Top 10 Things Foreigners Buy in Korea (And Where to Get Them)
Have you ever wondered what people love to buy when they travel to Korea? 🛍️ Whether you're planning your first trip or just curious about Korean shopping culture, this list will guide you through the most popular items foreigners buy in Korea—and where to find the best deals!
As a fan of Korean culture or someone learning the language, knowing these items can also help you learn useful shopping expressions in Korean. Ready to explore?
🧴 1. K-Beauty Products
Why? High quality, affordable prices, and worldwide fame. Korean skincare is known for innovation and results.
Where to buy: Olive Young (in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Jeju), Duty-Free Stores (Lotte, Shilla), or airport shops.
👗 2. Korean Fashion (Clothing & Accessories)
Why? Trendy, unique styles that reflect K-pop and K-drama influences.
Where to buy: Hongdae and Dongdaemun street shops, Namdaemun for leather goods.
🍜 3. Instant Korean Food & Snacks
Why? Korean ramen, tteokbokki kits, and seaweed snacks are delicious and easy to carry.
Where to buy: E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and convenience stores like CU or GS25.
🌿 4. Ginseng & Health Supplements
Why? A popular health gift, especially among Chinese, Thai, and American visitors.
Where to buy: Jegidong Ginseng Market (Seoul), Korean traditional pharmacies, or duty-free.
🕶️ 5. Eyeglasses & Sunglasses
Why? You can get frames, lenses, and exams all in one place at very affordable prices.
Where to buy: Namdaemun or Dongdaemun optical shops.
🧦 6. Cute Socks
Why? Cheap, high-quality, and often with funny or cute Korean-style designs.
Where to buy: Myeongdong street vendors or Namdaemun Market.
🎤 7. K-pop Merchandise
Why? Global K-pop fans love official goods like albums, photo cards, and light sticks.
Where to buy: K-pop stores in Hongdae, official SM/YG/JYP shops, or pop-up stores.
🎎 8. Traditional Crafts & Souvenirs
Why? Great cultural souvenirs—bojagi, hanji, pottery, and hand fans are always popular.
Where to buy: Insadong and Bukchon, or traditional markets like Gwangjang.
💻 9. Electronics & Accessories
Why? Korea is a tech leader, and items like phone cases or PC parts can be 20–50% cheaper.
Where to buy: Yongsan Electronics Market.
🍶 10. Traditional Alcohol (Soju & Makgeolli)
Why? Many tourists want to bring home Korea’s most famous drinks.
Where to buy: Supermarkets, duty-free shops, and traditional alcohol stores.
🌏 Country-Specific Favorites
- China, Thailand, Vietnam: Ginseng, cosmetics, seaweed snacks
- Japan: Traditional crafts, socks, accessories
- USA, Canada: K-pop items, health products, tech gadgets
💡 Did You Know?
In 2024, over 67% of foreign tourists in Korea purchased beauty products! Olive Young in Myeongdong saw a 72% increase in international sales, and ginseng exports also rose significantly due to global health trends.
📚 Want to practice Korean with me?
Book your personalized lesson on italki today and learn how to shop and communicate like a local in Korea!
💬 Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading! I truly hope you'll keep exploring Korean with me. Come back anytime to discover more expressions and cultural gems! 😊
