🛍️ Korea Shopping List TOP 10 — What to Buy (and Where) in 2025
🛍️ Korea Shopping List TOP 10: Must-Buys & Where to Find Them (2026)
By Certified Teacher Hoon | Verified for 2025 Travel Standards
Visiting Korea in 2026? Don't leave with just memories! Whether it's the latest K-Beauty trends or exclusive K-Pop merch, Teacher Hoon breaks down the 10 best categories to fill your suitcase. This guide includes price estimates and the newest Tax-Refund rules for a stress-free spree.
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📑 Your Shopping Roadmap
1. K-Beauty Essentials: Skincare & Beyond
Look for "1+1" deals at Olive Young in Myeongdong or Hongdae. As an expert, I recommend checking 전성분 (full ingredients) for sensitive skin.
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Cleansers / Toners | ₩8,000 – ₩20,000 |
| Sheet Mask Boxes | ₩10,000 – ₩25,000 |
🗣️ Survival Phrase: "혹시 세트 할인 있어요?" (Hoksi set hal-in isseoyo? - Are there any set discounts?)
2. Korean Snacks & Food Kits
Top picks include Honey Butter Chips, seaweed packs, and instant Tteokbokki. High-value gift kits are best found at Lotte Mart or E-Mart.
3. K-Pop Official Merch
💡 Pro Battery Warning (2025)
Buying light sticks? Remember: Loose batteries and power banks MUST go in your carry-on bag. Do not pack them in your checked luggage, or they might be confiscated at the airport security check!
4. New 2026 Tax Refund Rules
- ✅ Immediate Refund: Available for receipts under ₩1,000,000 (Total trip limit: ₩5,000,000).
- 🛂 Passport Required: Always carry your original passport for instant tax removal at the counter.
- 🛒 Duty-Free Pre-orders: Order online and pick up at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.
5. Regional Shopping Picks
🚀 Shop with 100% Confidence
Don't just point—speak! Join my 1:1 Shopping Survival Class on italki. We'll practice bargaining, requesting samples, and handling tax refunds until you're a pro.
Master Shopping Korean with HoonLast updated: December 19, 2025 | Based on current Seoul shopping policies.
