Korean Cosmetics (K-Beauty): Sheet masks, cushion compacts, essences, BB creams from brands like Innisfree, Etude House, The Face Shop, Sulwhasoo, Laneige. Myeongdong is K-beauty central with flagship stores offering samples.
Korean Snacks: Honey butter chips, seaweed snacks, Pepero, Korean ginseng candy, instant noodles (Shin Ramyun, Samyang), traditional teas, Korean honey. Convenient store packages or Lotte Mart for variety.
Traditional Items: Hanbok (traditional dress), hanji (traditional paper products), mother-of-pearl crafts, celadon ceramics, Korean tea sets, traditional fans, calligraphy supplies. Best at Insadong and Namdaemun Market.
Fashion: Korean streetwear brands, Dongdaemun wholesale fashion, designer knock-offs (quality varies), unique accessories. Dongdaemun for trendy clothes, Gangnam for luxury.
Ginseng: Korean red ginseng (홍삼) products, roots, extracts, teas, candies. Korea Ginseng Corporation shops or Namdaemun Market. Verify authenticity.
K-pop Merchandise: Official albums, lightsticks, posters, photo cards from entertainment company stores, Synnara Record shops, or online (Ktown4u with pickup options).
Electronics: Samsung and LG latest products, gaming accessories, phone cases, tech gadgets at Yongsan Electronics Market or official stores in malls.
Bargaining: Expected at traditional markets (Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, Gwangjang). Start at 50-70% of asking price. Not acceptable in department stores, malls, or fixed-price shops. Be polite and friendly.
Tax-Free Shopping: Look for "Tax Free" signs. Spend over ₩30,000 at participating stores to claim VAT refund (usually 8-10%). Get tax refund form from store, validate at airport Customs before check-in, receive refund at airport refund counter or credited to card. Keep receipts and purchases accessible for customs inspection.
Duty-Free: Major duty-free shops in Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, malls, and airports. Order online, pick up at airport before departure. Prices competitive for luxury goods and cosmetics.
Korea is highly cashless. Credit cards accepted almost everywhere. Visa, Mastercard, AmEx widely accepted. Mobile payments (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay) common. However, carry some cash for:
ATMs widely available at banks, convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven), subway stations. International cards accepted but check fees.
Shopping Strategy: Compare prices at markets vs. stores. Myeongdong cosmetic stores constantly offer promotions. Buy heavy items (ginseng, electronics) early and use hotel luggage storage. Shipping services available at major markets.