South Korea has become a top destination for Filipino tourists in the past years thanks to K-pop, K-dramas, skincare, and food. The Land of the Morning Calm brags a crazy selection of places to eat, be, and shop, and there's always something new for both first-timers and returning visitors. Below, we list down 10 must-visit stores in South Korea to buy things for yourself and loved ones, or just to browse, take photos, and experience the culture.
Visit these stores in South Korea for the best pasalubong and shopping experience:
1. Olive Young
Beauty and skincare fiends know Olive Young is where it's at. Considered a drugstore and make-up retailer, Olive Young has been called the Sephora of South Korea with its wide array of brands and products ranging from make-up, serums, sunscreens, and specialty products. Whether you're a skincare newbie or a seasoned expert on the hunt for rare goods, Olive Young and its many branches in Seoul alone have your back. Pro tip: make a checklist of things you're already looking for and ask away. If you're not sure what to get, read up on their bestseller and year-end awards lists for the best picks.
Olive Young Flagship Myeongdong is open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and is at 53 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
2. DAISO
Though widely known to be a Japanese brand, DAISO stores in South Korea are actually a separate entity and offer country-exclusive products and items you won't find anywhere else. Skincare is one such item, along with cute limited-edition and seasonal releases from Sanrio and other charming knick-knacks. The South Korean DAISO also offers goods at relatively low or affordable prices. You're guaranteed to find what you need or inadvertently bring home a lot, because why not? Just be mindful of the time, you might end up staying too long!
DAISO Myeongdong Main is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is at 43 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
3. All Mask Story
Another skincare and make-up go-to, All Mask Story's shelves are lined with local products you'll want to bring home for yourself and your friends. You can get sheet masks in bulk as pasalubong or stock up on your empties and faves with no hitch at their branches dotted over the country. Watch out for their sales and special promos so you can bring back skincare products at discounted prices.
All Mask Story is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and is at 3-1 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
4. 8seconds
Myeongdeong attracts tourists for deals on clothes, apparel, and other accessories, but if you're looking for an actual South Korean brand for clothes-shopping, check out 8seconds. The clothing store sells casual wear for daily looks at affordable prices and is pretty on-trend with Korean styles and fashion. To help you better understand its selection and price range, some people have referred to it as Korean Zara, with its numerous offerings, chic picks, and number of branches in the city.
8seconds is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is at 32 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
5. Artbox
While we love Seoul's underground shopping scene filled to the brim with deals and sales, it can get overwhelming to explore while thinking of all the non-food pasalubong you still need to buy. The stationery and lifestyle store carries everything you can think of and more, ranging from cute paper items and apparel plus souvenirs, to practical stuff like powerbanks, mini-fans, and other gadgets. There are several branches and you're bound to find one near train stations, bus stations, in major malls. Much like DAISO and Olive Young, variety and quantity reign, so set an alarm before you drown in all the goodies.
Artbox is at 15, Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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6. SPAO
Another haven for lovers of casual wear, SPAO carries clothing for both men and women for all seasons. You can score basics at affordable prices, or go for high-quality wardrobe staples without breaking the bank. If you're a K-pop and K-drama fan, you'll be happy to know your fave celebs shop from SPAO and wear their gear even in their personal time. There are several branches in Seoul, but if you're patient or have a friend based in South Korea who can help you, their official online site holds sweet sales from time to time.
SPAO is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is at 24-23 Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
7. Stylenanda
Looking for something a little more elevated? Stylenanda is right up your alley. Touted as a make-up and fashion brand, Stylenanda offers contemporary pieces heavily influenced by the latest trends and 3CE, a make-up line inspired by South Korean beauty principles of subtlety, dewiness, and brightness. Prices are a little steep compared to the finds you'll score in Hongdae and Myeongdong, but fashionistas will have no trouble welcoming the brand in their collection.
Fun fact: If you've watched Netflix original XO, Kitty, this is where chaebol daughter Yuri Han, played by Gia Kim, was shopping during the opening sequence of the series!
See list of Stylenanda branches.
8. WithMuu
K-Pop stans, we know you've heard of WithMuu, so you better make time to visit their store in Hongdae once you've landed in Seoul. The multi-function K-pop store carries more than just K-pop albums and CDs—it also hosts lucky draw events for idols who recently released music, operates special photo booths with limited-edition frames, and it even has a cute Cinnamoroll-theme cafe. Everything you could ever need for collecting K-pop merch is there, like lightsticks, photocard sleeves, stickers, and plush animals. They even have internal lightstick parts in case you lose your lightstick's battery case.
9. Line Friends Hongdae Flagship Store
How can anyone say no to the adorable characters of Line Friends? If you can't get enough of these cuties, dropping by Line Friends flagship store in Hongdae is an absolute must. And there's no way you can pass on a chance to bring home all the BT21 merch you can pack into your luggage to take back home (or keep for yourself, we won't judge). Take your pick from Koya, RJ, Shooky, Mang (both versions!), Chimmy, Tata, and Cooky, along with the Line Friends mainstays Brown, Cony, James, and Moon. They've got everything: clothes, mugs, slippers, umbrellas, gadgets, keyrings, stickers and more.
See list of Line Friends Store branches.
10. Kakao Friends Flagship Store Gangnam
We can't forget the Kakao Friends characters while we're on the topic of cute finds. For a full suite of goods and the most feel-good photos with gigantic displays of the characters, head on over to the Kakao Friends flagship store in Gangnam. Its three floors house apparel, kitchenware, home goods, keychains, gadgets, and stationery featuring their most popular characters like Ryan, Apeach, and Muzi. Since it's a flagship store, you're bound to find a store-exclusive item. Its third floor is actually a Ryan-themed cafe that can house up to 100 people and serves desserts and drinks.
Kakao Friends Flagship Store Gangnam is at 162 Yanghwa-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
