What to buy
Worth the suitcase space.
The shelves visitors buy from most, and what to read on the box before you reach the till.
The one everyone packs
Sunscreen
Light, daily-wear sun care is the category visitors buy most. American shoppers put five sunscreens in their top ten Olive Young purchases.
The quiet bestseller
Toners & toner pads
Watery toners and jars of pre-soaked pads fill whole walls. Pads are a favourite to carry home because each jar holds a month or two of use.
Light, cheap, easy to share
Sheet masks
Single-use masks are the easiest gift in K-beauty. The big Myeongdong Olive Young carries around 800 kinds, and DAISO sells them from 1,000 won.
Where the ingredients live
Serums & essences
Small bottles with long names. Essences sit between toner and serum; ampoules are the concentrated end of the shelf.
Oil first, foam second
Cleansers
Korean routines often start with an oil or balm, then a gentle gel or foam. Both are sold in sizes that suit a long stay.
Try it on before you buy
Cushions & lip tints
Colour is the reason to shop in person. Testers are out on the floor, and the newest Myeongdong Olive Young gives its whole second floor to make-up.
The newer stop
Pharmacy skincare
Pharmacies in Myeongdong and Namdaemun Market now pitch to visitors with pharmacy-sold creams and skincare, alongside the medicines only a pharmacy can sell.