🧳 How to Get the Best Discounts at Olive Young Like a Local – Travel to Korea

Olive Young is **Korea’s largest beauty and health store**, packed with everything from skincare to snacks. It’s a must-visit for travelers, but did you know locals rarely pay full price? In this guide, I’ll show you **when to shop, how to get extra discounts, and why Olive Young is loved by both Koreans and foreign visitors.**

By the end of this post, you’ll know:

What Olive Young is and why it’s so popular in Korea
Major sale periods and how to maximize discounts
Extra tips for foreigners: tax refunds, coupon stacking, and insider perks

🏬 What is Olive Young?

Olive Young is Korea’s **No.1 health & beauty store chain** (often called an “H&B store”). Think of it as **Sephora + CVS**: you can buy cosmetics, skincare, supplements, and even trendy snacks — all in one place.

With over **1,300 stores nationwide**, you’ll find Olive Young on almost every busy street in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju. It’s especially popular among **K-beauty fans** and tourists hunting for authentic products at good prices.

🌍 Why Foreigners Love Olive Young

K-beauty paradise: Access to the latest Korean skincare and makeup trends in one store.
Exclusive brands: Some products are Olive Young-only, not found in duty-free or department stores.
Convenience: Stores are everywhere — near subways, tourist areas, and even airports.
Tax refund & English support: Many stores provide immediate tax-free service and English labels for foreigners.

🛍 When to Shop for Best Discounts

Locals know Olive Young always has **cyclical big sales**:

Global Sale: Held **twice a year** (usually May & November) with up to 50% off.
Monthly Mega Sale: First week of every month — great for skincare staples.
Holiday Events: Christmas, Chuseok, and New Year feature exclusive gift sets and discounts.
App-Exclusive Coupons: Downloading the Olive Young app provides instant 10–15% coupons.

Tip: Stack sale prices with membership discounts and tax refunds for maximum savings!

💡 Insider Tips to Save More

Join Olive Young Membership: Earn points on every purchase, even as a foreigner (just use your passport number).
Combine coupons: Use app coupons + in-store promos for double discounts.
Shop clearance corners: End-of-season items and expiring products can be 70% off.
Tax refund on the spot: Many central Seoul stores offer immediate tax-free checkout for tourists.

🗯 Say what?

“득템 (deuk-tem)” – Slang meaning “a lucky find” or “awesome deal.” Locals say this when they score an amazing discount or rare product, especially during Olive Young sales.

🌏 Did You Know?

Olive Young isn’t just a store — it’s a **trendsetter**. In 2023, over 60% of Koreans in their 20s and 30s bought cosmetics here, and its yearly sales exceeded **2 trillion KRW**. Many YouTubers and TikTokers visit Olive Young as a “must-film” spot for K-beauty haul videos.

📦 Final Thoughts

If you’re traveling to Korea, Olive Young isn’t just for shopping — it’s a cultural experience. Plan your visit around **major sales**, download the app, and explore local-only products for the best deals. You’ll shop like a true local and bring home authentic K-beauty finds.

If this guide was helpful, bookmark, share, or comment — your feedback motivates me to create more local tips for travelers! 🙏

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Keep exploring more posts like these and grow your Korean skills step by step!

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About the Author

I’m an office worker with 20 years of experience who enjoys studying English and Japanese. Through this blog, I share simple guides to help you learn Korean and understand Korean culture better.