What to Buy in Korea?

The Ultimate Souvenir Guide for Foreign Travelers

So you're visiting Korea — welcome!
You’ve probably already made a list of places to visit, dishes to try, and maybe even K-pop spots to explore. But there’s one thing many travelers forget to plan ahead: What should I bring home from Korea?

Don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the must-buy Korean souvenirs that are practical, cultural, and seriously cool. These are gifts that your friends will thank you for — and maybe you’ll want to keep some for yourself too.

Let’s get started!

1. K-Beauty Products

Let’s be honest — Korean cosmetics are legendary. If you’ve ever seen a K-drama, you’ve probably wondered how everyone has such flawless skin. Here’s your chance to bring that glow home.

Popular brands:

Affordable: Innisfree, The Face Shop, Missha
Luxury: Sulwhasoo, Hera, The History of Whoo
Dermatology-focused: Dr.Jart+, Mediheal

Face masks, in particular, are lightweight and cheap — perfect for bulk gifting or stuffing into your suitcase. You’ll find great deals at Olive Young, Aritaum, and duty-free stores.

2. Seaweed Snacks (Gim)

It may look strange at first, but once you try it, you'll get hooked. Korean roasted seaweed (called gim) is salty, crispy, and often flavored with sesame oil.

Why is it a great souvenir?

It’s lightweight and travel-friendly
It comes in small packs
Many products are halal-certified
Kids and adults both love it

Look for it at grocery stores like Lotte Mart or E-Mart.

3. Korean Snacks & Traditional Sweets

Korean snacks are on another level. From sweet and salty to chewy and crunchy, there’s something for everyone.

What to grab:

Honey Butter Chips: the sweet-salty cult favorite
Shrimp Crackers (Saeukkang): iconic Korean flavor
Choco Pie: marshmallow-filled soft cookie sandwich

And if you want something more cultural:

Hangwa: traditional Korean sweets made from rice, honey, or sesame
Yakgwa: soft and sweet fried honey cookies

Buy a few boxes for your coworkers or friends back home — they’re always a hit.

4. Hangeul-themed Souvenirs

Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, isn’t just functional — it’s beautiful. These days, many souvenirs feature Hangeul as a design element.

Cool gift ideas:

Notebooks, postcards, and T-shirts with Hangeul design
Eco bags with Korean phrases
Magnets, keychains, mugs, and stickers

Try shops in Insadong, Bukchon, or even airport gift stores. They’re cultural and stylish.

5. Traditional Korean Teas

If you want to bring home a calming, health-conscious gift, Korean teas are a thoughtful option.

Best picks:

Yuja Tea (Citron): popular for soothing colds
Jujube Tea: sweet and rich, good for sleep
Ssanghwa Tea: known as an energy booster
Green, barley, or ginseng tea

They often come in beautiful sets and are perfect for parents, colleagues, or tea lovers.

6. K-pop and Korean Character Goods

You can’t visit Korea and not come across K-pop. If you’re a fan (or know one), this is a souvenir gold mine.

What you’ll find:

Photocards, albums, posters, and lightsticks
BT21 (BTS), Pengsoo, Ddoong-rang-i, and more characters
Keyrings, pouches, plush toys

Check out stores in Hongdae, Gangnam, or Myeongdong — and don’t forget the duty-free shops at Incheon Airport!

7. Traditional Korean Crafts

For a more meaningful souvenir, traditional crafts are always appreciated — especially by parents or older family members.

Try these:

Noriegae: traditional accessories
Mother-of-pearl jewelry boxes (Jagae)
Mini folding screens, fans, or silk pouches
Embroidered items with Korean patterns

Visit Insadong or the National Folk Museum shop for authentic items.

8. Stationery & Stickers

Korean stationery is not just cute — it’s high-quality and super creative. Even if you’re not into journaling, it’s hard to walk into a stationery store and not walk out with something.

Grab items like:

Diaries, gel pens, notepads
K-drama quote stickers
Hangeul-themed laptop stickers

Great for small gifts, or to personalize your own workspace. Check out Hottracks, Kyobo Bookstore, or even Daiso.

Final Thoughts

Korea isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s also about taking a piece of that experience home. Whether you’re into skincare, food, culture, or just cute things, there’s a perfect souvenir waiting for you.

So next time you’re shopping in Seoul or browsing airport duty-free, keep this list in mind.
And trust me, your friends will ask, “Where did you get this?” the moment you give them these gifts.

The Ultimate Korea Souvenir Guide for Foreign Travelers