If you’ve ever walked into an Olive Young store in Korea, you know how overwhelming it can be—in the best way. Shelves stacked with glowing serums, hydrating creams, and minimalist packaging can tempt even the most budget-conscious traveler. But with hundreds of products and limited English labeling, how do you know what’s worth buying?
The answer? Let the trends guide you. Whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju, certain Korean skincare items consistently show up in tourists’ baskets—and for good reason. These bestsellers combine smart ingredients, gentle formulas, and great value, making them easy favorites among first-time visitors and seasoned K-beauty fans alike.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the top 7 Korean skincare items tourists always buy at Olive Young, what makes them special, and how to use them once you get home.
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
Ask any skincare-savvy tourist what sunscreen they bought in Korea, and chances are this one will be at the top of the list.
Why it’s popular: It’s incredibly lightweight, leaves no white cast, and gives a dewy finish that feels like skincare—not sunscreen.
Hero ingredients: Rice extract for hydration and probiotics for skin barrier support
Who it’s for: All skin types, especially sensitive or combination skin
This sunscreen sells out regularly, so if you see it in stock—grab two.
2. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
COSRX is one of Korea’s most internationally loved brands, and this essence is a global cult favorite.
Why it’s popular: It deeply hydrates and repairs the skin without being sticky or heavy.
Hero ingredients: 96% snail mucin (no snails are harmed), known for wound healing and skin regeneration
Who it’s for: Dehydrated, acne-prone, or post-breakout skin
It’s perfect to apply after toner and before serum or moisturizer.
3. Torriden Dive-In Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum
A newer favorite among both locals and visitors, this blue bottle pops up frequently on K-beauty TikTok and YouTube.
Why it’s popular: Its ultra-light texture disappears into the skin, leaving it instantly plump.
Hero ingredients: 5 types of low molecular hyaluronic acid for multi-layer hydration
Who it’s for: Oily, combo, or dehydrated skin types looking for a non-greasy glow
It works great alone or layered under thicker moisturizers.
4. Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner
If your skin gets red, reactive, or oily when traveling, this toner is a lifesaver.
Why it’s popular: It calms skin quickly and works well with any routine.
Hero ingredients: Heartleaf extract (Houttuynia Cordata), known for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties
Who it’s for: Sensitive, acne-prone, or irritated skin
Apply it with your hands or a cotton pad after cleansing, morning and night.
5. Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask
This sheet mask is so iconic, you’ll likely see it sold in packs of 10 near the register. Mediheal is synonymous with K-beauty sheet masks—and this is their most loved one.
Why it’s popular: Delivers a surge of hydration in just 15 minutes and leaves skin bouncy
Hero ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, allantoin, witch hazel extract
Who it’s for: Anyone with dry or jet-lagged skin in need of quick recovery
Use this before a flight, after sun exposure, or as a pre-makeup treatment.
6. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner
This minimalist bottle contains some serious skin-calming power and is a staple on Olive Young’s bestseller shelves.
Why it’s popular: Gentle exfoliation without stinging or dryness
Hero ingredients: Deep sea water from Ulleungdo and PHA for gentle skin renewal
Who it’s for: Dull, rough, or unbalanced skin in need of smoothing
A great option for people wanting a soft-glow effect without harsh acids.
7. Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint
Technically a makeup item—but hear us out. These tints are small, affordable, and perfect for tourists looking for a pop of Korean beauty trend without commitment.
Why it’s popular: Delivers long-lasting color and a natural glossy finish without being sticky
Top shades: #25 Bare Grape, #13 Eat Dotori, #07 Jujube
Who it’s for: All skin tones—Rom&nd’s shades are universally flattering
Bonus: They make great souvenirs or gifts that actually get used.
How Tourists Can Shop Smart at Olive Young
Olive Young locations can get crowded, especially in tourist hubs like Myeongdong or Hongdae. To make your visit efficient and rewarding:
Check the Olive Young Global website beforehand (they list bestsellers by category)
Take screenshots of the products you want with both the English and Korean names
Look for the yellow SALE signs or 1+1 (buy one, get one free) stickers
Bring a translator app like Papago or Google Lens for scanning ingredients
Most cashiers understand basic English and will help if you show them the product on your phone.
These Skincare Picks Are Worth the Space in Your Suitcase
Whether you’re a skincare beginner or a seasoned K-beauty fan, these seven Olive Young favorites are well-loved for a reason. They’re easy to use, effective, and deliver visible results without requiring a complicated routine.
If you’re short on time, just remember this quick trio:
Beauty of Joseon sunscreen for protection, Torriden serum for hydration, and COSRX snail essence for healing.
You don’t need to speak Korean to bring home glowing skin—just a bit of curiosity and a shopping basket at Olive Young.