If you’re planning a beauty haul in Korea, there’s one store you absolutely need on your itinerary: Olive Young. Known as Korea’s go-to destination for skincare, cosmetics, health supplements, and lifestyle goods, Olive Young has locations on nearly every block in major cities. But not all stores are created equal—some are small corner branches with just the essentials, while others are sprawling flagships filled with exclusive items, international brands, and even in-store testers.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to find the biggest and best Olive Young stores in Seoul, including must-visit locations in tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Myeongdong, Gangnam, and Hongdae. Whether you’re here for the best Korean sunscreens, trending serums, or just want to explore like a local, these are the stores that offer the widest selection and the most enjoyable shopping experience.
Why Visit a Flagship Olive Young Store?
Before jumping into the locations, let’s clarify what makes these larger stores worth your time:
Wider product selection: Includes exclusive lines, international imports, and trending TikTok items
More testers and displays: Try products before buying, especially helpful for color cosmetics
Tourist-friendly features: Instant tax refund counters, English labeling, multilingual staff, and global payment options
Better promotions: Flagship stores often have early access to deals and limited-edition bundles
If you’re only visiting Korea for a few days, heading to a flagship Olive Young ensures you’ll see the full range of what K-beauty has to offer.
1. Olive Young Myeongdong Flagship Store (명동 플래그십)
Location: 13 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest Subway Station: Myeongdong Station (Line 4, Exit 6)
This is the most famous Olive Young store for tourists—and for good reason. Located right in the heart of Seoul’s busiest shopping street, the Myeongdong flagship is massive, spanning multiple floors and packed with the trendiest products. It’s also where many global K-beauty influencers shoot their shopping vlogs.
Why go:
Best for first-time visitors
High turnover means fresh stock
Has staff who speak English, Japanese, and Chinese
Many products labeled in English
Tax refund counter available on site
Expect crowds in the evening and on weekends—go early if you want a relaxed shopping experience.
2. Olive Young Gangnam Flagship Store (강남 플래그십)
Location: 429 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Nearest Subway Station: Gangnam Station (Line 2 or Shinbundang Line, Exit 10)
This two-story Olive Young is one of the largest in Korea and caters to both locals and international shoppers. It’s located along one of Seoul’s busiest commercial streets and is known for its premium layout and in-store exclusives.
What makes it stand out:
Wide aisles, spacious displays
Premium K-beauty brands and clean beauty section
Special areas for men’s grooming and inner wellness products
Self-checkout kiosks and fast tax refund services
The Gangnam location also tends to receive limited-edition launches earlier than smaller stores.
3. Olive Young Hongdae Main Store (홍대점)
Location: 158 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Nearest Subway Station: Hongik University Station (Line 2, Gyeongui–Jungang Line, Exit 9)
Hongdae is popular with younger locals and international travelers, so it’s no surprise that the Olive Young here caters to trend-driven beauty lovers.
Why it’s worth visiting:
Focus on Gen Z and trendy skincare brands
Budget-friendly bundles and 1+1 deals
Frequent pop-up zones and exclusive launches
Great variety of sheet masks, lip tints, and portable skincare
This branch is ideal for those who want a fun, energetic vibe while shopping.
4. Olive Young COEX Mall (코엑스몰점)
Location: Inside Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu
Nearest Subway Station: Samseong Station (Line 2, Exit 6)
If you’re already exploring COEX Mall—home to the famous Starfield Library and aquarium—you can stop by one of the most spacious Olive Young stores.
Why it’s ideal for shoppers:
Less crowded than Myeongdong or Hongdae
Modern design with organized zones
Ideal for families or those staying near Gangnam hotels
Great selection of clean beauty and vegan brands
This store also includes a large section dedicated to lifestyle products, including sleep aids, snacks, and daily supplements.
5. Olive Young Itaewon Branch (이태원점)
Location: 179 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Nearest Subway Station: Itaewon Station (Line 6, Exit 2)
Itaewon is a diverse neighborhood known for its expat community, international cuisine, and nightlife. The Olive Young here reflects that diversity with a global-friendly layout and inclusive product range.
Reasons to visit:
Higher chance of staff speaking fluent English
Excellent men’s skincare section
More diverse shade ranges for makeup
Unique collaborations and travel essentials
If you’re staying in Itaewon or coming for dinner, it’s easy to drop by and stock up.
Bonus: Olive Young Incheon Airport (Terminal 1 & 2)
If you didn’t get a chance to shop during your trip—or just want to use up your last won—Incheon Airport has well-stocked Olive Young stores inside both terminals.
What you’ll find:
Travel-size versions of bestsellers
Duty-free packaging for some items
English signs and quick tax refund integration
Helpful for last-minute gifts
Note: Selection is more limited than flagship stores, but still a great stop for top picks like COSRX, Anua, and Beauty of Joseon.
Planning Your Visit: Tips for Tourists
Use the Olive Young Global website to check product availability in advance.
Bring your passport for instant tax refunds on purchases over 30,000 KRW.
Look for 1+1 and SALE tags—especially near the front of the store.
Shop in the morning or weekday afternoons to avoid heavy crowds.
Download Papago or Google Lens for quick translation if product labels aren’t in English.
Some stores also carry exclusive in-store-only items or Olive Young’s private label brands like Wakemake, Bring Green, and Bio Heal Boh.
These Flagship Stores Offer the Best Olive Young Experience in Seoul
If you’re serious about Korean skincare, there’s no better place to explore than Olive Young’s flagship locations. With larger inventory, tourist services, English signage, and a curated selection of Korea’s most popular beauty products, these branches are ideal for both first-time buyers and returning K-beauty fans.
From the buzzy streets of Myeongdong to the sleek avenues of Gangnam, each location offers something a little different—so if you’re staying more than a few days, visiting more than one flagship might just be worth it.