What souvenirs to buy in Korea? 11+ best souvenirs to buy in Korea

March 20, 2025

What souvenirs to buy in Korea and What gifts should you buy in Korea that are both meaningful and not too expensive? Refer to this article to choose the right gift for your loved ones with 11+ best souvenirs to buy in Korea and best things to buy in Korea below!

Bustling Myeongdong district at night, Seoul | @klook | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

souvenirs, stationery, K-pop products common ground-best concept mall in seoul-korea1 — K-pop souvenirs | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

souvenirs, stationery, K-pop products common ground-best concept mall in seoul-korea3 — | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Discovering Korea is not only a journey to the beauty of traditional culture, but also an adventure full of unique experiences. The land of kimchi with countless electronic industrial products, fashion, and traditional specialties will surely make you have a headache not knowing what to buy in Korea for family and friends, right?

Craft a Souvenir with Korean Traditional Paper — A handicraft souvenir with Korean Traditional Paper | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Let’s find out with us right away to know what are the special gifts that you should not miss when coming to Korea!

Ginseng – Famous Korean Specialty Gift (#What souvenirs to buy in Korea)

For a long time, red ginseng has been recognized and widely used in traditional medicine of many Asian countries. Therefore, when coming to Korea, people often look for red ginseng products as gifts. This is a food with many health benefits, such as strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, fatigue, improving memory and concentration.

Bujeon Market – Ginseng Market busan (1) — Fresh ginseng | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

To buy red ginseng, you can go to supermarkets, stores, and ginseng markets. We suggests you buy red ginseng from Cheongkwanjang – the most famous red ginseng brand in Korea. This brand also operates a spa called Cheongkwanjang Spa 1899, where you can experience high-class red ginseng therapy and massage.

Korean Ginseng roots — Korean Ginseng root extract | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Dried persimmon – Traditional Korean Gift

Dried persimmon – a symbol of autumn in Korea, is a unique gift that cannot be missed when you set foot in the land of Kimchi. In particular, dried persimmon is not only a perfect combination of sweetness and stickiness, but also brings many health benefits. Dried persimmon contains substances that help soothe the nerves, increase alertness and work efficiency, and are also beneficial for people with cardiovascular problems.

If you want to own quality dried persimmons, you should go to Cheongdo, which is famous for producing the best dried persimmons. The price of dried persimmons is around 60,000 KRW (~1,200,000 VND). Depending on the type of dried persimmon and the brand, the price will be different. But this is definitely a gift worth buying that you should not miss when traveling to Korea.

Lingzhi Mushroom – A Healthy Korean Gift (#best souvenirs to buy in Korea)

Korean-Lingzhi-Mushroom-capsule — Korean Lingzhi Mushroom Tea. | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

If you want to buy a gift from Korea to improve the health of your loved ones, then Lingzhi mushroom will definitely be the top choice. This gift of nature is not only a specialty, but also considered a “miracle drug” to help improve health, especially for the elderly. To enjoy the maximum flavor and benefits, Lingzhi tea is considered the best choice.

Lingzhi tea | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

jeju lingzhi — Jeju lingzhi | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Korean Lingzhi Reishi Mushroom | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Credit: best Korean-Lingzhi-Mushroom-capsulebest things to buy in Korea blog. — | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Similar to ginseng, you can buy Lingzhi in many places in Korea. In particular, in Imsil, Geolla Beokdo Province, you can find many shops that provide quality Ganoderma mushrooms. The reference price for each kilogram of Ganoderma mushrooms is about 150,000 KRW (~3,000,000 VND), promising to be a meaningful and valuable gift from the land of Kim Chi.

Rice Wine – A Gift with a Strong Korean Imprint

Makgeolli rice wine (3) — Makgeolli is a traditional wine in Korea, so the price is not high at all. | What souvenirs to buy in Korea

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine, attractive with its characteristic milky white color. The wine has a mild sweet taste combined with a slightly sour aftertaste. The alcohol content of rice wine is about 6-8%, this is a light choice compared to Korean Soju.

shop Makgeolli rice wine (1) — Makgeolli shop

Makgeolli is often combined with many traditional Korean dishes such as Jeon (Korean pancake) and tofu kimchi soup. This unique gift can be easily purchased at local convenience stores or supermarkets but still helps you impress the recipient.

Jakseol Green Tea – The Premium “National Essence” of Korea

A little-known fact is that Korea is also famous for its premium teas. Korean Jakseol black tea is not only rare because of the difficult growing and care, but also because of its unique flavor and high value.

Jakseol tea leaves are usually dark green or black with a light green hue. The tea water is amber red, with a sweet and delicate flavor. This is a great gift for tea lovers, and you can find it at Hyundai grocery stores. The reference price for a 60-gram tea bag is about $39.13. Although a bit expensive compared to other industrial teas, the experience of drinking Jakseol tea can be considered “worth the money” with its excellent flavor.

Korean Handicrafts

In the modern context, Korea still maintains its traditional craft villages, where the quintessence of handicraft art is preserved and passed down. In the list of outstanding souvenirs, we cannot ignore unique works such as traditional masks and Korean dolls.

Korean masks | best souvenirs to buy in Korea

Each mask is made by talented hands, carrying a fairy tale, representing the class or personality of a person. In addition, dolls dressed in hanbok are also the perfect choice to give to friends and relatives, especially children.

To experience the production process, you should visit traditional craft villages across Korea. Gahoe-dong, Hahoe, Yayu, Okwangdae villages are ideal places to explore and shop for these unique works. With prices ranging from 10,000 KRW (~200,000 VND) to 30,000 KRW (~600,000 VND), this is a great opportunity to bring back memories rich in Korean culture.

Silk Fan – Crystallization of Korean Traditional Culture

If you are a lover of Korean traditional culture, do not miss the opportunity to own a silk fan – Buchae, a unique and meaningful work of art of this country. What makes silk fans unique is the softness and elasticity of the material, creating an interesting feeling when looking at it. Silk fans with a variety of designs and contrasting colors are a great highlight for the living room or personal space.

One of the famous places to buy silk fans that you should not miss is Insadong – where talented artisans still maintain the traditional way of making fans. The reference price for these fans ranges from 6,000 KRW (~120,000 VND) to 30,000 KRW (~600,000 VND). Silk fans are not only beautiful gifts but also carry traditional meaning in your journey to explore Korean culture.

Hanbok – Traditional Korean Costume

Korean fashion styles are increasingly loved by consumers of all ages because of their minimalism but still exude luxury and sophistication. If you want to shop for unique Korean clothing and accessories, visit Myeongdong, the shopping area at Express Bus Terminal, or go to local stores like SPAO or Gentle Monster.

Hanbok shop | best souvenirs to buy in Korea

Hanbok shops in Gwangjang Market, Seoul | best souvenirs to buy in Korea

In addition, you can try wearing hanbok – a traditional Korean costume with a long skirt and a meticulously decorated jacket in bright colors. You can rent hanbok to take souvenir photos at beautiful places such as palaces or ancient villages in Korea.

hanbok guide — Credit: Nguyen Man Thuy Tien

Not only that, you can also shop for traditional costumes at Insadong or Bukchon Hanok. The prices of clothes or hanbok in Korea are very diverse to suit all needs, so you should take the opportunity to buy stylish outfits for yourself and your loved ones when traveling to Korea!

Facial Masks – Must-Buy Korean Cosmetics

Korean facial masks are a combination of traditional culture and modern beauty methods, focusing on moisturizing, providing nutrients and protecting the skin. Popular for their good quality and affordable price (average from 1,000 – 3,000 won/piece, equivalent to about 20,000 – 60,000 VND), Korean facial masks are the ideal beauty gift for your “sisters”.

You can easily find them at cosmetic stores such as Olive Young, Chicor in Myeongdong, or online stores. If you go to Korea and miss out on beauty products like sheet masks, you will definitely regret it!

Personal Name Seal – Impressive Korean Gift

Personal seals, also known as Dojang, are a commonly used item in the lives of Korean people. Most Koreans own a Dojang to sign official documents. This is a personal seal with the owner’s name engraved in Hangeul. In addition, the seals are also beautifully decorated with a variety of colors that can be used as unique decorations.

Dojang (Korean Seal Stamp, Name Seal) (2) — | best souvenirs to buy in Korea

Explore the land of kimchi, you can buy yourself a personal seal in the Myeongdong, Insadong, and Bukchon neighborhoods, or the store right at Ssamzigil Mall. The common price ranges from 30,000 KRW (~600,000 VND) to 35,000 KRW (~700,000 VND) per seal, depending on the material and design you choose. This will be a meaningful gift with a personal touch for both you and your loved ones.

K-pop and K-drama Merchandise – A Must-Have Gift for Fans

K-pop and K-drama have become a global phenomenon, winning the hearts of fans all over the world. If you are a big fan of Korean music and movies, this is a great opportunity for you to shop for authentic K-pop and K-drama merchandise.

In Seoul, K-Pop and K-Drama specialty stores are located in many areas, making shopping convenient for you. You can find posters, paintings, autographs, T-shirts, and more. If you want official merchandise such as albums, visit reputable stores such as Hottracks, Synnara, Yes24, Music Korea, KTown4U, and M2U Record. In addition, stores in Myeongdong also offer many cheap and unique items.

Be sure to stop by Kyobo Book Center in Gwanghwamun and YP Books for top magazines. For SM Entertainment Idol dolls and merchandise, SMTOWN COEX Artium is a must-visit. Prices range from 5,000 KRW (~$4.50) to 50,000 KRW (~$45). Shopping for unique K-pop and K-drama souvenirs in Korea will be a memorable experience.

FAQs When Buying Souvenirs in Korea

How to buy authentic Korean cosmetics at the best price?

Compare prices between different stores such as Olive Young, Chicor, LOHB’s, or online websites. Don’t forget to take advantage of promotions, member discounts, and combo purchases to save money.

Are there any traditional markets in Seoul that sell cheap but quality items?

Namdaemun Market and Dongdaemun Market are two great places to find affordable clothes, accessories, household items, and food.

How to take advantage of Tax Refund when shopping in Korea?

Make sure to shop at stores with the “Tax Free” logo and keep your receipts. For purchases over 30,000 won, you can get a tax refund at the airport or tax refund points in the city.

Should you shop at Duty-Free Shops?

Duty-free shops often have good prices on international brands, especially cosmetics, perfumes, and jewelry. However, compare prices with other stores before deciding to buy.

How to save money on transportation when shopping?

Use public transportation such as subways and buses, or buy a T-money card for discounts. Walking is also a great way to save money and explore interesting corners of the city.

Are there any apps or websites that help compare prices of products in Korea?

insadong blog,insadong culture street,insadong guide,insadong seoul (3) — Many souvenir shops in Insadong.

Some popular price comparison apps and websites in Korea include Naver Shopping and Kakao Shopping. Use them to find the best deals.

Through this article, “what souvenirs to buy in Korea?” will no longer be a difficult problem for you.

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