If you’re visiting South Korea in 2025, chances are you’re already thinking about what to bring back home. Whether it’s gifts for friends and family or keepsakes for yourself, souvenir shopping in Korea can be both exciting and overwhelming. From trendy skincare and traditional crafts to quirky snacks and K-pop merchandise, there’s an endless list of options. But which Korean souvenirs are actually worth buying?
This guide breaks down the most popular and meaningful items to bring home from Korea—focusing on quality, value, uniqueness, and packability. It’s written specifically for international travelers who want to avoid generic tourist traps and instead go for souvenirs that genuinely reflect Korean culture, style, or practicality.
Korean Skincare and Beauty Products
K-beauty is world-renowned, and for good reason. Korea offers some of the most innovative and affordable skincare in the world, and buying directly in Korea means better prices, limited editions, and special gift sets you can’t find elsewhere.
What to buy:
Sheet masks – Affordable, light, and easy to pack
Sunscreens – Korea leads the industry in light-textured, high-protection sunscreens
Essences and serums – Snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and fermented ingredients are trendy
Lip tints and cushion foundations – Lightweight and perfect for humid climates
Limited edition gift boxes – Great for gifting
Where to shop:
Olive Young, Lalavla, Chicor, Style Nanda’s 3CE, road shops in Myeongdong or Hongdae
Tip: Look for tax refund stickers at checkout if you’re spending over ₩30,000 in one transaction.
Traditional Korean Crafts and Accessories
For something more culturally rooted, traditional Korean items make beautiful and meaningful souvenirs. These are perfect if you’re looking for decorative pieces or gifts with a handmade touch.
What to buy:
Hanji (traditional paper) crafts – Lamps, notebooks, fans
Norigae charms – Traditionally used on hanbok, now sold as keychains or bag charms
Mother-of-pearl accessories – Jewelry boxes, cardholders, hairpins
Ceramics – Celadon teacups, white porcelain, or modern interpretations
Embroidery goods – Hand-stitched pouches, bookmarks, or framed art
Where to shop:
Insadong (Seoul), Bukchon Hanok Village craft shops, National Museum gift stores, traditional markets
These items are particularly appreciated as non-generic gifts that show you took the time to find something thoughtful.
Korean Snacks and Instant Food
Korean snacks are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. They’re affordable, fun, and come in compact packaging that makes them easy to share (or keep for yourself).
Top picks in 2025:
Honey Butter Chips – Still popular and addictive
Pepero (especially limited editions) – Korea’s version of Pocky
Buldak spicy ramen – Especially popular in the U.S. and Southeast Asia
Tteokbokki snack cups – Easy to prepare, spicy and savory
Gimbap chips or kimchi-flavored seaweed – Unique and very Korean
Where to shop:
CU, GS25, E-Mart, Lotte Mart, or at Incheon Airport duty-free
Tip: Grab a reusable snack bag or box to avoid spills during travel.
K-pop Merchandise and Idol Goods
If you’re a fan—or shopping for someone who is—K-pop merch is a must-buy. While official merchandise is more expensive, it’s better made and often exclusive to Korea.
What to buy:
Official lightsticks (each group has a unique one)
Albums with photocards
Apparel from agency stores or concert venues
Stationery and accessories (posters, pins, notebooks)
Where to shop:
Hybe Insight (for BTS), SM Town &Store (for EXO, NCT, aespa), WithDrama, KTown4U, underground shops in Myeongdong and Hongdae
Even if you’re not a fan yourself, a few K-pop items make fun, unique souvenirs for younger friends or family.
Korean Stationery and Lifestyle Goods
Korean stationery is famous for being aesthetic, functional, and ridiculously cute. Whether it’s journals, pens, or quirky planners, these are the kind of souvenirs that actually get used.
What to look for:
Dotted notebooks with minimalist designs
Pens with gel ink (smooth writing, affordable)
Deco stickers and washi tape
Undated daily planners
Small desktop organizers and cases
Where to shop:
Artbox, 10×10 (Ten by Ten), Kyobo Bookstore, Morning Glory, Daiso Korea
These are great lightweight souvenirs that fit easily into carry-on luggage and appeal to all ages.
Korean Tea and Traditional Food Gifts
If you’re into edible souvenirs with a cultural twist, Korean tea and specialty food items make a sophisticated gift.
Recommended items:
Yuja (citron) tea concentrate – Sweet and fragrant
Ginseng tea or extract – A health-oriented option
Omija tea (five-flavor berry) – Beautiful in color, with a complex flavor
Yakgwa (traditional honey cookies) – Wrapped in boxes, good for gifting
Jeju green tea or Hallabong chocolates – Regional specialties
Where to shop:
Tea houses, local markets (Gwangjang Market, Namdaemun), department store food halls (Hyundai, Lotte), or Jeju Island gift shops
These make elegant gifts for parents, coworkers, or anyone who enjoys food as an experience.
Modern Korean Fashion Accessories
While fashion trends shift quickly in Korea, you can always find affordable, stylish accessories in places like Hongdae, Ewha, or Express Bus Terminal’s underground mall.
Great buys include:
Earrings and rings from indie jewelry shops
Tote bags with minimalist Korean slogans or illustrations
Hair clips, headbands, or scrunchies (often trend-driven)
Scarves or knitwear during winter
Most of these can be bought for under ₩10,000 and are small enough to fit in your personal bag. They’re also great souvenirs to wear home and keep the travel vibe alive.
Bonus: Korea-Themed Souvenirs That Aren’t Tacky
If you want souvenirs that reflect Korea without being kitschy, look for:
Seoul skyline mugs or trays
Socks with Hangul or cartoon idols
Metal bookmarks shaped like hanbok or landmarks
Puzzle sets or LEGO-style figures of Gyeongbokgung
Korean proverbs or Hangeul calligraphy art prints
You can find these in museum shops, book stores, or select DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) pop-ups. They strike a nice balance between design, function, and Korean identity.
Souvenir Shopping Tips for Travelers in Korea
Claim your tax refund: Most shops offer a tax refund on purchases over ₩30,000. Just bring your passport.
Avoid airport prices: Unless you’re short on time, it’s better to buy souvenirs in the city than in duty-free shops.
Pack smart: Snacks, liquids (like tea), and fragile items should be protected with bubble wrap or soft clothes.
Check for English labels: Especially for cosmetics and food, to avoid allergy risks or usage confusion.
Buy locally, not just in tourist areas: Prices and quality are often better outside places like Myeongdong.
The Best Souvenirs Reflect Your Experience
Whether you’re wandering through Gyeongbokgung Palace, shopping in Hongdae, or trying spicy tteokbokki on the street, the best souvenirs are the ones that bring you back to those memories. Instead of filling your suitcase with random magnets or mass-produced keychains, think about what you actually loved during your trip—and choose items that reflect that.
From beauty products to traditional tea, modern stationery to vintage-inspired crafts, Korea offers countless souvenir options that are beautiful, useful, and meaningful. The only hard part is making room in your suitcase for all of them.