What to Buy in Korea: 8 Must-Have Souvenirs Everyone's Obsessed With 🛍️
Visiting Korea soon? ✈️
Beyond all the tasty food and exciting sights, one of the best parts of your trip will be shopping—and not just anywhere, but grabbing those viral, must-have “only-in-Korea” items that people always talk about.
You know how everyone says “get matcha KitKats in Japan”?
Well, here’s the Korea edition – the stuff tourists always take home!
🛍 Top 8 Things to Buy in Korea (That Locals & Tourists Love!)
🧴 Mediheal Sheet Masks
- Why it’s famous: Super affordable and great for your skin—hydrating, soothing, and perfect after a long flight.
- Where to buy: Olive Young, Lotte Mart, Daiso, or at duty-free shops at the airport.
🍯 Honey Butter Almonds
- Why everyone buys it: Addictive sweet-salty flavor. Comes in fun flavors like wasabi, tteokbokki, and even garlic bread!
- Where to buy: Convenience stores (CU, GS25), Olive Young, supermarkets, and Incheon Airport.
🔥 Samyang Buldak Spicy Ramen
- Why it’s a must-try: You’ve seen the Fire Noodle Challenge, right? Insanely spicy but SO good.
- Where to buy: Any supermarket, Daiso, or in bulk at Emart. Great souvenir for spice-lovers!
🌿 Cica Cream (Centella Skincare)
- Why people love it: Calms sensitive skin. K-beauty fans especially love Dr. Jart+ and Dermatory.
- Where to buy: Olive Young, Sephora Korea, or duty-free.
💊 Coin Patch (Pain Relief Patches)
- Where to buy: Pharmacies, Daiso, Emart.
- Great for: Long walking days + tired shoulders after carrying all that shopping.
Korea’s version of Japan’s round patches—cheap, compact, and super effective.
🧂 Bibigo Seaweed Snacks
- Why you’ll want them: Crispy, salty, and packed with umami. Korean roasted seaweed is light but flavorful!
- Where to buy: Lotte Mart, Homeplus, or any duty-free food section.
🧼 Korean Character Goods (Kakao Friends, PENGSOO, etc.)
- Think: Cute travel-size mirrors, toothbrush kits, organizers, etc.
- Where to buy: Daiso for affordable stuff, or Kakao Friends stores in Hongdae or Gangnam.
🥤 Grain Latte Mixes (Misugaru, Barley Tea Latte)
- Why it’s cool: Traditional Korean vibes in modern stick packs. Just add hot water!
- Where to buy: Olive Young, supermarkets, or even convenience stores.
✨ Quick Shopping Tips!
- Look for tax refund signs! Most shops offer VAT refund if you spend over ₩30,000 (around $25 USD).
- Daiso is your best friend for cheap & cute souvenirs!
- Save room in your luggage – these items are light but you’ll want to buy a lot.
- Duty-free shops at Incheon Airport are great for last-minute shopping (and free of extra taxes!).
💸Ready to shop ‘til you drop?
If you have any questions or want a full map of these stores, drop a comment below!
And remember: Korea has the goods—you just have to know what to grab.
📍 Visit Korea Snap Guide
• Discover Korea’s top coastal destinations, beach cafés, K-drama filming spots, and more.
👉 koreasnapguide.com