If you’re visiting South Korea, especially for the first time, there’s one store you absolutely shouldn’t miss: Olive Young. Often described as Korea’s version of Sephora meets CVS, Olive Young is a nationwide health and beauty chain packed with skincare, cosmetics, supplements, snacks, and more. But if you don’t speak Korean, navigating the store might feel overwhelming.
The good news? You don’t need to speak Korean to shop comfortably and confidently at Olive Young. With a few simple tips, tools, and know-how, you can get the most out of your Olive Young experience—whether you’re stocking up on cult-favorite Korean skincare products or browsing limited-edition collaborations.
This guide is designed for foreign travelers who want to explore Olive Young like a local, even with zero Korean language skills.
What Is Olive Young and Why Is It So Popular?
Olive Young is Korea’s largest beauty and wellness store chain, with over 1,000 locations across the country. The brand is known for curating the trendiest skincare, haircare, makeup, health supplements, and lifestyle goods—both domestic and international.
Why tourists love Olive Young:
Stocks most of Korea’s best-known skincare brands (e.g., COSRX, Beauty of Joseon, Torriden)
Frequent discounts and 1+1 promotions
Clean and organized layout, even in small stores
Central locations in areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, and airports
They also have a growing presence online, but visiting a physical store allows you to try, test, and browse new products in person.
What to Expect When You Walk In
When you enter Olive Young, expect bright lighting, upbeat music, and rows of perfectly arranged beauty products. You’ll usually find:
Skincare section near the entrance: toners, serums, sunscreens
Makeup section organized by brand or product type
Haircare and body care in the middle or back rows
Health supplements and inner beauty products (like collagen powders)
Snacks and drinks near the cashier
Mini items and travel kits near the exit
Some larger stores also include men’s skincare sections and a few international brands.
Language Barrier? Here’s How to Navigate with Confidence
Even if you don’t speak Korean, here are ways to shop without stress:
1. Use Your Phone as a Translator
Download Papago or Google Translate
Use the camera translation feature to scan product labels
You can also take a photo of the ingredients list and translate the text on-screen
2. Search Product Names in English Beforehand
Many popular products have names in English on the packaging. For example:
“Relief Sun SPF50” (Beauty of Joseon)
“Advanced Snail Mucin Essence” (COSRX)
“Mugwort Calming Cream” (I’m From)
Take screenshots or save photos of the product packaging before visiting.
3. Staff Usually Don’t Speak Much English—But Are Very Helpful
Even though employees may not speak English fluently, they’re friendly and used to international visitors. You can show them the product name or photo on your phone, and they’ll usually guide you straight to it.
Simple phrases to use:
“이거 있어요?” (i-geo it-sseo-yo?) = “Do you have this?”
“이거 어디에 있어요?” (i-geo eo-di-e it-sseo-yo?) = “Where is this?”
4. Use Olive Young’s Global Website or App for Pre-Trip Research
Visit the English version: global.oliveyoung.com
Browse top-selling items, ingredients, and reviews
Some stores carry “Online Exclusives” in-store—check beforehand
This helps you make faster decisions when you shop in person.
How to Spot Discounts and Promotions
One of Olive Young’s biggest draws is the regular sales and 1+1 deals. Even without reading Korean, here’s what to look for:
1+1: Buy one, get one free
세일 (sale): Discounted price
~% 할인 (hal-in): Means a % off (e.g., 30% 할인 = 30% off)
한정 수량 (han-jeong su-ryang): Limited stock or limited edition
베스트 (best): Best-selling or recommended
Yellow tags often indicate the most popular or discounted products. Some brands also offer free gifts (mini versions or travel sizes) when you buy two or more products.
Payment and Tax Refund Information
How to pay:
Olive Young accepts Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, AMEX, and Korean debit/credit cards
Cash is accepted in Korean Won (KRW)
Some stores may accept mobile payment apps like Samsung Pay or Alipay
Tax refund for tourists:
Spend over 30,000 KRW in a single receipt to qualify
Ask the cashier for a Tax Free receipt (“택스 리펀드 주세요” – taek-seu ri-peon-deu ju-se-yo)
You can claim your refund at the airport (Incheon, Gimpo, etc.) before departure
Alternatively, many Olive Young stores now offer immediate tax refund at the counter for tourists—look for “Instant Tax Refund” signs.
Best-Selling Products You Should Look For
Not sure what to buy? These are consistently among the top-rated by tourists and locals:
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50 – Light, no white cast sunscreen
Torriden Dive-in Serum – Hydrating hyaluronic acid-based serum
COSRX Snail Mucin Essence – Repairing and deeply hydrating
Anua Heartleaf Toner – Calming, gentle toner for acne-prone skin
Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint – Long-lasting, glossy lip tint
Mediheal Sheet Masks – Affordable and effective for hydration
A’pieu Madecassoside Cream – Great for soothing irritated skin
Ask for “bestseller” or check the top shelves—these often rotate monthly and reflect what’s trending in Korea now.
What to Do If You Need Help in Store
Here’s a practical plan if you’re stuck:
Show a photo or product name on your phone
Use the translator app if you’re trying to ask a question
Point to the English label if available
Take your time browsing—no one will rush you
Ask younger staff—they often have better English comprehension
If you’re still unsure, pick up travel-size or mini kits. They’re low-risk and let you sample the product before committing to the full size.
Shopping at Olive Young Can Be Easy and Fun—Even Without Korean
You don’t need to speak Korean to enjoy the full Olive Young experience. With some basic tools—translation apps, photos of the products you want, and a little bit of observation—you can shop confidently and even discover new favorites along the way.
From cult skincare staples to trendy K-beauty makeup, Olive Young is a must-stop for anyone interested in Korean beauty and lifestyle. Just go in with a bit of preparation, and you’ll walk out with a haul that might just change your skincare routine for good.