You can shop at road shops in areas like Hongdae and Garosu-gil, or browse curated collections in large shopping malls like Lotte World Mall and upscale department stores such as The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido.
Trendy clothing items:
- Oversized Blazers and Jackets
- Pleated Skirts and Minimalist Dresses
- Cute Bags and Accessories
Where to shop: Dongdaemun Fashion Plaza, Hongdae streets, Lotte World Mall, Yeouido the Hyundai
What to Buy in Korea #6. Korean Stationery and Cute Goods
Korea’s obsession with cute (but functional) stationery makes it a paradise for students, artists, and everyday journalers. Many items feature beloved Korean characters like Kakao Friends or BT21, making them even more collectible.
Cute stationery finds:
- Character Notebooks and Planners
- Colorful Gel Pens and Stickers
- Desk Organizers and Washi Tape
Where to shop: Artbox, Daiso
What to Buy in Korea #7. Traditional Clothing: Hanbok
Hanbok isn’t just for formal occasions — modern versions make stylish souvenirs too. While the traditional hanbok is worn during festivals or family events, today’s modern hanbok offers a more casual, fashion-forward twist that many travelers love to bring home. Renting a hanbok and wearing it while visiting royal palaces like Gyeongbokgung or Changdeokgung is a must-do cultural experience — and as a bonus, wearing a hanbok gives you free admission to most of these historic sites.
Hanbok options:
- Traditional Hanbok for ceremonies
- Modernized Hanbok (casual reinterpretations)
- Hanbok rental services for palace visits
Where to shop or rent: Gwangjang Market, Bukchon Hanok Village, near Gyeongbokgung
Bonus: Read about How to visit Changdeokgung Secret Garden
What to Buy in Korea #8. Korean Alcoholic Beverages
Korean alcohol is affordable, unique, and easy to carry home — a great gift for friends or a memorable souvenir for yourself. The most famous is soju, and Korea’s top brand Jinro continues to hold the title of the world’s best-selling distilled spirit. You can also sample makgeolli (a milky, slightly sweet rice wine) and fruit-based liquors like plum or raspberry wine. Most of these can be found at any convenience store or duty-free shop at the airport.
Top picks:
- Soju (Chamisul, Good Day)
- Makgeolli (Traditional Rice Wine)
Where to shop: Convenience stores, supermarkets, duty-free shops
What to Buy in Korea #9. Health and Wellness Products
Koreans are serious about their health, and it shows in the wide range of wellness products you’ll find across the country. One of the most popular items among both locals and tourists is red ginseng (홍삼), known for its energy-boosting and immune-strengthening properties. You’ll find it in the form of extracts, capsules, teas, and even jelly sticks. Herbal teas like citron (yuzu) tea, barley tea, and corn silk tea are also widely consumed for digestion and relaxation.
Wellness favorites:
- Red Ginseng Extracts
- Herbal Teas (Citron Tea, Corn Tea)
- Probiotics and Vitamin Packs
Where to shop: Gyeongdong Market, Olive Young, pharmacy chains
What to Buy in Korea #10. Home Decor and Lifestyle Goods
Want to bring a little Korean vibe into your home? Korea’s lifestyle stores are full of stylish, minimalist, and affordable decor that blends traditional charm with modern design. You’ll find beautifully crafted ceramic tableware, tea sets, and hand-painted fans alongside trendy items like aromatherapy diffusers and scented candles featuring Korean-inspired fragrances such as mugwort, green tea, or pine.
Home goods to buy:
- Ceramic Tableware and Tea Sets
- Traditional Fans and Lanterns
- Scented Candles and Diffusers
Where to shop: Jaju, independent stores in Itaewon and Hongdae
Shopping in Korea is an adventure in itself. Whether you’re picking up beauty products, delicious snacks, stylish outfits, or cultural keepsakes, every purchase will remind you of your trip long after you return home. Use this 2025 Korea shopping list as your personal guide — and happy shopping!
