What to Buy in South Korea

Mục Lục

When visiting South Korea, the land of K-pop and kimchi, many Vietnamese tourists often wonder: “What should I buy as gifts when traveling to Korea?” Choosing the right souvenirs isn’t just a social courtesy, it reflects cultural appreciation and thoughtfulness. Whether you’re traveling independently to South Korea or with a tour group, preparing a smart gift list will make your trip more complete and meaningful.

Why Buying Gifts in South Korea Matters

In both Korean and Vietnamese culture, gift-giving is a symbol of respect and connection. According to a survey by the Korea Tourism Organization, nearly 80% of international tourists buy at least one souvenir before leaving South Korea – proving that buying gifts has become an essential part of the travel experience.

Even a small gift carries the message, “I thought of you during my trip.” That’s why the question “What should I buy when traveling to Korea?” always comes up before every journey. Choosing the right gift not only helps you preserve memories but also allows you to discover more about local traditions, people, and lifestyles. Typically, gifts are meant for family, friends, colleagues, or business partners – those you want to thank or share happiness with after your travels.

Top Souvenirs and Specialty Gifts to Buy in South Korea

If you’re still unsure what to buy in South Korea, here’s a curated list of the most popular and meaningful items for every traveler.

Red Ginseng and Ginseng Products

No talk about Korean gifts is complete without mentioning red ginseng, a national symbol of health and longevity. The famous 6-year-old red ginseng variety is rich in saponin, known for boosting immunity, improving memory, and reducing fatigue after long working hours.

You can find premium products at Cheong-Kwan-Jang (KGC) stores in Myeongdong or the Lotte Department Store (B1 floor). Trusted brands include Punggi Ginseng Cooperative and Korea Ginseng Corporation, both well-known for quality and authenticity.

Reishi Mushroom (Lingzhi)

Reishi mushrooms are another popular health gift among tourists. They are believed to support heart health, enhance the immune system, and relieve stress and exhaustion.

You can easily find high-quality Reishi mushrooms at Gyeongdong Market, Seoul’s largest herbal market. Prices range from 50,000 to 100,000 KRW per kilogram, depending on origin and dryness.

K-Beauty Cosmetics

When discussing what to buy in Korea, K-beauty cosmetics are a must. South Korea is known as a beauty paradise, home to hundreds of global skincare brands that offer top quality, reasonable prices, and cutting-edge trends.

Popular brands include Innisfree, Laneige, Sulwhasoo, Cosrx, Etude House, and Style Nanda – easily found at Olive Young, Innisfree House (Myeongdong), or COEX Mall (Gangnam).

Traditional Souvenirs

Traditional Korean souvenirs are perfect for those who love culture and craftsmanship. Hand-embroidered wallets, Hanbok-style fabric pouches, bookmarks, and mother-of-pearl jewelry boxes are not only elegant but also showcase the artistry of Korean artisans.

Visit Insadong Street – a hub of art and culture – where you can buy these items while exploring local galleries. Prices typically range from 5,000 to 30,000 KRW per item.

Korean Snacks and Dried Foods

Snacks and dry foods are small yet thoughtful gifts to bring home. Popular choices include spicy rice cakes (tteokbokki), crispy seaweed, fish-shaped pastries, and honey butter chips – all loved by Vietnamese tourists.

Korean snacks are famous for their creative packaging and diverse flavors, from sweet and savory to spicy. You can buy them at Lotte Mart, E-Mart, or convenience stores such as GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven.

Packaged Kimchi

When it comes to Korean specialties, kimchi tops the list. With its spicy and tangy flavor, packaged kimchi is not only convenient to carry but also retains the freshness of homemade versions.

You can find popular brands like Jongga, Bibigo, and Chongga Kimchi at Lotte Mart, Seoul Station specialty stores, or even Incheon Airport.

Read more: Types of South Korea Visas

Shopping Tips and Important Notes When Buying Gifts in Korea

Shopping in Korea is a must-do for any traveler – but how do you find quality items at good prices while following import rules back home?

When Is the Best Time to Shop for Discounts?

To get the best deals, shop during major sale seasons. The two golden periods are:

Korea Grand Sale (May): A national shopping festival with thousands of discounts for international tourists, especially on cosmetics, fashion, and household goods.
Black Friday & Korea Shopping Week (November–December): The biggest sale season of the year, offering up to 50% off on local brands.

Experienced travelers in Korea say shopping during sale seasons can save you 30–40% compared to normal prices.

What to Remember When Bringing Gifts Back to Vietnam

To make your return smooth and hassle-free, keep these tips in mind:

Pack fragile items like ceramics or kimchi carefully to prevent damage.
Do not carry more than 2 liters of alcohol or liquids over 100ml in your hand luggage.
Check your airline’s baggage limit (usually 23–30 kg/person).
Always keep receipts and tax-free tags for customs and refund purposes.

Comparing Types of Korean Gifts

When figuring out what to buy in Korea, gifts are often divided into three main categories: traditional, modern, and trendy. Each serves a different purpose and recipient group.

Traditional gifts like ginseng, Korean tea, or handicrafts are ideal for elders, bosses, or business partners.
Modern gifts appeal to the younger generation, especially fans of the Hallyu wave – K-beauty products, K-pop albums, or fashion items from brands like Innisfree, Etude House, Kakao Friends Store.
Lifestyle or eco-friendly gifts – such as recycled tote bags, natural candles, and handmade soaps – are rising in popularity. You can find these at The Green Bazaar (Hongdae) or Eco Store (Itaewon).

Checklist for Choosing the Perfect Souvenir in Korea

To shop smartly and efficiently, plan ahead instead of buying impulsively. Here’s a detailed checklist to help you pick the right gifts at the right price.

Identify Recipients and Set a Budget

List who you’ll be buying for – family, friends, coworkers – and assign a spending limit for each. For example: family (300,000 KRW), colleagues (100,000 KRW). This prevents overspending during sale seasons.

Check Prices Online via Naver or Coupang

The two most popular e-commerce platforms in Korea, Naver Shopping and Coupang, allow you to compare prices, read reviews, and find store discounts before purchasing.

Compare Prices Between at Least Two Stores

Prices for the same product – especially cosmetics, ginseng, or souvenirs – can differ by 10–20% between areas. Take time to compare before buying.

Xem thêm: Traveling to South Korea in November

Request Receipts and Claim Tax Refunds Immediately

Many stores in Korea offer Tax-Free Shopping for tourists, allowing you to claim back a portion of the value-added tax on your purchases. For purchases above 30,000 KRW, ask for a receipt marked “Tax Free.” Refunds can be processed at airports or directly at major department stores like Lotte Duty Free, Shinsegae, Hyundai, Olive Young, and Artbox. Bring your passport – the refund can be processed on the spot via cash or credit card.

FAQs – Common Questions About Shopping in Korea

Should I Buy Cosmetics at Duty-Free Stores?

Absolutely yes. Duty-free cosmetics are authentic, lower-priced, and often come with extra gifts or tax refunds, especially for top brands like Innisfree, Laneige, or Sulwhasoo.

Which Stores Offer Tax Refunds in Korea?

Most major department stores – Lotte, Shinsegae, Hyundai – provide tax refund services for foreigners. Simply show your passport when paying, keep the receipt, and process your refund at the airport kiosks or service counters within minutes.

Where Can I Find the Best Places to Buy Souvenirs?

For a lively shopping scene, head to Myeongdong, famous for beauty, fashion, and street food. If you prefer traditional markets, visit Namdaemun or Dongdaemun for crafts and local goods. In Busan, check out Gukje Market or Nampo-dong for affordable and unique souvenirs.

Do I Need to Speak Korean to Shop in Korea?

Not necessarily. Most staff at major shopping areas and malls speak basic English. Prices are clearly displayed, and translation apps make communication easy even for first-time visitors.

We hope this guide has fully answered your question: “What should I buy when traveling to South Korea?” Whether you’re looking for health products, K-beauty essentials, or cultural souvenirs, this checklist ensures your shopping is both fun and meaningful. And before you pack your bags – don’t forget to contact iVISA for fast and reliable Korea visa support to make your Korean trip smooth and worry-free!

iVISA Property & Citizenship

Add: Số 99 Nguyễn Thị Nhung, phường Hiệp Bình, TPHCM
Hotline: 0937 999 610
Email: info.ivisatravel@gmail.com